Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, OCT. 15, 1891. The Peace of Europe.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 15 October 1891, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, OCT. 15, 1891. The Peace of Europe.

A peak is always present that an European war may at any moment break out. Whenever news gets dull, we are informed of large gatherings of armed men, on this or that frontier, having designs on this or that country. Shortly afterwards we have sent us the assurances of peace from the words uttered by the leading men of all the European nations. What is to be made of it ? The Paris correspondent of the Times, has given his views in Haifer'a Magazine, which tends to show that France means war, later or sooner, with Germany. It is to be a mere question of waiting. The length of time may make a considerable difference, as the stability of the Republic is not assured, as we witnessed when the Boulangist excitement was on. If any disturbance occurred within the Repub'ic, her power to assil others would be so weakened, that the day of revenge for Sedan, would have to be further postponed. This is not only possible, but probable, and therefore the interest of those anxious for peace centres in the German Emperor. If he should fear aggression on the part of France, he has but to give the order, and the "dogs of war" would be let loose. If he, confirmed in the strength of his battalions, will resist the impulse to encourage a quarrel with his neighbours, then peace is likely to prevail. Under these circumstances it is satisfactory to read that in all the Emperor's public utterances, he has spoken for peace, in such words that cannot be misunderstood. " I shall be glad if. by the assistance of Heaven, 1 shall be able to govern my country in peace. I only wish the European peace wag lying in my htinii '. tfwn I wwlrt tilkft good orir*

that it should never be disturbed. However that hia# be, I shall af all events lefcve nothing untried, and, as far as 1 ani concerned,.. labour that it may not be disturbed I . ' ' A $t6ry is told that when the Emper6r's grandfather was dying he impressed upon the grandson the necessity of being very considerate with Russia. The advice will probably be acted on. and with a good understanding between Germany and Russia, France would have to bid good-bye to any dreams of the l'econquest of Alsace and Lorraine. At present all the Powers are professing great friendship ; the French fleet was most cordially received at Cronstadt, but so it was at Portsmouth. Russia may have her de< signs on Constantinople and on India, but she never hurries her march, and would not join in an European war for the sake of France, unless she could see her way to gain her ends in Turkey and Asia. The chances are that her time, and France's time may not suit, if so, France will have to wait. Russia is credited with a desire for peace, if she is permitted to do as she thinks best in the east. As bearing out our view of the situation, it is reported that when the French Ambassador ventured to ask the Tzar whether if France went to war with Germany, she could depend upon Russia's support, he Received a rebuff which he is not likely soon to forget. Good relations between Germany and Russia would seem to be the surest guarantee of a prolonged peace, and the way has been made smoother, by the deposition of Bismarck, whom the Tzar is credited with thoroughly disliking. The character of the German Emperor requires careful studying ; he is very young, very ardent, and very positive, but he is credited with having a very good head upon his shoulders, and a desire to do what is right, He has made many speeches, but fortunately has seldom referred to Russia, but in his speech to the Reichstag in 1888 ho said : " Our existing agreements with AustriaHungary and with Italy permit me, to my satisfaction, to oultivate carefully my personal friendship for the Emperor of Russia, and the peaceful relations which have existed for the past hundred years with the neighbouring Russian Empire, and which are in harmony with my own feelings and with tbe interest of Germany." Though the chances of peace look hopeful, it is alarming that it should so much depend on the action of a young monarch of thirty-two years of age, and who looks upon himself as " There is only one master in this country, and I am he."