The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-11-09
rue Herald tho o1ou.hpiese Of Great Mon.

\
and Prince Leopold Of Hohcnzollern and
General Changarnier. The object of those in
tcryiews--to ascertain the opinions of these
prominent men on the war and matters per-
tanning TO twas frankly stated by our cor
respondents when making the request, and the
interviews were as frankly granted both by
| the Prince and General. There was no re-
scrye-no fear Of having their views pub
lished to the world. They seemed to think
that mankind had right to know their sentl-
ments, and that the leading journal Of tho
great American republic was the proper
medium through which to communicate them.
This is a significant fact, showing on one hand
the power of the press, and, on the other, the
progress of liberal and democratic ideas even
among the princes and statesmen OF monarchi-
cal Europe. How different the conduct Of
these persons in this respect to that OF some OF
our small politicians. who are afraid of being
interviewed by men Of the press
Hardly any of our readers can have failed
to notice the clearly expressed views Of Prince
Hohenzolern on the cause of the war, particu-
larly as he was such prominent actor in the
commencement of the trouble. His being q
candidate for the Spanish throne was the pre-
text Napoleon made for declaring war against
Prussia. But he says this honor was unsought
by him, that the crown was offered in good
faith By General Prim, mainly with the view
of drawing Spain and Portugal into closer
union in the future, as his wife was Portu-
gese princess He believed Napoleon had
resolved to conquer Germany, undertaking the
strength of that country, for even his with
drawal from being a candidate for the Spanish
throne did not satisfy the French Emperor.
He said that the King of Prussia and all the
German princes desired peace, and more so
than the German people. Though he thinks
the French have not realized fully the helpless
condition to which they are reduced he still
believes that if the mass Of the people could
vote on the question the war would be closed
Immediately. He considers the obstacle to
peace to be in the leaders of the French people
and the rabid press Of Paris. 1t is his opinion
that the present lesson, bitter as 1t is, will
benefit the French by curing their national
vanity, subduing their ambition and
making them more practical people.
The Prince said many other sensible things and
concluded by remarling that Germany would
never pause an instant in the war till she
obtained her object, and that the bombardment
Of Paris would commence Immediately the
siege guns shall be in place unless negotiations
for peace should be successful.
General Changarnier did not hesitate to say
to our other correspondent that Bazaine could
and ought to have Gu. his way through the
besieging forces at Metz before his army was
too reduced to make the attempt. In this his
opinion accords with that expressed by Gene
raj Grant. He said, however, that at the time
Of surrender the beleaguered army was incapa-
BILE OF cutting its way through the German
forces. He blames Bazaine for his incapacity
and for sacrificing his magnificent army
through his ambitious and intriguing conduct,
was traitor. The old hero spoke with deep
feeling Of the sad condition of France. He
thought the republicans impracticable, and
believed the only hope for the future repose
and prosperity of his country was in the resto-
ration of the Orleans dynasty.
Thus we see how earnestly and frankly
these distinguished men conversed with our
correspondents. II will he remembered, too
in connection with this subject Of the press
being made the medium of great men commu-
nicating their views to the world, that Count
Bismarck some time ago discussed freely
his policy aud important State matters with
another correspondent of the HERALD. This
able statesman comprehended at once the
power Of the press and the value of having
his views published first in the leading indie
pendent journal of America. The account OF
that interview created great sensation in
Germany and throughout Europe, as Count
Bismarck, no doubt expected it would. The
policy of his administration was fully revealed.
| On another occasion, as will also be remem-
| bered, the great Austrian statesman, Won
Beust, exposed to a HERALD correspondent
his views and purposes in the government Of
| Austria. We might mention also our special
reports ofimportant and interesting interviews
with Menabrea, the Premier of Italy, with
Cardinal Antonelli, with the Emperor Napo-
leon and with other European statesmen and
heads of government All this shows The
mighty agency of the Independent press in the
world and the sagacity of STATESMEN in recog-
nzing that fact. 1t is the new power Of modern
times-a power to which monarchs bow an(
by which people are led. 1t Is, as Junius said
the palladium of liberty 1t is, in connection
with the telegraph aud steam power, the lever
etructs mankind and that marches at the heat
of the civilization of this wonderful, progress
sive age.
THE ELECTION AND WALL STGEET.-Th,
Wall street spectators went home Monday