New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1853-01-13

II appears that the Pope, after considerable
scruples of conscience, arising no doubt from
some distrust of the present French Monarch
claims to the g jus diciaun," has consented to
crown Louis Napoleon Emperor of France This
important ceremony will confer upon the new
Emperor that attribute of royalty, so essential
10 its existence in the contemplation Of Europe,
at least of Catholic Europe-legitimate soyer-
eighty sanctioned by the authority of the Church.
The "Lord's anointed" would be shorn of half
his glory, and incapable Of exercising half his
functions, without a formal Inauguration by the
chiefof the hierarchy and Louis Napoleon, who
has proved himself not by any means the weak
man he was once supposed to be, but on the con-
trary one of the best tacticians of the age, is too
polio not to avail himself of the popular preiu-
dice.
The French people have embarked in new
political experiment Rampant democracy, in
sane anarchy, unbridled despotism, limited
monarchy, and Constitutional republicanlsm,
have each had their turn--and each, when
weighed in the balance of French public opinion,
has been found wanting. Four years ago dy-
nasty was overthrow, which few weeks pre-
viously was considered one of the most perma-
nent in Europe. 1t withered away ike domains
gourd, in a single night. The powerful and
opulent Prince, who few days before exerted
such an immense influence over the political and
financial affairs of Europe, was prescribed fu-
gitive, and his family became supplcants for
the charity of nation which France has ever
regarded as an irreconcilable foe. The downfall
of the monarchy was succeeded by the form of
a republic; but, unluckily, like Plato's brilliant
dream of that form of Government, it was con-
structed by philosophers and theorists, not by
men Of common sense experience and practical
ability. Genius, learning and enthusiasm were
employed in its Observation-Disclosures and pa
triotism were exerted to the utmost to give it
practical effect; yet, after all, the result has
been that the brave, brilliant and enlightened
people of France have confined their destinies to
the tender mercies of an almost absolute mo-
narchy.
What the ultimate result may be of this ex-
traordinary "pantomime of policy" it were in
vain to conjecture. Whether that talismanie
name which has aroused the world like a spell,
and given new impulse and direction to human
effort and human intelligence, is destined to 60
down to posterity associated with the glittering
eappings of royalty, or whether the present is
the last scene in the tragedy which has so long
yielded to Kings &c the right divine to govern
wrong" remains yet to be determined. Ger
tainly dynasty of Napoleons would be quite
as respectable as dynasty of Bourbons; hut
We are disposed to say with Mercutio, q plague
upoo both your houses" 1t is very old, and
commonplace, and trite observation, but cx-
pressive of a sentiment that will be fresh and
vigorous while time endures, that our own
country is the only member of the family of
nations that has ever understood or successfully
practiced national self-goyernment, We trust
her bright example may yet find successful inn
itators in other countries, but Judging from the
results of recent revolutionary movements, we
can scarcely anticipate for continental Europe a
speedy advent of popular liberty, prosperity
and happiness.