EUROPEAN AFFAIRS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8861, 19 July 1890, Page 6 (Supplement)

EUROPEAN AFFAIRS.

TO THE EDITOB. Sir, —All the great powers of Europe are armed to the utmost extent for the contest, which must sooner or later come, but there is no doubt that all these great powers ara hesitatiDg in putting fire to the torch of war, which now hangs over Europe and ready for any moment for explosion. That the next war will, with the newest artillery and small arms, be a fearful one there can bo no doubt, and as the old experienced veteran, General Moltke, says, will greatly alter the map of Europe, and disturb the equilibrium or balance of power. Of couree lam not behind the scenes, but it appears that the late Emperor William I left strict advice to his successors to keep on best terms with Russia and to keep up the alliance with Austria and Italy, but should France join Russia, to take possession of Poland »t once, and moke the King of Saxony king of that country. Emperor William I was a wise statesman in thus giving his instiuctions to his immediate successors, as the Poles, suffering for a century under the Russian misgovernment, would only be too happy to gain their independence. ia late Gormen papers I see that the great General Moltke valueo tha French army and armaments of far greater importance than the present German army's condition. To go against the opinion of such a distinguished strategist on my part would be nonsense, but if I am a lowed I would say that this is only a blind to flatter the French. With sucu distinguished leaders aa the German army has ia Generals Moltke, Waldersee, Hahneke, and a young, ambitious Emperor, wo may rest assured that every improvement in common arms and artillery adapted in France will meet with similar or even better improvements in Germany. Let us hope for the peace of the world that tho next war may bo long; delayed. I have seen war myself on a small scale iv Sohleswig-Eolßteio in 18(18-1850, and know what a misfortune it is to both victors and vanquished; and I would not like to see it again in my life. ' . Of course, iv giving you thus my ideas, I am fully aware that whatever you or I think here eaunot aff«ct the great European questions; but what I would urge on the Government of this colony ia to hava tbo cities of New Zealand properly protected. If that is done up to date— ia spite of all the generals and scientific engineers who have been imported from tho Home country at heavy expense at several times—l leave you to judge. I may be wrong; but I honestly confess tbnt even through my spectacles I cannot Bee any successful work done to date which would prove of any great value in case of war of a European power agaiasfc Great Britain, iv which our colony would be sure to be a .jufferer,—l am, &c, Dunedin, July 14. J. H.