The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1854-03-03
WEny Napoleon Invaded Russia.

A work has been quite recently published in
France, by VI. Vlllemain, an eX.professor and ex
minister of State, which throws strong light On
the uterIor objects Of the elder Napoleon in his
invasion of Russia in the year 1912. AS war
between England and Russia is thought by many
to greatly endanger the possessions o! England in
the East, the views of Napoleon, who aimed o,
this object, present more than usual interest, and
will not be deemed out Of place at this time 10
notice, every idea connected with the present
issue relating TO European affairs, existing
the continent, will be read by the general reader
Among the statesmen in his confidence, TO whom
he unbosomed himself on that occasion, was NJ
TaIleyrand, the Duke de Bassano and the Count
de Narbonne, all Of whom couDselled against the
invasion of Russia. M. ViIIeman narraes the
conversations held by the latter with Bonaparte
who commended that after all, the long Russian
road is the route to India
Count de Narbonne frankly reasoned against
the invasion Of Russia. He urged that it would
be wiser and safer to command with tho French
armies the entire Of the VistuIa and ME-
men than TO organize a Polish nation behind that
ramPart-a Poland able to furnish two hundred
thousand soldiers. Russia would not be conquered
at Moscow, though Austria and Prussia had heen
at Vienna and Berlin. conflict with civilized
nations at your door was different from one with
semi barbarIsm al a vast distance. The Russians
may have been overcome in Italy, Prussia and
Germany but who knew that they could be in
the depths of their own country, armed with their
climate, their rugged nature, and lanatica despe-
ration.
Napoleon listened attentvely and calmly he
replied, in substance &" Y ou think me Wild but my
rashness is calculation | must strike far off IN
order TO control matters at home. Where should
find king for Poland? No member of my Gami.
ly is fit it would be dangerous TO take out of
that circle. Barbarous nations supersitious;
terrible blow once struck at Moscow the great
the huly-the heart Of The empire will deliver
into my hands that blind unelasc mass. know
Alexander; have possessed an asceDdancy over
him that can be regained grand stroke of daring
and power will subdue his imag inatIon he will
then yield. That Russian barbarsm OF which you
afraid, is an interiorlty before tactics and
organization.
AS for the vast dimensions Of Russia, they will
afford SO many stages the more, to be marked by
victories. With such force as purpose TO assem-.
BILE, and such arrangements as have in view,
shall not dreed her deserts. After all, the long
Russian road is the route TO India. Alexander
reached the Gauges from point distant as
Moscow. If had not been bafiled at Saint Jean
d'Acre, should have achieved the conquest Of
Europe. | have explored my line Of march
can get to the British possessions Of Erivan and
Tifflls. You have heard of the missions OF
Gardanne and Jaubert in Persia. Suppose Moscow
captured-Russia beaten down-AleXander won
over, a victim to some court conspiracy, and
Turkey enlisted on my side, as she naturally and
necessarily would be-and then tell me whether,
for a grand army Of French and auxiliaries, access
to the Ganges would not be possible. The scat.
folding of mercantile greatness when touched by
French sword would fall TO the ground over all
India. The expedition is gigantic admit; but 1t
is feasible in the nineteenth century thus at one
dash France would have conquered the indePen-
dence Of the West and the liberty Of the seas"