Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1871-04-03
pRuss1AN1z1Na EUROPE.


Before her war with France, the In
situations of Prussia were little known,
and less commented upon by the out
side world. America was so great,
England so learned and wealthy, Paris
so brilliant, and Rome so fascinating,
Prussia was forgotten, or thought un-
worthy of much attention. In an un-
expected moment the "giant In the
spiked helmet" took by the throat
the supposed to be greatest Power In
Europe and laid it IN the dust. The
French nation was destroyed, Paris
fell, Rome fell, and all the world was
powerless to prevent their fall. The
war has closed and the Prussians have
returned to their own country and
capital, while the world has hardly
recovered from Its establishment. The
superiority Of the Prussian system OF
education and training has made itself
so manifest, 1t is likely to be every
where adopted, and we may expect to
see the civilized world become Prus-
sianizsd. Fleets and standing armies,
after the old plan, have proved to be
totally inadequate when opposed to a
nation of vigorous, well-trained, edu-
Gated men like the Prussians. Already
army reform is one Of the agitating
questions in England, and while we
cannot say much In favor Of the actual
bill proposed, 1t is significant that those
in power think it necessary to make
any reform. However much we may
wish to sec war cease, and a general
disarmament take place, we know the
thing is impossible In our present state
Of civilization. At any moment, for
instance, the English Commissioners
at Washington may leave for home,
unable to settle our claims. And to
get that which is due, we may be
obliged to 60 to var with England.
This contingency is by no means an i'm
possibility. Circumstances forced Prus-
sia to adopt the system Of military ed
ucation which has borne such splendid
fruit. While she was weak she was at
the mercy Of any stronger power. She
has taxed herself, and borne her enor-
nous preparations for bloodshed be-
cause she must. It was the price Of
her existence. England sees, in the
lurid flames Of the recent great war,
that it is necessary for her to Institute
a reform, and we are not surprised to
find so sagacious a philosopher as John
Stuart Mill addressing the public on
the subject. He is in favor of the
Prussian system, which in many points
is not unlike the American SYSTEM
that Is, he would keep no large stand
ing army. but would have the whole
people trained and disciplined. AS In
Switzerland, Mr.. Mill would have the
foundation laid in the schools. The
readiness with which raw soldiers or
intelligent citizens learn the real bust
ness of wal was fully illustrated dur
ing our civil war. Make the whole
people an army, rs In the Ease of
Prussia, but in times Of peace keep
them together no longer than is needed
for training. This we are confident,
is the system which will be adopted by
all the greatpowers Of Europe, whether
it prevails In this country or not.
Fortunately for us, we are so situated
OH this continent that the same neces-
sity for a high state Of military educa-
ton does not exist as would if we had
to maintain the balance of power In
Europe. Our only foreign enemy Of
any strength is England, and she will
never seriously attempt to fight US
with the Atlantic Ocean rolling be-
tween. As to our domestic troubles,
We hope they are nearly at an end,
and that t%henceforth We shall have
peace forever. We have nothing to do,
therefore, but note the Prussianizing
Of Europe and watch the result. :