The New York herald., 1851-12-22


republican or ether government had for Psrmanence
and popularity According the best Of our judg-
ment, We are very much disposed to believe that
Louis Napoleon from the very boldness of his coup
d'aat, and the imperial traditions still hanging
around his name will be able to out, in every
point of view, his programme Of revolution, which
he has promulgated by proclamation in Paris and
throug hout the departments. He will no doubt
have some strong elements of opposition to contend
against rong the socialists, the red republicans,
the Orlesnists andthe Bosrbonsts, ofvarous shades
and characters. But he never would have again ap-
pealed to universal suffrage, unless under the strong
conviction that, in the excitement Of the moment,
and in the enthusiasm created by his coup daat,
he could procure his reelection, and the return
oftwo Chambers composed of friends of his system
and his programme.
Fcf seme time past, very large and influential
portion Of society-the middle classes and men of
business in Paris and throughout the departments
have changed their notions on the subject Of
government, to very considerable extent, psrticu-
larly as regards democracy and republicanism. The
great Of the French people without religion
Of any kind. Their highest happiness consists in
enjoying the good things of this life, without caring
for future, for an eternity, or for God, in any
form or shape that can be perceived. They wish
peace and good eating Under these selfish feel
ngs, they will generally unite in this movement of
Louis Napoleon, and support his views, because it
may realize, in their expectations, permanent
form Of government of some kind, peace and pros
ferity, and trade and comfort-mstters in which
they take deep interest, without regarding poll
ties social theories with any other feelings than
these of contempt and seorn. In addition to this,
large portion Of society-the country people-from
"reminiscences of the great Napoleon, will generally
unite in these feelings towards the present move
mepts in France. The army, it seems, from the
frmness which they have displayed in Paris, Is en-
tirely secgre for the cause of the new Precedent,
who s sooD, probably to be called to the imperial
chair, and to move from the Elysee Bourbon into
the TuileIies.
AL these views viii most likely bs found TO be cor
Iect in the course OF the next few weeks-Assoon
shall have ascertained the result of the elections
about to take place under the revolution Louis
Napoleon has taken possession Of the whole power
Of the govern ment, without the check of National
Assembly All the agita,ors among the Orlsan-
lists, and Bourbonists, and socialists dispersed,
or will be dispersed, or put in prison. The press
will. no doubt be brought by military coercion
into subservient a condition as it was dur
clared in a state Of siege, and the same policy
will be displayed towards Lyons, Marseilles, and
all the other large democratic cities of France.
TIE new government viii rush iRto the election
der universal suffrage, with enthusiasm and clamor
Ct all kinds against monarchists and socialists.
The chances are that ali the elements of COM
uerce, Of trade, ofimperiasm, Of social fe and Of
religion even-such as they have it in France-wil
u.i,a ipf oF tba and q hat MIA
Napoleon win be able to carry all his points before
the people, and in less than one month establish
new government Of two Chambers, composed of
large majority devoted to his interests, and pre-
sidency for ten years, with the prospect of creating
an empire, and at no distant cay.
This is the way in which this sudden movement
may be regarded by France, and the causes may bs
found within the limits ofFrance herself.
Bat how will all this be regarded by surrounding
nations on the Continent--by England, Germany,
Italy, Austria, Russia, and other countries Most
likely this movement has been instigsted by these
very powers. No doubt the British governmeu.
is as much implicated in advising Louis Napoleon
TO take this course as Austria, Russia, any other
despo,c country. This seems to be the most pro-
bable solution OF the sentiments and purposes Of
the other Lations Of Europe towards the ex.rsori-
case, they will stand by and look on with perfect
delight at the progress Of reaction towards mo-
narchy and despotisra in the French republic. No
thing may be expected from these quarters at oil
hostile or repugnant to the conduct Of Louis Napo-
leon. He is moving in their direction, and they
will encourage his progress.
Another very important consideration springing
from these extraordinary events, is the probability
that the British government in combination with the
other governments Of Europe, alarmed at the men.
aeing revolution Of 1852, will likewise 60 backward
and postpone or evade the promise which Lord John
Russell recently made to bring forward wreform
bill, and an enlargement Of The elective Franchise.
We should not be ct all surprised If all the govern
ments Of Europe we're to pretend 10 be frightened
at the appearance OF things-such as Ko@uth's pro-
gress in Epgland-and TO demand of the British
government the expulsion from London Of all the
Italian, hungarian, German and French refugees
who have been co1gregating in England for the
last two or three years, and endeavoring TO raise
loans aIe provide means for the commencement of
a revolution over the whole Continent in ls52. II
such be the case, Ledru Rolln, Mazzini, Louis
Blanc, and all the expatria.ed patriots OF the Conti
nent now in London, may be expected in this
country-the refuge OF the refugees Of the whole
world. The mission even Of Kossu.h in this coun-
try is checked, If not nearly put end to for the
present, by these sudden events In France His
prospects Of reaching Hungary are damped for
the present to a very alarming exttn.. In
fact, ihejrnovement OF Louis Napoleon Is merely
continuation Of the spirit Of reaction on q larger
scsle-a reaction produeei in France and generated
in Europe by the ignorance, folly, violence and
want Of skill in the originatOrs and promoters Of
the various revolutions Of SIS. Throughout the
Continent, socialism, irselz zion violence, and folly,
which marked the revolutions Of ISIS and lsi9, |
have ruined the cause Of welIregulated liberty all |
over Europe, FOR at least some years to come. Louis
Nspoleo has, no doubt, violated the constitution |
the laws OF France in his cotP fat but all re-