The Sun.
London, England, 1848-03-03 00:00:00

" Viva la Republique."

The following observations in the National, on the
subject of the English alliance, are important at this
moment:—

" The blow having been struck, the Orleans dynasty
expelled, and the Republic proclaimed, the first at-
tention was directed towards the great continental
states to whom the news of our revolution will cause
such great displeasure. England was only thought
of afterwards, for every one at first thought that the
advent of the French Republic, however unexpected
and prodigious it might be, would not meet with
great repugnance, and all the accounts which reach
us from the bunks of the Thames confirm this anti-
cipation. Under the ex-monarchy, that is to say, a
week since, the National reckoned the English
alliance amongst its opponents. Nevertheless,
from that time it had made its reservations ;
and under all circumstances it declared that no-
thing appeared to it more desirable than an alliance
between the two nations, but that it could not give
that appellation to the connexion to which was af-
terwards given the ridiculous appellation of entente
cordiale. In fact, there was nothing clear, nothing
real in those relations without good faith, which it
was sought to link together. The Orleans dynasty
neither sought the welfare of France nor that of
England—it was simply a calculation made to secure
to itself a support, not so much against eventualities
from abroad (events have fully proved that there
were no eventualities to be dreaded from abroad) as
against those at home. It borrowed from England a
certain degree of strength, which it opposed to us;
and as, in the end, all the force which it acquired
was destined to be used for a counter-revolutionary
object, it was natural that we, the ardent
friends of liberty, should react against a con-
nexion which might increase the power of
that fatal dynasty. It is for this reason that
we have exclaimed against the English al-
liance ; and the English must be now sufficiently en-
lightened by events to see clearly that our conduct
was sincere, and not grounded on any hostile feeling
against England. We are therefore now at liberty
to declare that we accept an alliance with the great
English nation, on conditions honourable to both
countries, and under guarantees which we have a right
to demand. Another point still excites our opposi-
tion ; it appears to us that the French Government
does not treat with the English Government on the
footing of equality. We so strongly feel that Louis
Philippe required the help of England, that we can-
not recognise the motive for the concessions by which
he paid for that support. The private interest of the
dynasty was always at the bottom of them. It was
a weakness at which we feel indignant, and against
which we have always protested. But now that no
dynasty has anything to ask from . England,
now that it is impossible for us to treat otherwise
than on grounds of equality, we joyfully express our
hopes that no conflicting points may arise between
the two powerful nations who border the Channel.
The feeble and uncertain peace which the Orleans
dynasty had attempted must be changed into a solid
one, advantageous to all. This great affair is hence-
forth placed in-the decision of the two nations, and
that inspires us with confidence. The expression of I
the will of France will not be shackled by anything,
and we think that it will be, without any restriction,
the maintenance of peace. On their side, the English
people have sufficient weight in the determination of
their Government to have peace if they wish '
it; and we confidently reckon on their doing
so. Do not we moreover know that our
cause already excites warm sympathy in Eng-
land ? It will be clearly expressed, and will have the
twofold advantage of influencing the determination of
the English Government, and of putting an end to
any uneasiness or angry feeling which may exist
ith us. The force of circumstances always exercises
power on the will of man, and that force is in favour
of peace. The French Republic, engaged in organ-
izing itself, and in causing its advent to turn to the
advantage of the working classes, will not undertake
a war except in the event of European nationalities
being threatened. On the• other hand, there cannot
he in England any Government so rash, so subversive
as to compromise all its interests by war. The neu-
trality
of England appears therefore to be secure for
the time. Whether that neutrality may be changed
into anything more efficacious for preserving the
peace and security of Europe will be the result of
i-ne, of men, arid of events; but what is now certain
is that the two nations,
if they unite for a great com-
mon object of justice and civilization, will have a
weight which nothing can counterbalance."
The National contains the following:—
" M. Pierre Napoleon Buonaparte (son of Lucien)
had addressed the following letter to the Provisional
Government :
" To TILE MEMBERS OF THE PROVISIONAL GO.
VERNMENT OF THE FRENCH REPUBLIC.
" Gentlemen,—The son of Lucien Buonaparte—
nurtured in his republican opinions—and, like him,
passionately devoted to the greatness and happiness
of France—l, a child of the country, place myself at
the disposal of the eminent citizens who form the
Provisional Government. The sentiment by which
I am governed is that of patriotic enthusiasm, and the
conviction that the prosperity and future prospects
of the Republic were resolved the day on which the
people placed you at the head of affairs. Like my