Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1854-06-03
Sovereigns of Europe.

Sovereigns of Europe.
At the commencement of general war IN
Europe, which threatens to be one of the most
momentous and destructive that has ever occur
red, and that cannot fail to result in great
changes in its condition and rulers, it will be
interesting to our readers to hear a brief alb
stract of the character and position of the
principal ruling sovereigns OF that continent:
Nicholas Emperor of Russia, is 50 years old,
six feet six inches high, erect and soldlerlke IN
form. naughty in demeanor, proud OF his person,
and, when young was decidedly handsome. He
is intelligent, shrewd, stern, resolute, and by no
means wanting in personal courage. lie Is a
good discplinarian, but not skillful commander
in war, as was proved in his younger days. His
information in regard to the condition and policy
of all nations is minute and extensive; hls plans
vast and his ambition boundess. In the last
respect, he truly represents the Russian char
acter and sentiment The same disposition ex-
lists in Russia now, to pour down on the more
fair and wealthy and sunny realms of the South
and the West of Europe, as in the days when the
| Roman Empire was overwhelmed.
| Abdul Medjid. Sultan of Turkey, is but thirty
three years of age, though he has one daughter
married, and two more betrothcd. lie is rather
small in statue, with a sallow, sad and mild
expression of countenance. He is in favor OF
reforms in his empire; is just and merciful IN
his rule, and delights more in experimenting
his schools and public improvements, than in
marshalling his armies and navies for battle ;
but forced into war for the existence OF his
Empire, as he is, he will doubtless maintain the
ancient renown of his gallant and warlike race.
Thus far, in his difficulties with the Car, he
| hoe
moderation, and an energy in preparing for war,
that have enlisted on his side the sympathies
| of nearly all civilized nations. He is evidently
q sincere and Jealous Mahommedan, though he
has stipulated with the Western Powers that he
will place the Greek and Christian population OF
his empire on the same footing, to civil rights,
as the Turks.
Louis Napoleon, Emperor of France, is rather
below the middle stature: has dull and drowsy
eye, and a countenance that ordinarily express
ses but little. He is about forty -four years OF
age, and has had an adventurous life. From
an artillery officer in Switzerland, a rowdy in
New York, special police officer in London, a
prisoner at Ham, he is firmly seated on the
most dazzling throne of Europe, and yields a
power second only to that of the Emperor of
Russia. Public opinion has undergone great
change in regard to his mental capacity since
he assembled the throne of France. He has
manifested an ability of high order as ruler
and statesman; and at this moment, exercises
a greater influence over the affairs OF Europe
than any other sovereign, not even excepting
the Emperor of Russia. And this influence he
has welded wisely for his own interest, and
thus far, for the honor and interests of France.
He enters on the conflict with his great antag-
onist of Russia with dauntless spirit and an
energy of preparation, that shows much OF the
true metal of his uncle s'of glorious memory.
Queen Victoria of England, rules over the
most populous, wealthy and powerful Empire
on the globe. On her dominions the sun never
sets and under her government the people Of
England and Scotland at least, enjoy more free
dom than under any other monarchy. Queen
Victoria is now thirty-four years of age; of a
mild and amiable disposition, and is an ex-
emplary wife and mother Her Cabinet Coun-
cilors and Parliament are the actual rulers Of
the British Empire. The naval power of England
is nearly as great as that of all other nations
combined, and her commerce and manufactures
greater than those of any other nation.
Frederick William, King of Prussia, is the
brother-in-law of the Gar, but very different
kind Of a man. He is about so years Of age,
despotic in feeling, but somewhat liberal by
of Russia in his plans if he dare but his people
are otherwise inclined. He is fat, good look
ing, tolerably good natured and somewhat stupid
sort of man. Should the present war continue
for some years, he will probably be found on
the side of Russia. His present declaration OF
neutrality is merely designed to gain time to
watch the course of events for one campaign,
and then to shape his course according to results.
Francis Joseph, the Emperor of Austria, is
% years of age, and has succeeded in raising
small mustachios for his handsome face; and a
small loan for his exhausted treasury. He has
a high, broad forehead, good form, about five
feet ten inches in height, and is an expert and
excellent horseman. He exhibits no signs OF
extraordinary administrative capacity, and will
probably add little to the reputation of the
House of Hapsburgh. He fell in love with a
lady last fall, ''at first sight," and it isreported
will marry her during the present season. His
Government is almost bankrupt in pecuniary re.
sources; his people are disconnected; and his
Empire is exposed to desperate peril between
the contending interests and nations now at wal
on the continent of Europe. He is greatly in
debted to the Emperor of Russia, and would
join him in the partition of Turkey, but for the
dread of the vengeance Of the Western powers,
and the opposition of his own people His
position is perilous turn which way he will ;
and neutrality is almost impossible.
i ENGLISH TACTICS AND RUSSIAN PRACTICES
The British feet in the Black Sea have been
running about peeping into the various Russian
harbors and taking drawings of the defences
during the time fixed for the approach of hos
tiities. They did this recently at sebastopol
; under pretext of renting dispatches. The
Gar, who saw through these tricks, was much
incensed, and instantly ordered that in future
all vessels presenting themselves before Rus
sian port should be received with cannon shots
The same game, as at sebastopol, was tried al
Odessa, by the Furious, according to Russian
accounts. The officer of the Furious declared
that he came with the mission to fetch the
Consuls of France and England. He was an
swered that these gentlemen had quilted Odessa
long time, and was, consequently, invited te
leave instantly. But, instead of weighing an
Choir, the officers of the steamer set about taking
drawings of the batteries. 1t was then that, in
order to prevent the Furious from doing this
blank shots were fired over her. The Furious
taking no notice of them, ball was sent into
one of her wheels The Furious Immediately
withdrew. TWAS this alleged Outrage" upor
the flag of truce, according to the Englisl
papers, which induced the recent bombardmen
of Odessa.
THE IRISH IN AMERIcA.-The London Times
referring to an infamous article. denouncinp thu