The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. In the Cause of Truth and Justice we Strive. THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 1871.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 804, 20 April 1871, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. In the Cause of Truth and Justice we Strive. THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 1871.

It is singular that one item, and that the most important in connection with the terms of peace, has been omitted from the English telegrams. No mention whatever has been made as to what territory has been ceded. But for the determination on the part of the Germans to become possessors of a portion of the French territory, peace would have been declared after Sedan, averting endless bloodshed and desolation. It must be presumed that the gain of this territory is deemed by Germany to be a sufficient compensation for the loss of half a million of lives, and that she thinks it will serve as a guarantee of peace in the future But we fail to comprehend how the possession of Alsace and Lorraine by Germany can serve to unite existiug European complications, or give any security for peace in the future. During the 170 years' existence of Prussia as a monarchy, the annals of that country furnish numerous instances of spoliation and aggression; and the refusal of the terms offered by Favre previous to the investment of Paris places beyond any doubt the object with which the war was prosecuted. Short of cession of territory, France was willing %o offer any reasonable terras, and, although finally compelled to accept the terms dictated by Germany, it cannot have been without a feeling of

intense mortification that she has submitted to the spoliation of her territory. Peace has been concluded, but who will venture to affirm that it will be of long duration ? The future, we think, could have been viewed with greater confidence had the question of territorial acquisition been left untouched, and these frontier provinces remained to France. Of one thing we feel assured, that should the opportunity present itself, and it may do so Focmer or later, France must make an effort to regain her lost provinces. The monetary loss to France involved in the payment of four milliards of francs must also seriously cripple her resources. The above amount represents in pounds sterling a sum of £15,730,106, so that Germany computes her cost of the war at about £5,000,000 per week—a sum which must have been very greatly exaggerated. For the performance of this portion of the contract, Germany holds four French departments until one-half of the indemnity has been paid. Large as this payment is, however, France is sufficiently wealthy to meet the demand, and, chastened by the rod of affliction, she will speedily repair her disasters, and rise again in renovated strength to pursue the career of a great nation. Disastrous as have been the consequences of this terrible struggle to France, it has at least wrought a change in the mind of the French people in a few short months, more complete than could have been effected in generation a by ordinary means; and any Government that wields the future destinies of France will rule only by the will of the people, who, in the new spirit that has been awakened, will not be slow to insist upon the free exercise of their privileges as citizens. Already, in the Assembly, Favre has moved the abrogation of all laws limiting the freedom of the people to bold meetings; and this must be hailed as a step in the right direction. The question remains, what form of Government w ; ll be established? Will it be republic an imperialist, or monarchical ? We find that one of the deputies of the Assembly has demanded the arrest of the Provisional Government on a charge of high treason. No particulars are furnished as to the grounds on which this demand is based. Want of success surely cannot form the basis of such a charge. It assumed the direction of affairs when imperialism had ceased to exist, and prosecuted the war in the best interests of France, with an heroic patriotism, energy, and perseverance that presented a very remarkable contrast to the action of Napoleon. If they did not achieve success, they at least deserved it, and their courage and fortitude, reflected in the people, shed a lustre upon France amid her unparallelled reverses. However objectionable their political creed, these men devoted their best energies to the salvation of their country, and, viewed in this light, their actions are not worthy ot condemnation. Whatever doubt there may be as to a republican form of government being established, there is little chance of the restoration of Imperialism. Probabilities point to the likelihood of the reinstation of the House of Orleans, and it is likely that under a constitutional and limited monarchy, France will be best able to repair her past calamities.