The republic., 1851-01-02

WAsHiNGToS ny GulzoT.--The following is a
portion OF Nj. Guizot's preface to the edition
OF his work on Washington 1t is interesting not
only on its own account but as indicating the au-
thor'e judgment of the French republic, and his
hopes and apprehcnsons on the subject of politics
and society in France:
sit was under the monarchy, almost in the
midst of the councils of King Louis Philippe that
rendered homage to Washington, to the founda
ton OF great republic by great man In repub-
fishing II to day, feeling of profound sadness
comes me.
WINGED that the republic, noble form of govern.
ment, is the NEST difficult and most dangerous of
governments. IL IS form of government which
demands from Providence the most rare and ia
vorable circumstances and from society itself the
greatest harmony, wisdom, and virtue And even
thcn 1t exposes society to many risks, and chances
numerous.
"The United States were new society. which
had not suffered stormy and divers transformations
which did not bear the yoke Of long past, which
had nothing to destroy when it had a government
to create That young society was not surrounded
by rivals, scarcely by neighbors Immensity of
free space spread before it, open to the wants
and to the passions of man. For long time in its
internal affairs il had possessed and practised the
republican form OF government. 1t only knew
monarchy by name, beyond the ocean, a
spected denomination, rather than necessary
and extant power When il commenced srug
gle against that power, it to resist iniquitous
prechSols 10 ucieHu It's rights, IeRal rleht5 OF old
standing. The citizens OF that society, rich and
poor, enlightened or ignorant were nearly unani-
nous in favor Of a republican form of government
They were Christians in heart well as in name
At the moment they broke with their king they
lived in humility before God, the king of kings.
cit thus that the Republic of the United
States founded And, in despite of 20 many
advantages, ifi bad been placed in hemisphere
instead of its own, compressed between the great
States OF Europe, instead of expanding itsef freely
like its rivers its forests and its plains the doubt
is warranted whether it could have been founded
and could vepeaceful and glorious as il has lived
{" To day France is undergoing the unexpected
experiment, with constitution which would ca use
disorder i'll the best regulated society OF that form
OF government which America selected from her
free choice, according to her natural nclinations,
adapted TO the unexampled situation accorded to
her from on high. Will the republic OF lS1S at
tain the desnies Of the republic of Washington 7
This is the question which ia under discussion
The republic has had fair trial. Notwithstand-
ing it's origin, men of every shade of opinion en-
trenched themselves behind il as behind a rampant
for their common defence. and for the defence of
society in general, against its mortal enemies The
republic exists in the and in the interests of
that order which il has destroyed 1t had no right
To expect such good luck. Will it turn it to ac
count! Will II know how, with perseverance, TO
practise hrm policy Of conservation and recon
structicn? France iny0kcs il IL sufiices not for
the foundation of government that IT daily saves
society from destruction il must deliver society
from the daily fear OF perishng, and open to ii the
prospect of a long and peaceful existence / speak
neither of liberty nor glory. hope however, that
France will not learn to dispense with either.
"du Val Richer, Oct 1850. GUIZOT."