The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-09-21
SPIRIT or rzz PRESS.
Editorial Opinions Of the Leading Journals
upon Current Topics Compiled Every
Day for the Evening Telegraph.
WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF PEACE ?
fhn

From the N. Y. Herald.
The most reliable news, seemingly, of the
efforts made for peace or the chance there
might be of peace, comes from what is termed
the semi official statement of the London
Observer. From this it appears that Lord
Lyons, the British Minister in France was
conducting negotiations between Jules Favre
and Bismarck, and that brief armistice had
been arranged pending these efforts. Another
telegram from London, which came later,
says that a rumor prevails that the negotia-
tions between Jules Favre and Bismarck
through the English Legation have resulted
unfavorably and that there is now no hope of
an armistice. There seems to be little doubt,
therefore, that the British government did
give the public to understand that il was en-
deavoring to bring about peace. Was this
done to soothe the English people, who were
clamoring for a recognition of the French
republic? Or did the British government
really make serious effort for an armistice
and for peace?
1t would be very interesting to know on
what grounds England made the proposition,
what views she expressed to the belligerents
and to what end she is working. If she
were really desirous of seeing peace restored
through the only existing authorities in
France, she would accomplish that much
better and sooner by following the example
of the United States, Switzerland and Italy in
recognizing the de factO republican govern
ment of France, than by any other course.
The motive of England in the step she is re-
ported to have taken for an armistice and
peace negotiations arises it is said from her
fear of q republican propaganda, the trouble
this would cause the governments of Europe
and the ominouS rumorS afioat concerning
the projects of Russia and Austria in the
East. The frank and prompt recognition of
the French republic by England would have
a great effect upon the King of Prussia as
well as upon the other governing powers Of.
Europe. 1t would lead, probably, to an
early peace. But the monarchists and aris-
tocrats of England are in this dilemma-they
are afraid of sanctioning republican govern
ment in France on the one hand and dread
the consequences of a republican propaganda
and republican fury on the other should the
French nation be driven to desperation.
The truth is, there is no sincerity, no
honest and outspoken policy by any of the
great powers of Europe except by the French
republic. The de fact0 republican government
of France declares boldly its policy and its
wish to make peace. Even Prussia is afraid
to avew that it is now making war on the
French republic, for the people of Germany
and the people of Europe generally could
not approve of that. King William pre-
tends that the de facto government of
France is no government at all and that
he cannot treat with it for peace. This
is mere pretence, to cover up his hos
tility to and fear of republicanism. If by
any accident king or emperor had been
proclaimed in Paris-some dynasty that he
could approve of-we should soon have
heard of peace negotiations, though such a
ruler might not have anything like the popu-
lar support the Provisional Republican Gov
eminent has. Peace is not made because
there is any necessity for carrying the war
further, because the French are unwilling to
make peace, even with great sacrifices, but
because the King and aristocracy of Prussia,
secretly backed by the other monarchs and
aristocracies of Europe are hostile to the
republic and wish to crush it. 1t is all
false pretense. Prussia and the rest are act
ing deceitfully because they are afraid to tell
the truth
We hear now, through the European mo-
narchical channels of information, that the
"reds" are rising in France. Some few ex-
tremists may be making fuss, but this does
not amount to much. The republican gov
ernment and mass of the republican people
are disposed to establish and maintain order,
and they will do so we believe, if not pre-
vented by hostile powers outside. Of course
King William and the European monarchists
and aristocrats generally will make the most
of every little demonstration of the "reds" to
throw discredit upon the republic. 1t is quite
likely, indeed, that they may foment such
difficulties in France through spies and secret
agents to serve their own purposes. There
is fair prospect for permanent republican
government being established in France now
if the French be left to their own free action.
From the report that the King of Prussia
will not treat with the republic and will only
negotiate with the Bonapartes being reite-
rated SO often, we conclude that this is the
position he has taken and that there lies the
difficulty in making peace. He pretends, it
is said, that the de facto republican govern
ment can give no guarantee of peace, that it
may be only short lived, and that it might
not be able to carry out the terms of treaty
of peace. This might be said of any other
government-of government under the Bo-
napartes or Orleans dynasty. Ifthe Bonapartes
be forced upon the French again by Prussian
bayonets, after the Emperor having been cap
tured and the Regency having run away and
after the humiliation and disgrace they have
brought upon France, does King William
imagine they would have better chance of
maintaining their power than the republic
has its power? Or does he suppose the Or
leanists, forced upon France in the same way
could maintain their authority better than
the republic can its authority? The French
would never submit to any government forced
upon them by a foreign cenquerer. Instead
of obtaining a guarantee of lasting peace
Prussia would leave the seeds of revolution
and future trouble. 1t is doubtful, indeed, if
Napoleon or the Empress Eugene and her
son would venture to go back to Paris if
invited by the Prussians. Every way the
King of Prussia is in great difficulty. He has
monstrous elephant on his hands that he
knows not what to do with Unpleasant as il
may be to him, the best way is to make peace
with the de fGct0 republican government.
Ha naadS no Ofhar of fhoN