The New York herald., 1869-04-08
Dangerous Complication. i'm Europe.

Dangerous Complications in Europe
In our telegraphic and ordinary news
columns we have from day to day for some
time past given intelligence which can only be
explained on the principle that Europe is on
the eve of a great, tremendous crisis. From
the northern shores of the Baltic to the north
ern shores of the Mediterranean it is difficult
to name spot where war alarms do not exist,
where war preparations are not going on. The
fortress of Luxemburg, il is true, which so
nearly involved Europe In war in the spring
of 1867, is being demolished; but fortresses
are growing up all over Prussia. Russia
strengthens herself in the Baltic, and in those
waters so long under her control Prussia
begins to be dangerous rival. The Firms,
completely under the heel of Russia since
1909, but attached to the Protestant faith,
speaking the Swedish language and cherish
ing Swedish traditions, have no sympathy
with their present masters and long to be re-
united to the people with whom they bravely
fought under the great Gustavus. The grow
ing power of Prussia begins to inspire them
with hope, and, as our correspondent at St.
Petersburg shows, encourages them to speak
out. A collision on the Baltic between
Russia and Prussia is no longer an
impossbility. Spain as yet vainly seeks
king, and it now seems that Napoleon must
submit to q fresh Bismarck victory in the ap-
pointment of Montpensier to the vacant throne.
Meanwhile Belgian question has turned up
question which may yet assume dangerous
proportions. Add to all this that Europe
bristles with bayonets, that the material of war
is being manufactured in fabulous quantities
and that horses are being bought by govern
ment agents in every market. Actual war has
not yet broken out but the burdens, the I'M
certainties, the anxieties of war are every
where so experienced that actual war would
be relief
Wherefore, then, this state of things? Why
is it that war is so universally expected, 80
universally dreaded and so universally deemed
unnecessary? The explanation is to be found
in the relations which have for some time
existed between France and Prussia The
French press. the French War Minister, the
French Emperor, 80 far as we can know
their thoughts, have given the world good
reason to believe that the time has come when
the French people must know once and for all
whether or not they are the controlling force
in the European body polite. 1t is not other
wise with Prussia. Since 1866 the Emperor
of thu Eropeh hos Lpowp tbot tbaro ov;stod
a power too weighty for even his genius
and too strong to be crushed by any
force at his command. No one questioned
the right of France to choose her President,
and, later, to choose her Emperor. France
had the sympathy of the Western nations
when she fought at later day for the
holy places and the integrity of the Turkish
empire. At date even later still, when
Austria was humbled, and when Italy, through
the forces at the command of the French
Powers not Immediately concerned looked on
and were silent. 1t was not until 1866 that the
world generally began to question the policy
and the infallible wisdom of the French Empe-
ror. Since 1866, however, the fates have
been rather against him. Prussia, mainly
through the force of individual genius, has
brought to the surface new and controlling
power in the European body polite. The
mastery of Europe, for some time previous
supposed to be in the hands of France,
was then questioned. Prussia became
more daring than France, and Bis
marck showed more Immediately tell
ing genius than Napoleon. Since then
the situation has been changed. The mastery
by two Powers. France claimed it and Prussia
claimed it. Which is entitled to the proud
position has yet to be proved.
We state the whole European trouble when
we say that France and Prussia, Napoleon
and Bismarck, are jealous and fearful of each
other. Whatever complications now exist
and the complications are numerous and
serious-rnust be looked at, to be understood,
from this particular standpoint. Germany and
France are now, although there is no actual
war, struggling for the mastery of Europe.
Which is TO win? Which is to be master |?
France and Napoleon say they must win.
North Germany and Bismarck say they must
win. France arms berself to the teeth; 30
also does Prussia. We wait, however, for
actual war; and while we wait the intending
combatants look out for allies and the Euro
pean nations choose their Sides How do the
European nations stand in regard to the
struggle?
We have put question which it is not so
easy to answer In the approaching struggle,
which our news columns and the irresistible
logic Of facts prove to be inevitable, what
nations are to be the allies of France and
what nations are to be the allies of Prussia
In such a struggle as that which is now i'm
pending France would, in ordinary circum-
stances, command the sympathy and support