The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-07-31
((cncraI situation In Europe.

oAo suuoo Who WIZ uuft ~ tu"s AIt-
OPe is now and always is on the verge of a
great war. A few days ago this idea received
some encouragement from cable despatch
which announced that an alliance had been
entered into by France, Austria and Italy.
The idea was further encouraged by q subse
quent telegram, which gave us in condensed
form the address delivered by the Austrian
Prime Minister, Won Beust, on the occasion OF
his receiving the financial report of the Hun
garian Deputies. In that address Won Beust
spoke of the relations Of Austria with the
neighboring Powers. Since the abandonment
of the Italian territories the government of the
Emperor had been on a most satisfactory foot
ing with that of his Majesty Napoleon Ill. In
spite of o disposition, which had not been con-
cealed, to be ON equally satisfactory terms
with Prussia, he could not say that in this
latter direction his policy had been equally
successful. This remark has since been taken
hold of by the Prussan press, and it has been
fatty denied that Prussia has refused any
ovcrtures which have been made to her on the
part of Austria. Nothing but strong desire
to find warlike manifestations could have
found in the actual facts other than indications
OF peace. We do not say that there are not
complications out of which war might grow !;
but we do say that war is not imminent.
The prominent European questions of the
hour are national, rather than International.
With scarcely single exception every
Ettpn Ia h,to trifb
ton OF domestic reform. This is true of
the small States as well as of the large II is
as true Of Bavaria as of Russia, of Turkey as
Of Sweden. Everywhere the people kave
become more exacting. Everywhere the gov
ernments find ii convenient to yield. In spite
of the enormous ornaments which are still
maintained the peace Of Europe has not, per-
haps, been so secure at any time these last
eighteen years.
1t is true, however, that there are outstand-
ing questions OF some Importance. The Sehes-
wig-Holstein question il as far from being set
tied as it was on the eve of Sadowa. In de-
laying the settlement OF this question Prussia
thinks she is advancing her own interests but
Prussia cannot be ignorant that she Is at the
same time giving umbrage to both Austria and
France. The treaty OF Prague, 80 far as
Schleswig- Holstein is concerned, is still dead
letter. and so long as ii is so probable caSa,7
beH exists between Austria and Prussia.
Austria having strong claim on French
support, The French occupation of Rome
is still looked upon by patriotic Italians
as an Insult to themselves and wrong to the
Roman people. In the event of war break
ing out between France and Prussia the ma
tional party in Italy might prove themselves
too strong to be held in check by Victor
Emanuel, and Garibaldi and Mazzni might
both find their opportunity. Some little trou-
BILE may yet grow out of the Suez Canal, but
that trouble is not near. Not tomorrow nor
next day will the Viceroy proclaim war
against his master, the Sultan and the Sultan
will think twice before he so far forgets HIM
self as to make war upon his vassal, the
Viceroy.
The continuance of peace in Europe, in
spite of all recent changes, depends more upon
France than upon any other European Power.
Russia, Austria, Prussia, are all 80 much bent
on carrying out domestic reforms that nothing
bnt the drest necessity will allow them to
think of war. The amicable and satisfactory
settlement Of the Franco Belgian difficulty has
removed the only cause OF war which was
really alarming. The present reform move
ment in France has assumed that particular
character which, to say the least, renders
foreign war extremely improbable. The game
which Napoleon now has in hand is much
more important than the humbling Of Prussia
or the acquisition Of few square miles Of ter
ritory 1t is a fact not without deep signif-
canoe that, simultaneously with the Inaugural
ton of sweeping and radical reforms, Napoleon
has taken steps TO reduce the effective strength
of the army. We have little doubt that the
example of France will be generally initiated.
The huge ornaments of Europe are curse not
only to the different nations, but to the world
France has an available force of million of
men. Russia, Prussia and Austria can each
count CA almost as many. Italy is Expressing
herself and running her chances by maintain
ing large standing army. II is the same all
over. War with such forces would be dread
full. But why should war be necessary? II
is the dynasties, not the peoples, that are in
terested in the maintenance Of the present
condition Of things. A grand European
federal republic is the only cure for all this
waste and consequent misery. tits the stand
Ing armies Of Europe that are forcing upon tn,
United States population and wealth. WHY
should we complain?
ANOTHER PROJECT Is now mooted for bridg
ing the East river on the tubular plan