The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1853-03-31
For the National Era.
LETTERS ON FRANCE.-NO. 2.

WASHINGTON, D. c., Jan, 1852.
My DEAR MADAM: | have endeavored to
show, in the preceding letter, that no particu-
lar nation is to blame for loving liberty nor,
strictly speaking, ought we very exultingly to
praise them on all occasions when, thanks to
providental circumstances, they have been per-
mitted to gain it.
PROFESSIONALLY there are connected with
each country particular causes governing and
influencing events quite as much as general
rules acting upon them all. But it will he
found, on minute examination that among the
people of Europe there is wonderful slmili-
tude of revolutionary fortune, for the reason
that the races are identical, and the basis of
tho social system to be overthrown. identical
Nevertheless, the success of revolution is re.
markably precarious, yacllating, uncertain, and
xyosa .ss~s, 49, s.@~., --~.sfSo r.,
politics, and physical nature.
Before proceeding to an examination Of the
state of France in particular it would be well
to say few words on the progress of revolu-
tionary ideas in Europe; for in so doing, We
shall better comprehend the subject
The liberty of the Roman had been supplant-
cd by the feudalism of the Barbarian. And
although the civilized man unquestionably trod
out the wild man in course of time, the domin-
ion Of the latter was sufficiently long to change
not merely the ancient institutions, but to cor
rupt the very language of polished society, and
give even new names to things, and to that
portion of the population which became en-
slaved*
In course of time, kings attempted to destroy
the power Of the petty soveregns or feudal
lords and, the more efectually to accomplish
their design, conspired with the people, grant
ing Liberties and privileges to them.
Ia the mean time, Italy stood forth the strong
hold of Republics and of popular liberty-re-
sisting with energy the assaults of feudalism ;
yet though sinking gradually under the effects
Of treachery at home, she expired only in CIV
ing birth to Liberty abroad
For centuries all the learned of Europe
nocked to her colleges and universities for in
struction or honors To visit Italy was then
as now, the pilgrimage Of admiration Of men
Of oil conditions. She was then not only the
centre of knowledge, Of the arts, and Of the
sciences but the only really commercial and
industrial country.
Can one suppose, for moment that her cx-
ample and passionate lone Of popular liberty
was lost upon the world or that even the very
soldiers called in TO fight against her, or en-
ployed in her service, (the prosperous and in
telligent ltalian despising the low occupation
of the hired soldier returned to their homes
less enlightened as to their rights as ment
Switzerland, lying on her frontier, followed
her example and beeamo free men began to
think, and speak, and write. Religious mat
ters, freely canvassed in Italy, became the sub
ject Of debate elsewhere, in spite Of priests and
mobiles and then commenced those demands
for reforms in the church and for municipal
liberties, and then were made those protesta-
t,ons in favor of human freedom, which have
agitated Europe-religious political, and 30
cial-ever since.
Italy crushed under the heel Of feudal Eu-
rope, is now despised by ali who only see and
know her misery. They will not believe that
generations Of men pass away, and yet that the
thoughts and aspirations and glores. OF the
past are unerringly handed down, to burst
forth again in the good time coming! Yet 30
it is and therefore it is, that though centuries
pass on, there is still the same undying host Of
patriots to be found ready at any moment for
the conflict But in the triumph Of kings over
feudal lords, the liberty Of man has been again
menaced. The Independence q many cities
ha~x been destroyed, municipal liberties have
bsoe restricted, and military and police sys-
tenn have been organized, which threaten to
fe-e00lAve the pcopie Ny suc Pcopic'
!, Against this new danger to human progress,
nothing remains but the press, the steam en-
CINE, and the spread Of knowledgc-softenng
the moral character, and ameiorating the ma
terial condition of society. Against these,
tyranny has little chance for even despots are
fascinated by the marvels Of modern times, and
are influenced in their feelings and opinions
by the higher toned character of modern works
and newspapers
Ii we compare for moment the highy-edu-
Gated, moral and literally disposed princes Of
the present time, with the ignorant, profiigate
monsters, both male and female, of a time not
long past, we may without difficulty calculate
the future.
But all men are brought up to fancy they
have rights and they have rights, no doubt
whatever they may be- In defence OF these
sSurnames wore Of more recent origin. The bar
harlan chiefs gave the simple names OF John, VIII
liam, &c, to the ensaved Romans.
The Italians regarded these foreign soldiers as
towards, so frequently did they show themselves TO
be such II Is easy TO perceive that tho bossting OF
these men, on returning home, would not be much In
favor OF their employers, and that their fssebooas
would gain ready credonce. Whenever Italian sol
diers formed, the foreign troops says maehi-
avell "cll into drepute" before the ysor and dis
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