Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1867-04-24
Ths New pl,turbance In Rur.ns.

be brought to and suffer all the torment
did afterwards. I'D ..f......... ...
The New Disturbance in Rurspe.
A year ago most Of the civilized auC
progressive nations Of Europe stooC
ready TO denounce the King Of Prussil
aud his Minister Won Bismarck, haC
they only given them the opportunity
by being unsuccessful, as there was ev
cry reason to expect that they would be
The King ruled his people and his Par
lament with rod Of iron. he haC
violated the constitution, and contrivec
not only to carry on the government, bui
even to raise the supplies for vast war
in opposition 10 the will of his people
His attack on Austria was usjusti6able
it was discountenanced by the grea,
Powers (for Italy could not be fairly
called SUCH, and, had it failed, it would
have been declared piece Of mad am
bition, justly consigning its author Ia
infamy. But the Prussians were brave,
well trained and we'll armed, while the
Austrians were badly ofiicered and poorly
armed and educated. After the war
Europe seemed to settle down and con-
graduated herself that the German peo.
pie, now united, would be able to control
their King and his imperieus Minister.
Success on the part Of the Prussan Gov
ernment and courage on the part of the
people has made the world seem to for
give the wrong and hope for the future
But another cause lay at the bottom Of
all this. Europe had long trembled
under the power of Napoleon, whose
diplomacy and military power had
placed him apparently at the head of
the civilized world, and made him IN
one way or other feared, if not hated by
all, and not trusted or loved by any.
Count Bismarck was found to be full
rival for the Emperor Napoleon and
vigorous man, while Napoleon was
growing old and worn out. Some
months since Napoleon had to back
right down before the triumphant forces
which Bismarck had at command, and
he did SO, but, as it now proves, has been
making his arrangements all winter,
secretly and with aA army of 100000
men, and demands Luxemberg, now
garrisoned by Prussia, and one of the
strongest fortresses on the French bor-
der. 1t seems an arrogant demand not
to Prussia alone, but to all who are
bound by existing treaties, in fact, that
fortification is just like q volcano,
slowly but steadily rising up ont of the
sea of politics in the heart Of Europe,
which at any moment may break forth
into state of eruption. The little in.
significant Duchy Of Nuremberg has
been divided snce since 1915. Half of
it was Incorporated with Belgium in
1880, and the King of Hollands share,
including one of the world 'smost ancient
and strong forresses in the midst of a
territory essentially German, is and has
been defended by Prussian troops. 1t
could hardly be that Napoleon would |
make a second demand after backing
lown once, without having counted th.
cost and resolved on war if denied. A |
is talked of, to save appear
ances; but unless France obtains her de.
nand or goes to war this time, her inau.
,nee and power in Europe will be hope.
essly damaged. France has no friends in
Europe. Even Austria declares herself
ierman in her affinities. The sympa-
HES of the world would be all with
france; but there will be collateral dis.
urbances if an explosion takes place,
he effects Of which none can calculate.
{ Napoleon should back down, his peo-
lie will despise him, and revolution
nay take place any day. If he goes to
Tar, the least failure Of his arms will
ause popular uprising of the republi.
an party against him. In fact, half of
Europe might easily be in sort OF re-
ublican fraternity in ak months. Moth
ng of this sort would be surprising. The
oAduct of the English House of Com
ions plainly proves that it will never
efficiently reform itself fairly to repre-
ent the masses of the people or the
rogress the times and Mr.. Gladstone,
ho one day is hailed as the great head
f the Liberal party in England, finds
imself next day beaten and deserted by
large fragment of his own party. Were
revolutionary movement now to break
ut anywhere in Europe, it would run
ke wild-6re. France, England, Spain
nd Germany may, any day, be in con-
sion should single spark ignite the
,mbustible elements. We do not pre- !
ct that it will be so, because there are t
ot in any ofthese countries, unless it be !
France, leaders of commanding in
lence, known and tried, ready to lead !
e people. There ara plenty in Spain }
ho would like to be dictaters; plenty Of t
epublicsns in France who would like to e
,set Napoleon. But there is not one '
dicsl, Republican in England of the c
asst fame except John Bright. In fact, Y
e people are before the leaders, aAd Il
is alone keeps things for the moment
they re.-Philddeiphid Ledger. 4