Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1814-06-22
Virginia Argus.
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WKDNEspAY. Iune 90, 1919.

WEDNESDAY,. Iune 70, 1914.
10 some structures which we made upon the
news Of the fall of Paris, the fate of Bonaparte
was conjec,ured to depend entirely on the dis.
position of the. French people. We supposed,
moreover, at that time, that if the nation should
not be ranic.struck, the people would adhere to
Napoleon. That srouid have been the case, as
far as VIC can learn, if the Senate had proved
faithful. But there was detection: and there
is good ground for belief that there was a very
extensive conspiracy at Paris, among the most
confidential members Of Bonaparte's govern
ment. Whether it was, that his old comrades
whohad known him when mere general, could
not brook his superiority, or were weafied with
the wars with which he perpetua,ly harassed
them, or had been corrupted by the British ca
binet, or whether it was all these causes COM
bined, that produced the downfall of the great
chief, 1t is impossible at this distance, and with
our limited means of information, to tell. Ger
tain it is, there was treachery, deep, ramifed,
and irresistible. In contemplating the possi-
bility OF his fall, We never supposed the Bour-
bons would reascend the throne The obsta
cles to such an event appeared to us insur-
nountable: the new landholders, the new no.
bility, the new organisation Of society, all scem-
ed to forbid the accomplishment, in that re.
spect. Of the known wishes of the allies. Talley-
rand, nevertheless, has SO combined the old and
new order Of things in the new constitution,
that we do not doubt that there will be consi.,
derable nnanimity of opinion with respect to the
restoration of the ancient dynasty. On the one
hand, the republicans of France are Aattered
with the prospect ola vary free and excellent
constitution of government: whilst, on the o.
ther, the Royalists are consoed by the return Of
the Bourbon family. If this constitution is OBJ.
served; lift is not gradually broken down or
perverted after the new incumbents of the
throne find themselves pretty firmly seated
there, and are able to walk without crutches !;
the French people will have much cause to re.
joice, for they must flourish under it, and will,
from the influence of its provisions upon all
classes, make France more truly powerful than
she has ever been. There is something, how.
ever, to be feared for the re-establishment Of
good order and the prevalence OF liberty in
France. from the probable haughtiness of spirit
Of the old nobility. Adversely ought to have
taught them wisdom; and tit has not, it is not
impossible but that they may be put to the same
school again. France is, in reality, governed
by the great men who have sprung W since the
expulsion of the Bourbons and we have no
doubt, that it would be just as easy to send
Louis XVIII. back to London as it was to de-
pope Napoleon Banaparte, should those great
men take it into their heads to do such thing
The pride of the old nobility may provoke
it. 80.
The French people, at this moment, are
srnarting under deep wounds, the result of MI
litary misfoitunes which proceeded from the
loss Of their veteran troops in the Russian and
subsequent campaigns; they are also overawed
by the allied armies, and have been hastily per-
suaded to recognize the Bourhons as theirlsw
full race of sovereigns.. a year or two viii dis
sipate the thoughts of their sufferings, the pa
mic will be removed, and the cons pirators will
be viewed with caimness and judged upon re"
hexion The consequence will be that Bona-
parte will rise in their estimation. His conduct
will, more than is generally suspected, we APP
prehend, bear criticism. AbatiDg his ambition,
which is the vice of great souls, he has invaria.
bly, combated for the glory of France. Ofwhat
will they accuse him That he would Hot tame'
ly resign conquests which had cost the nation
twenty years of treasure and blood. That he
would not disgrace his family, nor dishonor the
French name, by signing peace that should
only secure to him an ignominious throne We
confess that we do not think the people OF
France, when they come to their sober senses.
will very severely condemn him fer these things
He did not resign his crown till those who gave
it to him had abandoned him and as far as we
can learn from the accounts even of his enemies,
he behaved like hero to the last. lie had no
opportunity to fall in battle. He wanted 10
proceed to Italy with 10000 men |, but they
would not follow him. His observations, re-
presented, on the subject ofhis dethronement,
were brief, pointed, and energetic and in the
! true spirit Of philosophy. when he could no
longer appear the great man in arms, he turn
ed his ideas upon matters of general science,
and resolved TO be busy at Elba in the cultiva-
ton of literature and different branches Of
knowledge useful to mankind.
Its thus, we think, before the lapse of two
years Of he is not murdered BY some hired as
ssssip, and even if ne is) that Napoleon will APP
pear in the eyes Of the French nation. AS for
- b.