The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-09-07
THE CRISIS.
From Ehs N. 7. u


Never, within the last half century, has
single journal been the messenger of such an
immense budget of startling intelligence as
the issue of the Tribune which we spread
before our readers yesterday. The great
results which were secured when Napoleon
laid down his sword at the feet of King Will
liam are declaring themselves with a rapidity
at which Europe stands bewildered In
France, the utter ruin of imperialism has
come about with haste only equalled by the
quick campaign in which the Germans have
beaten the Imperial armies The defeat at
Sedan has been followed in single day by
the complete annihilation of the system of
military despotism which has been for half q
generation the standing menace of the con-
tinent. Paralyzed at first by the disaster,
the Ministry, chosen for its supposed
strength, seems to have made one feeble
effort to conceal the truth, and then vanished
The people, furious with anger at the Gov
ernment which has failed them in the mo-
ment of danger, yet so far as we have now
learned without that headlong passion which
in former years has stained the revolutions of
France, have risen and banished Napoleon
from France. They have filled the streets
with cries of "ISDe la RepuJRguei" and
"DecAeono6i" to the empire, invaded the
Tuileries, torn down the insignia of Napo-
leon, disarmed the police, suppressed the
oeudte, ulSsOlNeu INC COTpS Le6lSlaUl1, ana
borne the imprisoned radical Rochefort in
triumph from the gaol to the Hotel de Vile
Soldiers are fraternizing openly with the
populace. The National Guard, called out
to prevent violence, is unmistakably in
sympathy with the popular movement. A
revolution has been accomplished, thus far
without bloodshed, almost without disorder,
and Paris, so much dreaded in political
crises, seems to have been actuated singly
1~xvo 1afa b. of T.
capable despot, and to expel the Ger
mans from the soil of France. We cannot
yet feel certain that the republic, pro-
claimed with SO much enthusiasm, is really
established, though for the sake of France
and civilization in general we earnestly trust
that it may be; but the country has yet to
pass through humiliations and perhaps to
suffer fresh military disasters, and the
party under whose rule these misfortunes
| come must bear the brunt of the popular
| bitterness.
The great battles at Beaumont and Sedan,
which led to these stupendous changes in
| France, are the subject of a narrative from
| our special correspondent more complete than
| any similar account ever transmitted by ocean
telegraph to any newspaper in the world.
The same correspondent sends us an authen-
tic explanation of the purposes of Count Bis
marck in the hour of victory, and tells for
the first time what the Prussians mean to do
| with their triumph. Alsace and Lorraine are
not to be separated from France; Prussia
does not covet provinces which would never
be satisfied or loyal under her domination;
| but Metz and Strasbourg, the gateways of the
empire, are to be held by the victor as
pledges of peace. The significance of such
demand we need not point out. With these
two fortresses in her hand, Prussia will have
France almost at her mercy.
AID
credible but not perfectly authenticated
that Italy has begun to play her part in the
great European transformation, and an.
nounced her intention of taking immediate
possession of Rome. The completion OF
italian and German unity may thus be cele
brated together, the coronation of two grea
nationalities be solemnized with the downfall
of the despotic power which has been theil
persistent enemy.