The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-08-09
France and Her MISUNDERSTANDING POSSE
bilities.


extreme. Our news from day to day reveals
state Of things which makes it exceedingly
dimcult even for those most skilled in the
national and international questions of the
European Continent to say what is to be the
Immediate issue and wherein the Europe of
twelve months hence is to differ from the
Europe of to-day. Spain is in a state of
chronic discomfort So bad, in fact, is the
situation in that country that the. widest and
most revolutionary news could not possibly
surprise us. Italy is still enjoying compare
tive quiet; but the Pope presides in Rome,
and Garibaldi awaits his opportunity to make
another and final effort in favor of Italian
unity. Towards the East we find the Greek
kingdom true to the character which X has
maintained since the date of its independence,
and of course doing its best to foster rebellion
In all the Greco-Turkish provinces. Turkey
is honestly busy with domestic reform, but
finds it hard to be understood either by her
own people or by the foreigner. On the
Danube all is doubt and uncertainty Whether
new kingdom or empire is presently to
spring up in that region-whether Turkey is to
maintain her hold of that rich though unde-
veloped portion of Europe, or whether it is to
come under the control of Russia or
Austria no man can tell. Russia has
become more an Asiatic than a European
Power. In the nOrthwest-the home of the
old sea kings, the conquerors Of Europe-the
Scandinavian nations-Norway, Sweden and
Denmark-cOntemplat a corporate union
and threaten to create war Power which may
prove rival to both Russia and Germany.
Central Europe is all in. fever Austria,
forcibly driven from Germany, has at last
accepted her position, and by the mouth of
her Prime Minister, one of the mightest men
Of the day, has declared herself no longer the
rival of Prussia. Prussia, but lately one of
the second rate Powers, has become one of
the greatest, and in spite Of all present diff
cultes promises to revive in more than
ancient splendor the old Germanic empire.
France meanwhile, proud of her former
renown, fred with ambition and armed as she
never was armed before, looks around and
Is ready to rush and if possible, plant her
victorious standard wherever occasion calls
her.
Such Is the situation now all over Europe
To the thoughtful mind it presents numberless
Inducements to speculation In what is the
present state Of things to issue? What is to
be the immediate result Of existing compiled
tionsi In what shape is Europe, after the
struggle which Is now imminent, at last to settle
down? To these questions it is impossible to
mir feal lac
desirable and certain results are likely; but
the desirable are not in every case the likely,
nor are the likely the desirable. One thing is
manifest TO every intelligent observer-France
occupies the key position. On the course
which the French government may choose to
pursue everything depends. 1t is an old say
ing that when France Is satisfied the world is
at rest Never had that saying more point
and truthfulness than now. The unfortunate
thing, however, Ii that France is not con-
tented, but the reverse. If the old saying is
In any sense TO guide our judgment, then war
must be considered inevitable. The difficulty
for France Is 10 know where to strike. She
would no doubt like to make dash on Ger
many, but to do so would not pay; it could
hardly be successful. There is one thing
which France might do, and to do it would
be for the advantage Of Europe--it might
sweep over Spain and Portugal and Annex the
entire peninsula TO the empire. 1t would be
bold stroke-a holder than the First Ma
poleon ever attempted; but it would on that
account be all the more worthy of the second
empire. The dynasties have too long held the
peninsula In bondage. The time has come
when the interests Of the world at large and
OF the inhabitants Of the peninsula in particu-
lar should be taken into account. Under the |
present system there is no chance for improve
ment As matters are now managed Spain |
and Portugal will be more backward hun |
dred years hence than they are to-day. Let |
Napoleon annex them at once. Let him |
proclaim universal suffrage. and let him |
admit Spaniards aud Portuguese to all |
the privileges Of the empire, and the work of
General Mel will not be difficult. In Novem-
Der the elections are to take place all over
France. Something requires TO be done to
make majority certain. Not much can be
done on the Rhine. Success would be certain
aud easy on the Tagus and the Manzanares.
Success would crafty France and give the
Emperor n willing and even servile majority.
Europe might protest; but Europe would do |
no more. Prussia would seize the opportunity
10 incorporate South Germany. and Austria |
might establish her claims to the mouths ofthe
Danube We throw out the hint. II IL not
for the Emperor to despise II. II success
attend the experiment, as il Is bound to do
the annexation Of Italy might he found Of equal
convenience on the occasion OF the next gen
eral election. The world moves on. Dynasties
I cannot be allowed 10 stand In the way.
--