The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-05-30


man indeed who would attempt to mimic SO
inimitable parsonage. There was, perhaps, as
much sycophancy as truth in the remark A
very unusual degree of confidence and courage
would certainly be essential to copy success
fully the astounding career OF him VINO dreamed
Of universal monarchy in the nineteenth cen
tury: but we know of old that the "audacious
progeny of Japhet" are capable OF still holder
deeds. Thrown to the surface of the upheaved
lava of revolution. individuals are frequently
offered choice between destiny scarcely in
ferior to Napoleon's and relapse into their
native obscurity. Fear, hesitation, doubt,
drive the bulk into the latter; but there are a
few who undauntedly attempt the former. Nor
is failure their common lot. The briefperiod Of
time that has elapsed since the fall of Napoleon
has witnessed more than one successful repeti-
ton of his struggles and his victory.
The present ruler of France, for instance, can
lay no claim to originality in his recent career
A President instead of Consul twas but q
change of name: the practical rank and power
were the same. Both relied on military sup
port; both found it necessary-the one by Is
Brumaire. the other by I'd Deccmber-to VIC
late the constitution and anticipate the designs
of their enemies. Both muzzled the press with
a greater or less show of fairness both gave
the people of France to understand that con-
structive treason would be as little tolerated
as actual mutiny. Both INDUCED the nation in
the luxury of a senate, and gave the senators
in exchange for political power, dignities, hon
ors, ribbons and lace. At the present moment,
in matters of domestic policy. the nephew is
carefully marching in the steps of his uncle.
The great works h contemplates were all fore
shadowed by his predecessor: the model of his
financial schemes may be found in the records
of the old Council of State The parallel is of
course incomplete when we turn to his foreign
policy. Though the expedition to Rome was
in some sort plagiarism from the Emperor's
campaign in Italy. France is at present in no
condition to defy the world or disturb the peace
Of Europe. 1t is possible that Napoleon III.
may reserve that scene of the drama for future
period. Should he do so. and obtain an equal
measure Of success to that of the victor ofMaren-
90. the old soldiers who fancy that the Little
Corporal has risen from the dead will not seem
so far wrong
We, too, in this hemisphere, have couple of
secondhand Napoleons. We need hardly remind
the intelligent reader that we allude to the Die
tator of Mexico and the Emperor Of Hayti. We
class them together, because, Notwithstanding
the minor points Of difference between them,
they have pursued course so similar, and re-
semble each other in so many respects, that the
history of one may serve for both. 1t is true
that Soulouque is black as ebony, while Santa
Anna is only whitey-brown; that the lxtSer has
but one leg while the former possesses two, of
remarkably fine proportions; but the historian
will obviously overlook these physical contrasts
Both Faustin J. and Santa Anna-lke Napoleon
rose to eminence by their military talents in
times ofrevolution. Both like Napoleon-suc-
ceeded in grasping the highest dignity consist
ent with republican form Of government.
Both-l;ke their prototype-thr of the mask
as soon as circumstances permitted and at
tempted to assume imperial power The one
the black man-succeeded. Gracefully yield
ing to numerously signed petitions from the
negroes in uniform, the negroes in plain clothes,
and the negroes in no clothe, and granting the
prayer of an automaton senate, Faustin
soulouque, on the 25th February, ls49, was pro-
claimed Emperor of Hayti; and on the 18th
April, 1852, was duly crowned, in strict accord
ance with the ceremonial observed at the corona
ton Of Napoleon. The other-the white man
failed. and was expelled his native land AMI
mated, however, by the success of Soulouque,
and availing himself Of the disorders ofhis coun-
try he has again renewed the attempt and we
see every reason to expect that his success will
not be less complete than that of his Imperial
Majesty Faustin l.
The closer the history of these two great men
is studied, the more apparent becomes their
plagiarism from Napoleon. Different circum-
stances have naturally necessitated slight de-
viations from the original. Thus Soulouque
did not require to gag the press in his empire.
journalists not being very formidable class
among his subjects. Nor could Santa Anna
judciously venture on so close copy of the
ceremonial of the old French court as his
neighbor the ball at Vera Cruz having dis
abled him from taking part in court pageants.
aud strengthened his instructive liking for Sc
dentary and intellectual pursuits-such as cock
lighting. III otueI icopcCts' potu Cui
and our white Napoleon have conscientiously
followed the example Of the great emperor.
Looking forward, however. and cndeavoring
to foresee their future destiny, we admit that
we expect to see departure from this course.
It would i'll become us to show any signs Of dis
respect to so august a monarch as Faustin l.;
hut we cannot reconcile ourselves to anticipate
a Haytian Waterloo, or Spanish s.. Helena.
We have hopes that Soulouque will not conquer
the world. Santa Annals course is perfectly
clear He has hitherto copied Napoleon The
Great, Napoleon Ill, and Soulouque viii. toler-
able success hut his mental inferority to all
three is now becoming suspected on all sides
We take it for granted that he viii go through