The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-08-16

The news which from day 10 day we print in
the columns of the HERALD regarding the
present condition of the various European
nations is of nature to excite the gravest
apprehension as to the prospects of continued
peace. The Italian wars and the German wars,
resulting as both the one and the other did, 80
much to the advantage of the nationalities of
Italy and Germany, were by many supposed
to be the precursors of long -continued and
satisfactory peace. It is not to be denied that
Italy and Germany gained, and gained largely,
by the wars of 1866. Both for offensive and
defensive purposes Italy is more powerful than
she has been since the birth of the States sys-
tenn in Europe; and the success of Prussia has
made Germany, once so weak, a powerful and
perhaps dangerous rival of France.
The prominent place acquired by those two
nations, Italy and Prussia, has materially af-
tected the old ideas which were wont to pre-
vail as to what constituted the balance of
power in Europe. The great Powers-Russia,
England, Prussia, Austria and France-do not
sustain to each other the relations they once
sustained. Prussia, for many generations I'M
able to move without the consent Of Russia, is
now the most compact and thoroughly organ
lied military Power of modern times As
Prussia has gained, however, Austria has lost.
In a war with Prussia Austria has no longer
the shadow of a chance. The three great mill
tary Powers of Europe are Russia, Prussia
and France. These three, thoroughly agreed,
could guarantee the peace of the Continent.
Austria and Italy, powerful as auxiliaries, can
not be regarded as principals. England, once
so formidable on the Continent, is no longer,
in the old sense at least, to be con-
sdered European Power. Since she
cut her connection with Hanover she
has no longer any interest on the Continent.
Her interests are elsewhere-in India, in Aus
tralia, in North and South Africa in the
Canadas, in the West Indies and in almost
every sea. Formerly it was not difficult to
involve England in a continental war; il
would be almost impossible now TO induce her
to embark in any such enterprise. 1t follows
as natural consequence that the balance of
power in Europe is in the hands of Russia,
Prussia and France. These three, with their
respective allies, are now the arbiters of
Europe. A war between any two of these
would be almost certain to involve all the
other Powers.
The question begins to be of real practical
Importance and concerns the well-being of the
world at large whether the time has not come
when the territory of Europe should be redis-
| tributed. 1t is manifest that Prussia will
| never be contented until she has swallowed up
the whole of Germany; it is just as manifest
that France will not consent to this unless she
obtain adequate compensation. France and
| Austria would be dangerous foes to Russia and
Prussia combined France, however, would
be satisfied with Spain and Portugal. Austria
would be satisfied with the mouth of the
Danube. England could be bought over by
being allowed to take Egypt. Russia needs
no more territory. Such an arrangement as
that we propose would place the peace OF
Europe on firmer foundations than ever and
could not fail to have a most healthf"i in
| Auence on the trade and commerce of the
world.