The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-08-02
The situation in Europe.

pTOHb Ue I1eTUtu.
The aspect of affairs in Europe becomes
daily more alarming. During the late strug-
gle in which were engaged Prussia, Austria
and Italy, the blood-letting, though large, does
not appear to have been sufficient to allay
the war fever. More blood, it is evident,
must be drawn before Europe can settle down
into condition of permanent repose.
Our latest news by the Atlantic cable is as
amusing as it is warlike. The Prussian papers
denounce Napoleon for writing letter to King
William and volunteering advice in the matter
of North Schleswig. The Moniteur, the organ
of the French Government, gives the lie to the
Prussian journals. The Prussian journals
again give the lie to the Moniteur. Meanwhile,
Lord Stanley, in the British House of Com
mons, in reply to question whether Napoleon
had written such letter, answered in the
affirmative, but deemed it unwise, in present
circumstances, to disclose its contents. The
MonlteT is again caught at its well-known
tricks. This time, however, the discovery has
been painfully premature. The Moniteur will,
no doubt have something to say in explana-
ton, but the world generally will remain con-
vlnced that 1t is safest to accept the language
OF the French Government journal in the
opposite sense.
We do not, however, wonder much that
Napoleon should have interfered in the matter
OF North Schleswig. Our wonder rather is
that interference has not been general on the
part OF all the great powers. Prussia has
behaved badly to the North Schleswigers and
to Denmark, and unless she speedily repairs
the wrong she has done she will bring down
upon her head the Indignation of mankind.
She has not fulfilled the obligations imposed
upon her by the treaty of Prague. The root
OF the evil, however, does not lie in this
matter. The peace of Europe is in danger
from other and deeper causes The North
Schleswlg question may be got over as that o.
Luxembourg was got over. Prussia will not
submit to dictation from France but Prussia, at
least is not unwilling to be reasonable, and the
presumption is that the difficulty between her
and Denmark will be satisfactorily arranged.
War between France and Prussia at an early
day will not be the less certain that this other
pretext for it shall have disappeared. The
Monlteur may get out of its difficulty; the
North schleswig question may be settled;
other ialsehoods may be explained away, and
other difficulties may be removed; but still the
real difficulty will remain, and the peace of
Europe will be insecure.
Why is 1t, then, that in spite of repeated
assurances TO the contrary, both on the one
side and the other, the world is in almost
hourly expectation of learning that the armies
OF France and Prussia have met in deadly col
lsion on the ancient battle-felds of EurOpel
10 this question many answers might be given;
but we know of only one which is both simple
and adequate. France is Jealous of the grow
ing strength of Prussia, and Prussia is indig-
nant at the naughty pretensions of France.
france, with Napoleon at its head, is nothing
II 1t cannot dictate to its neighbors. Prussia,
young, vigorous, and selfreliant, will submit
10 dictaton from no one. France, formerly
surrounded by number of small and impotent
oIates Whlch had no choice but to obey her, finds
IL dlhcult to get reconciled to her new posi-
ton, confronted as she is on every side by
1auons pi as proud and as powerful as herself
Prussia, flushed with success. and confident of
her strength, will bow the knee to no one, not
even to France France win not abandon her
position as the umpire of Europe. Prussia
will not recognize that position until the right
70 II be proved. The antagonism is complete.
Nothing can make the two nations friends but
an open trial Of strength. France is not un-
willing to light, but she would rather Il were
unnecessary Prussia is fearless and defiant
war, IN TACT, between the two powers has be-
come necessity Its pOstpOnement can have