The Portland daily press., 1875-04-23
Germany and Belgium.

VOiHnHJ anu DciStuuls
1t is not probable that the peace of Europe
Is seriously menaced by the interchange of
notes between Germany and Belgium, but it
IS very evident that the curiosity of Europe is
greatly excited thereby. The attitude of
Germany is puzzling. Why that power
should choose this time to demand redress for
alleged grievances of some years. standing is
known only to Bismarck, and Bismarck is
not given to the makings of explanations.
Three complaints have been forwarded
from Berlin to Brussels. The first relates to
certain pastoral letters, written in 1872 and
1873 by Belgian bishops to their German
brethren, encouraging them in their opposi-
ton to the German ecclesiastical system.
The second complaint is in reference to an
alleged conspiracy to assassinate Bismarck in
1873, formed by religious zealots in Belgium.
The third is of an address to the bishop of
Paderborn last December, expressing sympa-
thy for him in mis- persecution-an address
pur2orting to be from Belgc ecclesiastical
authorities. These complaints were prompt
ly replied to by the Belgian government.
The ground was taken that the civil authori-
ties had no supervision over the pastorals of
the bishops, and that the liberty of the
individual could not be abridged even to
crafty Germany. Proof was given that the
alleged conspiracy to assassinate the German
premier was hoax. Finally it was pointed
out that the address to the bishop of Pader-
born was repudiated by the religious society
to which its authorship was attributed.
Certain structures in the German note in
regard to the obligations of neutrals were
replied to with great spirit. The German
rejoinder is remarkable for the impudent sug-
gestion that Belgium shall change her laws
in order to preserve the friendship of the
Empire.
Here the matter will probably rest, for Bis
marck is not SO unwise as to force conflict
with Belgium when that country is almost
sure to be backed by the great powers.
France would eagerly join in an extensive al
lance against her hated conqueror. The
sympathies of Austria are all with Belgium,
and she would not be slow to embrace an op-
portunity to wipe out the defeat at Sadowa.
England is committed to the defense of the
independence of Belgium. She has fought
one great campaign on Belgic soil, and if nec-
sessary will not hesitate to fight another.
Russia and Italy certainly would not espouse
the Prussan quarrel.
1t is not improbable that Bismarck thought
to intimidate Belgium and hoped to embroi
her authorities with the church party. Once
engaged in the ecclesiastical quarrel the ab-
sorption of Belgium into the Empire would
naturally follow. The scheme having failed
Bismarck will probably drop it with all pos
sible dignity. Possibly he hoped that France,
thirsting for revenge, would be imprudent
enough to take the question up in defense of
Belgium. The Chancellor is convinced that
another war between Germany and France is
inevitable, and is desirous that it shall come
about while France is yet weak. He is anxi-
GUS to provoke conflict as soon as possible
But the wise moderation of the French lead
ers bids fair to defeat this aim.