THE WAR FROM A PRUSSIAN POINT OF VIEW.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2303, 23 September 1870, Page 2

THE WAR FROM A PRUSSIAN POINT OF VIEW.

Tho following article has been translated from the Berlin Zeituny of July 14th, and is of interest as showing the manner in which Prussia v'owa tho war, and is prepared to maintain it; — One thought seems to have kept possession of tho German mind during the last week, viz. ; Whether the Spanish throne question could or would lead to a war between France and Prussia. Whilst the Prussian press persisted in calm reasoning, the French indulged in bitter invective. This calm reasoning on the part of Prussia could not have boon very long sustained, as the opposite side hastened to attribute this tranquillity to fear, and they would nmtua'ly coma to the conclusion that Prussia would retort This was the aim and actual intention of the French press, which throughout desired a war between the two nations. That other papers besides the Pay a held tho s-mio opinions is indisputable. Tjjcse /(■of-fijYpjM and tnhre-rnttler*, always inclined to warfare and deeming themselves invincible, could not endure peace. For them peace had lasted too long. Their hatred against Prussia combined with their jealousy could procure them no rest. It was a rooted conviction with tit cm that France could always produce sufficient soldiers to ensure her the victory on every battlefield. If France could be as sure of absolute victory in action as she is in words, Prussia might well weigh the gravity of success ; but as bragging arid action very seldom'are united, Prussia can afford to bide calmly for a settlement of the dispute. That tVe war was premeditated by tho French Government is certain. We were cognisant cf various schemes of theirs, which clearly prove that the war is one of jealousy and envy of Prussia’s power. The French

Cabinet had, some time back (on treacherous design intent), probed the public feeling towards the two powers in Munich, Stutt* gard, and other important towns in South Germany, This alone would have justified Prussia to demand a settlement amicably or Otherwise with France. During the last four years a rapacious invasion had been planned by the French Government as a ‘ Revenge for Sadowa,’ and they were waiting for the pretext or opportunity to satisfy their longing for the downfall of Prussia, scrupling at no means to bring about that desired end. King William has declared that he had nothing whatever to do with the candidature of the Prince of Hoheuzollern, neither proffered his assistance. Now that the Prince has withdrawn Ida claims to the throne of Spain, France steps forth, demands of the King an explanation, and further, that Prussia should bind herself to renounce all claims to the Spanish tin one, or to give support to any German Prince, should there be one to claim the throne of Spain, thus trying, either by threats or insults, to drive Prussia to such a pitch as would leave her no alternative but war. When Napoleon sent Benedctti to the King, he was well aware of the circumstances that would follow, and saw in the future a vision of himself achieving greater conquests than his uncle had done. He has chosen his plans well; sure of the sympathies of Austria and other States in the South of Germany, he saw no obstruction to the future aggrandisement of France, hoping thereby to regain the coi fidence which he has all bub lost amongst the French nation. But he has reckoned without his host. Prussia is ready, and lias confidence in her whole army, to repel her common enemy, and add to the glories won at Waterloo and Sadowa, and other places. Our army is in a complete state of organisation, our defences are secure ; for the rest we trust in Providence, loyal hearts, and true arms.