The Sun.
London, England, 1866-09-19 00:00:00

takenplace to require France to take up arms. 10,
the conclusion itself is so satisfactory we are t 136
pensed from the necessity of examining minute
considerations from which it is drawn. Neverto
less, it is but fair to acknowledge that many °f td fat considerations are of a very exalted kind, and
more wise, just, and liberal than much tha,'
have had to read during the last two months Poe
French journals unfriendly to the Emperor. re,
doctrine that the greatness of France does note
quire that her neighbours should be enfeebled, beg
that the real balance of power will be attained
the wishes of the nations of Europe are satisfi y
infinitely nobler than any political utterance
have had from M. Forcade, or expect froinof
Thiers. The Circular represents the foreign Z9t t 4
of the Empire at its loftiest height. It raigunks.
easy to show historically that the generous eowroi
cency which pervades it has not always been
actuating sentiment of the Imperial Governinenber
its dealings with its neighbours ; nor, on the e's
hand, is it necessary to ascribe to its declaratieno
scope which there is no reason to suppose wasinoot.
intentions of the author. If the Emperor were
ing forward into the future, and laying down Pry
ciples to guide a Regent during the minority
son, he could hardly bequeath a more valuable le"L'd
than the pacific principles of foreign policyexpr'74
in this Circular. In fact, however, it is a sstri
occasional address, skilfully adapted to the fel„",
and requirements of the hour. As such, it is an Dr
stood and welcomed in Europe. It has heen_Ae of
marked in this country that no mention is nialhdli
England in this Circular, and we expect every the
to receive from our correspondent at Wiesbaden
comments of his German friends on the omissiell
may be pointed out, however, that the Jollr
writer is professedly discussing the territoriv4.4
rangements of the Continent as they fornri
affected France, and as they have been altered
ot
the recent Prussian victories. We had no parw..,o
interest in the maintenance of the Duchy of Ilfrrior
and the Electorate of Hesse, or those other in
7,4
arrangements of Germany which the Emperor !To
so irksome, and which he is glad to see reforme" 0
the aggrandisement of Prussia. We did not belle,
that great coalition which it seems is only just bra
up, but which we had thought was effectuallie.,
,
stroyed at least ten years ago • and so we escape 'No
cism. If, however, any are 'disposed to insist eir
England ought to have been referred to in this the
cular, perhaps they may find satisfaction in,
in
remark, which can only be intended .for us, that !iig
the Baltic, as in the Mediterranean, are gre/libie
up navies of the second rank, which are favour? to
to the freedom of the seas." The freedom of
seas is eminently a British interest. How far it
170
be promoted by the Prussian Baltic fleet, which
;i0
yesterday put out of commission, or by the D7O-0,
fleet, which is in a case to require reconstruc"
remains to be seen. The most serious obstacles
the freedom of the seas are the foolish ideas
hi
boured by jealous politicians who have not been 3,1)0
to comprehend that every State requires freefito
of commercial exchange for the development o'lo
interests. The Emperor of the French has slink
himself personally superior to this prejudice, mg
though he has not been able to give full effect to.;
enlightened convictions in the legislation of Fran
It is satisfactory from this point of view to pantos
conclusion of a treaty of commerce and naviP
securing to British vessels in Prussia the same P
leges as are enjoyed by Prussian vessels in the rto
of this country. If there is any State which
A;„
French Circular is calculated at first glance to:es
quiet, it is perhaps Belgium. The Emperor obsefd,
that the secondary States of Europe are dissPrite
ing before the tendency of the peoples to igeit
themselves in great masses in order to place !Pee,.
common interests under more efficacious guaran'tig,
This is a mere remark, nothing more, and it is sat
factory to observe that the reasons which are assig_l'os
for the recent absorption of smaller States do J.J.,
apply in this case. Both France and PrussilL
too powerful to require the destruction of Beilico
nationality for their own aggrandisement, and ir w
just to make the Belgian people feel that their,,A
terests are not sufficiently protected by their
institutions and the public law of Europe.