New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-07-23
HIP TDpIE.N.

| IL NAV be said that the whole allaDle ell
fcctive military force of France and Prussia
is in their respective armies. The defeat or
overthrow of the army of one or other of
these nations would practically imply the sub
version Of its military power for the time
being. In the event of one of these armies
being defeated in battle, the successful side
would follow up its victory quickly, prevent the
establishment of the enemys shattered ranks,
and attempt to push onward to the enemys
capital, whether it be Paris or Berlin. 1t is not
at all improbable therefore, that single great
battle NAV be decisive of the war. 1t is evil
dent that both sides are preparing for con-
test in which their full strength will be brought
into action; and it may be estimated that the
cOmbatants on each side will amount to $50,
600 men. 1t is unlikely that the decisive bat
tie will extend beyond single day, or cover
more than eight or ten hours of time. The
movements will be rapid. The arms used by
both armies are exceedingly destructive, and
will be handled by experienced troops. 1t
would be absurd to put forth an opinion as to
which side will be successful; but taking all
things into account, and applying the doctrine
of probabilities, it may be said that the French
army is not likely to enter Berlin at the close
of the war.
Louis Napoleon, in declaring war without
a pretext," has a most illustrous parsonage
to keep him cOmpany-a monarch named AkO
Jumbo, residing and reigning somewhere upon
| the western coast of Africa. His Majesty Ako
has marched against the tribe called the
Ooobos, and has announced his gracious in
tention of exterminating that unhappy people.
| Before this he has probably slaughtered most
~ n IL, H.
aged their fields, reduced to slavery their
young men and maidens, and returned to his
own dominions covered with blood and glory.
There is this to be said for Ako Jumbo, that
he may possibly have real grievance; whereas
that person upon the French throne is making
war without any respectable motive whatever.
If The London telegraph, which thinks the
recall of Minister Motley shows the " intention
of our Government to take part i'll the Euro
"pean imbrogliO," had known the facts of the
case, it would not have printed so absurd an
opinion. 1t is over two'mOnths since the Gov
eminent determined to recall Mr.. Motley from
the London Mission it is nearly as long since
! he was informed that his resignation would be
accepted; and it was before there was any
probability of a European imbrOgliO' that
his successor was nominated. BY knowing
these things, The London Telegraph may yet
save itself from talking nonsense.
1t is now certain that the South German
States-Bavaria, Wurtemherg, and Baden
about whose attitude the French papers as
sumcd doubt, are as firmly united in support
of the German side as Prussia herself. All
these Governments have been very prompt in
putting their forces under the control of
Prussia; and we learn by Cable that the au-
thorties of Bavaria, in putting the Bavarian
army at the command of King William, con-
graduated the monarch, and issued a patriotic
exhortation to the army. 1t was supposed
that, as the anti-Liberal and anti-Prussian
party are in power at Munich, there might be
some difficulty in regard to this matter; but
all doubts are dispeled by the latest dis
patches.
1t would be next to impossible for any
American military officer however distin-
guished or experienced, to get commission of
any rank whatever i'll the French or Prussian
army; and hence it is not worth while for
any one to think of going to Paris or Berlin
to offer his services. The armies of these great
military Powers are organized according to
system which eflectually prevents any intru-
sion from outside.
|
attempt to sting German pride by saying that
the "victors of Jena still survived" If the
! Germans still remember the humiliation of
Jena, they have not forgotten the tremendous
demonstration of power and patriotism that
| followed it.
The extensive misunderstanding that pre-
walls in regard to privateering Is shown by
the fact that we find several papers referring
TO the opportunity that will be furnished for
fitting out privateers in this country, to "prey
"on English commerce. in case England
should become a party to the present Euro
pcan war. 1t is mistake. A privateer Is a
legitimate naval belligerent, carrying letters Of
mdrque from an established Government, or
at least from a de Jdcto Government, and au-
thorized to prey on the commercial marine of
the enemy Now, none of the European Gov
ernments which are parties to the Paris De-
claration of 1856 can issue letters of maraue
or authorize priyateer, or countenance in
any way a vessel engaged in the business of
prvateering. How, then, can there be any
pnvateering on British commerce, in case
Great Britain should become involved in the
present European complications There is
no doubt that all the signers of the
Paris Declaration will respect its pro-
visions and enforce its terms. A vessel
attempting to prey on the commerce of n
belligerent without regular letters of marquee
would be pirate, and would be dealt with by
the naval ships of all Powers as common
enemy of the human racen Even if England
were at war with Power which had not
signed the Paris Declaraton-say Japan or
Venezuela-and if her adversary were to issue