The Press.
London, England, 1858-01-23 00:00:00

THE PRESS, JANUARY 23, 1858.

Sertigit lomsgonbenct.

PARIS, January 21.
THAT delicate question brought once more to the
surface by the events of the 14th inst.—namely, the
protection given to turbuLnt refugees by certain
European States—greatly agitates the public mind in
Paris. Indeed, it is the only subject of conversation in
the salons, clubs, and cafes. No one blames England
for generously giving hospitality to unfortunate exiles.
But it is asked, " Cannot those generous feelings be
carried too far ? and ought not some guarantees to be
given that such hospitality should not be extended
so as to permit conspirators to conspire, not only
against the peace of Europe, but against the lives of
crowned heads?" On the other hand, it is main-
tained that the law courts of England are open
to all those who complain, and refugees are
as amenable to the laws of England as are
Englishmen. But it is replied that here an
important preliminary is to be settled. What con-
stitutes a breach of those laws by an alien ?
Assume that a dozen refugees in London plan a
murder to be carried out in Paris, and that four of
these go to Paris and put their project into execn-
tion,—is it a French or English crime, and ought
the criminals caught in fingrante delicto to be tried
only in France, or ought the accessories before the
fact to be included as well as the real assassins ?
The general opinion over here is that the crime
would be a French crime, and that the criminals
ought to be tried in France. But the supporters of
the right of asylum say that the law of extradition
cannot be put in force until proofs of complicity be
given, and then the Government will act. Such
an objection can scarcely be seriously main
tamed ; and for this reason :—Supposing A should
attempt to murder B in London, and then
fly to Paris. Lord Clarendon immediately demands
his extradition, not upon evidence sent to Paris
proving the culpability of A, but simply on a police
warrant. What course Lord Palmerston will take
is not known in Paris, but great satisfaction is felt
that a Republican Government has taken the initia-
tive. The Federal Council has requested the Go-
vernment of Geneva to order an inquiry to be made
into the conduct and seta of the Italian refugees

during the last few months. The Government of
Belgium has suppressed one journal for approving
the attempt to assassinate the Emperor, end the law
is about to be enforced against such refugees as con-
spire against the life of a foreign sovereign. The
speeches of MM. de Morny, Baroche, and Troplong
are but the echoes of public opinion throughout
France. The Emperor, who not only regards the
English nation, but holds a high opinion of its laws
and institutions, will not take the initiative in this
delicate question, but leaves to the good sense of the
Government and the loyalty of the people to act as
they would be acted by. It is said to-day, but I
know not with what truth, that two French refugees
have been arrested in Brussels, accused of being
connected with the late attempt at assassination. It

is also said that the French authorities are in
possession of certain documents which, should they
turn out to be genuine, will greatly compromise many
French refugees in England. No fresh arrests have
been made in Paris.
There is little to say on the Emperor's speech.
It has created an immense effect in Paris, and
indeed throughout the whole of France. The only
point I will notice is that relative to the French press.
People in England when forming an opinion on this
question do so from the English point of view only.
In England the press is divided on Liberal and
Conservative principles, but all are steadfast in their
loyalty towards and love of our gracious Sove-
reign on the throne. Iu France it is not so; the
opposition of certain journals is not framed against.
the acts of the Government, but directed to bring
about a change of dynasty. Take, as an instance,
the Spectateur, now suppressed. It is notorious
that all tl e articles in this journal tended to bring
about a fusion of the Legitimists and Orleanists
party, in order by this united strength, not to dis-
place the Emperor's Ministers, but to drag the
Emperor Napoleon from the throne. Have not all its
efforts been lately used in endeavouring to lower the
Emperor in the eves of his subjects, by causing it to
be believed that. he had by his unwise policy brought
France to an isolated position? That man, it is ad •
witted, must have eyes that will not see, who for a
moment can doubt of the intentions of the
editor of the Spectateur. The Emperor was
therefore justified in suppressing that paper,
and it would have been an act of weak-
ness to have done otherwise: Then as to the
suppremion of that republican journal, La Revue de
Paris, the same argument stands good, but with
this addition,—that had the views of that journal
succeeded, not only would France have been deluged

with blood, but the peace of Europe endangered.
We are told that if the Emperor made the press.
free, it would not conspire. Experience has pri,ved
this not to be so. The press was free under Louis
Philippe, anl yet the National was suppressed, and the
Tribune condemned 149 times to fines, and several of
the editors imprisoned. At that time the Quotidiens4
conspired to bring back Henry V. by the droit dfoin
The Gazette de France conspired to bring him back
by the national voice. In short, the Republicans and
Legitimists conspired so well, and were so grateful
for the liberty that they possessed, that poor Louis
Philippe, "le roi des barricades," was obliged to fly
from France as Mr. Smith. The Emperor Napoleon
is not the man to follow the example of Louis Phi-
lippe ; he is determined to make France happy and
great, and to preserve the tranquillity of his people.
The Emperor Alexander of Russia has sent his
aide.de•camp, General Prince Paskiewitch, to Paris,
with an autograph letter, congratulating the Ein.
peror on his escape from the hands of the assassins.
The Emperor of Austria has also sent an autograph
letter by Prince Lichtenstein.
The reception by the Senate and Deputies of the
Emperor on the opening of the Legislative Assembly
was most enthusiastic, and the cry of " Vive l'Empe-
reur !" would in England be called a hearty three
times three. His Majesty was highly pleased, and
felt that the felicitations he then received came from
the heart. It was noticed that whilst delivering
that part of his speech in which he mentioned the
attempt on his life his voice never faltered for a
moment, nor was there the slightest change in his
countenance. When the Empress entered the
salon—preceding the Emperor by a few minutes—
such a burst of joy broke forth as was never before
witnessed in aoy public assembly. Her Majesty was
greatly affected, and shed tears—not of sorrow, but
of emotion.

The state ball at the Tuileries last night was most
brilliant. There were from 1,0(X) to 1,200 persons
present, amongst whom were almost every foreigner
of rank now in Paris. Nearly all the members of
the Legislative Chambers were present. Amongst
the invited were MM. Darimon and 011ivier, the
Republicans, now the members for Parts. The
dancing was kept up until two O'clock in the morn-
ing. Their Majesties retired at one o'clock. It was
noticed that the Emperor and Empress seemed in
the enjoyment of excellent health and high spirits.
They conversed with many of their guests. The
absence of the Countess de Morny was much
regretted. This lady is now confined with her
first-born.

The Paris brilliant winter season has commenced.
The Duchess of Pozzo di Borgo receives company
every Wednesday evening. The charming Baroness
Delaware receives every evening ; her salons are
generally filled with about 150 persons of the most
distinguished of the elite. These salons are the
rendezvous of all the European diplomatists. In
short, Madame Delamare has replaced the Princess
de Lieven.

It is said that a fête on a magnificent scale is
about to be given by the city authorities.
The Turkish Ambassador is expected to leave
Paris in a few days. He goes to Constantinople on
private business.
A funeral service was performed to-day in the
Expiatory Chapel, Rue d'Anjou, St. Honore, in corn'
memoration of the death of Louis XVI. Several
noble families were present.
P.S. It is said that the trial of the assassins will
commence on the 14th February, should it not be
found necessary for any further investigations arising
from papers almost daily seized. Orsini is fast
recovering. Pierri is in good health, and has made
up his mind to meet the fato which awaits him. It
is expected that he will make some most important
revelations.