Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1881-06-27
FRANCE, ITALY AND egRmANY

The relations between the French and
italian Governments are at present so
much more friendly than those between
the French and Italian peoples that it
seems possible . popular war may result.
Both Governments are doing all in their
power TO avoid difficulties, but the Mar
settles riots have created so intense feel.
ing of hatred that it may be impossible to
restore harmony. Both the Italians and
The French show a strong inclination to
make an issue in politics of this quarrel
and If they do, and the elections turn upon
it, it Is difficult to see how war can be
avoided. The position of France is no
doubt less critical than that of Italy, for
the latter has heavy loan to raise just at
this juncturc, and the apprehension of war
threatens to close the money markets of
Europe against her agents. No doubt this
difficulty may be overcome, bat not easily,
and Italy in the event of war would be
compelled to 60 on borrowing indefinitely.
Perhaps in the present plethoric condition
of the European money markets less diff
Guilty than usual would be experienced il
raising such loans, for capital of late has
been running into all sorts of precarious
enterprises rather than remain idle, and a
good war loan might be much safer than
many of the wildcat projects which have
found ample backing. France would not
Far war with Italy ii that was the only
danger involved, but her statesmen have
now discovered that their raid upon Tunis
was adroitly prepared for them by Bis,
marek, with the express purpose of en-
broiiing them with Italy, and they realize
that the ultimate aim OF the astute Chan.
cellor was to deprive France OF the Italian
alliance, whatever might happen The
plain indications are that this plot has sue
ceeded fully. and that if Germany has &C.
casioa to SO to war with France in the
near future, she can count on the co opera.
ton of Italy. Whether Italy, in the event
of a war with France, can now count on
the co operation of Germany, is, however
the question which perplexes the minds Of
the French Government They do not
know but that this whole Tunis and Mar.
seilles business may have been arranged
and led up to for the express purpose of
afording Bismarck the opportunity he has
long sought of consolidating the fruits Of
the last Franco-German war by another
which should break down the French
power completely. Russia has latterly
been stumbling -block in the path Of Ger.
many, bat the Austro-German alliance NAV
be regarded as having effectually checked
any growing danger from that quarter, and
it may easily be believed that the new
Car has quite enough to do at home with.
out interfering with the affairs of Europe.
France, in short. has allowed her pas.
sion for military glory to entrap her
into very awkward situation. She is
now virtually isolated, and il is further
noteworthy that the failure to secure the
Anglo French commercial treaty is tending
to diminish the cofdiality OF her relations
with Great Britain. Should both France
aud Italy be literally pushed into hostile
relations by the rapidly increasing hostility
OF the respective peoples, Bismarck may
ind that his prescription has operated
more quickly than he had intended. He
could not, however, allow Italy to be over.
come by France, for that would be to defeat
the whole programme OF the last ten wears.
and to invite war for Germany upon most
nnfavorable terms. If Italy goes to war
therefore, the inevitable presumption is
that Germany will have to join her, and r.
recognition of this contingency must render
the French Governments naturally anxious
to patch up the present difficulties, though
it ia not likely to have any soothing eject
upon the French and Italian jingoes. On
the whole the prospect is extremely crit.
cal, and it will require very careful and
judieious diplomacy to prevent rupture.
the consequences of which no man could
foresee. 1t must be admitted, at the same
time, that the French Government docs
not appear TO have exerted itself very ac-
lively to prevent the ontrages upon Italian
citizena at Marseilles.