North Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1867-current, 1870-07-20
The Situation.

France has declared war; and Prussia
is the enemy she seeks to humble. The
Hohenzollern sinks to the oblivion he arose
from-a nine days wonder, and all eyes
are turned towards the Rhine.
Napoleon versus Bismarck. With con-
summate tact the sly Frenchman, after
forcing war upon the Prussian, announ-
ces to the world shat France accepts the
war which Prussia Offers"
The ball has commenced to roll, who
can say where it will stop. Whatever the
ostensible cause may be, the real grievance
is French jealousy of Prussian aggression
in Germany and influence in Europe.
1t may he that such war will be short
and decisive like the Austro- Prussian
campaign of go; but the possibilities are
also very strongly in the other direction.
Several of the European powers are but
waiting for an opportunity such as would
be afforded by this France-Prussian war to
further their own aggressive ends.
The traditional policy and gravitation of
Russia is towards Constantinople, nor will
diplomacy stave off much longer the inev-
liable result of the willy Russians perse.
verance. The Khedive Of Egypt has been
for years past gradually but surely prepar-
Ing for struggle with his master the Sui
tan, preparatory to asserting his indepen-
dence, and it is not many months since
France and England were taxed to the ut
most of their good Offices to preserve peace
between the rival Moslems.
With Prussia to engage, not the Prussia
of five years ago, but the Prussia of tC-
day, France will have her attention fully
occupied and will have but little opportu-.
nifty to attend to the eastern question"
Relieved from the eye of France, Egypt
at one wink from the Tartar would de-
clare war against Turkey who VOID have
more than she could attend to with Rus
STA on the north and east. and Egypt on
the south. War against Turkey on the
part of Russia means war with England,
whose policy in india is feeling the effects
of Russias aggression in Asia. To pro-
tect her Asiatic possessions therefore,
more than to assist the Turk, England
would join the Moslem to give battle to
Russia.
Everybody knows the predictions of
this country in favor of Russia, and we
can hardly doubt that advantage would he
taken to fit out privateers from this coun-
try to drive English commerce from the
seas and to avenge the Alabama. Such
course might possibly involve this coun-
try in war with England. OF course no
American has any doubt as to its trium-
plant re ult.
Cuba, fired by the general melee, might
make new and more successful attempt
at independence, and call upon this coun-
try for aid. Having a war with great
naval power on her hands, the United
States might be induced to see the impor-
lance of the possession of the Cuban ports
and the policy of ahnexing that Island to
herself, even ut the risk of war with
Spain.
Austria's position is uncomfortable and
doubtful. Hatred of Prussia is undoubt-
eddy her strongest feeling, and might in
duce her to side with France if she could
do SO without giving offense to Russia. In
sny event she would find herself between
two fires, and gamer in no respect, what
ever the result. Her policy is certainly !
peace.
Taking all the facts and possibilities in
to consideration, We think the best thing
the Ecumenical Council can do is to dis
solve and send its members home to their
respective countries, to sing TeDeum's for
great victories, and read masses for the |
souls of the slain.
All this is of course mere conjecture,
but nevertheless quite possible and not at
all improbable. The above is o fair state
ment of the present condition of European
feeling and affairs. We remark from the
general tone of the press, that even those |
most sanguine and DESTROYS of peace, are
fearful Of a general European war. One
thing ia very certain, Russia holds the key
to . general war if she holds aloof and
takes no part in or advantage of this
Franco-P russian imbroglio. general war
will be averted, but should she step in for
her own ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, which is not at
all improbable, the whole continent will
be convulsed.
Should Russia remain merely specta-
tor, Austria will most probably join with
France, and Italy will throw herself into
the scale with Prussia. Victor Emanuel
can never forgive or forget the prolonged
occupation Of Rome by French troops nor
the loss Of the fair provinces of Nice and
Savoy, coded to France in 1860, for sup
posed services rendered to him in the Ital-
ian revolutionary war.
This is Napoleon's last stake, the great
gamester Of the Tuileries IS playing his
last throw Of the dice, and upon the result
depends the fate of his Empire, his name
and his posterity. That he will fight to
the bitter end is certain, for he fights for
life, fame and honor. Should he succeed,
his throne is assured to tho end of his days,
but defeat is destruction, to himself and to
his family. A defeated and disgraced
France will never tolerate Bonaparte
again upon the throne of Empire.
SUNSET.