The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-10-26
HANDS OFF.
Fair PIny for the French Republic.
THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD

| TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD:-
The news recently received from Europe points 10
combination between certain neutral nations TO
bring TO close the bloody scenes that are being
nacted in France. peace based upon the reciuc
tlon and dsmantng Of the slrongholds OF Eastern
France, a money compensation 10 Prussia ana the
restoration Of the French empire would apparently
suit the taste or England, Austria and Italy and
even Prussia might prove coudescending enough to
accept these terms
Doubtless there Is party IN France which Is long
ing and plotting for the destruction OF republican,
ism and the return OF the Emperor. Dependence
upon the aid which this party would readily yield To
the would-be friends or France In the achievement
or such plot fosters these vain hopes and prompts
the diplomats Of monarchical countries TO attempt
an apparently benevolent mediation But If there
remains In France spark OF the old Are OF chvalry
that distinguished IL OF yore among natons-and the
popular rising In defence OF ITS soil which il each
day rendering more difficult the sels-imposed task
OF the Prusslans proves that 1t ia not extinct
France VIII cry Glands or ~ to all Intermediates
and claim 10 settle without external and pseudo.
sympathetic interference the quarrel that mas been
forced upon her by the cowardly yrant who has
vacated his throne
The game OF chess which Bismarck, King william
ana Won Moltkc have been playing against the
French nation Il brilliant, but nnsound. They have
been whipping pieces and pawns or the board with
a dash and gallantry that have won for them the
paudts OF military critics. They opened their game
better and brought their men earlier into play than
their opponents; but, blinded by early successes
they failed to see the cautious and determined de-
fence that the Irochus and Gambetas organic
ing. They failed to notice that they were losing
piece for piece ana pawn for pawn, and that re-
served forces were being raised all around them,
which would finally involve them in inevitable
checkmate.
France has the game In her own hands Let her
but pcrsevere; let her silence the weak or treache-
rous counseors that plead Tor ignomnous
peace; let her pursue her policy OF training gradu
ally to her newly-ralsed egions by sortes that
harass the enemy let her Francs-treurs continue to
lnlict daily punishment upon the marauding bands
OF Prussans that infesL her pr0vinces UNTIL ind-
rated and strengthened 10y practice, her troops,
throwing themselves upon the rear OF the army In
vesting Paris cut OIL their communications and
crush them between Two fires: and France Will then
dictate terms Prussia, and not humbly bow TO the
fate which II may please the Prnsslan monarch TO
dictate.
In the dav of It's trial, however there must be in
France, on the part OF Its leaders no mawkish sem
tmcntality but hrmness and decision In dealing
with the traitor. who plot 10 smother the young re-
public and replace on his throne the ercte Napo-
leon.
Traitors who conspire
Against mature societies,
iheit acts - bold and daring and though villains
let they are manly villains. But to stab
The Graded innocent, as these have done;
10 strike their country In the mother
Of struggling childbirth, and direct ths dagger
10 freedoms infant throat, 10 . deed so black
mat my rolled tongue refuses IL name
Let not the monarchical ring in France urge too
Iar, py It's vie potngs, the hitherto moderate
pubncans. The patience and lenienCy OF these
challenges the admiration OF tine world. The crush.
ing OF traitors may become more mercfu than their
pardon. To he weak now would be 4 crime.