The New York herald., 1870-09-16
Tho Neutral Rower. and tho war

The neutral Powers have been placed in
peculiar position by the war. The results Of
the war have proved a surprise. As we
have said, once and again, 1t was not at the
outset expected that the balance Of power
would be seriously affected. Naturally
enough, therefore, the neutral Powers looked
on as unconcerned spectators. Latterly, how
ever, it is manifest unconcern has given placs
to jealousy and fear. Russia and Austria
have in consequence become oficious. Great
Britain, with characteristic caution and with
not little cunning, stands aloof. Russia and
Austria, if report speaks true, advise Prussia
and recommend peace. Great Britain gives
no advice, offers no recommendation. The
great neutral Powers are therefore divided.
Russia and Austria take one course. Great
Britain takes another. Which course is right?
To answer this question properly we must
consider the position Of Prussia. Prussia did
not begin the war. The war was forced upon her.
If France had been successful France would
| most assuredly have marched upon Berlin
and would most certainly have insisted on tho
annexation of the Rhine provinces. France
did, in fact, avow this purpose. We do not
say that, had Prussia been humblcd, the
neutral Powers would not have interfered.
But we do say that victorious France would
have clung to her purpose. France has not
been successful Prussia has. Has not
Prussia fair right to march on and dictate
peace, if not from the Tuileries at least under
the walls Of Paris Fair play is jewel all the
world round and all the world through. Have
we right to say that Russia and Austria are
right in attempting to make Prussia halt be-
fore she has done her work? Would Russia,
would Austria, have halted where they now,
both of them, bid Prussia halt? They would
not. No Power would. No Power durst.
King William may be wrong in standing by
the defunct government, which was certainly
based on the popular will, and in despising
the actual government, which is self-consti-
tuted. But no one can deny that King
William has tho right to be satisfied that in
settling this question, which has cost his
he has right to deal with the representatives
of the French nation. Great Britain does not
stand in the way of King Williams purpose;
andlalthough ia so acting Great Britain may
be selfish, who has right, as yet, to say that
she is wrong?
1t is our conviction that this war is about
to be ended that, in fact, it must be ended
The original cause of the war no longer exists.
France has ceased to be aggressive. Germany
is sick of bloodshed. Europe, in all it's length
and breadth, trembles for possible conse-
quences It is more than possible that those
Powers which stand aloof, waiting for fitting
opportunity to interfere, are doing quite as
much in the interests Of peace and final and
satisfactory settlement as those who are off,
cious and meddlesome. Prussia is the vic
tor, and Prussia must be allowed to make
her terms in her own way. While Richmond
was being invested would we have allowed any
Power to dictate to US how to treat the foe ?
Certainly not. While, therefore, we hope aud
pray that Par, may be spared, let us be just
The neutral Powers must be left to decide for
themselves.