The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-12-27
Louis Napoleon.

.. Louis Napoleon.
Some months ago, in an article upon French
politics, we drew our readers attention 10 the
intriguing monarchical factions in France wer
throwing the whole game into the hands of Lou
Is NAPOLEON, and placing him in position to
accomplish almost any fantasy of ambition, al
though his party was in reality one of the small
est in number, and least inf lental of any in that
country.
We do not underrate the influence of the
name Of NAPOLEON. But we stated, and we
repeat the assertion, that Il successor to NAPo'
LEON is not wanted by the great majority of the
French people; and that but for the coMplica-
tons of June, l84s, and the immense mystifica-
ton, which for time accompanied them, the cleo.
ton Of LOUIS NAPOLEON to the Presidency would
have been very questionable indeed. ...
Personally. LOUIS NAPOLEON has little inllu-
ence, and the admiration for the Emperor does
not extend to the nephew. But under the per-
picked circumstances, created by the intrigues
of the monarchists, determined to prove that the
republic was impossible, the people turned to
LOUIS NAPOLEON, and gave him their votes, as
counterpose to anarchy on the one hand, and
monarchical fanaticism on the other
The Legislative assembly might, had it been a
patriotic and liberal body, have destroyed what
little influence the President could have had. He
was not well surrounded reputation any
way did not stand very high-his expedition to
Rome-his compromises with the monarchsts,
Sacrificing universal suffrage, the press, &c,
for an increased salary)-his jesuitcal conduct
throughout, gave his enemies thousand advan-
tages over him, which they knew not how 10
profit by.
The French people acquiesce in his present
move, from hatred to the Assembly. That body
gotitself elected by exaggerated representations
of its own repubcanism, and by calumnious
charges of socialism and red republicanism,
against all honest, steady and true Democrats.
1t has been long ago weighed in the balance,
and found wanting.
LOUIS NAPOLEON has now artfully profited BY
its opealy declared monarchical tendencies, and
his unconstitutional attack upon the Assembly
finds an universal appreciation from the people
1t is no proof, however that the game is entirely
in the Presidents hands, as some of our cotem.
poraries fancy. Had he struck blow at the re-
public, we do not hesitate to say the army would
have deserted him, and the whole nation would
have revolted.
The empire is not what the French dream Of
The institutions of France are thoroughly
democratic, and every year but increases the
strength ofattGchment to them. What the En-.
peror accomplished while these institutions
were new, it would be impossible to carry out
now. So deeply tinged is French society with
liberty-frut of those institutions-that even
the Lagidmists, in spite of their prejudices OF
centuries, more fanciful than real, are singuarly
liberal in their views, and talk as confidently of
uniting Legitimacy, represented by HENRY ",
with republicanisrn, as if the two were Identical
in interest and sentiment
The plan proposed by Louis NAPOLEON oftwo
chambers, resembles that attempted TO be carried
out by his uncle when consul II, however, the
upper chamber, or senate, is to be nominated by
him, it is easy to foresee that such farce will
be productive of infinite mischief and difficulty
II, on the contrary, both chambers are to be
freely elected by the universal suffrage of the
people, the republic will have the finest chance
of consolidation ever presented TO it. e.
We have already, on several occasions, re.
marked that the great difficulty in France is the
overwhelming force Of the government The
present movement Of Louis NAPOLEON is re.
markable proof of the fact, we have always
maintained, that the French government is the
sole and real cause Of revolutions. The pcopl,
are decidedly opposed to violent changes, and are
only driven TO them by the persevering encroach.
ment Of aPower, that feels itself for q while ir
resistible
I To counterbalauce this power, two chambers
elected by universal suffrage, and changeable al
/ regular and frequent intervals, could alone avail
LOUIS NAPOLEON has it in his power to try tina
/ experiment We doubt however, whether, will
the best intentions in the world, he will be abb
TO resist the influence Of his encourage am
place France in so healthy position
! LOUIS NAPoLEoSs election cannot be reet
! upon as certain We should not be surprised
if he was disappointed His greatest chanc,
arises from the fact that be has no conspicuou
I opponent, who has the confidence Of a consider
able portion Of the French people.
The Result Of the Treason Trials.
The New York Times, an able Frees Ill organ
thus refers TO the recent scspe Of the Christian
/ rioters:
When the D1iiy Times vcnturcd in an un
! nlli.ial MaY 10 eXnnse the Lnnr nIs which tnv