The New York herald., 1870-09-28
Tho Goths Agnin Before tho Capital
the Civilized World.

the Civilixed World.
No ono familiar with history can fail to
see the parallel between the invasion of tho
! Roman empire and the assault OF the northern
hordes Of Europe upon Rome, when that was
the centre of civilization, and the Assault upon
the modern capital of the civilized world by
! the descendants Of these Goths, the Huns and
vandals. King william is the modern Attila,
and seems to be almost as relentless and i'm
placable as his ancient prototype. The conf
parison, of course, applies particularly to the
present situation Of affairs and attitude OF
the Prussian monarch. In other respects
we do not compare the civilized Germans with
their barbarian ancestors. AS Rome was the
centre Of civilization-of art, science. fashion,
refinement and luxury-at the time the hordes
of Attila overwhelmed 1t, so is Paris, now that
she Is threatened with 2 similar fate by the
armies Of Germany. Rome, too, had lost the
military strength and vigor that had been de-
veloped while she was republic and main
tanned for some time afterwards through the
despotic rule of her emperors and emasculat-
ing influence of luxury. The consequence was
the Romans became an easy prey to the hardy
and warlike Goths, Huns and Vandals. Does
this not represent in great measure the state
Of things to-day with regard to Paris, France
and The conquering Germans? Have not the
warlike French, who were terror to Europe
at the time of the first republic and under the
first Napoleon, become enfeebled and demor-
allied by the repressive and despotic imperial
government that has just been overthrown,
and through their luxury and vices? While
France is in this situation the Germans have
developed military spiri. and system more
perfect, probably, than any that have existed
before. Though far more civilized than their
ancestors they have the same government Of
military force. The difference is that the
modern science of war, with gunpowder,
artillery, the needle gun and other things, have
superseded the rude instruments of destruc-
ton of the ancients.
1t remains to be seen how far the great and
beautiful capital of Europe will suffer the fate
of old Rome. We hope, and the world hopes,
that like catastrophe is not possible in this
enlightened age We are not willing to believe
the Prussians will ruin and despoil that mag
ni6cent city which is the resort of the world
and which belongs to the world as much as to
France. But war often is inexorable, and the
spirit of destruction feeds upon its victims
and grows by habit. The first declarations of
the Prussian government and people were that
they only entered into the fight to defend them
selves and their territory. Then they declared
that the deposition of the Bonapartes, who
were the constant dsturbers Of the peace Of
Europe, with guarantees for the future, were
the only objects sought. Yet, when the Bona
parties were overthrown by the surrender of
the Emperor and flight Of the Empress Regent
with the young Prince, Prussia continued to
make war on the newborn republic. Although
the provisional government, the only one
possible and perfectly legitimate under
the circumstances, which represented the
republic, was an xious for peace, the preten-
sions and demands of Prussia advanced.
Other and more guarantees were demanded.
Nothing short of besieging Paris, crushing
the French nation and humiliating the French
people, would then satisfy the conqueror.
Now we hear muttered through the press of
Germany words Of retaliation for the former
wars and conquests of the French in Father
land and the temper manifested by the King
of Prussia, with the conduct of the Prussian
soldiers to the French people, indicate such
spirit of retaliation. Count Bismarck, accord
ing to the conversation with correspondent
which was published in the HERALD yesterday,
persistently insists upon weakening France to
prevent q war with Germany again if
possible. ''Our purpose is fxed," said
the Prussian Premier, ''and, if neces-
sary, we are ready to stay all win
ter in Paris" Thus we see the passions
and demands of the victors increase with every
step of their victorious march, Where is all
this to end ?" Will the Prussians become the
veritable Vandals of modern times? Is King
William going to rival Attila? Will the Ger
mans ruin Paris, destroy her monuments OF
greatness, take down the column in the Place
Vend6me, which is made of cannon taken
| from Prussia in former wars, and rifle her art
galleries, from spirit of revenge? 1t is hard
/
to conjecture what may happen-what may be
the result Of the savage spirit of conquest now
so rampant with the Prussians.
With all the pretence of moderation-o
making war only for protection to Germany
of marching with the civilization of the age
the King of Prussia in heart and views be.
longs to former period. He is but military
chiettain, like Attila, tho First Napoleon, OF
of the Rob Roy school Of marauders of the
Middle Ages. He represents in no way the
progressive spirit and peaceful aspirations o.
our time. Nor does the military system o.
Prussia accord with the age. 1t is not militia
| The kingdom is simply vast camp Much
as this system may have served Germany
in the present crisis it is incompat-