The Evening Star. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1870.

Auckland Star, Volume I, Issue 293, 17 December 1870, Page 2

The Evening Star. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1870.

The news which has arrived this morning from Europe is the most important yet received since the commencement of the war between Erance and Prussia. Various have been the hopes expressed, and the conjectures formed as to the possibilities of England being involved in war. But Aye think that a careful weighing of all the circumstances attending the present position will lead lo a conviction in most minds that, through the re-

appearance of the Eastern question at such a juncture in affairs, we are certainly on the eve of a war of the most extensive and terrible character. The known hereditary policy of Russia, which never changes, has taken the opportunity when France is crippled, j_ ._ ,1 . 1. " ~ _"** And what cannot be otherwise regarded than an insolent challenge has been hurled at England. Erance is humbled, but the material for armies is there ; and with the limitless wealth of England, aud their united and irresistible fleets ; with the probable alliance of Austria, which has Sadowa to avenge, and the German Confederation to re-arrange; and with the alliance of the gallant aud now powerful Italy—which is bound to aid by treaty —we have no reason to fear for the result. Rivers of blood will flow, and devastated nations will remain to mourn the consequence of ambition, but the honor of England is at stake, and England's sons will do their

duty.