The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-09-09
Tho Peac. Question in Europe.

Considerable excitement, we understand,
has been created in diplomatic circles In Wash
ington by some recently received intelligence
as to the probable disturbance of peace rela-
lions In Europe. The conviction of the ex-
perlenced In these circles is to the effect that
the present attitude Of France is quite sufi-
cient to justify the war panic which unques-
tionably exists Wherefore the attention now
given TO the army wherefore the vast the
almost unparalleled, armament; wherefore the
recent loan and the vast sums collected in the
Bank OF France if peace and only peace is in
tended? Wherefore, again, it is asked, the
persistent silence of Prussia, if the govern
ment of King William is satisfied that the oft
reiterated peace assurances Of France mean
what they say? 1t is not-and it is difficult to
see why it can be-doubted that Napoleon has
some Enthusiastically aggressive policy on hand.
What that aggressive policy is ninety-nine out
OF every hundred who know anything of the
present condition Of Europe or anything of
the Napoleonic mind or of the necessities of
the Napoleonc position could at once and as
we believe correctly guess.
The truth, in fact, is patent to the world
that the time has come when the present ruler
OF France, if he would be true to himself, true
to the hereditary policy of his house and re-
sponsive to the long cherished and general
desire of the French people, must extend the
territory Of the empire to the banks of the
Rhine. 1t has only been with reluctance that
the cautious policy of the Emperor has been
hitherto endured To the bitterness engendered
by the treaties Of 1916 has been added the
bitterness inseparable from the defeat at
Barritz and the more crushing defeat Of
Nicolsburg 1t was Napoleon's confident belief
that the Rhine boundary would be secured for
France without any sacrifice either Of blood or
treasure. The interview at Biarritz convinced
him that the game was in his hands 1t is
natural to conclude that in proportion to the
confidence of the expectation SO would be the
depth of the disappointment Napoleon could
do no better at the time than swallow his NOR
LITIGATION and digest it at his leisure. Circum-
stances, however, have changed in the inter-
val. Prussia is perhaps less formidable than
she was then. France, on the contrary, has
nightly increased her strength. The condi-
ton of all the European Powers is such that
perhaps not one Of them could be relied upon
to lend help to Frances rival. Russia is the
only Power whose conduct in the premises
would be doubtful; but the presumption is
that if Napoleon asked no more than the
Rhine frontier Russia would not interfere.
France, it is true, stands alone but she stands
alone as the most powerful unit among the
nations Of Europe. Spain and Portugal would
do nothing even if they were willing. Italy
is helpless, and so is Austria. The smaller
Powers, such as Belgium and Holland, are not
to be mentioned in the circumstances. Now,
therefore, we say is Napoleon's opportunity.
1t is not our opinion that he will allow it to
slip. He will, at least ask from Prussia the
Rhine provinces as compensation for Sadowa.
If he gets them for the asking we shall of
course have no war; If he gets them not for
the asking there WILL we may rest assured, be
a trial of strength. If Russia enters the field
it is impossible to say how general and how
destructive the confagration may become, or
| to describe beforehand the new Europe which
| shall emerge from the ruins. Meanwhile the
exigencies of the situation point to the humili-
alton of Prussia or an early and terrific
struggle.