4 AUGUST 1866, Page 3

Either we have been very near a general European war,

or the French Government is trying very hard to conceal a complete defeat. Papers in its interest assert that peace was only secured by a threat of armed mediation, that Napoleon acted with "pro- found disinterestedness," that Saxony was aa,ved by a distinct menace, and that Luxembourg is after all to be handed over to France, Bismark engaging to secure the consent of Holland. On the other hand there is some soreness in France, Luxembourg is Carman, and the King of Pmasia will surrender nothing German, the King of Saxony is an old friend of Frederick William, and France is avowedly excluded from the negotiations. The balance of evidence seams te prove that Franoechas applied some pressure, and that it has been resented with asperity.