New-York tribune., 1870-11-30
THE FRANCO-PRUSSI VAR.
LECTURE BY JUSTIN MCCARTHY.

LECTURE BY JUSTIN MCCARTHY.
Justin Mccarthy delivered the fourth lecture
OF the OF $780, under the auspices OF the Young
Mems Uniyersalst Association, large audience in
Association Hall, last evening, the "FrancoPrussian
War" 1t is somewhat hazardous said he to attempt TO
tell the story of that is not yet over; but without
venturng into the regions of prophecy shall endeavOr
to tell the story OF this war; far has gone on and
TO give you understanding of the influences, rvaries
and motives underlying 1t. However may differ as to
the merits OF the war certain points which
shall have disparity of Judgment, and the first is
that 1t commenced upon false pretenses This great
struggle begun nomnslly for trivial that
should hardly wonder if many Of you had forgotten it,
The negotiations which took place in connection with
the Spanish had nothing to do with the real cause
The first and most direct impulse was the waning
popularity the Emperor of the French Early in the
Spring he had tested this popularity and though he got
an answer largely in favor of his policy yet there were
many votes east in the negative, and significant fact
ranks OF the army This convinced him that ms popu-
larty was waning, and he determined 10 make some
Therefore he took advantage OF the ong-sandng eal
Ousy and discomfort existing between France ana Ger
many 10 make declaration of war. In 1866 Prussia,
representing the great principle of German unity had
taken the field against Austria and crushed her IN
single memorable and glorious campaign. From that
moment Germany claimed rivalry with France as the
first military Power of Europe. From that moment the
Prussia, and on the 18th of July the French Minister
openly declared hOstilities against Germany III you
further proof that this predrIangcd, you
viii find in the declaration of the leader of the French
Senate who in his address OF congratulaOn to the
Emperor said Thanks to you, and to four OF pre-
paraion for this struggle, France can now take the
field with certainty OF conquest"
Before entering upon the war, the King OF Prussia
ordered day of prayer, and humiliation while France
for several days previous wild with joy over the
prospect OF war with Germany
The speaker then reviewed the principal military OPP
eratOns of the war; and described the characters OF the
prominent who figured in II. The Emperor Of the
French, he said, General. Marshal Mac acMahon,
though brave and gallant soldier was in no wise quail
counted little or nothing In the military events OF the
war. He has made a becoming and dignlfed figure
head and that is about his sole power But lie has two
remarkable merits for sovereign: He Is man OF his
word and he understands his value soldier and
has the good to leave ~ wiser heads the actual
working out of the great end.
After describing the Of battles which resulted In
the overthrow OF the French Empire the speaker sad
From the fall Of Napoleon the French Republic.
The leaders whom must all admire, and with
whom we must feel the deepest sympathy For long time
whole strength OF the Empire and kept alive the spirit OF
freedom in the hope that France might return again TO
republican freedom Nc doubt should all be glad
Germany would sheath the sword, but this Il not
q mere trial OF strength, 1t is an e1oTt on
aggressons, and there is no reason why Ger
many should place any more trust IN The French
Republic than in the French Empire. The great
Her boundary TO the Rhine. Some of the
truest Republicans have gone for that as well
Germany, ave have dethr0ned your enemy" Germany
answers Did you dethrone Napoleon because he made
war on Germany, because he failed to make on
Germany" Had Napoleon succeeded in realizing the
plan Of his campaign, he would have come back to
France the idol OF the French nation. We can hardly
blame Germany for insisting upon ample security ioI
In conclusion the speaker sadihe great trumphs OF
France have not been only in the arts OF She has
always taken the lead in the fields OF science literature
and art and she will learn from this great struggle
the lessons OF wisdom and moderation no power can pre-
vent her from becoming again one of the foremost
nations OF Europe