The New York herald., 1869-03-31
War Pros.b,lIe,e, In Europe.

cable despatch from Paris says that
French officers and privates on leave of
absence have been ordered to rejoin their
regiments on the 1st Of April. A few days
ago we had cable despatch quite as startling
as this one, being that the Emperor of the
French had formally asked an explanation
from the government Of King William Of Prus-
sia regarding the mobilization Of Prussian
troops close to the French frontier. This,
however, is not all. 1t is only few weeks
ago since the French press, official and semi
official, went wild because tho Belgian Legis-
lature refused to sanction fusion of the Great
Luxembourg and the Eastern Of France Rail-
way, denouncing Belgium. making all manner
of threats quite unworthy Of a big boy when
speaking to small one, and more than insinu-
ating that all this Belgian stubbornness was
the result of Prussian, or rather, to speak moro
particularly, Of Bismarck dictation.
In ordinary circumstances all this might be
allowed to pass as of comparatively trifing i'm
portance. We have been so used to the cry Of
''wolf" in this particular direction when there
was no wolf that we have ceased to be alarmed
by the cry. The circumstances, however, are
not ordinary. The condition Of Europe at the
present moment, and indeed for some time
past, in spite of the manifest dread Of open
war, is of the most combustible character pos
sible. The mine is ready, the powder is abun-
dant, the train is laid, and it only requires the
application of the match to produce confla-
grafton such as Europe never saw before. It
is not the war spirit which is doubted; 1t Is
the match which is dreaded. Such is the
situation. Europe was never SO armed, was
never so convinced that war was coming, and
was never so fearful that war should come. The
expenses for war purposes on the part Of the
European nations, one and all, larger and
smaller, have been for many years past so
heavy that it is universally felt that actual
war, if it would only take the place Of possible
or rather probable war, would be positive
relief
The situation is aggravated by the fact that
Napoleon, who has for so many years been
the virtual arbiter of Europe, is beginning to
be convinced that something must be done If
he would retain his proud position-a position
which, more than anything else, has recon-
ciled the French people to his arbitrary rule.
Napoleon has not had for some years any
great success. Since his famous campaign
against Austria facts have been rather
against him. The Mexican blunder, the
Luxembourg defeat, the steady and determined
policy Of Bismarck, have all been against him.
Nor has this Spanish revolution made matters
better. It now begins to be patent to all the
world that English gold, as in days gone by,
is more powerful than French diplomacy.
The probable election of Montpensier to the
throne Of Spain is, as matters now stand, o
heavy blow to Napoleonic pretensions. The
Independent attitude of Belgium in this rail-
way matter. is scarcely less irritating. This
last has made him feel how easy it might
be to unite Prussia and Great Britain against
him.
All these things taken into account only
encourage the belief entertained by many
that a vigorous dash against Prussian
and German pretensions generally would
be popular all over France. The French
army is in fine condition. 1t is mag
nifcently equipped. 1t pants for trial. 1t
is impatient to measure its strength with the
proud army Of Prussia. There is, we observe,
disposition in some quarters to believe that
collision is impending between Russia and
Prussia. No existing rumor has less founda-
ton in fact. Prussia and Austria are as yet
natural enemies. 1t is not to the interest Of
Prussia that she should fling Russia as well as
Austria into the arms Of France; and Count
Bismarck is not the man to make 80 eyre
gious blunder. The war cloud hovers over
the banks Of the Rhine. The shock of arms
may not be immediate, but the shock Of arms
is more than possible in the early future, and
war between France and Prussia might be q
blessing to Europe and the world.
WAyTHD-A bingham bucket to catch the