The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-02-22
their commercial isolation is calculated to in


volve.
1t was. perhaps. the consciousness OF this fact
which hns stimulated the Roumanans to pol
icy OF vigor that may lead to most portant
consequences. Ever since they enabled the
Russians to take PlevnH, and. in fact. by tho
timely arrival OF their army. saved them from
being driven with iRnomlny back across the
Danube, they have felt bitterly incensed Mt the
treatment they received from the great power
which owed them so much. Atthis momenttbere
are no people In Europe 80 hated by the Rou-
manians as the Russians. The latter are per-
fectly conscious OF this Innd return the senti-
ment with interest. The feeling that they owe
tho safety OF their army to the Roumanian
army rankles in them bitterly and they attribute
the severe quarantine regulations imposed by
RoumQnia not so much TO fear OF the plague
as to spite.
In the midst OF the angry feeling excited by
all this comes the frontier incident arising out
Of n dispute as to whether Russia shnll abide
by the frontier imposed on her under the treaty
OF Berlin by tho six Commissioners appointed
by the powers. or by tho line chosen
by the Russian Commissioner. noumania
takes its stand on the treaty OF Berlin and
the award OF the Commissioners. and
occupies in consequence the Arab Tabia a
strong position overlooking Silistria. To this
the Russians object on the ground TINT II inter-
fcres with tho dcfences OF Sllistria: but by the
treaty Of Berlin 1t was stipulated that TINT for
tress was to be dsmanted 80 that this plea Of the
Russian Commissioner only makes the matter
worse. as showing that Russia has no intention
OF abiding by the treaty. Meantime Gen. An
Relescu the Roumanian commander. holds Arab
TabIa and dcncs the Russian General at Silis-
tria to turn him out. The latter has referred
the mntter to his Government while Roumana
has referred it to the powers. and has received
strong assurances Of support from Austria.
This fact is significant as showing that an
understanding on Eastern matters has been
arrived Mt between Germany and Austria; and
this furnishes the key to the unexpected abro-
cation OF TINT clause in the treaty OF Prague by
which Prussia bound herself to allow the in.
habtants OF North Schleswig TO decide by a
pebiscite whether they would be Danish or
German. As the desires OF the population are
we'll known to be strongly in favor OF Denmark
they have never been allowed by Germany an
opportunity Of expressing an opinion. and In
fact this refusal on the part OF Prussia TO adhere
TO the treaty wns tho cause Of the Prusso-Aus
tran war OF 1866. and has ever since been a
burning question between the two countries
But times are changed. and Austria has too
much to gain by a close alliance with Germany
to remember the rights OF the Schleswigers
while Bismarck Is furious with the King oil
Denmark for allowing his daughter. the
Princess Thyra. to marry the Duke OF Cumber-
land, who refuses to abandon his riRhtful claim
20 tho crown OF Hanover. SO Bismarck takes
| this opportunity OF wrcaking his vengeance on
Dcnmark. and Austria makes her own political
capital out OF his spite. while the poor Danes
are left In the lurch. They are about withdraw
ing their ministers from Vienna and Berlin
but there is no power 10 espouse their cause
and they will have TO submit under protest
/ furnishing another illustration Of the hollow
ness Of treaties. and the fimsiness OF interna
tional obligations. and adding ANOTHER element
TO the disturbed condition Of Europe.
All eyes are fixed with considerable interes
on the new French Government. ana II by NJ
means inspires confidence or satisfaction to tn,
| despotic powers. Both Austria and Germany
| feel that II will not do to see the French repub
| lie exhibiting to Europe a spectacle OF prosper
| ity. tranquility. and moderation and so supply
! ing the Republicans within their own border
with an argument in favor OF that form Of gov
ernment. They are. therefore. eagerly watch
! ing for n breakdown. Gambeita Is mark a
which shafts are aimed from every direction
/ His own followers accuse him OF cowardice II
taking position which removes him from tn
they are left to fight their own battle they fee
their impotence. His old adyersaries are de
lighted 10 see him in n position in which tn
smallest false move will damage his prestige
and they are exerting their ingenuity in lay
ing traps for him. so that the grandeur OF hi
new dignity is not unGccompanied by its trials
and his bed is not altogether composed o
| roses.
1t is singular that tho head OF the presen
French Cabinet should be- an Engllshman, tina
five ofits members should be Protestants. that tn
President OF the Chamber should be a Jew. an
the President Of the Republic the son OF n sma
farmer. No wonderthe cericals and aristocrat
are violent and contempiuous. foreign power
critical and unsympathetic. and even the rad
Gals jealous and suspicious. They all predi,
for various reasons that II can't last. which !
the best guarantee for its stability. In Franc
there is nothing durable but the prorisore.