National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-05-22
THE WAR CLOUD IN EUROPE

We publish this morning an important
article on ''the peace of Europe" from the
Pail MgH GGsctts, and it is significant in
view of the late nervous debates in the
English Parliament upon military and
naval preparations, and the activity dis
played by English naval authorities. The
illness of the Prussian Emperor and the in
fiuence of Harr Won Arnim. is said by the
Tag6sprssse to have prevented open rupture
between Prussia and France. Bismarck
will not forgive the Count Won Arnim.
Prussian Minister at Paris since 1872 for
his interference. Russian and English
diplomatists have repeatedly warned France
of the danger threatening her, and although
she has studiously avoided taking or giving
offence, the persistent determination OF
Prince Bismarck may. and probably will,
bring about open rupture and war, invoiv-
ing other nations besides Prussia and
France.
Large orders for arms have been &C
cepted by several of our most extensive
armories, and proposals. for the manufac-
ture of material of war are on the way here
from Europe, as well as from South Amer
ice, which promise increased employment
in this branch of trade, and a recovery
from the inactivity and low prices which
have prevailed since the close of our war.
In the event of a general European war
the carrying trade of the world would be
consigned to American bottoms again if we
should be ready, and the readiness is not
alone in having the ships and the sailors,
but we require an efficient navy to main
tain our sailors rights and protect our flag
on every sea and in every port. In time
of general war might is right. Fast-sailing
cruisers, armed with powerful guns, and
well-considered and tried torpedo system,
as an auxiliary to the guns, alone would
enable us to retrieve what we lost during
and by reason Of our late war-lost
through the promptness of England. France
and Germany in taking advantage of
the opportunity, together with the unques.
toned efficiency of their formidable ships
ofwar and powerful guns. 1t is possible.
in fact probable, that our ports may, soon
in the future, prove to be the only neutral
ones, and in contest engaging such pow
erful Governments armed neutrality"
alone could be maintained. Therefore our
coast Notifications should be armed and put
in efficient condition, lest it happen that
hostile ships-of-war fight their battles in our
harbors from very contempt for our weak
ness. The great changes which have taken
place within the past few years in ship
building, armor, ordnance and the art OF
war in Europe has left our artisans far be-
hind the age. Ship-building has come near
being lost art with U.s. Marine architec-
ture is an art involving the necessity, not of
genius alone, but long, practical experience,
and it is the same with the ordnance pro-
blem. Therefore every encouragement
should be given by legislation to these
branches of technology by appropriations
for sloops-of-war. at the time when the
prices are lowest and labor unemployed,
and the encouragement and perpetuation of
the scientific staff corps of the army and
navy, so that their attaimments may not be
lost to the Government at the first emery
cncy requiring them.