The Evansville journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ind.) 1866-1870, 1867-12-31
The Situation in Europe.

Russian Government had contracted
with the CoLTs, of Hartford, for
80, 900 BERDAN rifles, and one hundred
GATLING revolving cannon. The
BERDAN rife is designed especially
for sharpshooters and skirmishers.
1t is a gun of long range and unusual
accuracy. Its purchase, in connec-
ton with the cannon, indicates that
Russia is anticipating the breaking
out Of another war in Europe.
The Emperor of Russia has never
been contented with the results of
the Crimean war. He has been quiet
ly outstanding his resources and
watching his opportunity, since then,
with the intention of wiping out the
humiliation of his defeat in that con
test His movements now, indicate
that he thinks the long wished for oc-
casion has arrived. France has be-
come so mixed up with Prussia and
Italy that she is lily prepared to cope
with the powerful Empire that now
challenges her to the combat. This
challenge consists of a note protest
ing against the policy of NAPOLEON
upon the Eastern question. In
other words it is re-opening the old
quarrel, with decided indication of
a wish to fight the matter to a def
mite conclusion. NAPOLEON is so
circumstanced that he can hardly
keep out of a war if Russia has con
cluded to provoke one or humiliate
France. He can not afford to lose
prestige as ! a negotiator or warrior.
His throne would pay the forfeit.
His want of success in Mexico se-
iously compromised his power over
his people. He has sought to ingra-
tiate himself with the Church party
and rally it unitedly in his support,
by a pretended enthusiasm in behalf
ofthe Rope of Rome, in order to make
up in one direction what he lost in
another; but in doing so he has ar
rayed against him the feelings of the
Liberals in all parts of Europe
Worse for him than this, he has
strengthened Prussia, one of his most
formidable opponents, by forcing all
the Protestant Kingdoms of Middle
and Northern Europe to join their
fortunes with hers.
1t is evident that the Emperor Ma
PoLEoN fully comprehends the criti-
cal nature of his position, and is
straIning every nerve to prepare for
the final struggle. A bill is being
vigorously pushed through the French
Legislature, which will enable the
Government to draw to the largest
possible extent, in time of war, upon
the physical energies of the people
Prussia already enjoys a preregatiye
of that character, and between the
two, Europe bids fair to be converted
into one vast barracks.
A correspondent states that the
rival French and Prussian garrisons,
stationed on the banks of the Blue
MOselle, are practicing daily with
their ehassepots and needle guns.
Volley answers volley with the regu-
larity of an actual conflict in battle.
In the meantime, the Italians are
chatting with hate against France,
which Napoleon seems disposed to
aggravate rather than appease. On
the 10Th, an order was issued for the.
departure of twenty thousand more
troops to Civita Vecchia to reinforce
the Expeditionary Corps stationed at
that point. Russia, assuming bel
attitude towards France, can
easily secure an alliance with Italy.
She has two hundred thousand men
ready to march al a moments notice,
and her journals openly declare that
war is imminent. France Will, of
course, seek to strengthen herself by
an alliance with the Catholic Powers
of Europe, and the final struggle for |
the overthrow Of the temporal power
of the Roman Church will be inau-
gurated. In this struggle the Liberals
OF Europe, who care little for reli
gious beliefs or creeds, will unques
tionable array themselves with the
Protestant and progressive spirit of
the nineteenth century. In such a
contest the result can hardly be
otherwise than 10 favor of the Pro-