Year: 1870

The DANGER AND HOTE OT THhNCE'


The defeat of Marshal Bazaine at Rezonyille,
on Thursday last, put an end to the fghtlng
around Metz. II virtually annihilated the left
of the French army, as the right was destroyed
in the Vosges The last lingering hope OF
the Empire was blasted on that bloody field; !;
and there is no terror henceforth in the names
of NAPOLEON or Bazaine Let us hope, as seems
not improbable that it also puts an end to all
serious fighting in the present war.


The result of the Prussian victory at Recon-
vile, the details of which are sent us by tele-
graph from our special correspondent the field,
greatly alters the military situation in France
which at once becomes more grave and more
hopeful for the French people. Her disasters
are not without their compensation for France
the real, true France we mean, and not the
false Empire, which, like every great imposture
created by fraud and maintained by vice,
has come to an ingloriOus and deserved
end. The powerless Emperor flies from
field 10 field escaping the dangers into which
he has led his hoodwinked soldiers, and,
fearful of returning to his capital, goes from
point to point, bewailing his fate and cOurtlng
sympathy which no one tenders him. He who
declared the war is fugitive, without the
power TO continue or the authority to con-
cude it. The army which maintained
his late authority no longer exists
and Prussia is confronted, not by
an enemy, but by noble people at
once desperate and bewildered by the false
and humiliating position into which they have
been betrayed. The tender of Peace at this
time cannot but find acceptance. Our faith in
the sagacity of Bismarck, the magnanimity of
King William, and the generosity OF the Ger
man nation fOrbids us to doubt that such
tender will be made.


But it little matters whether it is made or
not. The delay in the advance upon Paris,
which now appears necessary consequence
of the late victory of the Prussians, will not
unlikely tend to some compromise or interven-
ton, and put an end to the bloody encounters
of the contestants. The siege of Metz must
follow the driving of Bazaine within the
walls of that fortress. 1t will require
the whole of the Prussian right wing and
center-Or what there is left of these fine ar
mics after their terrible losses in the five days
! fghting-tO invest the fortress. Bazaine can
not be left in the rear at Metz unguarded by
an equal force and of necessity the advance OF
the center and right armies of the Prussians
must be delayed for time.


The progress of the other army under Fred
erck William will also be retarded by this i'm
perative delay at Metz. 1t has reached point
only a score of miles southeast of Chalons,
and its advanced cavalry corps have passed
far to the west of the great camp where Mac
! Mahon is with his demOralized men. 1t is not
a foe which the Prince with his fine army
would fear in battle, with the others corps in
supporting distance. But the vigorous pursuit
cannot be continued by Prince William at the
risk of his communications with the center
and left or to the danger of his line of sup
plies. While it may not be discontinued, there
fore, the advance of Prince Frederick William
will doubtless be less rapid and vigorous; and
Paris will have a longer period for prepara-
tions for defense and for revolution.


The situation in the French capital, mean
time, is painful enough. The disarmed city is
a vast disorderly camp of unframed soldiers.
The feverish and impulsive people waste their
energy in emotions. There is no government
but that of the two days old Governor, Gen.
Trochu, who has suddenly emerged from dis
grace under the dying Empire to be the most
popular man in rejuvenating France. Already
there is observable renewed self-reliance, less
excitement Already Trochu has spoken
words which inspire confidence in his wisdom,
and reveal him, the wielder of the immense
power of the bayOnet, relying in the moment
of danger on moral force as the only decisive
safeguard. VIII he display his wisdom in
demanding the safety of France at the cost OF
the EmpireY He will prove then, indeed, the
true leader whom France in this moment of
no o,nran,o nisfor demands