The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1871-01-13

rope the newborn French republic
had no friend except republican
America, and, perhaps, Switzerland.
The ruling princes and classes in
Europe everywhere have been
against it.
Here, then, we have the secret of
the frightful war that has been pro-
longed in France and of the pro-
found agitations that are upheaving
society and spreading over the Old
World 1t is the irrepressiblc con
fiict between repubiicanism and
monarchy-between the kings, prin-
ces, aristOcraeies and privileged
classes and the people. win free
dom triumph? VIII the masses be
emancipated and obtain self-govcrn-
ment? These are the real ques-
tions Of the day. On one side
stands France rs the char.piOn of
republieanism, and on the other
Prussia and the monarchists. What
ever may be the faults, eXtravagant
theories and want of practical ideas
about the republican government
with the French, they represent the
principles of liberty, as well as of
national integrity, in this contest;
and however much King William
and Bismark may talk Of German
patriotism and appeal to the Al
mighty for His support, they are
shedding rivers Of blood solely in
the interest of monarchy and aris-
tocracy.
1t is most interesting problem
that is now being solved, and one
in which the American people feel
deeply. This republic has led the
way to political liperty and equali-
ty. 1t is the beacon light to the
nations Of Europe, and they are
trying to follow the example we
have set. And what is the pros
pect? The people of the Old
World have much to unlearn as well
as to learn. They have a mighty
power of prejudice, habit. privilege,
caste, rank, talent and colossal
standing armies to resist. It is a
terrible conflict. But the progress
Of intelligence and those. agents of
civilization, the press, the telegraph
and steam power, are working great
changes and rapidly removing the
barriers to republican freedom.-
France is fighting now, not only for
her own salvation, but fer princi-
pies that are dear to the people
everywhere-even to the German
people who are arrayed against her.
She may have to suceumb in this
fight, but the republican principle
viii live and spread. The very
means the mOnarchs are taking to
destroy it will react against them
as the people reflect upon the OBJ
ject Of such frightful slaughter.
But republican France is doing
what imperial France could not do.
The old spirit of the first republic,
which made all the nations of Eu-
rope tremble, is reviving. The sit
uation of the eOmbatants is greatly
changed, and appears to be chang
ing every hour. France rises with
a vigor and heroism that inspires
confidence. Crushed as she appear
cd to be under imperial rule, she
has developed surprising resources
and shown extraordinary energy
under the republic. The news we
are publishing from day to day
makes her case more hopeful. The
people are rallying from every quar-
ter to support the government and
to break the coil with which the en-
emy had eRveloped them. The
public sentiment of the world daily
grows stronger in their favor and
against the Prussians. Such con
servative and moderate monarchi-
cal statesmen as NJ. Guizot are
coming out of their recesses to sup
port the republic in the present cri-
sis. If Gambetta and his cOlleag-
ues prove as moderate and sensible
in political matters as they are en-
ergetic in the war they may estab-
lish republican govesnment. Should
they do this, especially if they be
able to drive the Prussians from
France, Europe must soon become
republican. The sentiment Of lib
erty would flash from this central
focus to all parts of Europe. Ma
ton after nation would follow the
example Of France, as they follow
ed before, while monarchs and their
satellites would flee from the face
ofthe revolutionary Nemesis. This
is the irrepressible conflict that has
been brought on by the crowned
heads themselves, and which, in its
first stages, is row being fought
out in France.-N. 7. Herald.