The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-12-08

considers himseh III used but II ID pleasing to
ind that he nowhere allows pardonabe resentment 70
color his sketches Of the personages Of whom
plains Nothing could be more fatering than his notice
Of lord Pamerston himself.
Thus far OF England. One hall, aud the moro impor-
tsnt half Of the book under notice devoted 70 sketch
Of the gradual RAE and progress OF Napoleon toward
the Empire and Of the political Srifes which agitat-
ed France In the years 1850 and 1861. This viii
be read with interest and remembered. Mr.. wikof
argues with considerable cogency that the PMiamen.
tary leaders Of the French republic wholly
unit for the responsible post Of rulers Of
great nation He takes the ground that they were one
and all epgrosaed by party prejudces and personal am
bion that they sought not the wholesome government
Of France but their own advancement and that while
they converted the French Chambre into mere specuA
tive club for the exhibition Of their oratorica powers,
they ost and deservedy the confidence Of the people
and the respect Of all thoughtful OF their want Of
practical sense he gives several examples. On
sion he tells thAt ChangArnier during the repubc
and long before the coup dsta prepared everything for
the establishment Of the empire and actually ensresed
Napoleon, then President, 10 allow him to carry his
scheme into effect 1t Is pretty well known that these
republican leaders. and their military friends, actu
ally devised plan for the invasion Of England the cap
Of London and the seizure Of the specie in the Bank
the whole be effected with hundred thousand men,
erred In fast steamers at time Of profound peace:
but Is generally understood that tho first disclosure
OF the scheme the British government which led to
the memorable panic about highlands defences, was
made by this Mr.. Wikon With such maniacs at its
head the French republic struggling to gain footing
In Europe.
The famous letter OF Prince Napoleon TO Edgar Ney,
the first nmaon the French people had that there
was any man connected with the government who had
the will and the TO be ruler In earnest. And the
consequence that, while the republican and the
monarchst leaders daily lost ground with the Of
the French people, the hopes and the trust Of every
who had anything 70 lose by revolution became conferred
on Napoleon. The empire, Mr.. Wikof thinks, Was not
only blessing, it was . necessity. All else chaos.
Is needless here 70 discuss the greur ds OF the very
favorable opinion he expresses touching the character
and genius Of the Emperor Of the French. The argu-
monts both sides been fully laid before tho pub
lie. But Ills worth that Mr.. wlkofs admiration
for the exalted parsonage who constitutes the existing
Of France has not involved any sacrifice OF
bis democratic principles citizen Of the United States.
His republican theories have not confcted apparently
with the imperial practice Of his quondsm acquaintance
The anomaly may possibly suggest doubts Of the rowing
dplomatss political orthodoxy but the tendency Of the
book which from liz remarkably attractive character is
certain TO have large SALE will probably be 70 extend
very conaiderably the circle Of Napoeons friends and
admirers In the United States.