The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-06-15

and that Of France under Louis Napoleon What
contrast between the costly gewgaws and
phantasmagoria of the French Empire, and the
sublime simplicities Of our republican institu-
lions! Blessed be the memory f good old Ben
Franklin, the printer! Blessed be our Premier
in making him the example for his fashionable
successors in these degenerate days! And all
| the country from Madawasca to Michillimacki-
nae, viii say amen. So let it be!
| About the first official act of Louis Napoleon,
| after his memorable coup d'ftat, was decree
prescribing the costume of the members of his
Senate and Corps LfgislatC His description
| was 80 express and minute, including the gold
lace, the buttons, the number of the buttons,
| the style of the buttons, and the button holes,
and the cut of the coat tail, that an " outsider"
would have taken it for granted, till otherwise
informed, that the nephew of his uncle" had
served useful apprenticeship with tail
leur.
But mark the contrast between Napoleon
the Third and Franklin Pierce-between the
successor of the Little Corporal" and
the representative of Old Hickory-and be-
tween Cambaceres, the Imperial Minister, and
Marcy, our Democratic Premier! The first Off
cial act of the latter, by the authority Of the
President, is to take off the gilt edgings and
pinchbeck trappings Of his subordinates over
the water. Yet Louis Napoleon appears to be
getting along as successfully as General Pierce.
| 1t is the people, fellow-citizens-it is the
| W. Encl,s1 10
ing. elegant, snowy. magnificent, splendid,
imperial people; while we, of these United
States, are a practical, matter-offact, sub
stantial go-ahead, enterprising and sovereign
people-free and simple; but the proudest
and mightiest people upon the round EARTH
Hence, while his imperial splendors give
strength and solidity to the government of
Louis Napoleon it is the stern simplicity of
Ben Franklin which is most essential to the
success Of our popular institutions. And we
say, rather than suffer our Ministers abroad to
ape the regal trappings of monarchy, pin them
down to the plain American example Of good
old Ben Franklin-down to the very shoe
buckles. And, if we are not mistaken, all the
people, from the hard shells Of the Tammany
i
Salt Lake, will say Amen. Let Governor
Marcy proceed, for his cause is good
Thus much upon our diplomatic uniforms
Having reduced his agents abroad to proper
degree Of republican simplicity in the matter
of dress, we shall now expect something more
The fishery question and Canadian recipro-
city open broad margin for the real diploma
tic abilities of our republican Premier. The at
fairs Of Central America even more imperious-
ly call for action sagacity ,irmness and diploma
tic Skill in order to resolve them into satsfac-
| tory simple and comprehensive adjustment,
upon that broad American basis which appreci-
ates the magnitude of our position among the
nations. our !" manifest destiny" and our special
obligations to our Independent neighbors. And
what Of Mexico? In giving the precedence to
old clothes over our critical relations with
| Mexico are we to infer that our Premier is
waiting the arrival Of Almonte before taking q
single step in those general overtures for a
lasting and substantial peace, which alone
can prevent us from plungng into another
| war? And then, are there no unsettled
balances to be adjusted with Spain in
reference to Cuba? And is everything perfect
ly satisfactory between the Emperor Of Hayti,
the Dominicans, and the French? And is not
our friend and faithful ally King Kamehameha,
of the Sandwich Islands, entitled to our protec-
| ton? And is our Premier not aware that there
is prospect Of an early general military move
ment upon the northeastern flank Of the Medi-
terranean and of possible upheaving again of
all the revolutionary elements Of the continent?
And have not the imperial Tartars of China
prospect Of support from the Cossacks Of Rus
sia? And only think Of the field for the most
hospitable commercial negotiations with the
vast and fertile but undeveloped States of South
America !!
In this comprehensive catalogue there would
be work enough for the mighty genius Of the
| great Napoleon himself; and we feel somewhat
anxious, therefore. concerning our Prime Min
lister. In his circulars upon diplomatic uni
forms however, we have intrinsic evidence that
he feels calm and perfectly cool. He writes
with the ease and dignity of a man who under
stands his prerogatives. Let us hope that upon
the graver matters of solid negotiations with
foreign powers he may as fully appreciate the
extent of his responsibilities And let him act
without delay And the great American peo-
pie will say amen So mote it be!
i
| THE CONNECTICUT RAILROAD ACCIDENT LAW
In holding up the action of the Connecticut
Legislature as an example to be followed by
our representatives at Albany, we do not wish
to be understood as endorsing every feature Of
the bill to prevent injuries and the destruc-