Weekly Trinity journal., 1870-08-13


Napoleon has endeayored to form an offensive
and defensive alliance with Spain, Italy, Austria
and Denmark, but thus far without success.
The various European powers seem determined
on neutrality in the contest. 1t is probable that
some of the powers are waiting for the result Of
the first battle before fully deciding upon their
course.
THE CAUSES OF THE WAR.
France has two great grievances against Prus-
sia which have induced Napoleon HI. to wage
war against her, One is the North Schleswg
question, and the other is the peace of Prague
In regard to the former Prussia is rather weak in
her arguments for she promised the Danish Gov
ernment to return the northern part of Schleswg
and failed to keep her word. The strategical
position of AlSen appears too important to that
power to be given up without hesitation. Prus-
STA also claims certain guarantees for the pro-
lection of the German population in that region
in case it should be given back to Denmark. 1t
IS difficult to Justify this course of the Berlin
Government, and Bismarck shows his aosolutism
by disregardug the stpulations made in good
faith between Prussia and the King of Denmark.
1t may be that the Prussian premier intended to
have this matter unsettled, in order to bring
about decision by force of arms but if this is
the case, he is hardly less to blame than Napo-
leon for having naugurated the present struggle
As for the treaty OF Prague, the French dplo-
macy was very active, and succeeded in obtain
ing better terms for Austria thon had at first
been intended, PruSsan authorities assert that
the interference of France had nothing to do
with the final decision Of the treaty. The fact
however, is that French diplomacy interpreted
the treaty of Prague very differently from Prus-
sia. The Frenchmen said that the Independence
of South Germany from Prussia had been for
ever guaranteed by the treaty. Prussia, how
ever, holds the South German States AT liberty
to act as they choose proper, by either forming
South German Confederation or not. Free
action, she says, includes the spontaneous act Of
joining the North German Confederation,
France first showed signs of ill humor when the
Prussian Military Conventions with South Ger
many became known. These acts were signal
lied by her as Il breach Of the treaty of Prague
Prussia protested against the spirit in which the
treaty was interpreted in Paris, and declared at
that time that France had no business to meddlc
with genuine German questions like the above.
1t now became evident that Prussia was intent
upon complete union with South Germany
and threats were uttered by France until Napo-
leon finally made up his mind to place barrier
before this German movement toward unity
Spain furnished the first pretext for war. But
when that question ceased to be n sufficient
ground for hostities the @ Treaty of Prague
was used for serving Napoleon's purposes
France is opposed to the reunion of Germany as
an individual empire, and, moreover, anxious to
conquer the left border Of the Rhine. This is
the real cause Of the war, and the two great liv-
ing diplomats Napoleon and Bismarck, have
succeeded in naugurating conflict which
promises to assume immense proportions, and of
which the end cannot be foreseen.
DENMARK.
The San Francisco Commercial Herald has this
"Napoleon is exceedingly anxious to draw
Denmark into the conflict as his ally, and Den
mark is almost as anxious to be drawn in, but
is too little to openly express her desire She
therefore desires Napoleon to use little gentle
coercion, which will serve for sufficient excuse,
should Prussia come out ahead. Denmark does
not love Bismarck she has no reason to enter
tain an aiiectiOnate regard for that gentleman,
and would not hesitate to adopt any good pre-
text to manifest her profound dislike. France
will furnish this pretext by sending powerful
feet to Copenhagen, keeping in reserve a trans
port feet ready to carry a corps d'armee, so
soon as Denmark yields to the apparent pressure
With heavy French corps, assisted by Danish
troops, backed by powerful fleet operating on
the northern coast Of Prussia, and possessed Of
all the facilities offered by Denmark Napoleon
will be enabled to create a most formidable di-
version in favor Of his frontier armies. Small
as Denmark is, she Is likely to become very
important feature in the war. She win be to
Prussia what Italy was to Austria in the Franco
Austrian conflict
NAPOLEON.
The present Emperor of the French is the
third son of King Louis Bonaparte Of Holland,
and Of Queen llortensc (Beauharnais) and was
born in Paris on the 28th OF April, 1903. lie
| received his early education in the French cap
ita, and was great iayorte with his uncle,
Napoleon |. After the second restoration Of the
Bourbons, Napoleon followed his mother into
exile, and lived at first in Constance and after
ward in the Swiss town of Arnenberg, until he
was sent to the village Of Augsberg where he
spent eight years After his return to Arenen-
berg, General DutOur gave him military instruc-
ton. lie was first drawn into public life in the
year 1890, where he took part in an insurrcction
in Italy lie returned TO Switzerland in 1882,
and devoted his chief attention to literary pur-
suits. In 1896 he attempted to create a rising
in his favor in France, but was seized by the
Government, and sent to America. He soon re-
turned to England, where he lived precariously.
In 1910 he again attempted to seize upon the
French throne, bat failed ridiculously, was ar
rested near Boulogne, and sentenced to imprson-
ment for life in the citadel OF Ham. During his
imprisonment he published several works. In
/ $40 he found means to make his escape and to
return to London. When the revolution broke
out in l848, he FASTENED back to Paris, but was
directed by the Provisional Government to leave
French territory. He went back to England,
but soon afterward elected a member of the
National Assembly of France. Iii had no sooner
taken his seat in that body, when Napoeonic
demonstrations became the order of the day,
and when the question arose of creating Presi-
dency, the popular name of Napoleon became
victorious. He was elected President of the
French Republic by vote Of 1000, 900 Of French
citizens. Napoleons life was from that time
closely linked with the destnes of France. The
coup d etat is fresh in the minds Of the readers Of
modern history. France has been an Empire
since the I'd Of December, 1851. Political diff
cuties and the aggressive tendencies of Russia,
became the cause Of the Crmean war in 1854
The Austro Italian war was naugurated by Ma
poeon Ia 1859, ana the Mexican expedition in
1862. Napoleon ILL., is now on the eve of great
war, and on the success Of his armies depends
the integrity of his throne.
BISMARCK.
Otto Edward Lnnnnld Cnnnt Of RiamarnL