Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1881-11-18
AN Old amman

1t certainly can't give an independent
chronicler of events and an unbiased critic
of affairs any pleasure to note the signs of
undiminished hostility between Germany
and France, and yet such signs are manifest
In fact, slight but significant evidence Of
this animosity has been rather rudely thrust
in the face of America lately, in the plain
aversion displayed by our French guests at
the Yorktown celebration and at other places
to the German participants of the hospitai-
ties of the Republic.
Without pausing to comment on the i'll
manners of the representatives Of the nation
that sets itself up to be model Of dcport-
ment to the world at an international occa-
sion, we would quietly point to the fact as
indicative of the uncomfortable hatred that
is cherished by the French people against
their conquerors in the late struggle at arms.
OF course this feeling is decently and pru-
IDENTIFY repressed in all governmental trans
actions and relations between the two powers,
but it crops out on every occasion in which
individual and national feeling can be shown,
without an overt commitment, and reveals
the settled determination of France TO try
conclusions again when the circumstances
are propitious.
The German government has pursued a
quiet course of aggravation, fomenting all
sources of hostility against France found in
the animus of other powers, while keeping
up fair show OF amity, ostensbly, with
the French government. 1t would appear
that Bismark is in no way unwilling for a
breach of peace, but wishes to place France
in dsadvantageous position. Hence he
has pulled wires so as to produce a bad
state of feeling between Italy and France,
but lately has declined to receive visit from
King Humbert, lest it might seem to be in
dicative of hostile attitude to the French
government. With powder and fire almost
touching, an explosion may take place at
any moment.
The French have been preparing them
selves for the crash ever since their forced
and ignominious peace. 1t has been stated
that they think their army and navy in
proper condition, and the more impatient
are anxious for the coming of the day when
they shall strike for their last honor and the
recovery of their captured territory. The
French government exhibits no sympathy
with this feeling, but the military circles
have been long enough engaged in foment-
ing the feeling. Germany is ready.
Unbiased observers, who have infinitely
examined the military resources and pre-
parations of the two nations, say with much
unanimity that the new contest will terml-
nate as the former did, only with graver
consequences. With all their military spirit
and genius, it is said that the French are
far from having attained, in the organization
of their army, the excellence and minute
efficiency that has marked the German mill
tary arms since Won Moltke has had the
superintendent of affairs. Doubtless there
are some cool heads in France, like Grevy
who see and know this and war cannot
be precipitated without an earnest protest
which would be backed by the commercial
circles. Egypt, Tunis and Turkey consti.
tute the present irritants that cause the fric-
ton, but if these points are ierried ovei
peaceably some other case will occur with
the general disposition in favor of a hostile
settlement.