New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-07-26
HIP TOPICS

and Others that, in view of existing European
complications, Congress ought to provide fOr
a large increase of our naval force, so that we
may be prepared to maintain our dignity and
assert our rights in case America should be-
come endangered. In other words, we are
urged to establish a powerful navy so as to be
ready for war. But if we take this ground In
regard to the Navy, we must also take
it in regard to the Army; and we
should for the same reason, provide for
a large increase in our military establish
ment-rasing our effective force to at least
half million strong, and keeping it always
ready for action, according to the European
custom. If we are in any danger OF getting
into trouble with any of the Governments of
Europe there is no sea-gOlng navy we could
get up in the next year or two that would be
of much avail against the navies OF the lead
ing Powers. or even of the second-class Powers.
Consequently, we should at once raise tre-
mendous army, and keep it up after tits raised
since, for the present at least, it as on the
American continent that American rights must
be asserted and American dignity maintained.
I'm our opinion, the argument of Admiral POr
ter for great navy is quite as falacious as
the argument for great American army.
We learn by late advices from Europe
that Mazini and Garibaldi, with the Demo-
cratic Associations under their control, are
active in their preparations for revolution
airy uprising in Rome. 1t is not supposed that
the present war will pass over without furnish
ing them an opportunity for the development
of their long-aid schemes. The Italian Gov
eminent has proclaimed its neutrality in the
present struggle between France and Prussin
but we cannot suppose the Italians would be
grieyed at such a result of the would
give Rome to Italy and complete the edifice
of Italian unity. A Paris dispatch, dated yes
tcrday, says that the gradual evacuation of
Rome by the French troops has been decided
upon. If this be true, the Roman question will
soon assume new shape.
This is an unfortunate time for the out
break of the personal ailments which have so
long afflicted the French Emperor, and which
during the last ten years have frequently
brought him to grief and into the doctors
hands. Many commander has lost cam
paign and suffered ruin from an outbreak of
the govt or the collie on the day of battle.
Napoleon is trying dangerous experiment in
going to the field while he is i'll his present
| condition.
| We have before us an inquiry for infOrma-
ton as to the relative magnitude of the public
debt of France and of Prussia, to which we
referred yesterday. The national debt of
! France is more than eight times greater than
that of Prussia. The debt of Prussia may be
represented, in round numbers, as S32G,OOC,OOO,
while that of France is as high as S2,7G1 100000.
The administration of the Prussian Govern
ment is cheaper than that of any other gov
eminent in Europe, proportionately to the
population and the service rendered.
A Wall-st. sharper had the good luck yes
terday to discover secret treaty between
England and Russia" the contents of which
he would not altogether divulge 1t was writ
ten on thin yellow paper with a pencil; was
found in the back room of basement office
and just before the discovery two or three
wretched looking men were seen to emerge
from this back room. The news of the treaty
quickly spread around the street and reached
the Gold Room, where it sent up the premium
on gold one per cent, and strengthened the
"market." We wish the English and Russian
Governments would be more particular, and
not allow their secret treaties to lie around
loose in this way, especially if they are of
belligerent character.
Those who are at this time taking every
occasion to refer to the assistance rendered to
America by France in the Revolution, should
take the trouble to understand the facts. The
French BOurbons - the elder and younger
branches of the family-have shown their
friendship for this country in both of our
great wars-that of 1916 and that of 1861
Louis XVI. sent us military assistance in the
war of the Revolution, and two of the Orleans
Princes served in our army in the war against
the Rebellion. But to the NapOleOnic dynasty,
as represented in the First and Second Empires,
we cannot say we are much indebted. NapO-
leon |. sold us Louisiana for a good round
price, because he could MT help it and Napo-
leon ILL.,, during the late war, made repeated
and determined attempts to form a military
alliance against lis, for our destruction The
Bourbons befriended u.s. and we must not lose
sight OF the fact Napoleon tried to destroy
US, ana we have not forgotten it. Why should
we feel very grateful to Napoleon for the ser
vices rendered us by the Bourbon family,
which he has always persecutedf
The French Emperor was anxious that the
Franco Austrian war of 1859 should be zone
" battle war" but it was only brought to q
termination after two great battles. The last
war OF Prussia against Austria is usually
spoken OF as One-battle war, though there
were other actions beside that of Sadowa. 1t
seems as though both of the parties to the
present war are making preparations that in
dictate their desire to decide it by a single |
battle. They are massing the bulk of their
armies at opposite points on their respective |
frontiers, and are evidently determined not to |
begin operations till ready for a decisive test |
of strength
No German. whether or not he be natural |