Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1807-02-24
Message Of Ms Majesty the EMPEROR and
Aing 70 ne Senate.
II. B. MARET.

J AtHS 10 me Senate.
SENATORS,
/ We desire, in the circumstances in which
we find the general affairs of Europe, to
make known to YOU and the nation the
principles which we have adopted as the
rule of our government. Our great mode
ration after each of the three first wars,
has been the cause of this which has sue
ceeded them. 1t is thus that we have had
to struggle against fourth coalition, nine
months after the third had been dissolved /;
nine months after those brilliant victories
which were accorded to us by Providence
and which ought to have insured lasting
reposc to the continent.
But many of the cabinets of Europe soon
or or later are influenced BY England, and
without solid peace with this power, our
people cannot enjoy the benefits, which are
the first end of our labors, the only object
OF our life. Thus, notwithstanding our tri-
lSmphant situation, we have not been ar
rested in our late negotiations with Eng
land either by the arrogance of her lam
guagc or by the sacrifices which she re-
lquired. The island of Malta, to which is
attached Of I may SO say) the credit of this
war and which being retained by England
in contempt of treaties, was its first cause,
we gave up; we consented TO this; that
with the possession of Ccylon and the en-
Ipire ofMysore, ENGLAND might Join that OF
the Cape OF Good Hope
But all our efforts must fail, when the
councils of our enemies have ceased to be
animated by the noble ambition of concili-
ating the good OF the world with the pre-
sent prosperity of their country, and the
ipresent with the lasting prosperity or their
Icountry And the prosperity can be dura-
BILE for England if founded on an extrava-
giant and unjust policy, which would des-
poll sixty millions of inhabitants, their rich
land brave ncighbors, OF all commerce and
of all navigation.
Immediately after the death of the first
minister in England, it was easy for us to
perceive. that the continuation of neCocia-
tiOns had no other object than to cover the
plans ofthis fourth coalition, DESTROYED in it's
birth. IN this new situation, we have a
dopted as the invarisble rule of our con-
duct, determination not 20 cvacuate eli
Their Berlin, or Warsaw, or the provinces
which the force of arms has thrown into our
hands before general peace shall he con-
cluded, before the Span ,sh, Dutch S French
colonies shall be restored, before the foun-
dations of the Ottoman power shall be fix
ed, and the absolute independence Of this
vast empire, the first interest of our peo-
pie, irrevocably consecrated.
We have put the British isles in a state
OF blockade, & we have ordered measures
to be taken against them, which are repue-
nant to our feelings.
This measure has compelled us to sacri-
flee the interests of individuals to the quar-
rels of kings; and after so many years of
civilization, to adopt principles, which cha
racterized the baibarity of the first ages.
But we have been constrained, for the good
of our people and our allies, to oppose the
common enemy with the same arms Which
is used againstus. These determinations,
commanded by Just sentiment Of reci-
proCity, have not been inspired either by
passion or by hatred. Those offers which
we made, after the destruction of three
coalitions which so greatly contributed to
the glory Our people, we again make, now
that our arms have obtained now triumDhs.
We are ready TO make peace with England,
with Russia and with Prussia. But Il can
be concluded only on basis which viii
prevent any one whatever from alrora-
ting any right Of Supremacy in regard to
us, which will restore colonies to the mo-
Their country, and which will guarantee TO
our commerce and to our industry the pros
'perity to which they ought to attain.
And if these dispositions should retard
the establishment Of a general peace, how
ever short may be the delay, i, will an ear
long 20 our heart But we are certain that
Jour people will appreciate the wisdom of
our political motives-thcy will think with
us that partial peace is nothing more than
a truce, which would make us lose all our
acquired advantages, and give place to
Inew war-that in short, it is only in a gen
eral peace that France can find happiness
We are at a crisis, important to the des-
Tiny ofnations and the people of France
will shcw themselves worthy ofthat desti-
ny which awaits them. The ScHaf1la Con-
Suitus, which VIC have laid before you, and
which will place at your disposition, on the
first days Of the year the CONSUMPTION of
1907, which in ordinary circumstances
ought not tohavc been raised till the month
OF September, will be executed with ala
Gritty by fathers as we'll as by children. In
what more propiti0us moment could VIC
call our youth to arms? In order to Join
their standards, they will have to pass
through the capitals % our enemies and
fields of battle, ennobled by the victories of
their elder brethren.
Given at Berlin the DIST Of November,
1906.
l(Signed) NAPOLEON.
By the the Emperor
The minister secretary Of state.
(Signed)
H. b. NARET