The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-09-25
Louis Napoleon.

france IL I1uiy the stage OF Inc world, Tor therein
POLITICAL dramas written and practically acted
humanity looks on as an anxious spectator. Frac.
tipns Of the audience applaud the performances bu
tie great mass are animaed by feelings that par
ake but little Of appreciation, for the scenes that
presented crate too harshly their Sympathetic
fee]ngs-they are horTi6ed a: the sad spectacle of
fallen national greatness, and are compelled to
despair OF the resurrection Of republicanism. With
the order of the programme they do not End fault,
for every thing has been done with theatrical regu.
larity, and on that score obliquy whatever can
be attached to Louis Napoleon. In his character Of
stage manager he has omitted none Of tho essentials
His first piece was tragedy, got up on very
large scale, and aided by tableaux every way
calculated to produce thrills of horror in the breasts
of the audience. The scene and dialogues wore
exciting, and the massacres were bloodily grand
1t was unprecedented theatrical effort, for it
was a five act tragedy condensed into one sceno
A repetition was promised, and France has ever
since trembled in expectancy.
In the meanwhile, advertisement has been pre-
sented after the tragedy. There have been fa.e,
fireworks, and foasts; and, according to the pro.
gramme, this advertisement is to be followed by
the serio-comic farce of Taking the Crown or the
piece is not yet announced; but that the entertain
ments will finish up With some domestic drama there
cannot be doubt. As to its precise nature, conjeo.
ture is ofcoursc, rife There has been lack of pro-
phecies the subject Some have augured the over
throw of Louis Napoleon, and the re- establishment
Of the republican form Of government. Others,
again, have predicted that Napoleon dynasty will
benoeforth grace the throne of France which will
be fulflment of the dearest wishes of the hero Of
a hundred fghts" Others, of legtimist opinions,
are sanguine of the restoration Of Bourbonsm, in
the person Of the Count de Chambord
Regarding tho first Of these prophecies, we very
much fear that the great spread Of socialist and
communist opinions among the French people will
prevent them-in case Of Louis Napoleon being
csshiered--from giving support to any government
that does not espouse the cause Of socialism; and
without the support Of people, a government
becomes, Of course, s. mockey. The soldiery
will not help to uphold . republic, for it il
but too evident that they are thoroughly i'm.
bued with that extraordinary mania termed
"Napoleonism," which Is antagonistic to every pra-
ciple having al opposite bearing to military despot.
ism. That there ever can DO . social republic,
forms the hopes Of communists alone and as they
are only uninHuenisl portion of the nstion, aad
profess principles that never by possibility be
successfully carried out, it follows, as necessary
sequence, that = government founded on their sys.
TEN cnnnet be secure, even if it should really be
founded.
Thus, then, it is apparent that the ohaaces Of a
revival Of republcanism in France are but small.
That there will be faIalment Of the second pro-
phecy We have noticed, 10 not matter Of 90 much
doubt but At the time we feel almost certain,
Ohough the mninstay, the army, remain faithfully,
that period would econ be put 70 such reign
Of parvenuism, If not by the French themselves,
by the combined European despsts. That they
have go long RETAINED from active interference IL
certainly matter Of surprise, seeing now many CO.
gent reasons they have for openly espousing, and
practically sympathisirg with the cause Of the
Count dc Chambord. Till they do so, this last Of
the French Bourbons must DO contented with a
perspective view Of the throne at which he aims
His relatives Of Orleans have ~ little f not less
ebsncc than himself, for they have not even the
prestige Of direct descent from long ne OF kiDes
~berewlth TO grace themselves and for heir in
0uepce, IL all ceased to exist on the memorable
Februsry Of 1913 In the meantime, Louis Eapo-
loon bo0s possession of stage. In future arss
hstosy will be a. impartial the old Greek chorus
and rostedfy vii decide ~ judges.