New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1870-12-29
A nuYE.s URTAXE.

| Luxembourg, little triangular grand
duchy, surrounded by France, Belgium
and Prussia, which is indebted to it's sep
arate existence by the steadfast opposition
which Prussia made against absorption by
France, has fallen into such an error OF
policy as may lead to serious inconve-
niences to the Grand Duke before the
present war in Europe has been wound
up and paid for. 1t is well understood
principle in European politics that States
have no sentiments but those that pro-
mote their own interests, and this prin-
ciple has been more thoroughly demon
strated and acted upon in the wars OF
Prussia than in any other government.
Frederick the Great had the boldncss
to admit that all the treaties between him
and France were mere matters of dIplo-
macy, to be observed or not, as occasion
prompted. He Was frequently promised
assistance in his wars with Marie Theresa.
and he as often engaged himself to return
the service: but he never calculated on
aiding or giving aid, unless there was a
manifest interest IN keeping the engage
ment that bound the parties. States,
said he, have no conscienceS, and they
can afford to gain advantages wherever
they are to be had.
The French did not ayow these ideas,
but they acted them to great perfection in
promising assistance 70 Frederick and
then leaving him in the desperate hour
Of his fortunes to be oyerrun by the
Austrians. 1t was simply a question Of
national ACKNOWLEDGEMENT on both sides,
without regard to any treaties that might
exist or to any feeling of chivalry that
might arise. France never allowed any,
sentiment of knieht-erantry to raise her
arm in favor of Maria Theresa, who was a
brave and diplomatic sovereign, any more
than it did in favor Of Frederick, who
seemed at times to be on the very verge
Of destruction.
The Grand Duke of Luxembourg should
have read this history of the great wars,
and he should have reflected that Prussia
was too strong for him to be offending
against her by overt and traceable actions.
His policy was 10 dissimulate at all times
and in all places, as royalty is allowed to
be cultivating the friendship of Prussia
while not offending France. Instead of
acting out the diplomat, however, he has
allowed his private sentiments to mani
fest themselves in such manner that
Bismarck has secured the evidences Of his
partisanship as against Prussia. The
fortress of Thionvine has been provis-
Toned from Luxembourg. French fugi-
tives have been allowed to pass through
the Duchy to join the fighting force in the
field. The neutrality of the Grand Duchy
has been waived 10 assist France, and
Prussia has secured the proof of this I'M
fairness. Bismarck now protests and
declares that Luxembourg shall pay bill
Of damages, and, as the Grand Duchy is
weak, as a matter Of course the demand
will be large and its settlement will be
enforced And after that, Prussia may
withdraw her protection and allow France
to round off her borders by annexing
Luxembourg to the empire.
The results that are to flow from the
present war no man can declare, since
there is no conscience in the matter OF its
settlement: but the Grand Duke of Lux
emburg may make up his mind that when
the day of atonemert has arrived, and the
terms are arranged, the Partially he has
displayed for Fuance will not save him
from single stripe that the German ne
gotiators may choose to inhict. He will
lind that gratitude is not part Of Euro
pean politics.