The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-06-09
Vol. XIII.

policy, the great ends and the immediate results
which he had in view, the fruits of his partial
success, and the causes of his untimely fall. OF
course all this can be gathered from an accu.
rate history of his life and reign, if, indeed,
such thing exists; but here we have it ready
made-his principles and plans distracted from
the stirring events which partly developed and
partly concealed them-his principles, at least.
as they appeared to the son of Queen Hortense.
Looking thus at the mere framework, the skel
eton unclothed upon, with nerve, and muscle
and skin, we are impressed anew with the grand
eur of the mind that conceived and the skill
of the hand that wrought. Fighting incessant.
", sometimes at the head Of nations against
nation, sometimes singlehanded against Eu
rope, it is wonderful to see how much he act,
ually accomplished for the material prosperity
of his people. AS is Justly remarked, what he
did, was done i'll the intervals of battles Cut
off prematurely, before his thoughts had become
fully consolidated into institutions, the vitality
of his system was such, that it survived the ex.
lie and death Of its founder, withstood the
shocks OF it's foes, and to-day, after fifty years
of trial, commands the admiration of the
world
Among the petty princes of Europe he walk
ed, god, and the marks Of his footsteps are
still visible. "In France, the realization of his
ideas, under other names or other forms, is de
manded without cessation. liza great measure
or great work is put in execution, it is gener
ally project of Napoleon, which is proceeded
with or finished Every act of power, every
proposition Of the Chambers, places itself under
the @gis of Napoleon, in order to secure popu-
larity; and lpon word fallen from his lips,
a whole system is built It is his policy which
now
RIDES in the whlrlwind, ard directs the .lonnv
that threatens Europe.
1t was his nephew who wrote, In ls39; TT
the destiny which my birth presaged had no,
been changed by events, /, nephew of
the Emperor, should have been one of the de-
tenders of his throne, and a propagation of his
ideas. Prevented from defending his shielding
power with arms, ! can at least ATTEMPT 10 de-
fend his memory with the pen 1t is the same
nephew who now events having again changed.
has become in reality defender of his throne
and propagation of his ideas, has laid down
the pen, and taken up the sword at whose
beck and nod Europe remains quiescent or
rushes to battle. Whether it be personal az
grandizement, political power, or abstract love
of justice, that has moved him to arm in de.
fence of the oppressed nationalities, the cause
of justice may be none the less served thereby.
The greatest selfshness often employs the same
means and conduceS to the same ends as the
highest benevolence. The down -troddeu PEG
pies will be glad to follow the path to free.
dom, whatsoever hand points the way. If the
Emperor of France is animated by the same
sririt that impelled the Prisoner of Ham aud
the Exile of England, the structure left un6n-
ished by the uncle may be carried on by the
nephew to a glorious completion.