New-York tribune., 1873-02-11

~ bWN0H DuDllShtS Il ltbJtI JIoIt one OI VA
poeons ministers, whose name not gwen con6rmins
the revelations made by the Duke dc Gra0nt as TO tbs
promises Of assistance made by Austria France az tina
beginning OF the with Prussia. The correspondent
adds TO Gramonts statements that treaty for trips
| alliance nearly concluded between France. Italy.
| and Austria but not sgned because Napoleon
jected it dsbonorabe. The writer also asserts
that 1t was by Aust-ia's suggestion that Rome
given up to the Italian Government.
! MORE LIGHT on THE REVELATIONS or THE DUKE
DE AMONT-CHARACTERISTICS or COUNT
| BEUST'S DIPLOMACY.
| To the Editor Of The Tribune.
SIR Now that the obstinate ndiscretiOn Of
the Duke de GramoDt has induced Count Beust TO adj
init completely in the schemes OF the late exEmperor OF
France for the humiliation OF Prussia see no reason 70
avoid throwing light on the conduct OF Count
Beust Most Of my information on this subject has been
derived from Prussian sources. state this at once
that full allowance may be made for whatever bias thers
may be in my Judgment. Tn support Of my statements.
however would like TO say that OF my authori-
ties are prominent statesmen OF Prussia, and
have been very careful 10 compare my opinions with he
various vndcations Of distinguished Frenchmen which
have appeared from time TO time since the termination
Of the late
As text for my remarks will mention this fact; At
Rheims Oh the 9th OF September, 1870 while was at
taohed TO the headquarters OF the King OF Prussia
respondent of THE TRIBUNE, Prince Bismarck he was
then a COUNT accorded interview, as he repeat
edly did while with the army. On this occasion
he appeared in very buoyant frame Of mind The
capulation at Sedan had taken place few days BEFORE
and there evidently nothing TO prevent the march
Of the Germans to the outpostsrbefore Paris Tho re-
port had been circulated that had been murdered by
F0ncsTeurS the fate Of war had detached me from
the headquarters fOr10 or u days. On my return 1
invested with especial interest on this account
for few days. Prince Bismarck seemed to regard mo
rg..ls Ia astvaH H4ftn nrin
manner, and became very communicative during tho
two or three hours that we together that day
He spoke very freely most topicsnot less so when
directed the conversation to Count Beust. If he said
anything not pleasing TO the wekno wnyanty OF that
statesman would be manesty out Of place for me 10
repeat it. But there improperly in stating that
informed that the Germans were only recovering
the fear that Austria would violate her declaration
OF neutrality. Prince Bismarck told me that he was
aware that an entente cOrdiae subsisted between the
Governments at Vienna aud Paris before the deolara-
tiOn Of war; that suspicion OF the weakness or tho
French army led the Austrian Government TO resolve TO
avoid any breach Of neutrality until France, by soms
success should show herself efficient military ally:
that until the defeat Of the French at Woerth the Aus
trian Government maintained this position, and then
first absolutely relinquished all intention OF assisting
France and finally that, in view Of this fact the Prus
Government had taken precautions for calling out
troops Austria should abandon her neutrality
think this statement forms correct indication Of tho
policy of the Government at Vienna.
Count Beust, who might be termed mercuria states
man. possessed qualities of mind different possible
from those OF Prince Bismarck, whom he initiated with
all the energy of a conscious OF his own want OF
original genius. The secret OF Bismarcks success has
always been clear perception Of that which Is expe-
dent with OF moderation. and courage with
a firm determination Of efecung his purpose Count
Beust on the contrary adhered consistently 10
one scheme modified his counsel to suit the e1gen-
cies Of the court which he served He accommodated
those OF his sovereign, and his career at
Vienna nste 4d eyincng any enlarged ideas Of pot
cal philosophy simply characterized with the tenn
pOrzng schemes Of court ntrer From the time OF his
accession Oioice at Vienna till after the declaration OF
war; his policy was, weak iand uncertain way, an
expression Of the anmosity against Prussia which ex-
isted at that court His ability was not OF kind to
create very annoyance TO Prussia 1t s doubt
full whether his versatile talent would have permitted
him TO form a plan which circumstances were likely to
prevent him from casting aside TO conform TO new
emergency Of tr1ng Importance. He adapted his
schemes every contingency ithat might arise, and
found himself incapable OF accomplishing anything, be-
cause he never adhered long enough plan to bring
about its It this habit Of mind. for
all practical purposes better than vacation, that
led such contdng dlpomatist the Duke de Gramont
believe that the Austrian Government had pledged
itself support France in the against Prussia.
At various times from to 1870 the contingency OF
war against Prussia was discussed Vienna between
the Duke de Gramont and Count Beust and eventually
these discussions advanced far that exchange OF
opinions in the form private correspondence
made by which it declared that an understanding
OF defensive but pacific character TO exist between
the two counrcs the policy Of the two countries
to be identical; bnt Austria reserved herself ths
option Of neutrality in France was compelled TO
make war. The prospect held out by Count Beust
the declaration against Prussia when appropriate
occasion should be offered But the superficial character
Of the Duke de GramOnt unable to make allowance,
for the devious paths which Count Beust accuss
toned to follow. Gramont went to Paris elated with
hope that he had only fnd pretext for and
Austria would be involved the side OF France. SO far
Count Beust knew his mind, he would have fol-
lowed France If decent pretext for war could be en-
plOyed-and If nothing should occur to cause mOdhca
tion Of his plans.
This last contingency pretty to arise and did
actually arise. Count Beust the gross OF ths
Duke de Gramont in employing the Hohenzoern candi
dature the Of bringing on the war instead Of
employing it as preliminary diplomatic campaign
After the declaration OF while France and Prussia
arming, he modified his arrangement with tho
former by combining himself to offers contribute tho
success of the French in Plaonic fashion," as Ora
mont aptly termed this policy. IL was then
plain that Austria would take part In
the conflict until the successes OF the French
should render this course less hazardous Events
utterly impossible for Austria TO begin hos
Titles The precautions OF the Prussian Government
had been promptly and effectively adopted; Austria
found that any demonstration Of hostility her part
would be sure to bring Russia into the conflict aud place
the Integrity OF her own soil more seriously jeopardy
than would that of Prussia. The Hungarans In tho
time began TO make their influence felt; the only
in which they had originally been disposed 70 en-
gage in to resist hOstilities on the part OF
Russia. and they had disposition to invite the antag
onism Of that aspng power to suit the reckless schemes
Of the French Cabinet Moreover. the Austrian army