The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-01-07
Historical Resrihution-The Emperor and


| Historical Resrihution-Thc Emperor and
The Czar.
| 1t is now close upon half q century since
upon a raft on the Niemen, the chiefs of two of
the greatest military monarchies in the world
the victor of Austerlitz and the vanquished of
Ey lam and Friedland-held that memorable in
terview which led to the signature Of the
treaty of Tilsit. Cordial were the embraces,
and solemn the proteststions Of friendship
which were exchanged upon that occasions; for,
apart from any immediate motive for dissimula-
ton, the two Emperors entertained for each
other sentiments of admiration and esteem.
The friends OF constitutional liberty throughout
the world trembled for the result of that omin-
GUS alliance; but their apprehensions were
short lived. The engagements Of monarchs
are proverbially inscribed in sand, and those OF
| Napoleon and Alexander were not destined to
prove an exception to the rule. In little
better than five years after these VOWS
of eternal fidelity had been interchanged,
the Gar again declared war against the
man for whom he professed such extrava-
giant regard I; and then recommended that
/
the Russian campaign, dealt the first decisive
blow to the mighty fabric of the French empire,
and terminated, to all appearance, in the utter
extinction of the Buonaparte dynasty
In violating the solemn engagements which
he had contracted with Napoleon, it is true
that Alexander yielded to what some would
term political necessity; but, although in the
ethics of craftsmanship such treasons may find
an excuse they are not the less nfractions of
that higher code OF morality which should re-
| gulate the actions of sovereigns as well as of
individuals. II, in his subsequent conduct to-
wards the man to whose downfall he had con-
tributed, VIC could discover some trace of re-
morse for the breach Of his plighted faith--some
outbursts ofthe generous and chivalrous feelings
! which were supposed to be inherent in his char
| acter-we might still find some palliation
for his treachery. How he fulfilled the expec-
| tations OF his admirers in circumstances so ia
vorable to the display Of his magnanimity is
matter of history, and need not be recapitulated
here. Suffice it to say, that his conduct reflected
but little credit on either his head or heart,
and that time has reserved for it its appropri-
ate reward. In the affairs Of empires, as well as
of persons, there is a retributive justice which
suffers no wrong to remain unatoned for and no
perjury to remain unpublished
Eight and thirty years have elapsed since the
execution of that questionable treaty by which
the allies hoped to have contaminated the de-
struction of the formidable power which had so
long troubled their repose; and yet, by a singu-
lar concurrence of events. which the mysterious
interposition Of Providence rather than the
policy of man has brought about, we seem
again to find ourselves at the eliminating point
OF its influence, when it might be said to
hold the destinies Of Europe in its hands.
Yes, despite of all the efforts Of the Holy AL
lance to crush with indignities while living
the spirit, and to cover with infamy when dead
the memory, of the illustriousc aptive whom the
fortune Of war had delivered into their hands
despite Of all their attempts to prescribe and
neutralize the influence of his name-we again
see the star of his fortunes in the ascendant.
his fame and principles vindicated, and his
wrongs on the eve of being redressed.
And-strange revolution of destiny-agan
we behold pitted against each other on the
theatre of European politics the heads of the
same powerful monarchies in the persons of
the nephew of the Great Emperor, and the bro
ther of Alexander-heirs of their souvenirs as
well as Of their principles, Of their hatreds as
well as of their rights. This time, however,
the roles are changed. 1t is no longer the
Gar who heads a coalition against the Empe-
ror. 1t is the Emperor who heads coalition
against the Gear.
That the time has at length arrived when |
Russia will have to make q bitter atonement
for the perjuries of Alexander and the indigni- |
ties praetised on the prisoner of st. Helena, no |
one can doubt who has watched the progress of |
the Turco-Russian complication, and the crafty |
and far-sighted policy pursued by the French
Emperor. He has concurred in the temporizing
measures recommended by the Aberdeen Cabi- |
net only to draw Nicholas deeper into the tolls |
into which his own folly and impetuosity first
plunged him; and now that the latter can nei- |
Their advance with safety nor retreat with honor,
he will either be compelled to drink the cup of
humiliation to the dregs, or be remorselessly |
sacrificed to the names of his brothers. victim. |
In any case he cannot expect to escape I'M
scathed. He Is first on the list of the avenger
The MAINE LAW IN DANGER.-Vast prepars-
lions are being made by the temperance party
to pass through the Legislature a most strin-
gent law against the sale Of spirits, in any shape
or form. There is, however, chance Of its de-
feat, if oil we hear be correct. 1t is said that
Governor Seymour entertains strong constitu-
tional scruples against such a measure, and
may, if new arguments be not addressed to alter
his belief, deem it his duty to exercise his veto
power in the last resort Should he do so, there
can be little doubt Of bis being presented for re-
election by q strong, energetic, and wealthy
party in this State. As matters now stand, this
is the last chance for those who are opposed to