The Dunstan Times. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1870.

Dunstan Times, Issue 440, 23 September 1870, Page 2

The Dunstan Times.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1870.

Beneath the Rule of Men entirely j ust the pen is mightier than theswoßD

The war that has so suddenly broken out between France and Prussia will be extremely prejudicial to New Zealand interests, even supposing that it does not extend beyond the present combatants. The scheme of the Colonial Treasurer for borrowing money in the English market will be frustrated, and we must wait for peace ere a colonial loan can be negotiated. This is taking the most favorable view of the matter ; but, should England become engaged, and there is jjevery probability that such will be the case, it will be difficult to hold our own as a dependency of Great Britain The prophecy of the late Duke of Wellington that there would be a great European conflagration appears likely to bo verified. Should Russia assist Prussia it would be very difficult for us to witliold our aid from Franca, and it would likewise be difficult for us to fight against our old ally, Prussia. Still, we could not see France pushed, and she has strong claims upon us, more especially that she fought beside us in the Crimean War. Of the ability of Prussia to maintain an aggiessive war there can be no question, especially if she continues her operations on the Rhine frontier. Except the adjustment of the difficulties of the Rhine provinces, we do not suppose that Prussia desires more- The days for the acquisition of territory are over, and the Prussians, doubtless, no more desire to march into Paris than the French into Berlin It is not of course to be supposed that, because of a few reverses, France will give in. The honor of the country is at stake. But, if left entirely to themselves, the com batants will, in all probability adjust their own differences, after expending a large amount of blood and treasure, or they will seek the mediation of other Powers. Because France has lost a few battles, it is no reason that she is beaten. The prestige of the French arms has been too well maintained for that, and, when we come to

consider that, witli the present improvements in materials and instruments of warfare, a war, let whoever may be engaged, must be short and decisive, and the losses on both sides pretty evenly balanced. It is impossible to strike a heavy blow without a recoil, and as both the armies of Eraoce and Prussia are so proficient, there will be a mutual extermination, and the seat of war cohS'.'quentJy confined within narrow limits. If, as appears probab'e, other Powere become engaged, the rich British Colonies in Australasia will most assuredly be attacked by somebody, and, as the Mother Country will have enough to do to hold her own, it is very clear that we must take steps to defend ourselves, and this we are not in a position to do. We have neither army nor navy, and our only resource will be to shake off our allegiance with England and declare ourselves independent States. It will most assuredly come to this some day, and the fact ot England being engaged in a general European war will only precipitate the event. We certainly owe England much, but there are duties which we owe to ourselves, and it would be much better for us that we should become independent Slates than become the territory of some foreign power. All this may happen or it may not. Still it is advisable to look difficulties' in the face and be prepared to encounter them. If we areto meetjevil let us choose that which is least. It must not be supposed we are by any means disloyal; but, being perfectly unable to repel invasion, we have only one course to adopt should an enemy make his appearance on our shores.