The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1870-07-16
War Mt Last.

France yesterday declared war against
Prussia. The occasion is the refusal of the
King Of Prussia to receive the French Am
bassador in special audience on Thursday.
THIS is a frivolous pretext, but IL will do.
From the beginning Of the agitation respect
ing the nomination Of the Hohenzollern
Prince, which first appeared in the Corps
Jegisatif on the 9Th inst, II has been evil
dent that the French Government intended
70 force on war; and all the correspond
cnce and negotiations that have since taken
place between Paris and Berlin have been 90
many moves upon the diplomatic chess
board 10 obtain satisfactory starting point
for hostilites. In these moves there can be
no question that Prussia has greatly the ad-
vantage. To make war to prevent the ele-
walton Of o Prussian Prince TO the Spanish
throne would not be without sense on the
part Of France; but TO make war because a
King declines to receive an Ambassador at q
particular time lie certainly the most trifiing
reason possible for creating a gigantic con-
vulsion. In the preliminaries TO the war
LOUIS NAPOLEON and his Ministers have
been beaten; and 1t now remains 10
be seen whether their fortunes in the field
will be any better.
In the ten days that have elapsed since the
opening of this surprising drama, we have
constantly been Informed that the prepare
lions Of the French were Of the most power.
full as well as the most rapid character; and
the opinion has universally prevailed that q
sudden blow from the mighty force that Ma.
roLEoS has collected must take Prussia en-
tirely at disadvantage. But there is ample
reason to believe that the Prussians have
also been getting ready; and 1t is probable
chat they are fully as well prepared as their
opponents, and that any military success
gained by either party will result only from
superior generalship and stronger fighting
The war of Prussia with Austria in 1896
was decided by q single battle, and was ter
minated as If by magic; but II is diff
cult to see how the present war can have
. speedy conclusion. Not only is the
quarrel between tho parties a histor
heal one, repeatedly closed, but never settled,
and one that infames in an extraordinary
degree the national passions of both the
French and the Prussians but IL is quarrel
that is likely TO draw into its vortex all the
other great powers of Europe. Nor can we
In the United States count upon occupying
The position merely of interested spectators
Spain, subordinate party TO the war, claims
10 exercise sovereignty over the island of
Cuba. In this island the American people
have permanent interest. 1t belongs by its
geographical situation TO the system of the
United States. Nature has made it to be
one of our most important outposts and
although our present weak and corrupt Ad.
ministration has failed to understand the
nature of the question, and has labored from
pecuniary causes to assist there the de-
caying power of Spain; and although our
people have looked on with Indignation. but
without action. il is impossible that we
should ever allow it to pass into the hands of
another power than Spain, without asserting
our own rights, if necessary, by force of arms
Thus it is that, in spite Of all we may do, we
may be compelled to take part in this great
contest, which, as it now opens threatens TO
become one Of the most tremendous ever wit
messed, and TO involve all Christendom in its
struggles and its risks.