The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-04-24
FRANCE AND EUROPE-WAR POSSIBLE
TIES

TIES.
From the N. Y Herald.
1t is only few days since we gave it as our
opinion that the Franco Belgian trouble might
result in some such complication as should prove
dangerous to the peace OF Europe. We have
not had long to wait without receiving encou-
ragement to our view of the situation. Prussia,
we said was so deeply concerned in the settle
ment of this Belgian railway question that
Prussia could not be indifferent, and that hitch
in the proceedings was not only possible but
probable. The hitch has come. The negotia-
tions had SO far satisfactorily proceeded. A few
days ago we learned that NJ Frere- Orban had
returned from Paris to Brussels very much dis
satisfied with the result of his mission. Now we
learn from cable despatch that the negotiations
for q commercial conference between France
and Belgium have been suspended. What does
it mean? 1t is hard TO think that it can mean
anything else than this-that the two powers
have differed as to the questions to be submitted
to the proposed conference. We know that
France has been making heavy demands; and
the presumption now is that France has asked
so much that Belgium has been compelled to
stand upon her dignity and refuse. If such be
the fact, then we may rest assured that in spite
of the undignified advice given by the London
Times, Belgium has known her duty, and that
she has good reason TO conclude that beyond q
certain point she can count ON the sympathy and
support of both Great Britain and Prussia. An
other telegram of the same date, informing us
that the Prussan Ambassador at Paris had been
instructed to thank the French Foreign Minister
him in the French Chamber, does not in the
smallest degree affect this view of the case. 1t
means wise and cunning diplomacy little bit
OF the Jesuit; that is ALL
What with this aud other important foreign
questions demanding attentions what with the
restless condition of the French people, and the
municipal elections in immediate prospect, the
French Emperor has certainly trouble enough on
hand. Napoleon, in fact, is now in critical,
perhaps the most critical, condition in which he
has found himself for many years. Interests, ap-
parent or real, pull in different directions. How
TO yield, or rather how TO act, IL is not so easy
TO decide! TX is now some years since Decem-
ber g 1851, and Frenchmen have had fair
chance of coming TO conclusion as to the
merits or demerits OF Napoeonism. That
Napoleon the Third has done great things for
FLance no one can deny. Prosperous at home
and respected abroad are old phrases which have
often been used in very absurd connections, but
during the reign of the third Napoleon they have
not been wholly meaningless. With all the
drawbacks that may be made, France Is power
with which no other power feels II safe TO go 70
war There have been many and even serious
Napoleonic blunders; but while France undel
this mans rule has sustained some diplomatic
defeats, she has sustained no defeat on the nelo
OF battle. This, however, does not tully state
the case. France, under Napoleon has gained
some of the most splendid field victories o.
modern times. Ii is undeniable, too, that since
1851 France has gained somewhat in politica
liberty.
1t is at the same time true that France is no
satisfied. Republicans are still in opposition
and Orleanists are still dissatisfied, while th'
legitimatists are as stubborn as ever. This II
true Of the different sections, but it does mo-
cover the whole difference between Napoleon
and the French people. Much as they have
prospered at home and much as they are re
spected abroad. the French people think tina
they are not what they ought TO be-not wha
they once were, not what they believe they eve
should be- There is grumbling all over France
| because in some important respects they are thu
least free of all the European nations, and there
! Is grumbling because the name of France abroat
Is not sufficient TO compensate for this disad
vantage at home
France Is not a big enough terror abroad
nol eontented enough at home, This Is Napo
ason,s trouble. This Is the difficulty which con
uynh me Government at the forthcoming elec
~ sDhs. NO man knows the situation half so wei
ss. Hspclson himself He knows lac has made
"a Lsos,s' Isl ~ many and serious difficulties. III
Ino'ss ne has made some mistakes. But Ia,
S|l ais", that In the circumstances il wa
VA " q" other than lac did. lie is Goa