The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-07-16
when TKostilities will Begin.
The French and Prussian Generals.
Miraculous Escape from Death
a Singular Religious Sect.
Etc. ETC.. ETC.. Etc.s Etc.
THE FOREIGN WAR.
Alliances and Combinations,

II impossible, at this time to form any intelli
gent idea as to the alliances and combinations that
may be formed by either OF the principals to the pre-
sent war. II can hardly be supposed that Spain
whose action in regard to the crown was the imme
trouble to France, a civil war will in all proba-
blity now break out in that country between the
different factions-the Bourbons, the Republicans
that she Will maintain her neutrality, unless third
power should interfere. 1t is said that Holland vii
be neutral. 1t is announced that both beligerents
will respect the neutrality OF Belgium 1t appears
that Bavaria will for the present maintain an atti
tude of reserve. II was announced some days ago
that Prince Napoleon had gone to Copenhagen, and
1t was surmised that his mission was to form spe-
cial alliance with Denmark in view of contingencies
I. is unlikely that Sweden in the north, Swizer-
land in the south, Will play any part in the Italy
Will doubtless maintain attitude of observation
and neutrality. 1t is hardly worth while to form
conjecture to the conduct of England and Russia
both of which powers will doubtless, however,
wait for the development of events. Some days ago
Mr.. Gladstone said in Parliament that "France had
threatened to proceed TO extremitles; and should
she persist in executing her threats, Her Majestys
Government would exhaust every means to prevent
war upon q case 30 little warrantng it."
But at a still later date he said that "the British
Government, in common with the European Cabi-
nets, sustained the position taken by the Duke de
Gramont, which was that Spain was entitled to
choose any one for king except German prince"
The chances and probabilities of the case, how
ever, as they seem at the present hour, may be
changed In single day, or by single incident. One
power or another may be drawn into the conflict;
and from the present difficulty we may general
European war which will not be terminated till the
map Of Europe" Is reconstructed in several i'm
pOrtant respects.
The French and German Generals.
1t was telegraphed few days SINCE that Marshal
Mcmahon would be put in immediate command OF
the army operating upon the Rhine, and that Count
against Spain. Marshal Mcmahon distinguished
himself In the last two great wars of France-tnat
against Russia and that against Austria~in the
former of which he was the ''hero Of the Nrala-
kon' and in d the latter r the 'hero OF Magenta"
by birth, but descended from an ancient Irish
family. He was educated at the military school of
,Ur and in 10 ar in
For his achievements in the Austrian war he was
created Duke Of Magenta. Marshal Bazaine is So
eminent services in the Crimean war, superseded
by General Forey as commander of the French army
in Mexico, and was created Marshal OF France.
Count Pakao is chiefly known for the part he bore
in the French war with China, in which he displayed
OF the Prussan army the King is Commander-in-
Chief But the planning of the campaign viii doubt
less be the work OF the distinguished and valuable
Chief OF staff, General MolGke, who has been
accorded the highest honor as the panner OF the
against Austria The two Prussian princes, Frede-
rick William and frederick Charles, who command I'd
in the field in the Prussian Austrian war; will doubt
less also be in command in the present campaign
and General Manteuffe, who demonstrated his
genius in the war OF 1866, will again be in immediate
IL will be seen that in both armies there are COM
manders Of great talent and experience Among the
subordinate officers there many who took part in
one or other of the campaigns Of the last fifteen
years; and In the rank and file OF both armies
there are to be found in greater or lesser numbers
troops who served in these wars, and who will
therefore, bring to the service those valuable mill
tary qualities which only acquired by actual ex
peTience before the enemy.
The Arms.
The troops Of the French army are now supplied
with the Chassepot, whose value was tried, in a
small way, on the Romans three years ago. The
Prussian troops are furnished with the Zundnadel-
gewebr, or needle gun, whose terribly destructive
power was demonstrated upon the Austrians in the
battle of Sadowa four years ago. Both of these
kinds of rifles is superb; but we shall be better
able to decide upon their relative merits at the close
of the first campaign.
TAe Immediate Scene of Operations.
It is as yet impossible to forecast the exact locality
where the first collision will take place. There will
doubtless be IN a short time great struggle for the
possession OF Luxembourg, the dismantling OF which
was demanded by France as the price of peace four
years ago. The work of destruction has, however,
been but partial and OF this France has frequently
complained. For guarding the frontier and defend
ing the Rhine, well as for covering and support
ing invasion of France, better position can be
fOnnd than InXemDQrQ.