The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1849-10-02

benefits of the new constitution upon winch the
country had entered; the proclamation mentioned
as a special reason of gratitude 10 himighty God
that Switzerland, in this day OF revolutions, mao
and unmolested asylum 20 the thousands OF fugl-
tiyes who had suffered defeat in the battles OF
freedom.
could not help contrasting this with the cruel
treatment shown by France 10 the political refugees
from Baden and other parts of Germany. few
davs before il had been announced that the French
government required of these poor fellows that they
should either enlist at once in the regiments des-
tined for service in Algiers or Immediately leave
the country-offerng them the alternative of mill
tary slavery, or Punishment from the country in
which they had hoped to find a shelter.
have spoken of the practice of Switzerland in
regard 10 passports, an example which II does not
suit the purposes of the French politicians 10 follow
Here, and all the Continent, the passport
TEN is strictly pursued, and as vexatious as ever
Ii is remarkable that of the reormers occupied
in the late remodelling of European institutions
seem 10 have thought of abolishing this invention
of despotisrn--this restraint upon the liberty Of
passing from place to place, which makes Europe
one great prison. If the people had been accus,
toned TO perfect freedom in this respect, though
but for short time, il might have been found diff
cult at least in France, TO reimpose the old re-
strains. The truth is however, that France is not
quite as free at present she was under Louis
Philippe. The only advantage of her present con-
diion is that the constitution places in the hands
of the people the means of peaceably perfecung
their liberties, whenever they are enlightened
enough TO claim them.
On my way from Geneva to Lyons sat in the
panq,aetts of the diligence among the plebeians
The conversation happened to turn politics, ano
the expressions of hatred against the present gov
eminent of France. which broke from the con
ductor, the coachman and the two passengers by
my side, were probably significant of the feeling
which prevails among the people 60 The only law
now, said one, 90 is the law of the sabre" ''Tht
soldiers and the gems drmes have every thing their
own way now" said another; ''but by-and- by
they win be glad to hide in the sewers" The
others no less emphatic in their expressions
anger and detestation.
The expedition TO Rome is unpopular throughout
France, more especially so in the southern part Of
the Republic, where the intercourse with Rome has
been more frequent, and the sympathy with her
people is stronger. 60 have never" said an Amer
lean friend who has resided some time in Paris
g heard a single Frenchman defend it," II is UNI
popular, even among the troops sent on the expe-
dition, as is acknowledged by the government
journals themselves. To propitiate public opinion,
the government has changed Its course, and after
making war upon the Romans to establish the pom
tifca throne, tells the Pope that he must sub
NIT TO place the government in the hands OF the
laity. This change of policy has occasioned good
deal of surprise and infinite deal of discussion
Whatever may be its consequences, there is one
consequence which il cannot have-that of recover
ing to the President and his ministry the popuari-
ty they have lost w. c. b.