The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-03-21


mary OF the revolutionary events which appear have
prostratedfor the present. at least-the monarchcal
government of France We yesterday received
full files Of the London Times and Chronicle up to
the 26th of February nclusive-the day when the Cam
bra sailed We compile from these such further ac-
counts of this portentous popular movement we can
find space for in columns.
| The disafection towards the French government,
administered by Louis Philippe through the Guizot min
istry, which has long been growing, seems to have
blazed out upon the resolute attempt Of the ministry to
suppress the meetings and the popular agitation which
have been, for hme In progress on the question
of Electoral Reform The insuicency and alleged cor
rupon OF the whole system OF popular representation in
the French Chamber of Deputies, at present organized
has been the main topic in all the great meetings which
have taken place under the name of Reform Banquets
In connection with this topic, the Guizot ministry, and
the system which it represents, have been fomidaby
assaulted in these great reform demonstrations, in the
judgment of the French government, imperatvely to
demand their suppression by military force. The imme-
date result is before readers in the details which
give below The remote result cannot yet be dis
tncty ioreseen. These events may be the commence
ment of long and bloody struggle between the people OF
more than one of the European kingdoms and their gov
ernments In such event, own country. while nat
urally and of course inclined to look with sympathy
upon eyery righfu effort to extend and popular
freedom would view with deep regret the inevitable
evils of such war, and would, doubtless be most sedu-
lous to preserve that entire and absolute neutrality
between all the bellgerents which has hitherto marked
the whole course of its foreign policy.
Notwithstanding the profound sagacy of the King of
the French he has been unfortunate perhaps of
his views He has been behind the spirit of the age
That spirit looks to modification OF the powers Of
monarchca government, in favor Of the rights of the
people He might have yielded something perhaps much
to their demands in regard the extension of the right
Of suffrage He would have secured much more of per-
sonal popularity, if instead of seeking thrones and royal
establishments for his family he had thought less of his
own inerests-and especially of the establishment OF his
dynasty-and of the people. Among nation
so sensitive as the French are-of generous and ex-
cabe Observation-Disclosures with revolutions-in the
midst of progressive age-somethng more should have
been granted to the spirit of liberty.
We observe in some of the papers have received,
that this arrival from Europe has had momentary
effect to depress the price of government securities
There can be little doubt that attempt may be made in
some quarters to create panic in view OF these great
events in order to embarrass government in the
gotiaton of its proposed loan. Any such attempt must
fail Disturbances and revolutions in Europe can only
enhance the advantages OF an investment Of European
capital in our government securities the credit of which
is wholly beyond the reach Of similar disaster.
We copy from the London Times Of the 25th of Febru
airy the following article in relation to the present state
and prospect of affairs in France:
We remarked, yesterday, when assuredy one, even
bolc III aloA
the least weakness surrender Of far than minis
,eral power; for the obsnacy of the government. in
refusing timely and moderate concession to public
opinion the reform question, had left it alternative
but to oppose resoute resistance TO the popular
ments of last Their fault has been that their
resoute enough They were in posses
sion of all that military powor could give them maintain
the authority the They had doubt
that the bougeoe Paris which deests popular tumults,
on account of the injury they inic trade, would
forward protect the public peace, it had done
more alarming occasions; still less did they suppose
though in this respect they wero grossly misiakenthat
the of the national guard would be used protect
the populace and dictate to the sovereign But the
contagion of revolutionary passion spread with ul
rapidty. What seemed impossible on one day,
comphed the next and as to render the triumph OF
public opinion and of the popular will absolute and
complete these naexibe ministers, this tenacious King
this audacious military chief this army with all its forf-
cations arms powers, sink into impotent submission
almost without the discharge of shot, the loss of life
The magnitude of such event cannot be overrated
The royalty July has wellngh ended it began and
after the labo the struggles and the contrvances of
eneen years. it has undergone defeat scarcely less do
and surprising than that OF the elder Bonrbons
For seventeen years. the policy of Louis Philippe has
protest against the principle of popular power
to which he his throne but it in his destiny
feel once the bitterness of losing cause, stand
again verge of anarchy and learn that the terrible
energies the French revolution defy the preca
tons authority Such defeat is the temporary annhi-
latou of government. No security remains. The court
which has been obliged yield yesterday, and dismiss
unpopular minister, stands comparatively unarmed in
of excited people, whose luminosity may posi-
bly, be directed long against more illustrous head
The danger which has been diss pated by such ardy
concession, insignificant in comparison with those which
lie before the country France has been suddenly and
violently awakened from apathy to revolution These
Paris will shake the kingdom with electric force
They will everberate through Europe where the materials
of combustion already pofusely ewn abroad, and
moment of extreme difficulty in many other countries a
sudden shock felt from the quarter where it least
pected These considerations disclose threatening
and future We turn, however, from them the
actual state of affairs in Paris.
The first act of the King, when found necessary
yield the requsition of the armed people, send
for Count Mole We yet uniformed whether M.
Guzos cabinet voluntarily rendered its resignation,
whether they dismissed the last emergency The
far liberal character than those who have before
who in his btterest opponents Such ministry
would be pure Gauchs with conservative head
and any rate, is probable that NJ Duaure and M
o aoFt