New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-10-18

available though of course it could not be openly
employed in explanation.
Bismarck had at last arranged and signed the
treaty with Italy. At the first sign OF actual
hostilities descent was TO be made upon Veneta.
and IL the Italian army was unsuccessful Prus-
sin was TO come 10 its aid. At Paris rather
vague assurance of neutrality was the most that
could be obtained but the strong probability
was that the Emperor having given full permits
sion to Italy for the recovery of Venetia, would
keep his hands off, at least until the war was
terminated or the success Of Of the complaints
was no longer in any doubt Even then the
Prussian Premier was in no hurry to move. Aus
tria, It was known, had begun to mobilize though
continuing diplomatic intercourse She could not
hope to conceal her preparations for war, but
when challenged by Berlin to their ultimate
purpose, she made pretended explanations and
excuses which could have deceived nobody. The
Berlin Government on its side, while delaying
positive action to the last moment. for the moral
effect of this course, had not been idle. Moltke
had been called into council and had. with his
cool scientific precision, given all the information
required as to the time needed for mobilization.
Preliminary measures to that end had been quietly
taken. Everything was ready for the signal
The Prussian preparations were really much fur
Their advanced than the Austrian. although the
latter had several weeks start of their opponents
1t is somewhat curious that the true inferences
from this state of things did not occur to the
Austrian generals, who were proceeding with the
utmost confidence for a military "walkover.
Perhaps it is less remarkable that nearly all
Europe outside Of Germany considered the Aus
TRAN army the stronger of the two. In france
all the military authorities held this view, ana
Louis Napoleon calculated that his services would
soon be needed on behalf Of Prussia, from whom,
in her anticipated humiliation, he thought it
might be possible TO entreat slice of territory
AZ the reward of friendship. The Austrian COM
mander and Ministers were equally confident, not
alone of victory, but of easy victory. 1t is true
that the Italian situation looked dark, and 1T
made the Vienna Cabinet very angry. But, after
all they considered that when Prussia had been
we'll thrashed, and Siesia recovered. it would not
be difficult to punish Italy, and reoccupy
Venetia and so the warlike preparations were
hurried on without qualm' The present volume
closes at this point. War has been declared. but
hostilities have not yet been begun. Austria is
full of sahguine expectations, and intends TO fall
upon the foe before the latter mobilize his
forces At Berlin there is little apparent stir,
but a great deal is being done. Bismarck has
cleared the stage of Europe for the coming drama.
and secured neutrality wherever alliance is out
of the question. Moltlte and Room are ready.
Combinations and arrangements of every kind
are effected and at last active mobilization Is IN
progress In the ensuing volume will be set
forth that famous Seven Weeks War which first
opened the eyes of the world to the true proper
lions and the true quality of the Prussian power