Year: 1868

for the cOnsummation of the Union
as rapidly as he can. Whenever he may
deem it fit to make q formal application for
joining the North German Confederation there
would be new complication between France
aud Germany France is now much more
formidable opponent of Prussia than she was
year ago. The new military organizations have
been carried through, her army in point of num-
bers being equal to that of the North German
Confederation, and recent dispatch states
that the whole French infantry is now supplied
with the ChassepOt rifle, which Marshal Mel
persists in declaring superior to any rifle in
use in European armies But notwithstanding
this military improvement, we believe that
France still shrinks from war with Germany.
The proceedings Of the Zollverein Parliament,
which have just closed, have again proved
that even the bitterest enemies of Prussia
among the South Germans are ready to fight
side by side with her against any foreign foe.
The military force of Northern and Southern
Germany combined is still superior to that of
France, and neither Italy nor Austria, nor any
other State, can be relied upon as a trustworthy
ally. ...................


We are, therefore, of opinion that If war
clouds should again gather on the horizon OF
Europe, the Eastern and not the German ques-
ton is probably the cause. In the Eastern
question Russia is still virtually arrayed against
Turkey, Austria, France, and England, the
alliance of which States would probably be
joined by Italy. 1t required, last year, very
emphatic remonstrance on the part of
the Allies to prevent Russia from carrying
ont her threats against Turkey. Russia
yielded for moment but that there has
not been any notable change in her
plans and policy is universally known.
Russia does not conceal her continued eager
ness to seize the first opportunity for achieving
the independence of the Christian provinces OF
Turkey Apparently inactive in Europe, she
has recently been all the more demonstratlye
in Asia. After rest of nearly two years In
Central Asia, she has suddenly resumed her
march toward the frontier of British India
Once there, she is formidable foe
of Great Britain, and. by foment-
ing an Indian insurrection, she may
reasonably hope to prevent the English
Government from rendering any effective aid
To Turkey. She has recently obtained supreme
influence at the Persian Court, and is goading
that Government on to war against Turkey.
Her movements both in Central Asia and in
Persia are causing the utmost uneasness both
in Paris and London. The Persians appear to
be ready to invade Turkey, as soon as the
order is given in st. Petersburg.


1t is evident that the successes of the Russians
in Asia have greatly changed both the aspect
and prospect of the Eastern question Turkey
is now completely encircled by Russia, and it
is difficult to see she how could defend herself
against a simultaneous rising of the Christian
population in Europe and an invasion OF the
Persians in Asia. Generally, we attribute
very little Importance to vague reports OF an
approaching war in Europe; but whether the
news of lie Nord is true or untrue, we regard
it as unquestionable that the plot in the East
thickens. and that a great war for settling the
long dispute viii at last become unavoidable.