The Sun.
London, England, 1868-03-19 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, MARCH 19, 1868.

more ways than one. This, among other things, led
to the notion of reorganising the military system
of France, but the remedy in itself gave cause for
disquietude and discontent, and of late its unpopu-
larity has been notorious.
It is not likely that any elaborate defence of
the Constitution that may interest politicians to
dwell upon will convince the people that they
must risk a measure which they do not approve of ;
but then they may be led to consider the fats of
the case. The character of the Constitution, we are
told, " implies progressive amelioration, and is
capable of improvement," which has been attended
by many improvements that have taken place of
late years. It cannot be denied that the EMPEROR
has just passed through the darkest years of his
reign as yet, for with one thing and
another his policies multiplied and diffi-
culties increased. If his efforts to remedy the
evils have resulted in the introduction of a measure
that is unpopular, it is indeed a chapter of accidents
that we are perusing in following up the history
Empire ; but it cannot be said that the Army Bill
is the sole cause of the present unpopularity of the
EMPEROR. Some harsh critics may perhaps inquire
whether there hasbeen so much real progress made in
the cause of justice as the assertions so broadly made
in this pamphlet would justify us believing. When
it is borne in mind that only a few weeks back we
met with some most marvellous proofs of the arbi-
trary laws that restrict the liberty of the Press, it
may be asked without undue curiosity if the grand-
sounding
phrases are more than words that
we so constantly meet with in this sort
of composition. Perhaps it is enough in the pre-
sent unsettled state of things abroad to be satisfied
with results instead of inquiring too closely into
prior circumstances and first causes; and let us hope,
then, that the pamphlet, concerning which so much
ado has been made, may gain the purpose of its
author, though it succeed after a somewhat different
fashion to what was intended. The French will
act unwisely if they show discontent and disaffec-

tion to the Empire. It has faults of a serious
nature, and most of its errors are not likely to be
amended just yet, so it is of no use to say that
they are only of short duration. But where
can we find a better state of Government
for the people of France just now than
is offered to them by the distinguished man who,
for many years, has exercised a rigorous rule, and
often commanded the respect and admiration of
Europe by his bold and spirited policy? When we
think of the increase of power which Prussia has
gained, the progress in constitutional rights that
Austria has made, the new day of liberty that
has dawned upon Italy, and other events of
a significant character, we may well feel a disincli-
nation to see France again thrown into the tur-
moils of Revolution and the strife of Republicanism.
Much may be done by moderation, and the En-
PEROR and the people may take counsel together in
order to mitigate any evil that exists, and
to put a stop to any measures that press
too heavily upon the resources and energies
of the nation. The visionary may be disap-
pointed, and the restless spirit indignant, but
the wise and patriotic will feel sure that the most
effective services that can be rendered to the coun-
try may be done quietly and with care and caution.
It is to be hoped that France may be spared the
horrors of war abroad, but the prospect of strife
and contention within is far more serious, and it
should be the earnest endeavour of all true patriots
to prevent such a catastrophe.