The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-09-13
will witness the opening of the most terrible
drama in the annals of humanity.
The Probabilities OF Pence.

| 1t seems improbable that the fighting in
Europe will 60 further. All thoughts are
turned toward peace, and both the combatants
have strong reasons for putting aside the
sword. With France this course is well nigh
imperative. Badly as she was prepared for
this war at the outset, she then certainly had
a number of army corps that, though miser-
ably commanded, were comprised of first rate
soldiers, as their fighting has shown. Where
are these corps? She has the broken frag-
ments Of two or three left; but between the
losses by battle the surrendeY at Sedan and
the checkmate at Metz the rest are gone She
is without an army, without tried leaders
was when the war began; and the enemy
is at the gates Of her capital. There is no
reason why forts in the centre of France can
not be held against an enemy, as forts have
been elsewhere by new recruits Or resolute
volunteers. All that is necessary is what is
called the Spartan spirit. Victor Hugo has
told the world that Paris, which was Sybaris
the other day, is Sparta now but the world
will take the liberty to doubt any Sparta that
springs up like mushroom The bare fact
is that it is altogether improbable that Paris
can Withstand the Prussians. All the achieve
ments that come from the inspiration of newly
gained freedom, the unparalleled exertions
that enable an armed people to drive out dis
ciplined, powerful and victorious armies, are
possibilities, especially in France; but they
Ar1v ri h.
Prussian is present fact.
With these reasons that should dispose
France to make almost any peace there are
also reasons that should incline Prussia to
listen to fair terms. In the first place Prussia
has accomplished her object. She declared
by all voices-by King and people, by diplo-
matists and the press-that she made war
against Napoleon; and she is confronted to-
day with the fact of his irremediable downfall.
How far will she 60 beyond that declared and
accomplished purpose? Does she not know
that in this age any Power that pushes war
beyond its legitimate purpose becomes a pub
lie aggressor? Has she not been the loudest
in recognizing that the world should pronounce
AASiS S0A1'NAOAo 80 PuDAiO OhOMiOo
and mere wars of conquest as the greatest of
evils? She cannot pursue this war much
further without giving to the Prussian
monarchy in Europe the character of the
legitimate successor of the French empire
as an arrogant and implacable foe to peace.
Another reason in favor of making peace is
that Germany makes war, as Bismarck said,
for German purposes" only. The great
German purpose is to secure peace, and that
can be done at any hour. To dictate who
though they may be fair objects of Prussian
ambition, they are not Sae things for which
Germany will be taxed. 1t is doubtful,
moreover, how much longer Germany will
look on at the frightful slaughter. The great
losses of the Prussian army-for France has
not fallen without delivering terrible blows
are felt in every home in Germany, and they
will stimulate the closest scrutiny of the course
Of events An intelligent people will only
give the lives of its sons where the struggle
has some relation to the good of the country.
There is reason to believe that the best mind
in the Prussian government is strongly dis
posed to peace. Apparently Bismarck and
the King have different opinions on this sub
ject This report has come in so many differ
ent shapes and from so many different
places that it is impossible not to
believe it has some foundation. Perhaps
at bottom they agree, but differ as to their
views of means. Neither has any fondness
for republics or for liberal ideas but William
is hasty and believes only in military power.
He would like therefore to crush out the re-
public beneath his troopers heels. Bismarck
would like to destroy it by leaving it alone
believing, no doubt, that the French govern
ment should simply have rope enough. What
lends more probability to the views of a diff
ference between these two is that Bismarck
lately put forth, through an English correspon-
dent, for effect in England, some views on the
proper settlement of the war that are quite at
variance with the Kings views. If it prove
true that Bismarck is in favor of making terms
at once the fact that the King is against il
will not lessen the probabilities of peace-for
Bismarck will prevail.
THE MAINE ELECTION.--The republican