The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-07-21

Epigrams are extremely important ele-
ments in practical politics, and have often
been of more use than armies. Adroit
politicians have used them freely, espe-
cially politicians of the class who have
had little faith in the great forces and
principles of history. and corresponding
appreciation Of what might be done with
the small trickeries, receptions and de-
vices of their art. Talleyrand was bril-
liant individual of this class and the most
famous singer of epigrams in Europe.
He counted calmly upon them, had them
made to measure, and launched them with
a grander faith in their force than David
had in the smooth stones which he sought
in the primitive arsenal Of humanity. How
calmly he instructed Beugnot to make
an epigram which should be given
to the people as the utterance of Louis
XVIII. upon his return to the throne OF his
ancestors Beugnot made dozen, and out
oil the number the Prince chose the one
now famous, s'Nothing is changed; there
is only one Frenchman more in Francew
which as promise and platform had the
advantage that it offered precisely what
the people wanted, but did not bind any
one to deliver it. Earl Beaconsfeld has
stndied well this part of Talleyrand's
method and practised it with some success.
How extremely well he slipped out of the
complications that had gathered to head
over the difficulties to be settled at Berlin
is we'll known, and how he covered his
failure by the assertion that he had brought
home .'peace with honor" is not forgotten.
peace with honor" magnificent combine
ton, and just what the appetite of the ma
ton most craved at the moment. Chops
with tomato sauce, apple pie with
cheese, cold beef with mustard, oysters
with Chablis these and other recognized
classical combinations touch the various
phases Of a common hunger; but never were
the accidental needs Of an appetite more
APPLY met and filed than with this peace
which was necessary and honor which was
indispensable. But now, alas! the great
leader of the English people is under
greater stress than he was at Berlin, and
inspiration evidently does not come. He
must, absolutely must, get out of this
Auiu WILL ~ 40 AuAAouo OcyVAu wA"e tAo
outside world imagines; not merely ruinous
as to money, but ruinous as to that
prestige" which he especially set about to
restore. 1t demonstrates that England
cannot fight any Power whatever that has
the spirit and the vigor to face her. Ger
many beats to the earth a million Austrians
and three-quarters of u million Frenchmen,
and Russia annihilates half million
soldiers, which England regards the best
in the world; yet England cannot crush
fifty thousand African savages armed with
javelins Not much prestige in that! But
how get out of this war? 1t can only be
done under cover of an epigram, and one
absolutely equal to the occasion cannot he
found. An epigram which shall stand in
place Of a great victory, which shall soothe
and satisfy the martial vanity of proud
people, which shall put the Zulus under
foot. and yet not seem to boast; which
shall hint happily at the achievements
that are desired and treat them as if they
were actually gained, yet not leave
door open to denial-such an epigram is
not easily found, and the Ministerial nurse
labors in vain. There is only one hope.
The Ministry must advertise for bids and
offer prizes; for this epigram must be had,
and the Imagination of the Premier is
not equal to the occasion.