Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-10-29
FRANCE AND BELGIUM.


with the subjoined speculations. We are not suf-
fcient adopts in divnaton to say how far his opin-
/ ions are founded IN reason, but we give them as
those of an astute, careful and unbiased observer:
oThe concluding remark of the Independence Beige in
reference the movement of America in the Maritime
Convention suggested by thought utterly foreign
to Lieut. MAURY and his scientific convention and it
suggests subject to myself to which ought have al
uded in my character Of faithful of the signs of
the times weeks ago Here is one Poieer aaor ra-
ing Itself side says the Independence Beige Those
words viii not be fully understood by American readers
generally, who not to be supposed Intimately
quainted with European politics. 1t shows how persist
ing prevalent and eyerpresent is the idea in Belgium
and all Europe that attributes to the Emperor of
France Notwithstanding his repeated assertion that he
empire is peace, designs hostile to the independence Of
Belgium. l have several occasions during the last
three years alluded to this subject in my letters the
Integencer, stating the general argument and hccor-
roboration afforded by recent facts which induce to
join with those who believe the annexation Of Savoy Bel
GUM, and the Prussan provinces the Rhine to bethe
fixed policy of Napoleon ILL., which circumstances nay
compel him to adjourn for moment from which lie nay
be temporarily diverted, but whch he M neper a5qnn.
And believe, if he lives FIVE years more he will have
| accomplished his purpose, and France will more
have assumed what Frenchmen fond of calling its
natural boundaries The recent marriage of the Duke
BRABANT, heir apparent to the Belgian throne, with
Austrian princess dictated by the parties both
sides Rhine by these apprehensons Of French a
gression This quite evident those who followed
closely the incidents of that royal alliance That in
France it considered, too is equally clear. Tie
tone of the semi official journals in Paris the absence O.
the French Minister from the marriage fees at Brussels
showed at the thought and the discomfort of his
Imperial Majesty of France. But another incident oc-
Cured about the time which should have been
er noted by symptomatc of the presumed French
policy toward Belgium. Tie political press of France is
now closely watched and severely controlled that,
to greater extent perhaps than would have been just
any previous period the first empire Government
may be held responsible for all its productions 1t
often forbds publication visits with punishment art
ces and essays which have been inadvertently allowed
that all which published and which escape govern
mental may be held to be approved. The Gov
ernmen is thus rghtfully considered having if not
directly inspired and instigated least approving
| pamphlet which published in Paris Belgium and
the Austrian marriages and especially violent article
in the semi ocia Constitutional Mandatory Of the pamph
let and political views. In these mpuent and
rageous productions the expedeney of Belgian
ton openly discussed and the Austrian marriage
probated being in fact sort Of defiance thrown in the
face of France Pamphlet and newspaper escaped gov
ernmental anlmauverSon writer OF the former
ed himself Belgian, but the signature deceived
the work bore its face plain evidence Of its French or
gin. have myself doubt whatever that the pamph-
let and the newspaper comment it both inspired
if directly dictated in very high Official regions and
that they thrown out feelers and leaders intend
ell to famiarze the public mind with the idea of Belgian
annexation and gradually prepare the way for that event
when circumstances shall be rendered proptious
for its contamination than they present. To make
them is the constant aim of French policy and fact
there is enterprise in which the Emperor could
that would enthusiastically and generally carry
with him the French nation 1t is considered national
policy in most eminent degree, and its realization would
tend to concae to his dynasty many spirits that will
never TO be unquiet and revolutionary till Napoleon
III. shall have confirmed his title to the throne by
signal act identifying him personally with the glory and
grandeur of France. Besides which
would be equally operative upon any France
specve of dynasty there others readily occurring
all who familiar with French history which give to
this policy the force Of mperious necessity to
\ B0Hdparte'