THE TIMES ON THE WAR.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VI, Issue 61, 13 March 1871, Page 2

THE TIMES ON THE WAR.

Is there any necessity, on either side, for prolonging this terrible and perilous agony ? Our sympathy leads us to ask the question again, and again ; while our impartiality enables us to examine with some clearness. It is our duty to insist that it is not even yet too late to avert the worst consequences threatened by this struggle ; and the utmost efforts ought now to be made to induce the leaders of France and Germany to reconsider their position. Would it not be wise for the Germans, by displaying a readiness to make a moderate use of their victories, to encourage the French once more to entertain the idea of concession and of peace? We should not be misunderstood. Nothing, would be more unjust than to ask the Germans to surrender their claim to a solid security for the future and a substautial reward for the thousands of precious lives they have sacrificed. They were driven into a war of defence, and they have enforced a just punishment in the disasters they have inflicted on the French. But the punishment has already been exemplary beyond any recorded in history. They have taken prisoner the Emperor who menaced them, and the statesmen who shared his schemes are driven into exile. They have destroyed or led into captivity the whole army which was his instrument, with nearly all its Marshals and most renowned commanders. They have taken Strasburg and Metz, with a number of minor fortresses ; they have overrun France and laid her provinces under contribution from the Rhine to the Channel ; they threateu her beautiful capital with fire and famine; their sovereign has occupied for three months the place ot the man who was their greatest enemy, and "all the glories of France" are humbled under their flag. Is not such a punishment enough for justice? May it not become a cruelty akin to that of the Roman against the Gaul if Germany, with her veteran army and her incomparable organization, continues to crush the gallant but undisciplined bands who are now fighting in desperation to save some shreds of the honor of France ? All the healthy opinion of the world went with the Germans in resisting and avenging an unjustifiable invasion ; but it would leave them as soon as they showed a tendency to use their giant's strength tyrannously. Moreover, unless the rage of war render them blind, they must realize too well their own tremendous ] osses, and the grievous suffering which every day's fresh slaughter inflicts on Germany. They know the urgent need that their bread-winners should soon, return to their profitable and useful occupations, lest German as well as French lands should remain unfilled, and German industries suffer permanent injury. The difficulties, too, they have already to encounter must be enough to warn them against unnecessarily provoking the Nemesis which is wont to punish excessive demands, or even neglected opportunities.

The Temperance Society connected with the 77th regiment has now 46-t members, besides 116 members of the Baud of Hope.