The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1858-04-03
BALTIMORE.
SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 1858.

We learn from the columns of the London Times,
that the first step of Lord Derby, on entering upon
office, was 'to ascertain the condition of the ma
tional deences." From the mails of the Persia we |
derive the additional piece of information, that
''orders have been issued to put the French navy
on a war footing The first is stated as fact;
the second as a rumor; but both are of significance
at this time as indicating the current of the popu-
lar mind.
There is, indeed, much in the present condition
of France that is we'll calculated to inspire grave
apprehension. There aoas time when the effectual
crushing out of single conspiracy gave a renewed
lease of power to an obnoxious government but
this result by no means appears to have followed
the execution of Orsini and his accomplices The
perfect fairness, and impartialty with which the
trial of these men was conducted; the berality of
Pietri, the Project of Police; the unusual latitude
permitted to NJ Jules Favre the counsel for the de-
fence, and the authorized publication of Orsnis
letter to the Emperor, instead of being attributed
to generous spirit of forbearance are sneered at
by some, as coups de theatre, and ascribed, by
others, to desire to avert by lenient proceedings
certain damaging revelations which Orsn had it
in his power to make concerning Louis Napoleon
and his connection, at an earlier day, with the
Carbonari.
Whether true or false, these insinuations have
not been without their effect upon the public mind
The atrocious nature of the crime committed by
Orsini is half forgotten in the sympathy excited by
his calm and dignifed bearing. The heroic traits
IN his character are seized upon to elevate him to
the rank of political martyr and dim unde-
fined sense of insecurity seems to pervade France,
which is manfestly calculated to endanger the sta
bility of the existing government
1t may possibly have been under consciousness
of this ominous condition of things that Louis
Napoleon was induced to sanction rigorous meas
ures for the purpose of suppressng the faintest
symptoms of disaffection.
so despotic an exercise of authority by Jealous
but INSCRIPTIONS agents, has already led to many
acts of the grossest injustice. Innocent persons
have fallen victims to the malice of secret inform
ers; thoughtess words have been construed to bear
the darkest meanings, and to be suspected has be-
come but convertible phrase for immediate con-
demnation. These arbitrary acts have deprived
the government, not only of the tolerance of the
lukewarm but have operated still more mjuriously
In Withdrawing from it the support of many who
were its acknowledged friends.
Nor has the prestige of Louis Napoleon suffer-
ed less by the refusal of Foreign Cabinets to COM
ply with his recent demands whether as referring,
IN some instances, to vigant surveillance of
the public press or as affecting, in Others the right
of asylum. To these serious complications NAV be
added the uneaslness prevailing in the manufacture
ing districts. 1t was not to be expected that the
financial troubles which convused Europe during
the past year should infict injury whatever upon
the industrial population of France. The danger
which, at that time menaced the country, was in
deed averted for season by a resort to temporary
expedents; but the reaction is now setting in and
from the effect of the gradually essening demand for
French fabrics, consequent upon the greater econ
omy practiced by those countries which suffered so
severely during the existence of the panic it is ap-
pretended that large numbers of workmen will be
thrown out of employment and that hunger and
desperation operating upon the passions and preu-
dices OF the lawless and impracticable will impart
additional heat to the mass of material which even
now has almost reached the point of ignition
But there are BESIDES other snares and pitfalls that
surround the throne of Louis Napoleon. The Or
leanists and Legitimists-now thoroughly organized
stand ready to seize the first opportunity for
making demonstration. The Socialists and Red
Republicans, chatting under the restraints to which
they are subjected, and indignant at the exile of
their principal leaders, are constantly engaged in
keeping up a secret correspondence with their
friends abroad and at home, and in fostering bv
every means in their power the elements of new
Revolution. Lastly, there is the terrible society of
the Marianne-more fearful than any by reason of
the mystery in which its movements are enveloped.
To all these vari0us anto T on;c
has hitherto opposed the Army, the Church. and
the Bourgeoise. While the army remains faithful
to him he has but little to fear from open revolt
for the Bourbon coalition and the Red Republicans
neutralize each other. The Church Also is still an
effective ally though its power has been greatly
weakened by repeated Revolutions acting UPON the
irrelgous tendencies of the people, and particular
ly upon those who reside at the larger centres of
population. The Bourgeoise, though staunch sup
porters Of existing institutions and strenuous adj
vocates OF strong government, so long as peace is
maintained, commerce hourishes and the only
field of contest is the space in front of the ballot
box could scarcely we fear be induced to take I'D
arms in defence of the government or storm bar
rcade thrown up by the blouses of the Fauxbourgs.
Clearly then Louis Napoleon's main dependence
is in the army, which FORMS in point of fact the
governing power, as distinctly as did the Roman
legions in the days of the later Caesars. Can he
rest perfectly assured of its loyalty? Louis the
18th trusted to it and was deceived; Charles the
10th trusted to it and was deceived; Louis Philippe
not daring to put its fathfuness to the proof took
his plain cotton umbrella under his arm, quietly
departed from the Tueries, entered carriage in
waiting, and, as Mr.. William Smith, paid sudden
and somewhat unexpected visit to his royal cousins
across the channel. Knowing how repeatedly the
army has failed his predecessors, can Louis Napoleon
repose full confidence in it? Let us see
The foolish insurrectionary attempt at Chalons-
of which the particulars 1sRe published day or
two ago-would scarcely be worth a passing re-
mark, were it not for significant incident that
grew out of it. The officers of the garrison that
had been surprised by the insurgents, instead of
sayng FORTH sword in hand, to assist in recaptur-
ing the post, first took the precaution TO hasten to
the Project to ascertain from him whether the
report was true that Republic had been pro-
claimed at Paris. If this statement be correct
here is at least one instance in which the LOYALTY to
Louis Napoleon was rather of an equvocal charac-
ter; and what has occurred at one point may take
place at many, for French soldiers on emergencies,
fraternize with the people with singular facility
Again, in the recent misunderstanding with
England, Louis Napoleon felt himself placed in
position wherein it necessary to enter upon
explanations with regard to the army addresses
published in the Moniteur, and yet to preserve
the amour propre of his military correspondents.
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