Author Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1899 edition. Excerpt:... Here--that is, in Germany--is also the place where, as it seems to me, we have to oppose Austria; at the same time we should carefully avoid exposing ourselves in any way to that country. This would be my answer to your letter. "If I am, however, to speak further concerning our policy outside Germany, I cannot regard it as striking or even as disquieting that we stand alone at a time when all relations are turned topsy-turvy, when England and France are for the present still so closely allied that France has not the courage to think of safeguards against the Swiss Radicals because England might take it amiss, though meanwhile she frightens that same England with her preparations for a landing, and takes decisive steps towards a Russian alliance; when Austria is in league with England, with the latter nevertheless continually stirring up Italy, &c. Whither, then, are we, in your opinion, to turn? Shall it be to an alliance with France and Russia against Austria and England such as Plonplon, who is at present here, is said to have suggested? From such an alliance, however, there would immediately result a preponderating influence of France in Italy, the total revolutionising of that country, and likewise a preponderating influence of Bonaparte in Germany. Some share in this influence would be allowed us in the subordinate spheres, but neither a great nor a lasting one. We have indeed once already seen Germany under Russo-French influences from 1801 to 1803, when the bishoprics were secularised and distributed in accordance with rescripts from Paris and St. Petersburg. Prussia, which was then on a friendly footing with the two states and on unfriendly terms with Austria and England, also came in for a share at the distribution, but only for...