Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-12-19

:
nected with finance and commerce which has
been considered by the country since 1886.
FOREIGN POLICY-sUMMARY OF THE
FRENcH-GOvERNME ORGANIZA-
TION-IMITATION OF THE PAST
DANGER FOR THE PRESENT..
In series of articles, published in our last
numbers, we have attempted to convey to the
minds Of our readers faint idea Of the pres
ent government Of France. We hope this will
be sufficient, if not to enlighten them on the
matter, at least to give them the desire to
be enlightened. They win perceive that we
have given so much Of that portion of the
actual history as was necessary for explain
ing the general policy of Europe, and the
events which are its consequence. AS we
have already said, the French Government be-
ing to the continental cabinet what the spring
Of clock is to its various parts, it was indis-
pensable to see the former so as to know how
and why the rest would move. We now de-
sign to condense the whole contents of our
previous articles in the present one.
The pivot of Louis Napoleon's policy is like
that of all absolute monarchies, one idea--cen-
tralizntion, or in other words, the extension and
development of the executive power. This prin-
ciple necessarily carries with it the weakening
of other branches Of power political, civil, and
municipal and must gradually tend to this end,
the only possible one now in France--war.-
1t stops at the same time the progress of the
art of selEgoverumsnt disgusts them with
public affairs, makes them seek for pleasure,
and fayors absolutim and corruption.
The secret of Louis Napoleon's success is
owing TO several causes, both of social and
political nature. The way Of politics was
cleared out for him in consequence of the
conflict of three parties-Bourbons-0 rlean-
ists-and Republicans, whilst on the other
hand, he obtained the support Of the wealthy
classes through the fears imposed by the
Socialists, new order of politicians, who,
may perhaps at some future time occupy a
conspicuous position in the world. But what
decided his success was his energy in suddenly
displaying all the means which despotism, sup
ported by FIVE hundred thousand soldiers, and
an Vulnerable army of Office holders, can con-
fer on man who intends to be the only arbiter
and ruler Of the destinies of his country.
No sooner was the coup detdt promulged
than an immense system of police was set at
work in all directions. France was taken by
surprise, and confined in an iron cage. To
the dissolution Of the powers which were, sue
ceeded powers Of an immoral character well
calculated to foster corruption and lower the
standard of citizenship. In order 10 give dig
nifty to Offices which had fallen into disrepute,
large salaries were attached to them. Badges
and money were given to mean creatures, and
the upper ranks of society which in France
belonged to oficeholders, were soon glutted
by the scandal Of their lives. Such an over
throw of all the habits and customs Of France
produced two effects: It discarded from the
direction Of public affairs all the talented and
virtuous men of the country. 1t placed in
their stead men who, knowing well that they
were something only by the grace Of Louis
Napoleon, consecrated to him all they pos
sessed Of devotion, activity, and energy. Hence
the unity of his system and the strength Of hi
administration.
AS to the mechanism Of his government, bs
has no other merit than that Of copying hit
uncle's. The notifications he introduced, j
any, were Insignificant The same principle
which elected the one universal suffrage
elected the other; the powers which assisted
Napoleon the great to place France under thu
yoke Of q concentrated and centralized system
Of government, we're again set at work; in I
word, Louis Napoleon, regardless Of the posi-
ton Of France, after 1889, and of France, afte
ls4s, applied to the latter the same machinery
which the great man authorized, perhaps, il
his undertaking by the wants of q discrepancies
society, had applied in 1900. II now remain
to be seen, whether the government of q coun
try can retrace its steps fifty years back, ant
live the life Of another age without inconveni
ence to the members Of the community ant
danger to itself. That is what the future vii
} very likely teach us, within short time.
4 Thus to sum up what we have already said
so as 70 impress it upon the memory of on
readers, let us briefly, recapitulate the powe
resuscitated by Louis Napoleon.
lst The executive, besides the usual mem
bers Of the French cabinet were increased b.