The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-04-21

DISPATCHES we print in reference to the pro-
posed interference Of Germany with Belgium.
As we understand these dispatches Bismarck,
dissatisfied with the reluctance OF tiny BEL
GUM to accept his masteriul assumption OF
superiority in European politics, has sought
the aid Of Austria and Russia to enforce ms
demands. The situation is briefly this. Some
time since there were rumors Of ''plot In
Belgium "ogainst the life OF Bismarck.
These we're attended by demonstrations on
the part Of the Jesuits and ultramontanists
against the power Of Germany" The exact
nature Of these demonstrations has never
been voucbsafed to Us, but we gather from
the remarks Of Lord Derby in the English
Parliament that they must have been Of
serious character, for they actuated Germany
to address a note to England upon the sub
ject Germany in the attitude Of complaint
against Belgium-the strongest Power In
Europe actually asking aid against one Of the
weakest Powers-is a wonder to those who
take only the surface indications Of European
politics But affairs on the Continent are
never free from these wonders, and what we
see now is only an indication Of what may
surprise us at any time in the extraordinary
development OF affairs.
Belgium occupies unique position among
the European countries. Nature and geog-
raphy, which have 50 much to do with the
politics Of the modern world, have made it
the battle ground Of Europe. From the time
Of Caesar to Napoleon embattled legions have
commended in Belgium for the peace and the
mastery Of the Continent Never free and
independent nation by the operation Of
natural causes, it has either been the vassal OF
some great Power like France or Spain, or
erected, by the intervention Of greater Powers,
into dependent independence, like what it
now possesses. The people have shown
marvellous industry and thrift Although
the climate and the soil have few advantages,
compared with what is seen in Italy or Greece,
for instance, the energy Of the people has
made il beehive of industry and wealth
Belgium is now the busiest, weathiest and
most densely peopled country in Europe for
its size. Lying on the edge Of the Con-
tinent, like mere tapping fringe on the
edge Of Germany and France-under the fcgs
and tides and damp, incessant mists Of the
pitIless ocean, not as large compared with the
greater States rs Delaware Rhode Island
compared with the United States, it has at
tanned higher and more substantial if not
more ostentatious prosperity than its neigh
bors Ever since its independence has been
guaranteed by the greater Powers the people
have contented themselves with work. They
have avoided the dissipation Of politics. The
influence Of wise King like the elder Leopold
has been shown in this. The humber glory
Of spinning aud weaving has been more
grateful than that which comes from the shock
OF battle and the roll Of drums. Sheltered by
its apparent insignifcance from the contin-
gencies which Cypress other States, there has
been no, necessity for those cruel CONSUMPTION
laws and bloated ornaments which distress
the greater nations. The people have been
always Catholic. They have never failed in
their devotion to the Holy See. The only
monarch who has sustained his flial relations
to the Pope is the King Of Belgium. The
only country where Catholic policy has abso-
lutely ruled the governing councils is Bel
GUM. They have never forgotten their neigh
borly relations with France. at one time,
under the French rule, they show that affec-
ton for France and its institutions which
seems inseparable from all countries who have
ever fallen under their influence. The two
things which Germany breads il Europe are
France and Catholicism, and Belgium is to
day French and Catholic.
The attitude Of Bismarck toward Belgium is
thus explained. In the first place, Belgium IS
French and Catholic Ia the second place,
her freedom j. guaranteed by England So
long as England : power on the Continent
Germany has d rival which she cannot despise.
The question must, sooner Or later, arise how
far will the policy Of England Be reconcilsd
with that of Germany. Ever since Bismarck
has attained power in Prussia his policy has
been defiance. lie has trampled upon the
rights and feelings Of any Power that
did not bend to his will. Ayowing in the
beginning that his craftsmanship was simply
a question Of blood and iron, nc has
varied with Austria and Denmark and
France, and now threatens war with Belgium.
However the German notes may be smothered
in diplomatic rhetoric they mean war unless
Belgium accepts the dictation of Bismarck.
Nor would this acceptance be difficult or i'll
timed from small nation anxious only for
peace and chance 70 spin and dig. But
Belgium is under the dicration Of England.
The independence Of Belgium is as much an
act q England as the dependence Of Ireland.
How, then, can the country serve two masters,
and how can England guarantee the freedom
Of cabinet which is asked to amend is laws
10 suit the will Of the German CHANCELLOR
Therefore, if the diplomatic struggle be-
tween Germany and Belgium means anything,
it means that England is the real party. How
long will England consent to the policy Of
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