The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-08-05
Tho European Problem.

The European Problem.
When, in 1847, the great bell of ST. Peters
rang out the summons of Rome to defend the
borders Of her dominion in the Papal States
against the invading Austrians, then advance
ing into Bologna, IL sounded the first signal
and independence. This was the work Of
Plus TX, and from city to city, throughout
the Peninsula, the summons ran until great
nation, awakened from its slumbers Of centu.
ries, reappeared upon the scene at the word
of it's leader in arts as in arms, and began to
revive the glories of the past. The whole
world received this great movement with
acclamation--the era of good feeling was
revived, the old affection sprang up again in
hearts that long had been estranged, and
blessings were invoked upon the head
of Pho Mono in lands hither and beyond the
seas, where the title of the Popes and Of their
primacy had been opposed for hundreds of
years
And why was this9 Shall we attempt to
answer Because-and we offer the idea with
deference-the people discovered in the head
of great Christian Church one who, in
championing his own nationality against a
Power that then seemed overwhelming, also
championed their cause. Is the cause of
nationality involved in this fearful con-
test just opening between France and
Germany? If SO, whose nationality Is as
sailed? Does any one ayow design or an
endeavor to straten France in any or in all
things that she may do to consolidate her
strength, to confirm her position as great
Power, and to spread abroad through all the
world the influence of her arts and the ameni-
ties of her refined and beautiful civilizations
If any there be we pause for a reply. We are
told that the Prince of HOhenzollern's candi-
dature was menace and danger to France,
We have the right to ask in what? He is
nearly allied in kindred blood to the house Of
the ruling French dynasty, and in religion he
is entirely in harmony with the peculiar
requirements of French policy. Is not the
matter, then, narrowed down to dynastic and
national jealousyp And If so what have the
people, the great, struggling, suffering people
of Europe and the world to do with the
quarrel?
We greatly admire and respect the French
people and French history, and we recognize
in Napoleon I'LL. monarch who has done
more for the prosperity and glory of his
empire than any Of his predecessors, not
excepting even him who founded the dynasty
= D,.A -
we must recall him and the gallant people who
80 enthusiastically follow his standard to the
eternal principles Of justice. France has
revelled in glory; her standard has made the
tour of the world; the nations look to her for
liberty and not for enslavement Empire
c'est la pair was pledge and promise
given the idea goes back to the tenets which
should guide the centre and the head of the
Christian Church and its self-assumed or
chosen champion. If this view be correct
aud we offer it as a journalist comprehending
the solemnity Of our mission-it is for France,
as the exponent of the Christian faith for the
majority Of its adherents, to arrest the tide of
war and havoc and to hold out the olive
branch of peace.
This is the delay aud this is the situation.
We care nothing for the rumors of war that
have reached us thus far. The reluctance to
engage on either side reveals the conscious
ness of an uncertain cause. What more
splendid or glorious opportunity for truly
great nation that has stepped into the arena,
thrown down the gauntlet and exhibited the
tremendous resources at her disposal, than
to say, even in the eleventh hour, ''Let us
prove that we are truly great-let rs have
peace"