Loudon free press. (Loudon, Tenn.) 1852-1855, 1854-03-07
LOUDON:
TUESDAY, ;;;::::;::::;::; MARCH 7.

Wky Napoleon Lraded R'tssid.-A work
has heen quite recently published in France,
by " Villcnan, an exprofcssor and exminis-
ter of State which throws a strong light on the
ulterior objects of the elder Napoleon, In his
invasic4l of Russia in the year 1912. As war
between Eagland and Russia is thought by
many to greatly endanger the possessions of
England in the East, the views Of Napoleon,
who aimed at this object, present more than
usual interest, and will not be deemed out of
place a; this time to notice, as every idea con-
nected with the present issue or relating to Eu
ropean affairs, existing on the continent
will be read by the general reader. Among
statesman in confidence, to whom he umboSom-
ed himself on that occasion, was Nj. Tallerrand,
the Duke de Bassano and the Count de Mar
bonne, all Of whom counselled against the in-
vasion of Russia. NJ. Villeman narrates the
conversations held by the latter with Bohaparte,
who contended that ''afyer all, tie Tong Russian
road is tie route to India"
Count de Narbonne frankly reasoned against
the invasion of Russia. lie urged that it would
be wiser and safer to command with the French
armies the entire course of the Vistula and Me
men. then to oreanize Polish nation behind
that ra npart--a Poland able to furnish two
hundred thousand soldiers. Russia would not
be conquered at Moscow, though Austria and
Prussia had been at Vienna and Berlin. A
conflict with civilized nations at your door, was
different from one with scmibarbarism at
vast distance. The Russians may have been
overcome in Italy, Prussia and Germany; but
who knew that they 20 I'D be il the6epths other
own country. armed with their climate, their
rugged nature, and Eanatcal desperation.
Napoleon listened attentively and calmly; he
replied. in substance: "You think me wild,
but nv rashness is calculation; | must strike
off in order to control matters of home. Where
should ! find king for Poland? No member
Of nv family is fl; it woull be dangerous to
take one out of that circle. Barlarous nations
are superstiuous; a terrible blow once struck at
Moscow the Great, Holy-the heart of the en-
pire.-will deliver into my hands that blind,
nnelastic mass. ] know Alexander; | have
nossessed an asceudency over him; that can be
regained: a grand stock of daring and power
will subdue his ina gination; he will then WELD.
That Russian barbarism of which You are afraid
is Al, inferriority before our tactics and organi
zat;on.
As for the vast dimensions of Russia, they
will afford so many stages the more, to be
marked by victories With such forces as
purpose to assemble. and such arrangements as
/ have in view, shall not dread her deserts
.Affer all, he Tong Russian road is the ro"te
20 yl9iG. Alexander reached the Ganees from a
po;u, as distant as Moscow. If had not been
ballel at Saint Jean d Acre, l should have
achieved the conquest of Europe. | have ex-
piored my line of march; can get to the Brl-
tish possessions by Ervan and Tifis. You
have heard of the missions of Gardanne and
Jaube1t in Persia. Suppose Moscow captured
Russia beaten down-Alexander won over or
victim to some court conspiracy, and Turkey
enlisted on my side, as she naturally and neces-
sarilv would be--and then tell me whether, for
a grand armv Of French and auxilaries, access
to the Ganges would not he possible. The
scafTolding of mercantile greatness when touch
ed by French sword would fall 30 the ground
over all India. The expedition is gigantic |
admit; but it is feasible in the nineteenth centn-
rv; thus at one dash France would have con-
auered the independence of the West and liber-
ty of tie seas"