The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-07-12

IILADELPHlA TUESDAY,
while recognizing this necessity, is by no I
means positive enough in its provisions. |
The reform to be accomplished cannot be |
thoroughly and satisfactorily carried out |
under law which merely permits the dis |
tricts to be diminished, but is silent should |
they not be, The law should define the ac-
tion to be taken. It is hardly fair, too, for
Congress to throw on any officer such an
amount Of responsibility, or expose him
to the solicitation, intrigue, annoyance,
and miseonception sure to precede and
follow the honest execution of such
discretionary powers There need be no
uncertainty as to what districts may
be safely consolidated. New York and
Brooklyn can be placed safely under one
revenue jurisdiction, Philadelphia under one,
and Baltimore, Boston, and Cincinnati under
one each, thus getting rid of thirty
two assessors and collectors in these six
cities. Let Congress draw the line here, at
least, and make consolidation obligatory on
them. If in doubt as to the expediency of
applying the principle to districts spread
over larger areas, that might be left to the
discretion of the Executive We are satisfied
that it is necessary to reduce the number of
districts in all the populous States to one-half
their present number, and this reduction
should at once be made imperative.
THE WAR CLOUD IN EUROPE-THE
SITUATION PERILOUS.
From the N. Y. Herald.
Our cable dispatches are numerous regard
ing the situation in Europe. They are all of
a piece. They show very clearly and very
conclusively that the game is now serious If
originally the offering of the crown of Spain
to Prince Leopold Of Hohenzollern was a
dodge to shape events in the interest of the
Prince of the Asturias the dodge has been a
| little too fruitful. 1t has done more than
was intended, and it has brought forth great
| deal more fruit than was expected. Two
weeks ago 30 man dreamed of the early possi-
| bility of war in Europe. Now the dogs of
war are fronting each other and impatient to
be let loose. Ii a grand fight does not take
| place within the next few days many and great
| expectations will be blasted.
Spain does not say she does not want the
Prince Leopold. Prussia does not say she
discourages his candidature. The various
European powers do not say that they are
| prepared to interfere in what does not seem
to be anybodys business. All over the feel
ing seems to be that France is too sensitive
If Spain wants the Prince Leopold to be King
and if Prince Leopold is willing to make his
head uneasy under the most worthless crown
in Europe, Spain and Prince Leopold ought
to be allowed to do as they please. Such
seems to be the European sentiment. But
France is in an agony of excitement. Lower
and lower the rentes descend. War prepara-
tions go on on gigantic scale. The French
army is ready to obey the signal to
cross the Pyrenees and to march across
the Rhine. The Emperor remains at
st. Cloud, but couriers arrive every moment
bearing the latest news. Orders have been
given to the commandant of the French feet
at Cherbourg to be ready to take on board
|
press cries out more loudly than ever against
Prussia, and demands not only that Prussia
discountenance the candidature of the Prince
Leopold, but that she fulfil the conditions of
the treaty of Prague. Prince Napoleon, it is
added, has set out for Copenhagen to effect
treaty with Sweden and Denmark. livelier
situation it is not possible to conceive. To-
morrow this fresh bubble may burst; but to-
morrow may witness the two most gigantic
military powers of Europe in deadly conflict.
The situation is one which is more than
ordinarily suggestive. 1t is safe, we think,
to say that most men qualified to Judge are of
the opinion that France has revealed an un-
necessary amount of sensitiveness. 1t is safe
to say that Prussia has revealed large
amount of dignity and indifference. 1t is
safe also to say that most men, and most
nations too, would just as soon see these two
national bullies try their strength and skill
Ii will to many be source of regret if this
fresh opportunity passes by leaving the two
bullies shaking their fists at each other All
men everywhere are convinced that sooner
or later France and Prussia must settle GER
tain outstanding questions by an appeal to the
sword. AS well now as later. Better for
mankind at large that this fight, which is in
evitable, should come off at once. We know
what the needle-gun can do. We are anxious
to know what the Chassepot can do. Until
this fight is over Europe must be oppressed
by the weight of standing armies, and some
of the most beautiful portions of the old
Continent must remain barren and worthless
This impending fight over, Europe will enter
upon new lease of life. Should France
come off victorious progress will be checked
Should Prussia win the gain will be again not
only to Germany but to humanity.
At the present moment it is extremely diff
cult to see the end from the beginning
Austria would not be sorry to see Prussia
humbled Denmark shares the feeling of
Austria. The King of Saxony and some of
his royal friends would not be sorry to know
that they were once again the equals of their
royal brother at Berlin. The outside Euro
pean powers would perhaps rather see Prussia
triumphant. But France is armed to the
teeth and full of fight. Should war break
out it is not easy to say which would win. 1t
is not difficult, however, to perceive that
out of this conflict many strange things
will grow. 1t will be necessary for the French
! troops to leave Rome. What then will become
of the Pope? 1t will not be possible for
France to dictate to Russia. What then will
become of the Sultan? The American officers
now in the service of the Khedve will not
| lose the opportunity of making Egypt inde-