The Sun.
London, England, 1857-02-23 00:00:00

LOUIS BLANC ON THE FRIINCH
ELECTIONS.

Under the title of Help Thyself, and God will
Help Thee, an address has been issued by M.
Louis Blanc. The following are the leading pas-
s ago§ :

fThis is my first answer to all such as, from various
quarters, put to me the question, " What is to be done
at the forthcoming elections in France ?"
The French people having been reduced by Louis
Bonaparte himself to the unhappy choice of being
trampled upon or having recourse against violence to
force, who can deny that its case is one of natural self-
defence F If, therefore, insurrection were at present
likely to succeed, I would not hesitate to cry out, " Up,
up, and at them 1"

However, we do not shut our eyes to the extraordinary
difficulties of the situation ; we know that disarmed
Paris lies surrounded with -bayonets ; that a lynx-eyed
police lurks everywhere ; that to the gagging of the
press is added the suspension of every free intercourse ;
that the nation, buried in a suffocating atmosphere, is
scarcely permitted to breathe ; and that it is no easy
matter to attempt any general movement were twenty
persons cannot meet with impunity.
Well, this is the very reason why any legitimate mode
of action must be resorted to, which still remains open.
The policy of abstention, advocated by some of our
friends, is a fatal one. It could but serve to dishearten
the good, to countenance the wicked, to supply the
sceptical with a mask, to betray the courageous, and to
shield the cowardly. The problem will not work itself
out. In any collection of men, as well as in any single
man, atrophy is the unavoidable consequence of want of
exerc'se. If nothing be done, rest assured that, before
long, the vitality of France wi'l dwindle into torpor, and
from torpor into death. Besides, would not inertness be
mistaken for assent Or could the sympathies of con-
stitutional Europe be enlisted in favour of France, were
France herself unconcerned about her own fate
Next comes the question, what shall the Republican
or Liberal candidates do, if elected ! Shall they take the
oath of allegiance to the empire ? Shall they consent to
be ranked amongst the mute servants of the Court in the
lobby term:A the Legislative Cbamber ? Not for a mo-
ment can such things be thought of. To vow alle-
giance to the empire in earnest would be both criminal
and suicidal. To take the oath as null and void would
be diahonest. It was by breaking his word and scan.
dalonsly insulting public faith that Louis Bonaparte
got the mastery. Wuy, the nature of the proceeding
was perfectly consonant with the nature of the aim ! It
is not for us to crawl in the dark. Justice and liberty
demand to be served in a manner worthy of them : it is
not for us to endeavour to magnify lying in triumph.
Rather submit to force in silent dignity than lower one-
self to a level wilh a perjurer, and forieit the right of de-
nounciog him at the tribunal of all honest men.
On the other heed, to elect candida'es without intend.
ing them to sit in the Chamber might appear childish,
and would be of little or no avail, unless a course be
adopted of a nature to create, not a superficial
Well, I think
but an emotion both deep and lasting.
the purpose would be accomplished if some persons_in a
agitation,
high station wine determined nobtlyattotraocotmethfeorawtaterndtioonn
a solemn occasion, so chosen as
of indignation that fret in the d
the
ceremony
force,
of the world, and then to give
buotoaterrtas.nceFtoor tshoe d
ofeinelginngos
interrupted,hat wanitdhtothreesiust,n-
itnawginthe thanwhich the formalityß7pinunbnlyi-
besefese to comply, after strtoa-
cloiafe
nt.tteaekrainondpg opportunity
euornaaititshy,
should Ca Ot l 1
andt
duaoutyedstraeteionlguttiloienirt o
insist, motives,if
atif tthhreearteistikeodf,
otoillit:ohmeyenw,ereeosaunbddaul.ed by physical
In the cave of Louis Napoleon's putting up with such
an affront, the hold his Government has ovtr eo many
terrified minds would be irretrievably shaken.
Would the representatives of the people be committed
to prison, tried, or driven out of the country without
trial Nothing could be better calculated to impress
every one with the duty of the civic courage. France,
npeosseitiTnaTy
abnedfrtuhietifrul,faomnea.
ccoDunetvootef
reduced to the last extremity, wants men whose devoted-
nose their r :ea 1 euri.rt,:hthoeeir.
doubtedly beneath the humble
garment of the workman
or of the peasant ; but it is one of the most lamentable
features of the enslavement of the press iri France, that
isolated and private samefices, however honourable, are
lost, as they remain utterly unkrown, and cannot,
,con-
sequently, contribute to arouse the serse of natiotnael
honour. In the cat e alluded to, on the contrary, the
example set on a most conspicuca; occasion
cby
persons
ould not
standing, to to speak, on tie top of
el
evate
tile
tone
fail to make a deep impression, anti to I
of public life. t advantage of the course
Another and no less inall'rer Louis Bonaparte in the
I suggeet would be to Pwledoeg his defeat in the face
alternative either of ackii:o
in tho person of their reps-
of the world, or outlayselie
gciors from %hose will be pro-
sentatives, thosebiNe' power.ery
ever Would not Europe at last
Testes to derive his
undeceived, were Louis Bonaparte
brought to
and fortifle
the voice of that very sovereignty of the
people by which ha dares boast of being supported
Let him lay bare .. ti-e of ly true foundations or his do-
minion.
y part, I have no doubt that France will, sooner
For
or laterm , redeem her honour. She !Kars within her
wherewith to astonish mankind under various and un-
foreseen aspects. What unexampled fatigues and suffer-
inge and struggles has she not already gone through !
Bow often did she not emerge from beneath accumulated
ruins with fresh vigour and unimpaired yo . nth l Thank
God ! France is not like those heavy cavaliers of the
middle ages, all cast in iron, who once brought to the
ground, could no longer move. She will rise again, and
will answer to the call of those capable of loving her
above all, if they be daring. Be so.
LOUIS BLltaio

THEATRE ROYAL, DRURY LANE.—
Lessee, Mr. E. T. Smith.
Acting Manager, Mr. C. Mathews. Stage Manager, Mr. R
Roxby. Scenic Artist, Mr. W. Beverley.
The eminent Comedian, Mr. Charles Mathews, every evening.
Great Success of the Grand Christmas Pantomime, the
most magnificent ever produced on the English stage.
THIS EVENING, her Majesty's Servants will perform the
popular Comedy,
MARRIED FOR MONEY.
Characters by Messrs. C. Mathews, A. Youngs, R. Roxby,
Templeton ; Mrs. F. Matthews, Miss Mason, and Miss M.
Oliver.

After which will be produced
SEE, SAW, MARGERY DAW ;
Or, Harlequin Holiday, and the Island of Ups and Downs.
The reduced prices as follows, varying throughout the
bouse to suit every one :—Galleries, 6d. and is. ; Second
Circle of Boxes, is. 6d. ; Pit, 2s. ; First Circle of Boxes,
211. 6d. ; Dress Boxes, 3s. ; Stalls, ss. ; Private Boxes,
10e. 64., 1/. is., 11. lls. 6d., and 2/. 2s.

ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE.
THIS EVENING will be performed
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM.
After which, a now grand Christmas Pantomime, called
ALADDIN AND THE WONDERFUL LAMP ;
or, Harlequin and the Genii of the Ring. Harlequin, Mr.
Cormack ; Clown, Mr. Huline ; Pantaloon, Mr. Paulo; Co•
lumbin2, Miss C. Adams.

THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET.
THIS EVENING, to commence at Seven,
with the successful new Comedy, in three acts, entitled,
DOUBLE-FACED PEOPLE. Characters by Mr. Buckstone,
Mr. Chippendale, Mr. Compton, Mr. W. Farren, Mr. Rogers,
Mr. CVrk, Miss Reynolds, Mrs. Poynter, and Mrs. E. Fitz-
vriViarn.
Followed by (7th time) a new drama, called A WICKED
WIFE.
After which (56th time) the new comic pantomime, entitled
THE BABES IN THE WOOD, or Harlequin and the Cruel
Uncle. The scenery of the opening story painted by Mr. W.
Calleott. The pantomime produced under the direction of
M. Milano. Harlequin, M. Milano ; Columbine, Fanny
Wright ; Pantaloon, Mr. Mackay ; and Clown, Mr. Driver

ROY AL LYCEUM THEATRE.
Lessee, Mr. C. Dillon.
THIS EVENING, will be performed the new play, in
five acts, by Westland Marston, Esq., entitled A LIFE'S
TRANSOM. Lord Revesdale, Mr. C. Dillon ; Bancroft, Mr.
Stuart ; Felicia Revesdale, Mrs. C. Dillon.
After which, a new farce, entitled MY FRIEND FROM
LEATHERHEAD. Mr. Toole, Miss Wilton, and Mrs. B.
White.
To be followed by
CONRAD AND MEDORA;
or, Harlequin Corsair and the Little Fairy at the Bottom of
the Sea. The burlesque opening by W. Brough, Esq.,
founded upon the ballet of Le Corsair, as produced at Her
Majesty's Theatre. The harlequinade upon things in gene-
ral. The new and magnificent scenery painted by Mr. F.
Fentco.
Conrad (the Corsair) Miss Woolgar
:Flirbarto (his lieutenant) Mr. J. L. Toole
Hedora Mrs. Charles Dillon
Clowns
Mr. H. Marshall.
The box-office open daily, from 11 to 5, under the super-
ntendence of Mr.- Chatterton, jun.
Carriages conveying parties to the Private Boxes to set
down at the State entrance in Burleigh-street.

ELEATRE ROYAL, ADEL PHI.
JL Lessee—Mr. Ben. Webster.
THIS EVENING, will be performed the popular drama
of IRELAND AS IT IS. Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams.
After which, A NIGHT AT NOTTING-HILL, in which
Mr. Wright and Para Bedford will appear.
Followed by a new Piece de Caractere, entitled IN AND
OUT OF PLACE. Mrs Barney Williams.
To conclude with the new original comic drama, called
EXE,NEY THE BARON. Barney O'Toole, Mr. Barney
Williams.

OYAL SURREY THEATRE,
IV Lessees, Messrs. Shepherd and Creswick.

TB [S EVENING, A NEW WAY TO PAY OLD DEBTS,
Sir Giles, Mr. Creswick.
After which, HARLEQUIN AND THE SUMMER
QUEEN. Harlequin, Mr, F. Glover ; Clown, Mr. Buck ;
Pant; loon, Mr. Bradbury; tin Four Sprites, the Fillis Fa-
mily; Columbines, Mesdames Marie and Agnes.

TRAND THEATRE.—Manager, M. T.
Payne.—This Evening will be per brmed
a powerful new drama, THE PRIDE OF POVERTY ; or,
The Real Poor of London.
Affer which, THE DEATH OF EVA, in which th•
Howard Family will appear.
To conclude with DON'T LEND YOUR UMBRELLA.
Commence at Seven. Stalis, 3s. ; Boxes, 2s. ; Pit, ls. ;
Gallery, 6d.

EIEATRE ROYAL, SADLER'S-WELLS.
111, Under the Management of Mr. Phelps.
TFIIS EVENING, Shaltospero's tragedy of 2.IACBETII,
Mach Ith, Mr. Phelps.
To conclude with THE SENTINEL.

TM" OY AL OLYMPIC THEATRE.
Lessee, Mr. Alfred Wigan.
THIS EVENING, a new drama, by Toni Taylor, Esq.,
called. A SHEEP IN WOLF'S CLOTHING.
Followed by the new farce, by Bayle Bernard, Esq.,
called A SPLENDID INVESTMENT.
A new Fairy Extravaganza, by J. R. Planebe, Eq., called
YOUNG AND HANDSOME. Messrs. F. Robson, Rogers,
Leslie, G. Cooke, Danvers. Misses Swanborongb,
St. Casse, Castleton, Promley, Mask-ell, and Mrs. Melfort.
Commence at half-past Seven.

ASTLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE.
Lessee and Manager, Mr. W. Cooke.
Continued and unabated Success.
THIS EVENING, will be presented the theme of the most
flattering eulogium from the whole of the press, the operatic
tirania of ROB ROY, with Equestrian Illustrations invented
1.3, Mr. Wm. Cooke, and with the original music. Rob
Roy, Mr. James Holloway.
After which, the Equestrian SCENES •in the CIRCLE.
To conclude with the equestrian comic pantomime of PAUL
PRY ON HORSEBACK.
Cowmen. • at seven o'clock. Dress Boxes, 4s. ; Upper
Boxes, 3s. ; Private Boxes, from 1/., no charge for booking ;
it, 2s. ; Gallery, Is. ; Upper Gallery, 6d.
he x..office open from Eleven till Four. Stage Manager,
Mr. W. West. Equestrian Director, Mr. W. Cooke, jun.

CANTERBURY HALL, Westminster-road.—
OPEN EVERY EVENING.—The follow-
ing company of Vocalists are engaged for the performance of
Seiect ions from all the popular Operas, Madrigals, Chdruses,
Glees, Duets, &c., viz.: Miss E. Pearce, Mrs. J. Caulfield,
Miss Brunell, Miss Summers, and Madame Marietta; Mr. J.
Caulfield, Herr F. Jonghmans, 11. Grover, T. Farrant, S.
Jones, J, Barker, W. Melling, P. Corri, Senor Antonio M.
de Solla, and E. L. Hime ; Masters Austin, Bennett, and
Coni ; Messrs. Sam Collins, E. Mackney, and C. J. Wilkins.
pianoforte, Mr. Cecil Hicks; harmonium, J. Caulfield, jun.;
director, Mr. J, Caulfield. Commence at Seven o'clock pre-
cisely, Suppers, dm., until twelve o'clock.