New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-09-17
p O ST S G RIPT.
A A. M.

LNGLAND OPPOSED TO MEDIATION Be
TWEEN FRANCE AND PRUSSIA.
IMPORTANT SPEECH OF THE cp,ycPrrop on
THE ExCHEQUER-AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT
OF THE POLICY OF THE BRITISH GOVERN
MEST.
LONDON, Friday, Sept 10, 1870
Mr.. Lowe, the Chancellor Of the Hxcheouer in a
speech this afternoon at Elgin, pronounced in the
strongest manner sgainst intervention or mediation
between France and Prussia in any form whatever.
Intervention means abandonment of neutrality.
But We have no desire whatever to be drawn into a
quarrel not of seeking. see no
whatever to apprehend that we shall
Mediation We tried befor,sgar. But when you come
to speak Of mediation after the sword has been
drawn you get totally different set Of considera-
tons. 1t is no longer question of rights of parties,
but question of relative power. The sword Is an
evil mediator, but does its work decisiyely and if
4fter the parties have appealed to the sword We
were to begin to mediate then should be wear
ing our neutrality exceedingly thin.
The conflicting nations known their own strength
and what they require for security, II a third
ton tries TO interpOse between them whatever adj
the other and cease to be neutral. Should we adj
wise Prussia to be content with less than she de-
mands we should be actually taking the part Of
France against Prussia. and throwing our moral
might into the scale in favor Of France II, on the
hand we advised France TO accept terms she deemed
inconsistent with national dignity, should he TAX
ing the part Of Prussia That is exactly what in my
judgment we ought TO avoid
Another reason why we ought 10 abstain from in
reference and mediation IT, that IL is not possible TO
act without leaving lasting wound behind Sup
pose were TO recommend Prussia tO do something
less than she believes necessary, it would always
rsnkle in the mind of Prussia that she felt herself
compelled to listen TO advice. Prussian states
men would feel that we had baked them in the
ment of success, and it would be standing griey-
auce against us forever.
Ii we were to advise France to take terms from
Prussia Surprising she demands a cession Of terri
tory, would it be wise in us to associate England
with what France would regard as humiliation
She would ever after say Engand's hand was ia the
matter-England had put pressure upon France 10
compel her to submit 70 what she ought t. have
resisted.
Therefore think if we really mean TO keep En-.
gland out of the conflict only policy is that Of
forbearing from what / would call oficious inter
yention between the parties. IL both parties wished
for our decision il would be duty and pleasure
To give it, and / am the people Of England
would think we should only be doing our duty. Be
yond that, in my Judgment we ought not TO 60 We
ought not to abandon the neutral character have
assumed.
The two great nations have taken upon themselves
this tremendous struggle. They have appealed from
right to force force must decide between them by
force they must be guided-at least, far En-
gland is concerned, who, having done all she could
to prevent this war, Ought not 10 take upon herself
any of the curdens OF miseries that NAV follow.
II they cannot protect the nation in a war with
such a country as Prussia whose troops are called
from the counter, the loom, and the plough Of what
use are they That result, il it come is a victory
for freedom for armed nation can only be a
ton of free men, by whose wishes Soyereigns must
heneeforth abide
The lessons of this war are first what intelligence
and organization can accomplish Prussian success
proves what superior system Of popular education
can do, and the same thing applies to the superior
ranks and generals of the Prussian army. Next
mark the destruction of a gallant standing army
by what is not " standing army" but armed
nation. think hear in that the knell Of standing
armies.
If the heart of { Prussan nation had not been in
the war; il would have been vain TO expect from il
such extraordinary efforts. So when the people have
to be consulted they will only fight when they il
is for their interest and they will only think it foi
their interest when it is for the sacred idea of pro-
tecting their common country.
Whatever be the end of this contest it must be
evident to all that Prussia entered upon it with
desire acquire territory, but solely to defend her
self from invasion These things seem full Of prom
Use for the future. They seem TO promise more
larged freedom than exists at present to hold ont
fair promise if not for unusual peace at least for the
prevention Of such wars as the we are wit
Messing. In that hope lies the compensation for
much of the blOodshed and horrors of to-day.
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THE CROPS