The St. Cloud journal. [volume] (St. Cloud, Minn.) 1866-1876, 1871-01-26
Fsr the St. Cloud Journal.
THE FRANCO-PRUSSIAN WAR.

Having watched with deep interest
the progress Of the Franco-Prussian
war, and having also observed that
The JOURNAL has treated this subject
with fairoess and impartialitY not al
ways found either in the secular or re-
lgious press Of this country, pur-
pose by your leave, to make few re-
marks upon the historical events trans
piring in Europe. I shall not disguise
my sympathies, but intend to be per-
fectly candid and to give honor where
honor is due.
Paradoxical as it may seem, the pres
ent war gives US the strongest reason to
believe that there is no essential differ
ence in natural courage or military
spirit between the principal nations Of
Europe. Superior organization, arms
discipline and generaJship confer ad-
vantages which render their possessors
nearly invincible. By asslduously cul-
tivating the art of war, in unison with
an ardent public spirit, the Romans
cosquered the world. 1t is to an assid-
uous cultivation Of these appliances
through several generations, while
France slumbered upon her laurels,
that Prussia owes her early ard aston
ishing triumrhs. The foundation Of
Prussia's military greatness was laid by
the father of the Great Frederick,
more than one hundred and fifty years
ago. A despot, a miser and a nisan-
thrope, with but doubtful claims to the
merits of general or statesman, he
was perfect drill master, and as such
had no equal or rival IN Europe. By
constant drilling and the ''unsparipg
use of the cane and scourge," " the
Prussian infantry acquired under him
that mechanical precision of movement
which in the course Of five generations
it has never lost. The ardent patriot
ism, enthusiasm and thirst Tor glory
which distinguished the best armies it
did not then possess. But these quail
tiles appeared in the reign Of the Great
Frederick, who, with far greater abili-
ties and truly statesmanlike purpose,
improved upon the plans and developed
the designs Of his predecessor. Tho
Seven Years. War, in which Frederick,
though not without many uelreverses,
successfully resisted the most powerful
confederac7 which modern Europe
had seen and raised the military glory Of
Prussia to the highest pre-eminence.
But the long peace which preceded the
French Revolution was detrimental to
the Prussian service. Proud of its dis
cipline, still the strictest in Europe,
and flushed with its successes during
the Seven Years. War, the Prussian
army was gradually losing its superiority
over the military organizations of neigh
boring States. At length, in 1906
the day of trial came. The continued
triumphs Of Napoleon brought France
and Prussia into collision on the banks
of the Elbe. The excitement of rev.
olution followed by fourteen years of
incessaut warfare had developed in the
armies of France an energy. science,
and lightning.like celebrity Of move.
ment with which tho Prussians were
not acquainted, and in addition the
French were commanded BY the most
consummate general Of modern times
The overthrow Of the Prussians was
rapid and decisive. In less than three
weeks Prussia was overrun by her in.
vaders, and such was the national despair
that a cham of the strongest fortresses
in Europe, amply provisioned, garrison
ed and provided with artillery, disgrace
fully surrendered without a single as
sault being made upon their works, and
! ae.:ss'.skk a::s. ( 3 h ~
s.