THE LUXEMBURG QUESTION. ["Home News, April 26.]

Hawke's Bay Weekly Times, Volume 1, Issue 24, 1 July 1867, Page 154

THE LUXEMBURG QUESTION. ["Home News, April 26.]

The appearance of the relations between j’rance and Prussia on the subject of Luxemburg has by no means become less serious. On the contrary, it would seem that the decorous delays of diplomacy are being purposely para ded in order to afford each, side every possible moment that can be made available for preparation for the strife. The incessant disclaimer of hostile intentions is but a convention, and does notdeceive any one who has been in the habit of observing the course of events which usually precede a war. If the two powers weye really desirous of ; peace, there are half-a-dozen ways in which the paltry question of Luxemburg, could, be adjusted,..the transfer to Belgium being one of the simplest. The “situation,”, however,affords, remarkable facilities for expansion into a great .quarrel, because the arguments Which are advanced on each! side have a very considerable show; of force, fn it, pwupationroi Luxemburg

by Germans, under the new state of things, and after the abrogation of all the old German treaty arrangements, does become a menace to France, not to use the French term, an invasion. On the other hand, France has no right to Luxemburg; and if in these days the wishes of a population in reference to annexation were worth anything in, the eyes of potentates, the clearly expressed opinion of the Luxemburg people against their, transfer to a nation with which they have neither kindred'nor sympathy ought to be decisive. It is said that the neutral Powers agree that the King of Holland has the right to make a proposed sale, but it seems almost evident that the public opinion of Europe would be opposed to it, even without the potent voice of Prussia. But most persons, including those ready thinkers, the Funds, have come to the belief that the wrath which the French and Prussians have been “ nursing so long to keep it warm” is now at boiling point. The French Emperor no . doubt desires peace, if he can preserve it, and at the same time can preserve the traditions of France, and the prestige of his dynasty. But he is unlucky of late, and to be unlucky in France is to be in danger. He will be found ready, therefore to do something which shall efface the memories of recent failures, and shall set France talking about Napoleonic glory. As for Prussia, she has much to remember and never was good at forgetting. Now she is tremendously strong, and her armies have been breathed in the Austrian struggle, and are in the best possible condition for a new war. Her military men, moreover, say that if war is to come, the sooner the better, for her system does not tend to increase her strength, and her' resources are now in a better state than they will be in a year hence. With such very good will on both sides for an affray, it will be strange if the thunderstorm should not break It is a lamentable thing to think of the probable outpouring of blood and gold, of the domestic and commercial misery which will be caused, and of the check vyhich will be given to the progress of civilisation; but all these commonplaces of regret are in vain. As war has not actually broken out, we may continue to hope that some middle way may be hit upon by diplomacy, but it would be rearing a fool’s paradise to say that there is any solid ground for anticipating the preservation of peace, and England can only congratulate herself that she has no old hatreds to stir her to bloodshed, no frontiers to rectify at the frightful price of war.