The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1894-12-29
long and hard struggle before the man OF
party that destroys the House Of Lords.
THE PEACE OF EUROPE


THE PEACE OF EUROPE.
a great deal has been said and written
about the peace OF Europe in late years.
Heretofore the Triple Alliance has been
considered sufficient guarantee OF
peace. B 1t the weakened condition OF
Italy and the discord and unrest pre-
yalent among the German masses gives
rise to serious doubt of the ability OF
Germany, Austria and Italy being able
to cope with France and Russia. War
has been averted during the last twenty
years only by combination OF circum-
anoes. France was not able to talk for
some time after the Franco russian war,
AID during the last ten years the late
Gear Alexander III. and Pope Leo Kill.
have lent their strong Influence to the
interest OF peace. It was the great am
bition of Alexander III. to preserve
the peace of Europe. 1t is the purpose
OF Leo XIII. to avert all wars. But
Alexander III. is no more and Leo XIII.
is old. Nicholas III. is untried and al
though the successor of Pope Leo is rea
sonsbly certain to exert his influence 10
favor of peace, his influence in that di-
re .tion may not be az strong as that OF
the present pontiff.
The vast ornaments of the great Eu-
ropean powers do not promise peace.
True it is that these have been factor
in prolonging peace, but the moment q
quarrel arises, or military genius rises
to lead one of the great armies of Europe
we may bid good bye to peace. 1t is
nonsense to believe that France will give
up thousand year struggle for the
Rhine because Of the reverses OF a year.
France has been Frustrated time and
time again but she always rallies and be-
comes the foremost nation OF Europe.
Germany at present has the advantage OF
population, but the task Of maintaining
her vast armies has already become bur-
densome. AS long as Germany holds
Alsace- Lorraine, war cannot be avoided.
France at present remains in the back
ground while her population is increas,
ing and her armies and equipments are
being perfected. All this Is being done
with the avowed purpose of avenglng the
disgrace of 1871. Not until French
armies enter Metz and Strassburg and
undo Sedan will France rest. 1t it were
not for the Aleace- Lorraine question, the
advanced civilization of to- day might be-
a guarantee of peace, and perhaps it will
be able to settle even that question.
There is feeling even in Germany that
the part Of the disputed territory which
is French in language and loyalty should
be coded to France. lf this should be
done perhaps the last great war between
civilized nations has already been re-
corded. And why should Germany not
do this? What natural right has Ger
many to rule over unwilling French sub
iecte? Metz was taken from the French
in 1871 because Moltke said the fortifica-
tions OF that place we're necessary as a
defense against France. A much better
defense against France would be an act
on the part of Germany which would
lead France to cease her incessant and
untiring preparations for war.
Germany at present may feel secure
but she should remember that it was
German disunion in the past which in
vited French attacks. The German peo.
pie will not long submit to the burden OF
maintaining an army for the sole pur.
pose OF keeping under German rule lot
of disloyal Frenchmen. Tt is probable
that il the German Emperor should pro-
pose the ceding of Lorraine to France,
the German people would gladly do it.
The Catholic members in the Reichstag
would certainly be in favor of what Pope
Leo has all along been in favor of. All
members from Alsace Lorraine would be
in favor of going back to French ale.
glance, aud it is probable that the social
lists would also favor such move. Ger
many then would be able to turn the
vast amounts OF money now used for
military purposes to education and civil
izat,on. Alsace and Lorraine is the key
to the peace of Europe. II that ques.
ton can be settled then we may hope to
see Europe lay down her arms and not