Page:The Royal Family of France (Henry).djvu/36

 coalition had been formed against France and her eastern frontier attacked.

As long as France has not an alliance in Europe with a Power holding at its disposal a million of men, such as Russia or Austria, France will be forced to remain insignificant, and her diplomacy must not dream of assuming its legacy of high traditions which the Voltaire mourns over. But we cannot see that the Republic of the gentlemen of the pavement can ever aspire to the alliance of Russia or Austria.

Republican France of 1792 held up her head before the whole of Europe. That is true. The Voltaire seems to think that Republican France of 1882 might assume the same proud attitude. " None of the great Powers," says our French contemporary, " are prepared to make war. We alone are in a position to assume a bellicose policy: amongst the nations of Europe France is the one least inclined for adventure, and yet she is the one who could go forth to meet it most readily and with fewest drawbacks. Tight-waisted Germany sounds hollow beneath her martial tunic; the measured tread of Russia reveals the void created by the miner's craft; well set up and well ballasted, the little French soldier stands ready to meet the first shock."

We do not wish to impugn the virtues of the "little French soldier." But if the writer in the Voltaire has reason for relying on the military strength of France, he has no right to depreciate that of other European nations. Such optimism is apt to mislead its votaries; and zeal should not outrun discretion. Germany's poverty is but relative; and want of funds would not prevent her making war where her interests were concerned. Russia might seek in foreign complications a compensation for her home troubles; and precisely on account of her own land being undermined would she be tempted to plant her foot on safer territory belonging to her neighbours.

"The empire of the earth belongs to the mind," said the Pope's Legate sent to France by Innocent III. to impose the decision of the Holy See on King Philip Augustus in the matter of his divorce