The Sun.
London, England, 1866-09-18 00:00:00

lIIGII WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.

Tins DAY.—Morning, 7h. 45m.—Afternoon, Bh. 22m.
To-Moßatow.-Morning, 91i. Om.—Afternoon, 9h. 40m.

LTPT
Ig tz,l

LONDON, TUESDAY, SEPT. 18, 1866.

The Imperial Circular will naturally be the chief
object of attention in all political circles to-day, and
yet it cannot be said to contain anything new, and
is more a commentary on recent events than any-
thing else. Still it is something that no more is
said, and many will, doubtless, rejoice at the apparent
certainty of peace which it presents. The Circular
is of considerable length, and is written in that
emphatic style and impressive language which gene-
rally characterises all State documents in France.
It is sent to the representatives of the EMPEROR in
foreign countries, and is evidently intended to
put a stop to those rumours which have lately
been afloat, and which have created so much
dismay and confusion as to the probability of France
going to war. M. LAXALLETTE has executed
his difficult task with considerable adroitness, and
contrived to make it understood that France has
nothing to fear from the increase of power in Prussia.
how long she will remain on good terms with that
arrogant and offensive Power is quite another ques-
tion ; but meanwhile the EMPEROR'S Minister for
Foreign Affairs hastens to assure those who are
accredited at foreign courts that there is no cause
for apprehending a termination of the present peace-
ful state of things. He states that in presence of
the considerable changes that have taken place in
Germany all States must ask themselves what will
be the influence of this late peace upon European
order, and upon the international frontier of each
lower? It is then to allay the anxiety naturally
created iu France at this juncture that this com-
munication has been made, and no pains are spared
to make out a plain statement. The lexity of
feeling at home has spread abroad, andperp hence the
necessity of an explanation. The Treaties of 1815
have never been popular in France, and it is not,
therefore, surprising that satisfaction should have
been experienced at their being destroyed; but, on
the other hand, the cause that has led to their de-
struction is in itself a source of arrogance,
namely,
the aggrandisement of Prussia to so considerable
an extent.

According to the definition here given there is
nothing for France to dread or to regret in the late
extensive alterations that have taken place, but
how long this colour de rose aspect will
continue it is, of course, difficult to de-
termine ; however, for the present, no doubt
it will answer the end designed, and restore tran-
quillity at home and abroad. We do not agree with
much that appears in this remarkable circular,

especially those passages which refer to the absorp-
tion of so many small States. It is said "an irre-
sistible Power—can it be regretted?—impels peoples
to unite themselves in great masses, by causing the
disappearance of minor States ?" This might do in
point of argument if the theory were put into prac-
tice with more effect, but what becomes of the
grand notion of German unity if there is to be
merely one dictating Power, and all others are to be
subservient to its behests ? No doubt had the
proper time been selected and the right measures
used, we should find that many advantages accrued
from the combination of many of the small States
into one ; but then there should be no Berlin intel-
ligence and no BISMARCK to predominate in the
matter. All chance of free expression is denied to
those places which halm been lately annexed ; and
where can we found a just expectation that they
will thrive and flourish under such adverse auspices
as those which now surround themy The truth is
that Germany has gone back instead of going for-
ward, as some have supposed, by the late changes ;
and it seems difficult to understand how people can
deceive themselves into belief that progress has been
made. The rules laid down by the Marquis in this
despatch are very good ; but we may well ask, does
Prussia recognise their justice or act upon their in-
spiration ? " Political science should rise above the
narrow and paltry prejudices of a passage; the.
EMPEROR does not believe that the greatness of one
country depends upon the weakening of neighbour-
ing peoples, and see no real balance of power save in
the satisfied wishes of the nations of Europe." Now
this is true in every acceptation of the term, but who
in the name of consistency can declare that it is
realised by Prussian tactics of late, or that the policy
which rules triumphantly at Berlin can be called
either comprehensive or national? It is in all
respects, and in all ways, both direct and indirect,
exclusive and selfish to the last degree, and exhibits
more of the spirit of old days of benighted igno-
rance and tyrannical scheming than it shows any
indication of the higher and nobler characteristics
of more modern and improved times in the history of
the world.

The EMPEROR, it is here said, was right in
accepting the part of " mediator," and his role has
not been devoid of glory, but he has put a stop to
useless bloodshed, and moderated the victor. Of
this latter statement we do not entertain a doubt,
for it was only the fear of France that restrained
Prussia from crushing Austria altogether. So far
as we can judge there is much to be grateful to the
French EmrEuort for in his recent attitude during
the war in Germany. It would have been, indeed,
more satisfactory if he could have contrived to
check Prussia more effectually in her ruthless
course, but then we must admit that the chief blame
rested with our own country. Had the late Admi-

nistration exhibited more firmness, and declared
that they disapproved of the course pursued
by the allied German Powers towards Denmark,
Europe would now be in a very different position,
and there would be none of that dread of approach-
ing war which now militates against so many im-
provements, and inflicting such injury on many in-
terests. The EMPEROR, we learn, " would have mis-
taken his responsibility if he had rushed suddenly
into all the risks of a great war, one of those wars
which revive the hatred of races, and in which entire
nations are engaged." Territorial aggrandisement is
not to be regarded as the object of French policy,
but the lesson to be learned from the late war must
not be forgotten. It is necessary that the military
organisation of France should.be perfected without

delay. In this last intimation alone do we perceive
any acknowledgment on the part of the Marquis
that the present sunshine of prosperity and peace
may give place to the stories of war and fear
of strife. The Imperial circular is admirably drawn
up, hut- u o rt.s.fird if 3112 ft tomincu-fary and ..t a islet-

ing programme of the movements of the French
Government, and while it may very likely allay the
apprehensions that exist in various quarters, it can-
not possibly do away with the very unfavourable
impression that has been made upon the national

mind of France by the recent transactions of Prussia.

The progress of President JOHNSON through the
States continues to excite the most opposite feelings.
Enthusiasm in his favour is the predominant senti-
ment, and in some places where the Radicals have
endeavoured openly to insult him the force of popu-
lar feeling has carried all before it. The:reception
which Mr. JOHNSON met with in Philadelphia was
most enthusiastic, although the authorities of the
city took no part in it. In Albany the State Senate
had convened an extraordinary session, not, how-
ever, for the purpose of welcoming their illustrious
visitor, but quite the contrary. These gentlemen
had the politeness and good taste to order the doors
of the State capital to be locked, so that Mr. JOHN-
SON was forced to address the people from the
portico of the building. But although in his jour-
ney through Illinois, more especially, Mr. JOHNSON
was frequently insulted by Radical crowds assem-
bled at the railway stations, no offensive demonstra-
tion occurred at Chicago, where there had been
some anticipations of a riot. On the contrary, the
reception given to the PRESIDENT was most enthu-
siastic, and his tour has been hitherto a decided

success, exceeding the most sanguine anticipa-
tions. The Radical journals, who would probably
be not very sorry to see their prognostications
realised, have been hinting about assassination and
indulging in alarming warnings. The PRESIDENT,
however, has taken them for what they are worth,
and has gone on his way very composedly. The
presence of General GRANT in the PRESIDENT'S
cortege has occasioned nn little wonder and dis-
pleasure among the Radical party. He was be-
lieved to be one of the pillars of the party, and his
secession is looked upon with great indig-
nation. Another notable political conversion
has just taken place. Mr. WARD BEECHER has de-
clared himself on the side of the PRESIDENT. This
is a remarkable change, since he has hitherto been
the constant associate and colleague of Mr.
GREELEY, who does not hesitate in the shock of his
friend's recantation to denounce Mr. BEECIIER'S
course as " apostacy so base, so black, so hateful,
and so hideous," " betraying GOD'S poor, and
shaming the honourable record of past years." These
are some of the amenities of American political life
to which our colder temperaments are unaccus-
tomed. A further sample of the language and
policy in favour with the Abolitionists, or New
Englanders, may be obtained from a speech deli-
vered by Parson BROWNLOW at the Radical Con-
vention at Philadelphia. This worthy does not
scruple to declare that he wishes for the extermina-
tion of the Sauthern people, and to secure this end
is eager to see the negroes rightly educated. Should
a fresh outbreak occur in the South—and he may
well calculate upon such a result from the Radical
measures—he would like, he says, to apportion the
forces of the Union. The first division should
kgiolliregularly armed and equipped, " and do the
The second division should be armed with
pine torches, and g, do the bur nizg." The third
division is to be supplied with sur reyors, compasses,
and chains, and sell the land to pay the expenses of
the war, and then settle it wi men who will
honour the Union banner. This is: ;no exaggeration,
but an actual transcript of thee linguage used
openly by Radical leaders at tlisi it boasted Con-

vention. Men like BROWNLOW and BUTLER may

be expected to advocate anything, but WENDELL
PHILLIPS himself recommends the disfranchise-
ment of all Confederates, and the division of
all Southern lands among the negroes. What can
any reasonable man expect such a policy to end in ?
We may easily infer from these specimens that the
language levelled at the PRESIDENT is not remark-
able for its moderation. A favourite epithet of
Philadelphia has been " the man made President
by WILKES BOOTH." " Traitor," " rebel," " mur-
derer," are in continual use ; and it is no wonder,
considering the character and temper of the Radical
leaders, that words should fail them in abusing
.the
man who has completely defeated their schemes.
Instead of depopulating the Southern States,
and dividing the lands among the Northern
Republicans, instead of endeavouring to excite an-
other war, which should be a war of extermination,
and lead most probably to the total disruption of
American power, ANDREW JOHNSON has addressed
himself in earnest to that task of reunion which
every one loudly upholds, but which so many really
endeavour to retard. Thanks to the general intel-
ligence and education of the people, the country
at large has fully recognised this, and the
consequence has been that, in spite of
all plots, and intrigues, and local spite, the
progress of the PRESIDENT through the States has
been a triumphant ovation. The petty insults which
senates and municipalities have offered to their
illustrious visitor, have only served to show more
clearly that it is the real feeling of the people which
is displayed in the public receptions of the PRESI-
DENT and his associates, not a mere matter of form,
a welcome to order.

The Radicals are straining every nerve to hold
their ground in the next election, and are casting
off every member whom they suspect of moderate
tendencies. Mr. RAYMOND, formerly chairman of
the Republican National Executive Committee, has
been expelled by the members for his adhesion to
the JOHNSON party. The Philadelphia Convention
has issued its address, denouncing the PRESIDENT,
and declaring that his policy has wrought the most
deplorable consequences, " morally, socially, and
politically," throughout the South. There was,
however, a disagreement among the doctors
who are to set the New World to
rights. Negro suffrage was the difficulty, seve-
ral members of the Convention repudiating it.
However, a report in its favour was adopted before
the adjournment of the Convention.
Fenianism is again busy, fresh rumours of rein-
vading Canada being current. Our troops will,
however, be there before them, and may very likely
settle the whole question by giving the conspirators
a reception they are not prepared for.