New-York tribune., 1870-12-17

resist the absorption Of Luxembourg by Prussia, and
thinks that perhaps Prussia may be satisfied with
the acquisition and forego the taking Of Lorraine
from France.
HISTORY OF THE GRAND DUCHY-ITs PLACE IN
EUROPEAN PoLITICs-THE sTIPULATioSs
REGARDING ITS sovEREIGNTY-ITs EXTENT,
POPULATION, AND F0RTIFICATIoES.
As the fate of the Grand Ducby of Luxem-
burg ia again occupying attention, Interest at
taches TO the question OF how far the European
Powers concerned in maintaining its inde-
pendcnce. It's present place In European politics
is based the general settlement accomplished
at the Congress Of Vienna In 1875 Belgium and Luxem.
burg were then placed under the sovereignty Of Ho
land WHILE at the time. Luxembourg was accorded
place In tho Germanie Confederation. When however
Belgium rovolted against Holland In $780, the whole OF
Luxemburg, with the exception OF the fortress made
with the insurrection and 1t was not until
1889 that the part known as the Grand Duchy was
brought back to rs allegiance to the Confederation and
the King OF Holland. In that year, the Great Powers
united In guaranteeing the independence OF the Grand
Duchy Nothing occurred TO disturb this arrangement
until the results Of the German war OF 1896 rendered
settlement imperative Holland opened the discus
sion on the subject, by asking II Prussia was stl
entitled 10 retain her troops In LuxemburS, as the ied
era compact under which they stationed there was
dissolved This question occupied attention until France
neryened In the matter by negotiating for the purchase
Of the territory and fortress The King OF Holland was
willing to SELL provided the European Powers concerned
would agree 10 the transfer. Germany became alarmed
at this and Count Bismarck displayed his accustomed
ability and hrmness In defeating Sapoeon's designs
Toward the close OF the recrminaons 10 which the sub
eet gave rse Count Bismarck declared that Prussia was
position TO consent to tho separation under
any form, OF Luxembourg from Germany or to the evao
ustlOn of the fortress" He, however, modified this
resolution, and consented TO conference,
xphi In on he Of
presidency Of Lord Stanley the representative OF En-
gland. The Powers represented at this conference In
addition to the Grand Duchy itself Prussia, Austria
Russia, England France Italy, Belgium, and Holland.
The Conference closed by signing the Treaty Of London
of which the following is asynopsis:
ART. /. Aflrms the rights OF the King Of Holland
Arr. O. Enscts that LuIemburg shall be perpetually
neutral under the guarantee of Austria, France, Great
Britain, Prussia, and Russia.
Arr; stipulates that the town Of Luxemburg shall
ARI. The King Of Prussia agrees 10 withdraw his
Aerrs. The King OF Holland agrees to demSnsh the
fress OF LuXemburg, so far rs Will comply Win tle III
ART Recognizes that the dissolution Of the Germanc
Confederation led TO rupture OF the bonds when
united the Duchy of Ilmbug collectively Win TIE eEslu
Duchy Of Luxembourg"
This treaty was at ratified by AL the Powers, and
the fortress evacuated by the Prussiaas IN the
OF May and June and the fortress partially razed
the Of the year. Some doubt having arisen re-
gsrdlng the meaning OF the guarantee established by
Art the treaty. 1t officially declared by England
and Russia that they understood It to be only Joint
guarantee and not involving obligation for any Of
the States TO enforce such guarantee separately.
The GrandDuchy OF Luxemburg derives Its importance
from the strsegical advantages Its possession would
give TO either Prussia France 1t is only so square
miles in extent, and had, In 1860, i2s1 inhabitants.
The Of Luxemburg so strong from its natural
position and the defenses which added to It, that
to be the strongest place In Europe
~
The former lies along the banks Of the Abzee and con-
OF two quarters called the Grindel and Pfafentha
The latter stands 200 feet higher, q steep
and scarped rock and is approached from
below by flights of steps and zig rag streets cut out OF
the solid rock and about eight feet in width Previous
90 the demotons made in accordance with the Treaty
OF London the whole rock was surrounded by double
row OF formidable outworks. The most remarkable part
the fortihcations called Le Bouc. consists of rocky
promontory which commands the valley both above and
help