Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-01-09
Mons. Guiaot on the American and French Re-


Mons. Guizot on The American and French Re-
pu6licS.
The Paris correspondent of the National Inteli-
gencer writes in his last letter:
The literary world is occupying itselfat the pre-
sent moment with much interest, and not the lit
erary world only, but the political also, and per-
haps more wildly, with two works ofMr. GUlzoT,
entitled "Monk: The fall and restoration of the
Monarchy in England, in one volume, and"Wash-
lngton The foundation of the Republic of the
United States" in two volumes The last is
new edition of the work formerly published, and
well known in the United States. It is accom-
panied, however, with new preface bv the dis
tinguished author. The new preface is deemed
here of sufficient interest to ensure it's publ
cation in the journals of all parties. which com
ment on 1T with severity or favor according as they
agree with the sentiments which it so well ey-
presses. 1t is, I know, its actual bearing upon
the French politics of the day which draws upon
this production of Mr. Guizot's pen such general
attention here. But, over and above its impor-
lance as political paper, think that its theme,
our own country and its institutions, and the de-
served celebrity of the author as a writer and
statesman, will make this short preface welcome
to your columns as the conclusion of my letter:
WASHINGTON
Foundation Of The Repabhc.-Preface to tie ne,o
1t is under the monarchy, and almost in the yerv
council chamber OF the King Louis Philippe that |
rendered this homage TO WAsHINGToN-to the founda-
ton OF great republic by great man. | experience
IN publishing now new edition OF it, profound sent-
ment OF sadness.
The more consider, the more do remain convinced
that the Republc-noble form of GOVERNMENTS the
most difficult and the most perilous of governments
1t is the government which, than all Others ex-
acts from Providence favorable and rare circumstances:
and from society itself harmony, wisdom, and virtue.
3 fhnt~ It,
upon society the most frequent ordeas and subjects to
the greatest risks.
The United States OF America were new society
which had undergone stormy and varied TRANSITIONAL
lions; which bore not the yoke of long past; which
had nothing to destroy when it had its government to
found
This young society had no rivals around tive may
almost say no neighbours. 1t had before it space-an
mmence free space, open to the wants and passions OF
men.
For long time in all that concerned its internal af-
fairs, 1t had possessed and practised the republic 1t
acquainted with monarchy only at distance from
over the ocean, as respected name rather than as
necessary and real power
When she entered upon struggle with that Power it
to resist nqultouS pretensols to defend its rights
its ancient and legal rights
The citizens Of this society, rich and poor enlightened
and ignorant almost unanimous in favor of the re-.
publican government.
They were Christians in heart as in name. AT the
very moment when they were breaking away from all
connection with their King they were living humbly be-
Thus it was that the Republic Of the United States
was founded.
And in spite of SO many advantages if it had been
placed in hemisphere instead OF its own and closed
by the great States of Europe, instead of freely ex-
pandng ks its rivers amid forests and its plains we
may we'll doubt il it could have established itself and
have survived peaceable and glorious as it has sur
vived.
France is undergoing at the present moment, as an
unlooked-tor ordeal, and with constitution which
would bring trouble into the best regu lated of society,
that form OF government which America received OF
its free choice in the natural course OF things and
favored by situation quite without precedent, which
Heaven had made for it,
Will the Republic originating as it originated with
us in February, lsS obtain the destnes OF the Repub
lie OF Washington! That is the question which is now
being debated.
The Republic has had fair play. In spite of its ORR
gin, men Of intelligence and good intentions, without
distinction of party though they had liking for the
rampant to provide for their defence, to pro-
feet universal society from it's mortal enemies. 1t is
10 the name and in behalf OF order which the Repub-
lie destroyed that the Republic exists. 1t had right
to expect such good luck. Will it take advantage o
it, Will it be able to persevering carry strongt
conservative policy of social reconstruction! 1t is that
which France invokes. In order that a Governme mt
may be established, it is not sufficient that every day it
prevents society from perlshlng Unjust deliver society
from the daily fear Of perishng, and it must open to
society perspectives OF tranquil and long life. do
not speak either OF liberty otglory; hope howev
or, that France will not learn to dispense with Them
AU VAL-RlcHER, OCTOBER, 1880 GUlZOT.