The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1913-06-06
THE OBSERVATORY

am intensely lHtcTeStcu III INC
political situation of central Europe, as
we'll as that of southeastern Europe,
recall the early days of 1870. During
our Civil war Louis Napoleon had un-
dertaken to get foothold in Mexico;
1ae thought the American republic was
surely going to pieces, and he had
some wild scheme in his head of hav-
ing France again dominant on this
continent and perhaps even thought
he might yet dispossess England OF
Canada; but he tried setting up an en-
pire with the brother of the present
emperor of Austria as ruler in Mexico.
Our government had not failed to let
him know that we viewed the business
as distasteful to US; an das the war
drew to close he saw the real power
of our armies, and that some of them
were being moved towards the Mex
lean border, he fastened to withdraw
his soldiers. And by the way, l be-
lieve at least one of the veterans of
our city was in the force that started
towards that then, as now, distracted
| country.
Americans did not feel friendly to-
wards Napoleon Ill.,; his overturning
the Second French Republic created
prejudice against him which was
deepened by the Mexican exploit; and
when the Franco-Prussian war drew
on nearly every American sympathiz-
ed with the Germans, not knowing the
trickery by which Bismarck had
brought on that conflict.
l am inclined to believe that now
most Americans sympathize with the
present Third Republic, which in the
face of difficulties, and rather unfortu-
nate constitution, has maintained it.
self for over forty years, and seems
stronger each passing year. The mill
tary arrogance of the Germans has
constantly irritated the French, but
with an excellent spirit they have
laughed at it, till now new spirit has
been awakened.
My observations of two weeks ago
had not left my desk when there came
to it communication from Curtis
Brown in the Springfield Republican,
who has spent most Of his time in Eu-
rope for several years past, and seems
well posted on political affairs over
there. And under date of April 80, he
says:
"Germany's aggressive policy of
pin-pricks and saber-rattling against
France for some years past has at
last eliminated in an outbreak of
popular feeling, which only those liv-
ing France can Thoroughly appreciate.
The statement made by the German
politicians and newspapers that
France is an Enemy" has revived the
slumbering international hatred, which
is now as keen as it was during the
| oil .:as,
war. The formidable increase in the
kaiser's legions bringing their numeral
strength on a peace footing up to
100000 men, has left no doubt in the
. minds of surprisingly large proper
ton of the French people that this
gigantic mass of men is to be hurled
, against them at the first favorable
: opportunity, and they are now making
every effort to be ready to stem the
invaders onward rush."
He says that every German is be.
coming very unpopular, even the sau.
S sage shops advertise their goods as
English" and most Germans buying
them think they really come from
London, and many other similar facts
show the set of the popular tide oil
n sentiment
. Military service has never been pop.
ular in France, and the average young
Frenchman has always done his best
to avoid it, but he now takes his place
in the ranks cheerfully enough. Those
: who, have done their service are quite
t as enthusiastic. Cafe walters, masons
Il drivers and clerks are all anxious to
have go" at the "salauds" dirty
chaps), as they now call the Germans
This is the most opprobrious expires.
: sion in the French language. 1t Is in.
/ teresting to get in conversation with
10 these honest workers, and hear some
OF their military experiences. Even
the docile waiter, who generally