The New York herald., 1870-07-22
Tho War situation i'm Europc-Tho Pos
rihilisies aud Probabilities.

As yet 30 war. The concentration Of forces
on both sides goes on, but the situation is not
materially changed. French troops are crowd
ing into the valley of the Moselle and station
ing themselves as close as possible to the
frontiers OF Germany. Prussian troops are
not less active. The border land in both coun-
tries is well filed with troops. The policy ct
France seems to be to gather up her strength
and make great rush upon German soil.
The policy Of Prussia seems TO be to await
the attack, and on her own soil and that Of
her allies surprise the invaders.
There is a large amount Of wild speculation
as to the chances Of the two combatants,
never been known In the whole history Of war.
Others say Prussia win present such front as
was never presented to an invading army
In the whole history of mankind. France
means 10 overruD Prussia, crush and make an
end OF German opposition. Prussia means to
hurl France back upon herself stripped and
demoraized by German forces in the rear.
We do not say which Power has most COM
pletely mastered the situation, which has calcu-
lated most wisely or which has the better
chance to carry out its programme. We only
state tho programme 50 far as we know It,
Neither Power, Judging from the news OF the
day, seems anxious to precipitate the conflict
In this impending struggle first blood means
something more awful than first blood over
meant before, and therefore the combatants on
either side hesitate to strike.
II is noteworthy that the ultimatum on both
sides is serious. France begins the war, nay,
forces the war, for no higher reason than this,
that Prussia. or rather Germany, must never
again pretend to have a voice where France Is
concerned Prussia, forced into the light,
says Our purpose now is to rid Europe OF
Bonapartc impertinence-iu other words, to
destroy the Bonaparte dynasty, so that
Germany may be free. The aim Of both
parties is radical. If Prussia wins the Bona
parte dynasty is doomed In France. If
France wins Germany is not to be Prussianized.
Il is impossible to consider the questions at
issue without coming to the conclusion that
Europe, from tue Atlantic TO the BOsphorus,
from the Baltic to the Mediterranean, is not
deeply concerned, and that at some stage in
the conflict the European nations, one and al,
viii not feel themselves compelled to take
sides In the struggle. There is a vast amount
Of diplomacy; ali anxious casting about for
alliances and Tor aid. The Cabinets are
anxious. The neutral statesmen ardently in
cline towards arbitration, il they find such
course possible. Prince Napoleon arrived in
London yesterday. Premier Gladstone made
statement 10 Parliament.
Let us suppose that while tue conflict goes
on Russia says to herself "This is my
opportunity" What then? Russia crosses the
Pruth, takes possession Of Roumania, hurries
on TO Constantinople, enthrones herself on the
Golden Horn ard re- establishes the Greek
empire. Where is the Power to hinder her !?
We can think of none bnt one. Austria
would moi dare to do it, because Austria has
together Italy would not dare to do it,
because she knows that she could not il she
wonld Spain and Portugal are not TO
be uamed In this connection. Great
Britain alone could do it. Ia such circum-
stance, it is not to be denied that tho old spirit
would reveal itself, and that England would
10y one or two bold strokes proclaim herself
mistress Of the seas. Russia might rush TO
Coustantiuople, but British valOr on sea and
on land would present an impassable bulwark.
1t would be strange spectacle to see Great
Britain and Russia fighting single-handed in
another Crimea while France and Prussia
fought for supremacy on the Rhine. Strange
as it would he. we have no choice, but speak
Of It as one Of the possibilities, or rather
probabilities, OF this impending war. The re-
suits of this Eastern war would be certain TO
be more sweeping than the results of the war
in the centre OF Europe. II could not fail to
make an end Of Mohammedanism in Europe.
Aud may it not be that the time has come
when Christianity must wipe out this stain
upon her honor? Strange certainly, it would
be to find Christianity fighting with Moham-
mechanism in the East at the very moment that
Catholicism aud Professionalism are again.
although unconsciously, testing their strength
In The West. We have fingered upon this
thought because il really is more than posi-
billy.
Let us suppose again that this impending
conflict should become 80 serious and so com
plicated that Italy shOud be able to say, 81
can now do as please What would follow
Italy would rise as one man. rush would
he made upon Rome. The Pope would find
congenial shelter On board some British ship.
There might be an end Of the Papacy. There
certainly would be If he did not take refuge in
Malta or CONS to the United States. Ia any
event Rome would once more be the capital of
Italy. Should Prussia win what would be the
immediate result2 A united Germany, a
German empire. Austria would 6s COM
nleLelx dc1noralized for every German