THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1403, 10 November 1886, Page 3

THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

We never coaid understand (says the Age) why Mr Gladstone should have occupied ißyyrt unless he determined to make the oc upation permanent, but withdrawal now means a vain and profligate expenditure of blood and treasure, as well as a confession of weakness. If the British na'ion submit to each terms its character would be bankrupt beyond redemption. Many generations nous' elapse before it regained its status in the European family of nations, while to the humiliation would be added the danger of the aggressor presuming on bl j fuco’ »8 and becoming more aggressive still. Everything hangs upon the attitude of France, for there is nothin!' to fear fr m Russia in Egypt or the Mediterranean. The French people are burning for an opportunity to rehabilitate their damaged military piestige, and it is in their power to force this opportunity at the present juncture under exceptionally favorable auspices. In conjunction with Bussla she could engage Great Britain at a tremendous disadvantage to the latter ; and if Great Britain were assisted by Getmar y her army would be qu to equal to the task of repelling a German Invasion oa the ■ bine, with Russia co-operating with her lu force upon Bismarck’s other flank. Bis marck sees the peril of the situation, aud his enemies know that be sees it, and fir d in the knowledge a further temptation to preeevre in their designs without regard to farm His true policy and the policy of Germany is to let the other powers ex bans' themselves by a war in which be will take no part; and when they can fight no longer be will be fresh in tbo field either to arbitrate or to dictate as the occasion offer;.