The New York herald., 1870-08-14
ENGLAND.
Fear Of n European War-Dauger to Bel
Gium-teneral Agitation and Excitcmenu-
Indignation Against the Continental
P0wers-Cabinet PrecautiOn and Exceptional
Measures.


Measures.
LONDON, July 80. 1870.
Everybody admits that the present position of
affairs In Europe IS not only grave in the last de-
gree respects Prussia and France but extremely
critical in regard to England. Just the greatest
excitement prevails throughout Great Britain and
added TO that excitement there is uneasiness
which has not been manifested since the complca-
tions which led to the outbreak Of the Crimean
Events have thickened with such rapidity that
have found it difficult to keep abreast of
them, and this difficulty has been very largely
increased by the surprise which has been
caused IN consequence OF the revelations
that have been made in connection with
the projected secret treaty between the King Of
Prussia and the Emperor of the French. / am not
over estimating the enect when l say that event
which has occurred In Europe since the downfall Of
the first empire has created greater CONSERVATION
among English statesmen thrown the imperial
Parliament into such a hutter OF distraction ana
alarm Indignation is but weak term to employ
10 express the feeling that exists, and Mr.. Glad
stone will find that all his tact intelligence and
bounteous mental endowments will be requisi to
enable him successfully to weather the universal
storm which, according to present appearances, Is
inevitably brewing in Europe
The outlook all sides dark that not even
the most sangune apostle Of peace dares to hope
that England will be able to keep herself aloof from
the terrible struggle This, at all events Is the view
OF the matter which is taken by Mr.. Disraeli, ana
there Is a very large section on both sides OF the
House who are inspired by the same sentiments,
and who prepared should the opportunity
arise, 10 give them practical effect
There has OF late years peen great ubila.iOn
the labors of Mr. Golden in the interests OF peace,
and many people have not scrupled to assert that
the time mad gone by forever for England embrOi-
ing herself in Continental disputes ana cOmplica-
tons. All this, however, is mistake and based
r,.t=n pnNt, Ninnn Ity,svn
warllke feeling IN the minds OF the multitude, and
this feeling hnds practical vent in the utterances OF
| members OF Parliament. ! have watched the cur
| rent OF opinion IN the House of Commons for many
years, and have no hesitation in declaring that
should either belliSerent violate the neutrality or
| Belgium majority, composed of wings and tories
alike, Would Ut once demand that England should
proclaim war against the aggressor. SO strong. in
deed, has this feeling become since the publication
OF the secret treaty that believe the Cabinet Will
experience the utmost difficulty in keeping the ma
tioii clear OF contest England feels that she Is
standing upon the thin crust Of political volcano
which may at any time break and launch her into
the abyss.
| pIsRAELl's WAR CHANCE.
One thing that Is perfectly clear is that II either
France or Prussia violates Belgium territory Mr..
| This Is point upon which the country has reso-
| lutely made up its mind, and should the present
| Disraeli, unpopular he undoubtedly Is, viii un-
doubtediy assume the rens OF office and send an
| English expedition to the Netherlands.
| GLADsTONE's PREcAUTION.
| That the government are seDsibly alive to the
made evident BY the action they are taking. They
have introduced dill giving to the responsible ad-
| visers OF the Crown power to summon Parliament
| together upon a six days, instead OF a ten days
| notice This looks very like as ir the government
had grave apprehensiOns respecting what Is likely
| to happen, and as If they were preparing for an
| autumn session.
THE NATIONAL DEFENCEs
Meanwhile there Is loud Outcry respecting the
| state OF the army ana the defences. Economy has
been OF late years favOrlte cry reductions
| been made so eXtravagantly, that 1t Is said were
/ Dp
would be to suffer reverses and, perhaps, ma
| tional dishonor. Great pressure Is being brought
| to bear upon the government TO make them adopt
| measures for putting both the army ana the navy
| upon more satisfactory footing. Government Is
| responding to the appeals and no ultimate fear is
entertained by those who remember what was done
| by the Americans In an Incredibly short space OF
time In organizing one OF the most powerful and
efficient volunteer armies whereof the world has had
| experience.