Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1848-03-30
THE SOVEREIGNS OF EUROPE.

lie rev. Dr. Balrd, VINO is delivering a
course of lectures in New York on the
condition of Europe. thus describes the
character and habits of the present throne
holders of that continent:
There are in Europe, twenty-five king
doms, thirly-two duchies, which are really
as much Kingdoms as the others, four prin-
cIpalilles and eight republics including the
four free cities of Germany. There are,
therefore, sixty-six governments in Europe.
Two years ago, there were sixty-eight, but
since that time the republic of Cracrow, and
the duchy of Lucca have ceased to exist
The number Of governments, though still
large, is much smaller than it was at the
commencement of the present century, as
the tendency to consolidation among the
smaller governments is very great. In Ger
many alone, at one period, there were three
hundred and sixty distinct governments
There are only twenty Kingdoms, twenty
nine duches, and five republics, which are
independent governments. The others are
dependent upon some Of these.
Fifteen kingdoms, twenty-,hree duchies,
and eight republics, have constitutional gov
ernments-in all, forty-six governments
which have constitutions. At the epoch of
The American Revolution there were only
seven republics, and two monarchies which
had constitutions. The King of Prussia,
the King of Denmark, and the Pope will
probably soon gran. constitutions to the
people.
There are twenty sovereigns, three of
Them queens, viz: the Queens of England,
Spain, and Portugal. The male sovereigns
are all married, except the Pope. As to
their religion, ten are Roman Catholics,
eight Protes,ants, one belongs to the Greek
Church and one is Mahometan.
In point of intellect, Louis Philippe stands
first among the sovereigns of Europe-he is
above seventy years of age, but possesses
vigorous heallh-he is man Of fine per-
sonal appearance, though evidently growing
old
Louis Philippe is the most learned mon
arch in Europe. He has had extraordinary
advantages for acquiring information, and
he has diligently improved them. He pos
sesses much shrewdness, deeply intriguing
disposition, extraordinary conversational
powers, and an inexhaustible fund OF wit
and humor.
No one of his ministers is equal TO him
IN talent. He bends them all 10 his purpose
Lafayette, and the other distinguished men
who were instrumental in placing him upon
the thrcne of France, were not aware of his
character or disposition. They did not
know the man, but since he has developed
his character, they have bitterly regretted
the step they took.
His family are we'll educated None of
his sons possess their fathers talents. The
Duke of Orleans, who was killed accident
ally some years ago, was the ablest of them.
His widow is, perhaps the the most accom-
plished woman in France. She il 3 Pro-
testant, and is sincerely pious. Her son
is the heir apparent TO the French throne.
The Duke de Nemours, the second son
of Louis Philippe, is 10 be regent, in the
event of the death of the king before the
young Duke of Orleans attains his majority.
He is naughty, imperious and unpopular
in his manners, and would, probably, if he
became regent, involve himself and kingdom
in difficulty.
The Prince de Joinville is quite well
known in this country. He is more popu-
lar in his manners, but possesses little talent,
except in nautical matters.
The Duke d'Aumale is Viceroy of Alge-
ria. He isquite young.
In private life, Louis Philippe is very ex-
emplary, one of the best of husbands and
fathers.
The King of Prussia is next to Louis
Philippe in intellectual ability. He is about
ffty-four years of age, fne-looking man,
very near sighted, of very ruddy complex
ion, and full habit. 1t has been said that he
was Incorporate, but this is untrue. He is
a self-made man, having never had the adj
vantages Of instruction at the universities,
but he has endeavored to supply the def
cheney by every available means. The Ba-
ron Humboldt, one of the most accomplish
ed scholars in Europe, is employed by him
to communicate information to him on all
sorts of subjects during several hours every
day.
The King of Prussia is not exactly pop
ular with the people. He is ,horoug hly e.
vangelic in his religious views, and arden,ly
DESTROYS for the spread of religion every
where. He is man of unbounded wit and
sarcasm, and has naturally somewhat vio-
lent temper, but governs it better now than
formerly. Before he came to the throne,
his wife, to whom he is tendery attached,
frequently besought him to control the vio-
lence of his temper, and he always replied
that he would do better when he became
king. Soon after he came to the throne.
(about seven years ago, the queen one day
overheard him in the adjacen, room, in vio-
lent alteration with one of his minister's
She Immediately went into the room, and,
passing by the king, began to search dill
gently for some object. The king imme-
diately left the Minister and came to her
side.