The Emperor Napoleon has succeeded by a series of insults
almost without precedent in diplomacy in forcing Germany to war. As our readers are aware, he last week took advantage of the election of a Hohenzollern to the throne of Spain to pass a public affront upon the Prussian Royal Family. His Foreign Minister was instructed to inform the Corps Legislatif publicly that France would resist such a candidature by force, and require its withdrawal at the King's hands under penalty of war. King William with unexpected dignity refused to resent language so unbecoming, declared that Germany had no interest in the candi- dature, and allowed Prince Leopold's father to withdraw it in his son's name. Napoleon, sorely disappointed, for Prussia was avoiding war without humiliation, hereupon forwarded a second demand that King William should as King pledge himself never to allow the election of any Prince of his House, or of the allied Houses under his control in Northern Germany. M. Benedetti, a diplomatist of the first rank, aware doubtless of the Imperial wishes, on the 14th inst., without asking for an audience, assailed the King with this demand on the public promenade of Ems. King William accepted this act as it was meant, as a breach of etiquette intended to imply inferiority, and turning to his aide-de- camp, Count Lehndorff, ordered him to inform M. Benedetti that his Majesty had no communication to make, and would give him no audience. M. Benedetti thereupon quitted Ems.
