The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-04-26
The War Blaze I'm Europe-Veu
MOltke's Speech.

| Moltke's speech.
The HERALD's special cable letters from
Paris and London afford vivid and striking
picture Of the excitement with which all
Europe is ablaze now that war between
Russia and Turkey is an accomplished
fact Although the result b as been
for some time foreshadowed, and many
must have foreseen that hostilities were
almost inevitable yet now that the clang OF
arms is actually heard and the hostile BAN
ners are unfurled at the head of advanc-
ing columns, the blow seems to have
fallen suddenly, and the nations stand
aghast at the contemplation OF the mo-
mentous consequences that may be hid
den in the future. In the light
Of the decisive action of Russia,
the remarkable declarations of Won Moltke,
the attitude of the King of Italy toward
the Ultramontanes, the activity in the
British Navy and the Eastern troubles
all assume an exaggerated Importance, and
every mind is shaken by the spectre OF
| general European war. Paris, just re-
| covering from the shock of arms, is
| probably more intensely excited than any
other capital, and. perhaps. with the
greatest cause. Her boulevards, last even
ing and long past midnight, reminded
one of the scenes that transpired
when events occurred in which she
had yet deeper and more per-
sonal interest. Her journals all ca
gerly discuss the situation, but with
varied views. Girardin, in La France,
adopts q bold and decisive pro-Rus-
sian tone. and avows that his sympathies
and ardent wishes are with that nation in
its battle against the detestable government
of Constantinople. The Dfbats, Republiqae
FRANCHISE, Temps and other papers are less
enthusiastic, and in some instances rather
opposed to Russia than otherwise On the
Bourse the feeling of universal distrust is
shown in the feverish and falling securities
London is less demonstrative than Paris; but
while her streets are not filed with excited
throngs, as are the Paris boulevards, the
voice of her press indicates the uneasiness
of her people. The Times. which has been
an advocate of the Russian side of the
controversy, now declares that the Gar
has committed grave error in neglecting to
proclaim that in no event will Russia seize
any Turkish territory. The Times which
has almost justified Russia in going to
war, in fact desires that she should
fight only as England desires her to fight,
and without disturbing those ancient "bal-
ances" so precious to the English but SO OBJ
iectionable to the Russians. A conquering
autocrat in the field at the head of powerful
army flushed with victory is not, however,
very likely to be turned aside from the path
of conquest either by the cooling of a dove
or the roar Of lion. Nor will the extravagant
and almost abusive tone of portion OF the
English press dispose the Gear to look with
much favor on the pleadings OF his former
advocate, the London Tines.
So far as the immediate personal interests
of France are concerned in the present dis
ruption and excitement we believe that we
rightly interpreted General Won Moltke's re-
markable speech in the German Parliament
in regarding it as destitute of the interna-
tional significance that it might be natural
to attribute to such words spoken in such a
place. 1t was intended for "home use" and
was effective. Otherwise it was blunder
It could but startle Europe and Justly
provoke the susceptibilities of France. If
the German Ambassador at Paris has
not made explanations we do not doubt
that he will, for in the absence of expla-
nations there must necessarily follow
great activity in all the French arsenals.
Names OF great authority give importance
to statements that would not attract atten-
ton in the mouths of commonplace people,
because it is supposed that the bearers of
such names use their words with due
sense Of the added weight the name may
posed that the experience and high station
which give the name authority are not I'M
accompanied by perceptions and judgment
superior to those of ordinary men. But it
should be remembered that outside the
range of his own activities distinguished
mans opinions are of the same value as an
other mans. General Sherman's express
sion Of opinion on any point relative to the
art or practice of war would Justly have
great weight with thoughtful persons but
| it would not be accurate to assume that be-
cause this distinguished soldier has been
successful in war his opinions are of su-
preme consequence upon any one of dozen
subjects that have no relation whatever to
military art or science.
In the United States it is common for
every man to have acquaintance with dozen
activities, and to believe that he thoroughly
knows them all. If, therefore, the above
principle is good here, it is still better in
Europe, where one man is satisfied to know
thoroughly one subject, and where the dis
cipline and practical law OF life is to confne
him to that subject. 1t seems to us that this
is to be kept in sight in considering what
weight is to be attached to the declaration