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New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9221, 8 June 1893, Page 4

M. Goblet's speech at the unveiling of the monument of the Defence of Paris, contained a significant reference to the relations between France and Germany. He declared that the retention of the lost provinces of Alsace and Lorraine by Germany was not only the cause of the insensat%arfhaments which the nations of Europe are going in for, but would, inevitably, lead to war with France unless an amicable settlement was arrived at. There can be doubt that M. Goblet places his finger upon the real key note of the whole situation. So long as Alsace and Lorraine remain under the rule of the Kaiser the peace of Europe may be violently broken at any moment, while the certain danger of such a contingency renders it impossible for any of the Great Powers to relax in the slightest degree their enormous military burdens. France is determined to wrest her lost provinces from her conquerors of 1871, and when the psychological moment arrives will undoubtedly make the attempt The result will be to set Europe in a blaze, [t is in the power of the German people to avert this, terrible danger. Were they to agree to give up to France the territory which they won by the sword and only hold by the sword, not only would they ensure the maintenance of the peace of Europe, but they would relieve themselves of the necessity of keeping up the colossal armaments which are now pressing* with crushing weight upon the whole people of Germany, while other nations at present groaning under similar burdens would be able to get rid of them. It was believed that the late Emperor Frederick had some indention of proposing that the two provinces should be given back to France, but his untimely death prevented the intention, if it existed, from being carried out. There is, however, we are afraid, very little probability of Germany acting in the magnanimous manner suggested. She will continue to keep a tight grip upon the fruits— the costly fruits—of her victory until they are forcibly wrenched from her.