Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1859-05-21
from the French Govern


made by order of His Imperial Majesty, to
the Senate and TO the Legislative Body, rem
ders il needless for me to revert to incidents |
which have occupied public opinion for some |
weeks past, and have been the subject of my |
last dispatches. The gravity of the present |
state of affairs has reached a eliminating |
point, and the deaouement before US will not |
unhappily, be that which honest and perse-
vering efforts have endeavored to obtain. In |
such serious conjuncture it is great con-
ISOLATION to the Emperor's government to be
able to submit without hesitation to the YER
dict of Europe the question as to on what
Power the responsibility of the events rests.
THAT the state of things in Italy was alb
normal, that the discomfort and underhand
agitation which resulted therefrom constitu
ted danger for every one, which reason bid
to be stopped by prudent precaution, an
inevitable crisis was understood equally by
England, Prussia and Russia, as well as by
France. The unanimity of apprehensions
Immediately created the conformity of sem
timents and measures. Lord Cowley's mis-
sion to Vienna. the proposal OF a Congress:
emanating from ST. Petersburg, the support
given by Prussia to these attempts at an ar
rangement, the eagerness of France to adj
here TO the combinations which followed each
other up to the last moment; all these acts,
in word, emanated from the same inspira-
tion-the sincere and lively desire to cOnsol-
idate peace by no longer Ignoring difhculty
which so evidently threatened to disturb it.
"In this phase of the affair the Emperor's
government has had its share Of initiative and
action: but this share-I am particular In
stating it-has always been mixed up with
collective labor. France simply offered her
cooperation as great European Power. to
settle amicably and honestly with the other
Powers a question which, do not deny it
aroused her sympatbies; but in which she did
not vet perceive particular duties to fulfil, or
urgent interests to perform. The day upon
which the Vienna Cabinet had promised, by
a solemn declaration, not TO commence nos
tilities it seemed itself to anticipate the attl-
tude which any aggressive act against fled-
mont would cause the government OF the
Emperor TO assume.
.sSuch an assurance, by giving time to the
mediation of the Powers to exert itself, al
lowed the hope Of the proximate meeting OF
the Congress In fact, England had just set
tied, with the assent of France, Prussia and
Russia. the last conditions of the meeting of
that assembly where the place which justice
and reason assigned to the Italian States was
granted to them. Sardinia on her part adj
hered to the principles of simultaneous and
nrevious disarmament of all the Powers,
which for some time past, had increased their
military strength. To these tokens OF peace
the Vienna Cabinet suddenly opposes an act
which, to characterize it as it deserves, is
equivalent to a declaration of war.
Thus Austria destroys alone, and with IN
tent. the earnest labors of England, seconded
so honestly by Russia and Prussia. facilitated
with so much moderation by France. Not
only does she exclude Sardinia from the Con
gress, she summons her, under penalty OF CO.
ercion to dsarm without any conditions with
in three days,
"a large military force is displayed at the
same time on the banks of the IlclnO. and, TO
say the truth. it is in the midst OF an advanc-
ing army that the Austrian Commander-in-
Chief awaits the reply of the Turin Cabl-
net
lyon are aware sir. of the impression pro-
duced at London, Berlin and st. Petersburg
by the untimcly and fatal resolution OF the
Vienna Cabinet. The astonlshment ana dis
approval of the three Powers was displayed
as protest which public opinion has echoed
throughout all Europe.
"If England, Prussia and Russia, by the
step they FASTENED to take, have been able to
relieve their moral responsibility, and to sat
isfy the actions of their offended dignity, the
government of the EmperOr-actuated, how
ever, by analogous consideratiohs-ha to
mark its attitude more distinctly, and other
obligations were imposed upon 1t. Nothing
modifes the solidarity which was established
at the commencement between us and the me
dating Powers; the question remains at bot
tom the same, but we have too much conf
denee in the intentions of which those Powers
have given us such striking proofs to fear for
moment that they should misunderstood
the sense of the policy which ancient tradl-
tions and imperious necessities OF geographI-
cal position so naturally Indicate to US
France since half century, has never
pretended to exercise an interested influence
in Italy, and it is not she, assuredly, who can
be accused of having attempted to arouse the
rtas- Il
historical rivalities. All that she has hitherto
asked for, and treaties agree with her wishes,
is that the State of the (ltalian) Peninsula
should live for themselves and manage their
own affairs at home as well as in their foreign
relations. | am not aware that different
view is taken at London, Berlin, or st.
Petersburg than at Paris; however it may be,
circumstances have placed Austria towards
the various Powers of Italy in a position
unanimously judged as prepondelating
Sardinia alone has hitherto escaped an
influence, which by general consent, has
changed in an important portion OF Europe
the balance of power which it was attempted
to establish. Everywhere else this fact was'
very grave; but, whatever were our private
sentiments, it might suffice for us, knowing
the opinions of the other Cabinets, to point
to them the evil to correct
$50 much reserve, when Sardinia Is con-
interests. 1t is not the conformation of the
ground which ION this side commands one of
the frontiers of France; the passes of the Alps
are not in our hands. and it is most impor-
portant for us that the key should be kept al
Turin, aud at Turin only. Fernch conSdera-
tons, but which are also European consldera-
tons as long as respect of the rights and OF
the legitimate interest OF the Powers Will
continue to serve a guide to their re-
din al considerations
say. do not allow the Emperors government
to hesitate upon the line of policy 1t ought
to follow when a State considerable as
Austria uses threatening language toward
Piedmont and openly prepares to dictate
laws to it. This obligation acquires adj
ditional force from the refusal OF Austria TO
discuss before acting. We do not wish at
any price TO find ourselves face to face with
an accomplished fact, and it is such fact
which the Government of the Emperor is re-
solved to prevent. 1t is not, therefore, an
offensive attitude. it is a measure of defence
which we are now adopting.
Ancient remembrances, community of ORR
gin, a recent alliance OF the sovereign houses
unite us to Sardinia. These are serious re;I-
sous for sympathy. which we fully appreciate,
but which. perhaps, would not suffice 10 de-
eide US. What distinctly points out our path is
the permanent and hereditary interests of
France, the absolute impossibility for the En-
peror's government To allow blow to be
struck which would establish at the foot of
the Alps, contrary TO the wishes of a friendly
nation aud to the wish of its Sovereign,
state of things which would subject the whole
of Italy to a foreign influence.
"His Imperial Majesty, strictly faithful TO
the words which be pronounced when the
French people recalled him to the throne OF
the chief Of his dynasty. is not animated by
any personal ambition or desire OF conquest.
1t is not long since the Emperor gave proof,
in a Europeun crisis. that moderation was the
soul of his policy. That moderation still
presdes over his designs, and, while shielding
the interests which Providence has entrusted
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