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CHAPTER XVIII.

BATTLE OF GRAVELOTTE—1870. Franco-Prussian war of 1870-71 had its origin in the traditional ill-feeling between French and Germans, a feeling that has long existed, but has been particularly bitter since the Napoleonic wars at the end of the last and the beginning of the present century. In March, 1867, a dispute arose between France and Prussia relative to the possession of Luxembourg. The emperor of France proposed purchasing the province from the king of Holland; Prussia earnestly opposed the purchase, since Luxembourg had formed part of the dissolved Germanic Confederation. The air was filled with rumors of war, and the affair was only quieted by a conference at London of the representatives of the great powers, by whom it was decreed that the fortress of Luxembourg should be demolished and the perfect neutrality of the province guaranteed.

For three years from this time there was no disturbance of the peace, but both France and Prussia made preparations for war. On the 4th of July, 1870, Prince Leopold of Hohenzollern consented to become a candidate for the then vacant throne of Spain, and as soon as the fact was known there was great excitement in France in consequence. Threatening speeches were made in the French Chambers by the Duc de Grammont, Minister of Foreign Affairs, but after some negotiation and the intervention of England, Prince Leopold on July 12th 325