The New York herald., 1871-03-17


East and tho sauslly Condition or
Europe.
The situation of affairs in Europe to-day is
just as interesting aud perhaps quite as per-
picking as il has been any time during these
last ten or twelve months. The war between
France and Germany war which, in the
wide scope o. its destructiveness, has had no
parallel in modern times-has been brought to
a close, and there is no reason to doubt that
within brief period definitive treaty of
peace will be signed at Brussels. 1t is simply
impossible that any hitch can now take place
in the negotiations between France and Ger
many. Then, again, the war cloud which
foated portentously In the Eastern sky,
charged, apparently, with another Crimean
war, has disappeared and the London Con-
ference, 80 far as we know the facts, has
relieved us from the dread prospect Of another
destructive and most useless war; Peace,
therefore, in the West and in the East, and,
as consequence, all over Europe, it is most
natural TO conclude has for the present been
secured.
AT the same time il is undeniable that, in
spite of the peace prospect, and of what
some would call peace guarantees, the public
pulse of Europe beats generously and hectic
glow is on the face of things. While the Ger
man Emperor returns in triumph to Berlin
France is taking steps to reconstruct and give
greater efficiency to her army. The French
in their misfortune and in their sorrow do not
seem unwilling to learn lesson from their
powerful conquerors. The new project of
law, which has yet TO receive the sanction of
the National Assembly, provides that all able
bodied Frenchmen are to serve compulsorily
for three years, and subsequently similar
length of time in the reserves. This means
that the spirit of France is not completely
broken, that she believes her time for revenge
may yet come, and that she is resolved to be
ready for her opportunity, so as to turn it to
account. Great Britain is in one of her
periodic fevers That army system which has
given her possession of one-half the globe,
which has carried her language. her laws, her
religion, her commerce to all the ends of
the Earth, which has enabled her to
build up colonies almost more powerful
than herself, which in tines past gave her
strength enough to interfere in Continental
s1rfe, and authoritatively and with success to
fling her sword, Brennuslike, into the scale
hat army system she is now despising; and
srmy reconstruction is proceeding On princi-
pies which few years ago would have been
deemed subversive Of the British throne. The
aristocratic element in the British army has
hitherto been considered its strength, as well
as its PRIDE; but tie government measure
which soltemplates the abolition of the pur-
chase Of commissions is a confession that the
wants 4 the empire, the necessities of the
army, ave outgrown the resources of the
aristoracy. 1t is confession, in fact that
if the3ritish armies are to be properly led in
the fld or to give proof Of efficiency equal to
tha of the armies of the Continent their
lesers must be selected from nobility which
presents something more than mere blood
4d birth.
Germany is not yet so completely
unified that domestic trouble may not prove
quite as serious as foreign war. Austria
knows that the German crown means great
deal more than appears on the surface; and
Austria very wisely halts in her career of
decentralization. The policy inaugurated by
Baron Beust, and which for so long has worked
so well, is no longer in favor at headquarters.
By yielding to Hungary Francis Joseph knows
that he saved the Austrian empire but he
also knows that the price paid for the conciia-
ton of Hungary, and, through the Cancellation
of Hungary, for the salvation Of the empire,
has almost accomplished too much. What is
good for Hungary is good also for Bohemia
and all the Czechs, for Gallicia and all the
Slaves, for the Corinthians, the Tyrolese, and
who knows how many others besides? And
with common sense not unworthy of the cir
cumstances he has come to the conclusion that
the most important of all the autonomies is
the autonomy Of the Austrian empire.
And what shall we say of Russia, which is not
wholly unprepared for war; or Of Italy, whc
looks tremblingly to the East and multiples
her forces; or Of Spain, with her mock sove-
sympathy with her customs, and who knows
nothing of her language? All over-North,
South, East, West-the new situation is felt
and fear and trembling are common cha rae
teristics. We have not specially mentioned
the smaller States, for the simple and sufi-
ciept reason that the smaller States must, in
present circumstances, keep silence. AS we
have said, the peace negotiations are some
what full of promise; but no observing mind
can refuse to admit that the aspect Of affairs
is something different from reassuring.
Circumstances being so critical, the horizon
being so doubtful, where shall we look for en-
couragement and hope? Where but to
France? M Theirs has done well. He is
doing WELL The National Assembly, up to
the present moment has given proof that