A Second Great War in Europe Threatened.
By Editor
Our special dispatches from Europe deserve serious consideration, for they come from a source which is worthy of trust. They are not sensational, nor unfounded; we are satisfied that the facts we give are entitled to almost as much credit as if they were official. The news is of extraordinary importance. The Peace which the world thought to be permanent is threatened with speedy destruction, and the danger comes from defeated and prostrate Austria. But a few weeks ago the Austrian empire was at the mercy of Prussia, and was ready to abandon everything for peace. It was fully understood that there would be no difficulty in regard to the cession of Venetia, and that with that gain Italy would be satisfied. Austria now is false to the treaties made, to a degree which Bismark has termed insulting, and for which he threatens immediate war. It is but a question of hours whether the Prussian army moves again upon Vienna. We are not willing to concede that another war is inevitable, even upon the authority of these startling facts. Europe should be satisfied. Prussia has gained enough. Italy has gained enough. Austria has lost enough. There is but one of the great Powers concerned directly in this struggle which could have any reason to desire a renewal of strife, and we do not hesitate to predict that if Austria has seriously resolved to make impediments to the cession of Venetia, it is at the instigation of France. Upon no other hypothesis can the sudden boldness of this ruined power be explained. Louis Napoleon has good reason for dissatisfaction with the adjustment of the late war, and his demand for the cession of Prussian and Bavarian territories was met with an emphatic refusal. If, then, Europe is again upon the verge of war, there is every reason to believe that France will be one of the combatants.—Tribune.