Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1852-11-12
France and the United States.

France and the United States.
Tt is striking coincidence, that about the time
when the last Presidential election took place in the
United States similar election also took place in the
nominal Republic of France, and Louis Napoleon
received much larger preponderance of French
votes than Gen. Taylor did of American. Since that
time. important events. have transpired in both
countries, displaying by their results, the marked
difference in the character of the two nations, and
their comparative fitness for self-government. Our
President elect in 1S4S has died. and the Vice Pres
ident succeeded to his place, in pursuance of Con-
stitutonal provision. The country has been shaken
by one of the greatest exciements which have ever
swept it since the formation of the government,
and upon a subject the most dangerous Of any which
could possibly be introduced into political rela
tions and this very question has been largely dis
cussed during the canvass. which has just termina-
ted so dsastrously to Gen. Scott and vet, with all
these elements of danger and itement-with all
the vast interests involved in the Presidential,
other contests all has passed calmly and quiet
ly. and pcaceaby: the decision of the mai ority has
been received and acquie cod in implicitly as
though it decree o. &C itself-the course of
events is undsturbcd if nothing had happened
and the foreigner from another land would be puz-
zled to believe that Tuesday of last week, the
people of the United Satcs:dd actually choose their
Chief and decide the policy of the national
administration for the next four years And yet we
know that such has been the case Within week
the election of Gen Pierce has come to be regarded
fixed fact and men now turn from it to their usual
| avocations in the most natural manner in the world,
looking for his Inauguration, &C., matter of
course
In France, the result has been diforent-the Presi
dent has oyerthrown the Constitution and substitu-
ted his own will in its stead The press is shackled
the people are enslaved and even the shadow and
semblance of popular rights fast disappearing
The next to be received from France will doubt
less be the proclamation of the Empire by Louis
Napoleon, under the title of Napoleon H., and at
this usurpation, the French people will throw ur
their hats, and shout. they have already shouted
for every previous usurpation. proceeding from the
same source.
There can be no doubt that Louis Napoleon has
been monStrously moderated in this country
He is evidently a bold, able and determined man
who perfectly understands the people with whom he
has to deal, and who marches to the accomplishment
of his ends with and perseverance which
even the great Napoleon himself could not surpass
But the knowledge Of this fact does account fo
the different course of events in France and in this
country Neither Louis Napoleon nor any othe1
man could have made the slightest impression will
US. Such adventurer would only be rememberet
to be ridculed by our people as fool or visiona
ry-he would hardly III TO the serious dignity of
traitor.
! The difference must. then, be in the people them
selves in their habits of life and thought, in their in
stitutions and principles, and not in THE name
or circumstances by which they have been sur
rounded, France has always been. and it appear
as thought always would be centralized Her PEG
pie have had no sort Of training in local self govern
ment, experience in the practical details am
workings of republican institutions nor arc lfkel
to have, and while under any centralized form of gov
eminent they adopt they can directly exert littl
real influence upon the laws which govern them o
their administration, they care little for assuming
trouble and responsibility without corresponding
profit. Until some radical change is made, substituting
something of federation for the present centralze
government in France, republic can never be main
tanned there nor If it could be- would its results
a farthing better than those of an empire.
! The pomp and professions with which the Frencl
usurper has surrounded himself, form very marke
contrast to the republican simplicity of our elcc
tions and inaugurations, and it is certain that Will
the ceremonies attendant upon the assumption of tn
imperial style and title by Louis Napoleon, will form
one of the most splendid pagcants which the world ha
ever seem they will sink far beneath the moral gran
deur of the spectacle which country presented
on the second day of November last, and will pre-
sent again the 4th day of March next.
Nothing we believe, is better calculated TO rem
der the American citizen proud of his country, ant
tenacious of her rights and her constitution than ;
parallel between her course and that of France du
ring the last four years Sef-goyerning nations
must gr0u. revolutions cannot make them. Our re
volution did not make republicanism; the growtl
of republican feelings and customs and practices
made the revolution. Neither France nor any othe
European country has had the same training-they
are not in fact republican, and revolution OF
change of name can ever make them so.
For the Journal.
Democratic McctIng.
At meeting of the Democratic party of New