, 1867-05-10


As is we'll known, Napoleon calculated that
the war between Prussia and Austria would re-
suit in adding to the dominions Of France, BY
extending the bounda ries of that Empire-to the
Rhine. That quick, sharp, and decisive con-
hict, with its unexpected result, disarranged
all the well arranged plans of the French EN-
peror. Bismark's shrewd diplomacy, backed up
by the needle-guns' effective performances, ve>
toed the Rhineri proposition most effectually to
all appearances, and Napoleon seemed to cor
daily accept a situation he could not prevent,
aud to make the best possible out of unfavorable
circumstances. The world imbibed the opinion
that, though chagrined, the French Emperor
had determined to acquiesce gracefully in the
condition of affairs, and to devote himself to
cabbage raising, and to the French Exhibition.
But the world misjudged the man of double
tongue and iuscrutable purpose. Though mo-
mentarily foiled by the unexpected result of the
Germanic war, though seeming to eheerfully &C,
quiesce in its results, be was really more than
ever determined TO carry out bis original de-
signs. Hence he delivered a hiRh-sounding
speech about the beauties of peace and prosper
ity, iniited dozen or so of magnificent pufs Of
the Paris Exhibition, and Immediately took steps
to relieve himself of the Mexican drag by recall
ling all the French forces stationed in Mexico.
He could not afford to have two quarrels on his
hands at once; and the extension of French ter
ritory in Europe was of far more Importance to
the power, glory, and prestige Of the Emperor
and his policy than would have been threefold
the successes he could reasonably have expected
to achieve in Mexico. And while Withdrawing
his Mexican Army he was busily engaged in in
creasing the numerical force and general effec-
tiveness of his army at home, but all the time
filling the public ear with homilies on the beau
ties and benefits of peaceful industry, and at
tracing the public eye with highly colored puffs
of bis grand exhibition. His object was to
quietly raise, unknown to, and unsuspected by
the world, a, large force to take the field against
Prussia; for Notwithstanding all his honeyed
words and professions, he had never for mos
ment relinquished his original determination of
territorial aggrandizemeht. Having got well
clear of his Mexican ENLARGEMENT, and greatly
increased his army at home, he began TO develop
his new plans for acquisition of more territory;
and row it has leaked out that be is after Lux
embourg if not other provinces. The talk is of
purchasing it from Holland, but be knows that
Prussia will not peacably submit to the sale
and purchase; but he intends to have the new
territory even at the expense of a war. He can
not submit in quiet to being outwitted and out
generalled in diplomacy by Bismark, and will
spare no exertons to be revenged upon that
notable for his sharp practice OF last year. But
he has to be willy in his movements, for the
people of France will not sanction and support
a war commenced to crafty the personal feelings
of Napoleon. He must make it appear that the
war he is striving to inaugurate is necessary to
protect the honor, uphold the power, and add
to the glory of France Hence his cautious d.
plomaey, his careful movements, his willy man
euvrng-all of which are for the purpose of
making Prussia appear as the offender. Bis,
mark, however, does not appear to- huve lost
any Of his old cunning and so cautiously words
his dispatches and speeches as to give no ap-
parent cause of offence; but meanwhile he is
busily engaged in strengthening the position of
Prussia by forming general Germanic alliance,
offensive and defensive, including Austria. 1t
now appears as if Bismark has a little the best
of the game. Yet there can be scarce doubt
that war is on the tapis. and that its object is
to decide which is superior, Bismarkian or Ma
poleOnic diplomacy.-S. f. Call.