The New York herald., 1870-08-12
France and Her Revolutionary Eiements--
What Prussia Should Do.

fearful elements are at work which may change
the face of Europe. The successes-unex-
pected and unbelieved successes Of tae Prus-
sians--have set France in blaze. The fer
ment is 80 great that there has been nothing
like it in the history of France except at the
time Of the first great revolution. When the
allies marched to Paris after the battle of
Waterloo the French people were exhausted
with war, and much as they admired
Napoleoa the First they were prepared for
change in the government. But it is differ
ent now. However Indifferent the French
may be as to the fate of the Emperor Louis
Napoleon, their soil is invaded and the whole
nation Is aroused. It is not now the Emperor
or his dynasty that the people care abont 30
much. This high-sprited and brave people
are intensely aroused for their country, for the
honor of France and at the indignity Of hos
tile foreign army marching successfully over
their territory. They are rallying, throughout
the length and breadth of the land, to defend
their country and to repel the invader. 1t is
not for Napoleon, the Prince Imperial, the
Empress Eugenie or the Bonaparte dynasty
but for France, and whether the Emperor can
turn this patriotic furor to his own advantage
or not remains to be seen.
France is in very different condition TO
what it was when the allies marched to Paris
in 1915. She was exhausted by wars then,
Forty millions Of people. as brave as any in
the would, full of military ardor and proud of
their strength and position, are capable of
accomplishing great things. History shows
what sacrifices they can make for national
honor, especially when inspired by revolution
| ary enthusiasm. Who has not read of the
power of their revolutionary armies at the
close Of the last century, when the first
Napoleon was brought prominently before the
world aud the terror they inspired throughout
| Europe? But France is stronger at present
than at that time. We see something like the
same Juror arising now under the sting of
defeat and humiliation and the occupation of
French soil by the Prussians. The revolutionary
elements are rising, and if the Emperor cannot
check the success of the German armies he
will assuredly be set aside. His failure thus
far is keenly felt and it is significant fact
that bis government is under the necessity of
using as great repressive measures against the
people of Paris and Of other localities as his
efforts to repel the invading foreigner The
Emperor is between two fires, and perhaps the
most dangerous to him personally and his
dynasty is that which he has kindled among
his own subjects
There are strong indications of revolution
in France. We hear already the mutterings of
the storm in spite of the greatest efforts to sup
press them. The mass of the agricultural and
manufacturing population and the shopkeeper
class may dread revolution and may be willing
to accept almost any government that affords
them protection but the French are impusive
and high spirited and cannot endure failure on
the part oftheir ruler. They would become revo-
lutonary rather than submit to national dis
grace. They might accept revolution rather than
endure imperial government that plunges
them into war unnecessarily, or that cannot
maintain the prestige of French valor aud
success when war is upon them. Nor in such
a crisis can Napoleon continue to humbug the
French people by theatrical claptrap, pretty
phrases or fine theories. They might be
amused By these in time of peace and while
trade is lourishng, but events are too serious
for that now, and the French are as quick
witted as they are patriotic. Should the Prus-
SLAMS continue their advance it is not at all
unlikely that the republic may be declared
again. If so there would be such an upheaval
in France as might both astonish the Prus-
SLAMS aud set Europe in blaze. This is
possibility, yes almost q probability of the
war. IF the imperial armies of France cannot
turn back the tide of foreign conquest, the
revolutionary armies may be able to do so.
We may yet see the same terrible energy as
was witnessed at the time of the first revo-
luton.
Under these circumstances and this prospect
what is the true policy for Prussia to pursue?
Evidently to end The war as soon as possible
and to impress upon the people Of France that
| it is not waeei against them, as King William
has done in his wel-timed proclamation to
the French nation. The King Of Prussia said
! Ia his speech to the North German Parlia-
ment 1--WE have with calm and deliberate
! consideration measured the responsibility,
which before the judgment Of the Almighty
| and that of men falls on him who forces into
wars of devastation two great and peaceable
| nations living in the very centre of Europe.
The Emperor Napoleon is the man who has
plunged these 1.-TWO great and peaceable ma
tions into wars of devastation. The people
and statesmen of all nations expressed their
astonshment that war should have been COM
menced for so slight cause, or, rather, for no
cause at ALL 1t is condemned everywhere.
Though the French, from national pride, may
have chafed under the progress Prussia