The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1867-08-01
The situation I'm Europe.


daily more alarming. During the late struggle,
in which were engaged Prussia, Austria ana
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 MoniteT,
the organ Of the French government gives the
lie to the Prussiaa journals. The Prussian
journals again give the lie to the Moniie,r.
Meanwhile, Lord Stanley, in the British House
of Commons, in reply to question whether
Napoleon had written such letter, answered
10 the affirmative. but deemed it unwise, in
present circumstances, 10 disclose Its contents.
The Moaiteur 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-
Ion, but the world generally will remain con-
vlAosd that ii is safest to accept the language
Of the French government journal in the OPP
posite 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
Schleswig question may be got over as that of
Luxembourg was got over. Prussia will not
submit to dictaion 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 ar
ranged. 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 Moniteor may get out OF its difficulty the
other falsahoods 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 it, then, that in spite of repeated
assurances 10 the contrary, both on the one
side and on the other, the world is in almost
hourly expectation of learning that the armies
of France and Prussia have met in deadly |
collision on the ancient battle fields of Europe
To this question many answers might be given;
bu 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 |
il it cannot dictate to its neighbor. Prussia,
young, vigorous and self-reliant, will submit to
dictation from no one. France, formerly sur |
rounded by number of small and impotent |
States which had no choice but to obey her, finds
it difficult to get reconciled to her new posi-
ton, confronted as she is on every side by ma
lions 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 will not abandon her |
position as the umpire of Europe. Prussia will !
moi recognize that position until the right to it |
be proved. The antagonsm is complete. Moth
ing can make the two nations friends but an open
trial of strength. France ia not unwilling to |
fight, but she would rather it were unneces. |
sary. Prussia is fearless and defiant War, in |
fact, between the two Powers has become a |
necessity. Its postponement can have no other |
effect than to lengthen out state Of uncer-
tainty which will be damaging to the CONNER
cial interests of Europe and the world.
Diplomacy will no doubt be willing to do its |
utmost to avert the horrors of war. The case,
however, is one in which 1t is difficult to see |
what diplomacy could do which it has no. |
already done. II is doubtful, too, if either |
party will longer listen to the voice of the |
nor is it improbable that a
vigorous and decisive blow may render diplo- |
macy as impossible as impotent II war does |
break out il is.diflcult to predict what dimen- |
sions it may assume. The presumption is that |
The other Powers viii remain neutral. Neither |
Grea, Britain nor Austria nor Italy have such |
Interests at stake as warrant their interference
The interests OF Russia lie in another direction
and it would not surprise us if, seizlng the
she settled long vexed question
by marching to Cons.antinople.
The Alien Oath.