Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1855-06-28
BONAPARTE's OpINIoN.oE RUSSIA,

OF all the "reminiscences of Bonaparte in his
exile, those of Las Cases have probably been
the most read and there is no doubt that the
relations Of the Count to the Emperor were
such as to invite peculiar confidence. Much
allowance must doubtless be made for the ex-
treme partiality with which the Count regard
cd Bonaparte, for he styles him I" the most ex
traordinary man that ever existed" Yet there
can be no question Of the sincerity and good
faith Of his records. These records we're made
day by day during the period of eighteen
months in which he was constantly about the
person of the Emperor in ST. Helena They
bear an unmistakable air of authenticity, for
they nrc everywhere stamped with the marks of
great mind. The knowledge which is display
ed Of the springs Of human action, the tcnden-
ces of modern civilization, the philosophy and
the practical workings of the different systems
Of European government, the qualities of DIFF
fercnt cabinets and statesmen, does not fail to
surprise every reader. There can be no doubt
that the present Emperor of the French, who
by nature is man of very mediocre capacity,
owes his present talent almost entirely to his
long and unceasing study of the career and
the ideas of his illustrious uncle. He has thus
in fact, mbibcd no small measure of Bona
parties own genius. The Empcror's views oil
Russia are of peculiar interest. Speaking oI
the Expedition , he says:
If die here. the Emperor of Russia will be
my real heir in Europe. | alone was able tc
stop him with his deluge of Tartars The cri.
sis is great, and will have lasting effects upon
the Continent of Europe, especially upon Con
stantinoplo he was solic,ous with me for thu
possession Of it. have had much coaxiug OF
this subject but constantly turned dea
ear to it, 1t was necessary that that empire
shattered as itappcared, should constantly re
main point Of separation between u.s. it wa,
the marsh that prevented my right from being
turucd.
On another occasion tho Emperor said:
might have shared with Russia, the pos
session Of the Turkish Empire. We had often.
or than once contemplated the idea, but Con
stantinople was always the obstacle that oppos
cd its execution. The Turkish capital was tht
grand stumbling block between us. Russia
wanted it., and Icould not resign it. Constant
inople is worth an empire of itself. 1t is the
real keyrtone Of power; for he who possesses il
may rule the world.--2d VOL, p 10Y.
~ defeated armies, but could not conquer
the flames, the frost, stupefaction and death!
was forced to yield to fate. And, after all
how unfortunate for France indeed for al
Europe! ..- ......
" Peace, concluded at Moscow, would hav
fulfilled and wound up my hostile expectations
1t would have been, with respect to the gram
, cause the term of casualatiee and the com
} mencement of security. A new horizon, new
undertakings would have unfolded themselves
; adapted in every respect to the we'll being On
: prosperity of all. The foundation of the Eu
: ropean system would have been laid, and IN
only remaining task would have been its orgar
, ization. ..e..
i !" Satisfied on these grand points, and every
!. where at peace, should have also had my Cor
I, gress and my Holy Alliance. These are plar
D which were filched from me. In that assembl
9 Of all the sovereigns, we should have discusse
e our interest in a family way, and settled o,
t accounts with the people, as clerk does wi,
d his master.
"The cause of the age was victorious, II
It revolution accomplished the only point
d question was to reconcile it with what it hi
d not destroyed. But that task belonged TO nj
1t had for long time been making preparatio