The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1858-03-19
ENGLAND AND FRANCE-THE RISING
CLOUD.

ENGLAND AND FRANCE-THE RISING
CLOUD.
The London corr espondent Of the New
York Commercial Advertiser INDUCES in the
subjoined speculations concerning the pollti-
cal relations of England and France:
Probably majority of the people of Eng
land still believe Il at the Emperor Of France
does not mediate an ultimate war with this
'eountry. There is an ineradicable impression
as to his "sagacity," such as is ALWAYS Great
ed by success, which prevents people from
supposing that he could contemplate such a
course. Do what be may, therefore, ae will
still be our faithful ally" until possibly
some morning an announcement in the Noni-
tetr will throw new light upon the matter
At present any hostile manifestations are
simply viewed as part of his astute contri-
vances for diverting the army and prevent
ing them from supposing he is too unhineh-
ingly devoted to us. 'SThe last thing he win
do will be to break with England" is the
cry, and the wish is father to the thought
Perhaps it is 60 be the last thing he will do,
but there are those who believe he will do
it, nevertheless.
He is sending feet to the Red Sea, osten.
sibly to be ready to convey body Of French
troops to China, where it is certain they will
not be needed. These troops are to 60 through
| Egypt, and to embark at Suez. At all events
the ships OF war will be at Suez, whether
the troops are sent or not; and in case of ne
eessity these ships will be ready to stop the
overland transit. They might also take in
hand the Australian mail steamers and even
visit some of the Australian ports. At the
same time France is to be separated into five
great military divisions, but all, according to
the representations made, with a view to
home protection. Every Office of the State is
likewise being thrown into military hands,
even that of Minister Of the Interior having
just been filed in this manner OF course
again, it will oe said that the soldiery thus
predominant will fully approve the mainte-
nance Of the motto "the empire is peace"
and will find every satisfaction for their am.
bition in remaining at home to act the part
Of spies and policemen.
With every tongue silenced, every pen de-
stroyed that would dare to put forth word
in support of commerce, morality and good
faith, in cOntradistinction to the iercer i'm
pulses of these sons of glory, it will still be
contended, until the plot is matured and the
moment arrives for throwing off the mask,
that the days Of revenge or aggression have
passed. and that the exchange of information
al benefits the promotion Of friendly inter-
course, and the cultivation of the benefcent
arts constitute the supreme aim of France
To any one who credits sush professions the
question should be, "Have you ever seen or
conversed with French soldieri" If so, he
would merely require to be reminded that it
is the French soldier that now represents the
country.
1t was mentioned some time bact that i'm
mediately after the visit of the Emperor Ma
poleon to Osborne, the English project for a
railway and telegraph to India by the valley
of the Euphrates was suddenly discouate
nanced by the government. Some persons
fancied there might be a connection between
the two events The stoppage Of our con,
munications is the primary mode by which
we can be embarrassed. The Egyptian tran
sit, as has already been observed, could be
cared for in that respect The Euphrates
route might offer more impediments to inter.
ference. Hence observers who find it impUs-
sibe to dispel the suspicion that one OF the
conditions at Osborne in return for certain
concessions on the part of France, was that
the Euphrates scheme should no longer be
supported by our authorities At all events,
| it is admitted that French influence at Con
stantinople has prevented the concession for
the telegraph being granted.
1t was promised to an English company
and had already passed the Council " State,
when at the eleventh hour an intrigue sue
ceeded in preventing its signature by the
| Grand Vizer. But for that iaci we should
! by this time have been in almost instanta-
neous connection with India. The loss by
the depreciation must be counted by millions.
| Under any circumstances, therefore we find
| it expensive to meet the consequences OF hav'