The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1870-07-28
s. C.
Thursd forming, July 20, 1870.
The Belligcrents.

of power and more satisfactory adjust
ment of the relations Of the great
powers, we are puzzled to know what
arrangement can be effected to bring
about the result aimed at. The princi-
pal powers of Europe were never before
80 near to an equality of forces as they
now are. Franco has 39.000,000 of poo
pie, Austria SO. 900, 900, and Prussia, with
her new accessions and allies, 35,OO0,-
600. Before tho late war between Prus-
sia and Austria, the former kingdom was
fully third weaker than her Imperial
neighbors. There were left outside of
the two great Kingdoms of Germany
large number of small States. which were
constantly exposed to the consequences
of any quarrels between the two large
ones, and whose relations to each other
were continually huctuating, to their
own trouble and damage, and the provo
cation of intrigues and diplomatic con-
troversies with their neighbors. It was
to end this troublous and uncertain con-
dition of affairs and bring about real
union of the German people. that Prus-
sin initiated her war against Austria. Her
aim was to consolidate the German peo-
pie under her own lead and direction.
She claimed to be entitled to such pro-
minence by virtue Of her larger German
population; and in this she has succeed
ed by arms. Suppose the war should
give France the extension of her boun-
daries to the Rhine, Prussia or Germany
would thus be reduced Mt least one third
in power and population below France,
with which she is now equol. At least
9,OOO,O 600 of Germans would thus be cut
off from their confederation, and made
part and parcel of France, thereby aug
menting that Empire to such giant pro-
portions as would render further absorp-
tions dependent entirely upon her will,
her caprice, her moderation. Would
this be satisfactory Balance OF power?
Oa the other hand, if Prussia should
carry out the ambitious pretension set
up by some of her too ardent champi-
ons, and attempt to regain and restore
TO German brotherhood the old province
of Alsace and the Moselle, so long held
by France, there would be like disturb
ance of the proper and wise balance of
power. Either result ought to be dcpre-
Gated by all who desire to see tho pence
of the world preserved, and the horrors
of war and constant strife between neigh
horinr nooDlns Dreyentcd
Speaking of the chief actors in the
tragedy, the New Orleans 2imss says:
The chief actors IN the grand drama
about to be enacted on the European
stage do not enjoy the great advantages
Of youthful FIRE and vigor. King Will
liam of Prussia is scventy-four, Louis
Napoleon is in his siXty-sccond year, and
besides, is greatly afflicted with the gout
having to wear shoes much too large for
his feet On the other hand, bismarck
is similarly afflicted. In his case it is
called rheumatism, but we imagine both
are meeting the drafts upon old age of
their youthful exccsscs. They were alike
wild young men, and wero involved in
their younger days in many sad scrape
Ambition and favorable events turnod
their natural vigor, which was long vast
ed in revelry and mad adventures, into
the political channel, and for the last fif-
teen or twenty years they have been the
Leading rulers Of political sentiment and
OF the destiny Of nations in Europe.
They are, i'll fact, the only prominent
statesmen on the continent. Old King
William is grim old soldier, rigid
martinez, but man Of intense national
ity. He camc to tile throne when quito
an old man, and had nong the grave
and serious Prussinns the benefit Of
very favorable contrast with his predeces-
sor, jolly old Frederick William Nv, vul-
carly styled "Old CIicquot," from his
excessive bibulosity. The contrast be-
tween the two monarchs was rs striking
as that between jolly Charles II of Eng
land and his saturnine and superstitious
successor, James II.
The broad, red, jolly face of Fredc-
rick William, who, in 1913, pledged his
faith to the pcopio and the Constitution. :.
on the most democratic basis. is an
agreeable relief to the stern md severe
visage of the old martinez King, who
now wiclds the sceptre over 10000, 900
OF war-like people. Next to the
monarchs and the chief minister of the
,aI nnf,