Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1870-08-12
The war in Europe.

Military men. familiar with the history |
of former wars, have seen with surprise tne
Glow movements of the French armies, SO
diffarert from the usual celebrity OF that
nation. Instead of assuming vigorous |
offensive, as was expected after the oeciAA"
ton of war, the French have waited pas
siveIy within their territory unnl tnelI
enemies have concentrated their forces
Now, the French find themselves On the
defensive the war is carried INTO 'ne1i
own country, and if the last accounts are 10
be fulIv credited, they have suffered Sc
rious defeat at both ends OF their line
Had the French armies pushed on ten or
twelve days ago, there is but little douDt
that the Prussians would have retreated
TO their defensive positions on the Hh1ne
between Coblentz and Mayence. Strategy
calIv speaking, they are hardly excusaDle
for not doing so. Politically speaking
they are still less exc disable, for II Napo4-
eon wished to decide the possible heslta-
lion Of the South German States. the
surest way was to strike the first pioW IN
stead of wasting time. Now, 1t IS very
nrobable that Bismarck's prediction may
be accomplished that if Napoleon did
not cross the Rhine by the 21st OF July he
would never cross it at all. In war, limo
is the best ally" as Jomini says; and IN the
present campaign the French have owl
IDENTIFY lost much precious time.
It is clear that MacMahon was surprised
at Wiessenburg. It was blunder to leave
Donay's division at such distance from
the main body, exposed to the attack OF Q
vastly superior force (three Prussian corps
Is would seem from the dispatches tina
NacMahon's army came up to its supper
too late, and probably in successive frag
rnents and, consequently, MacMahon wa
himself defeated.
It would, however, be rash to draw iron
this first battle any conclusion as to tn
results of the present campaign. 1t Is no
the frat victory that determines the result
but the last. The French being defeated
it seems, at both ends Of their line, ar
falling back in O concentrle dlrecuo
and have all the advantage OF "lnter1t
lines" and of their strong fortresses, the
magazines and their reserves. The Prui
slams, on the contrary, are getting furth'
ana TURNER 1EOu buGlH UtSSs 'eAN HAAi AL
themselves in a country where every ms
Isl soldier and foe. Under the sting
defeat, the French nation will rise like OF
man, perfectly frantic with patriotic rag
and should the Prussians be defeated
the heart of French territory, the defe
will be terrible and the retreat almost N
possible.
Those viseacres who are betting the
money upon either army's being in Pal
or Berlin in fifteen days, should rememb
the numerous drafts on Richmond at
days. The French have now upward
half million of mon TO cover their capit
which is itself protected by gigantic for
fications. Should Napoleon lose two
three more great battles, it is more tn
probable that he may lose his throne ais
But if the FRENCH REPUBLIC should tn
call upon her sons with the cry of It's
''La PaIfie est en- danger" the tri color
flag may start once more upon its tour
Europe while thrones and dynastics
down crumbGng in the dust before it.
EFa