The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1871-01-31
psaoe in Europe.


Pace in Europe.
THO surrender of Paris ana the three
rs, armistice end the war between
,,russia and France. 1t is impossible to re-
new the strife. All France is delighted at
the relief from bloodshed and the oppres-
sions and sufferings visited upon the lana
bv immense armies sweeping through every
quarter of the kingdom. The surrender o'
Paris is, we repeat, the end of the war; !.
Is a blessing to France that 1t IS ended. IL
is grateful to the whole world, which has
deeply sympathized with France, drawn ~
she was into war without the agency OF
her people-drawn into war 10y the En-
peror and his advisers, whose incapac'ty OF
treachery but opened the way to the MIL
lion Of Prussian soldiers, who bore down
resistance as the flood bears down the Slen-
der reed in it's way. There was no hope
for France after the surrender at SEDAN.
II there could be less hope than no
hope at all, there is that less
hope now. The people of France as
we'll as the world see it now, and will make
no further resistance. The three weeks
that are to come will be we'll employed in
making peace. Nothing could prevent this
result. France alone is without hope, and
it is entirely impossible that any nation can
interfere to take up the cause of France
now. She is utterly beaten; and in these
days of great instruments Of war, which SO
immensely increase the power of the con-
queror, no nation that failed to give help to
the defeated while the fight progressed will
step IN to render assistance when the fight
is ended and the defeated utterly PROSTATE.
Peace is therefore certain. France will
be at rest. Prussia is. in the front rank OF
great Powers, and will be content; and
there are none to attempt at this early day
to gainsay her position just won by one oil
the most brilliant campaigns in the history
of war. England, indeed, has lost her main
bulwark against encroachment from the
Eastern Powers, but she no doubt consoles
herself that she is still protected by 4
wide arm Of the sea from invasion.
and that she is in no danger if she keep
clear Of complications with the politics Of
the continent. Therefore we sec no present
source of conflict. The Congress sitting in
London will no doubt amicably arrange the
questions about the Black Sea and the
treaty which concluded the Crimean war
Prussia will more than probably sustain
the reasonable demands OF Russia to be re-
lieved from the unreasonable provisions OF
that treaty which take away all her rights
Of selfdefence on the Black Sea, and Eng.
land will have no disposition now (becausc
she has no power to oppose these two ire,
sistible nations.
Peace restored, the French people will
resume their domestic occupations, aud by
industry and art soon restore to their al
fllcted country a state of prosperity ana
happiness possibly exceeding that OF any
period in her history. Burthcned by an
immense war debt, with no present motive
to lavish money upon peace establish
ment, because there is no chance now to
yindicate their wrongs, and no danger OF
hostility from abroad, the whole energy OF
the nation may, and we doubt not will, be
directed to the vigorous effort at meeting
the public debt and rebuilding the fortunes
Of the people. Thus permitted to pursue
quietly and devotcdly the line of national
recuperation, a few years will bring France
out and replace her upon the pedestal rs
the land of arts and civilization, the home
of science and refinement. once more thus
restored, she may then consult her ambi-
ton and her salet: with reference to future
political issues, and ree>tablish her fame in
her preparations for war and her achieve
mentS in the field.
This war-this most extraordinary strug-
gle-in which one of the most warlike peo-
pie on earth has been conquered in the
brieiest space in which ever great ma
ton was conquered, reflects no disgrace on
the French nation. They fought wonder
fully after they were betrayed and ut the
foot of the invader. No nation could have
done better. Their fate is indeed painful,
but not disgracetul They fall like soldiers
overpowered, but not dishonored.
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