The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-03-27
France and her Condition

1ssu nSI SOUuittOu
We give in our columns to-day, some very
curious extracts from brochure published few
months ago, entitled France, Exposed and Con-
sidered in its Principles, Workings and Re-
sults,'' and supposed to have been written by
former private secretary of Louis Philippe him.
self. This gives correct analysis OF the French
nation the exact position OF the government and
the Chambers, and also of the public depart
ments-all very important to every person who
is endeavoiing to form an opinion of the success
of France, should she adept republican form
OF government, as a Consequence of the recent
revolution We are in daily expectation OF re.
ceiving intelligence by the next steamer, con-
ve,ing 10 US the fact of an attempt to establish
republic in France; and the general opinion is,
that republic will be attempted, unless some
extraordinary counter revolution should take
place, originating in the majority of the members
OF the Chamber of Deputies, and their friends,
In some mode yet to be ascertained. Perhaps
Louis Philippe, when he made his escape from
Paris, may have intended to place himself at the
head of the army outside the metropolis, and to
take the command of the Notifications which
surround Paris, and then to starve the Parisians
out by time.
But even the establishment of a republic in
France, without reference to foreign powers, is
more question of excitement and experiment
than offact and certainty. There is more repub
llcan sentiment among the French people than
republican TACT or habits. Some Of our contem-
poraries, with a mixture OF easy assurance and
ignorance, still imagine that the recent revolu-
ton was accidental" while they yet believe
that the French people will carry into operation.
peacefully, republican form of government
The two ideas are not very compatible, nor will
they be admitted to be by those acquainted
with the facts-by those who understand that peo-
pie, have seen them in their own homes, and have
compared them with society In different parts of
Europe aud in this country.
The recent revolution In France, sooner or la
ter, could have been easily anticipated by the most
obtuse thinker. We merely predicted it, when
any one, with common observation, could have
done the same. 1t was a problem Of simple cal
culation.
During the summer of 1876, we travelled lei
surely over France, the Netherlands, Germany
aud Italy. During all that space of time, France
rested in profound quet-the people of Paris,
where the recent revolution originated, were
more engaged in gazing at theatrical exhibitions,
or IN reading the popular novels OF Dumas and
Sue. than In political topics. At that period,
there was much more political excitement in
Germany, Switzerland and Italy. Throughout
the German States, there strong efierves-
ceIce among the higher orders of political men,
which resulted afterwards in the consent of the
King Of Prussia to call the States OF that kingdom
together, for the first time, in compliance with a
promise given at the close of the last general war
IN Europe. In Switzerland political excitement
prevailed TO a very remark able degree; but it was
confined within the limits OF that country, and
presented few phases beyond the boundary lines
separating II from France, Germany and Italy.
1t was a mixed political excitement, growing out
OF religious feelings, connected more with
opposition to the Jesuits than with any other
sentiment. In Berne, Freiburg, Geneva-wher-
ever we vlsted-there was a great deal Of pc
litca efiervescence, and troops were marched
and counter -marched, growing out Of the
threatened secession Of what was called
the SonderboDd. In Geneva, affairs towards
the close of the summer OF lS46, beganto assume
different and excited aspect. The radicals, or
republicans, began TO agitate and hold meetings
On ore OF those occasions, there was a celebra-
ton of some political event held by the people OF
Geneva procession, IN GRAFTON, and what not
which resembled, in great degree, the cee-
braiiens which We have in New York and other
clues IN the United States. Two weeks nttei
that, the revolution took place in Geneva, and
set aside the then existing governmental 60.
vernment which had rendered itself unpopular
partly by aiding the Jesuit party, instead Of going
with the popular party.
Az this period, political affairs were uncom-
monty tranquil in Paris and throughout France,
aid equally 90 in Italy 1t was not until the death
Of the late Pope, aud the accession of the present
Pontf, that popular feelings, and desire for
reform, began 10 make progress under the aus.
pices Of his Holiness About that period, also
Louis Philippe accomplished his intrigue
for the marriage OF his son, the Duke of Mont
pensier, TO the sister Of the Queen of Spain-ar
event which created great deal of dssatsfa
ton in the Briuih government, and changed en-