The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1859-02-27
rnE EMpERoR NApoLEoN,s spEEcu

The expectation that Napoleon iii would define
his position, and decide the question of peace or
war; in his speech at tho opening Of the French legs-
lature the 9Th instant, has been grievousy disap-
pointed II the reader Of the imperial manifesto be
very enthusiastic optimist he point to several
sentences which would warrant the belief that the
Emperor bent on peace and if he be an alarm
list, he adduce abundant proof that the path of
right justice, and national honor which his Majesty
says he is resolved to pursue steadily will ulti-
mately lead TO war on the plains Of Lombardy. TO
the inquriug and anxious public who have been
waiting for answer to tho question, is it Peace
the complacent but ambiguous language of the
Snowman" which you please, my little dears,
you've paid your money, and you takes your choice
II ever there a speech remarkable for its gilt
terng gcneraltics it is that which the Emperor has
Just pronounced In one sentence he renews the as
surance that 'tho empire is peace - in another he
parades "thc community of interest between France
and Sardinia and the devoted friendship that exists
between himself and Victor Emmanuel He dcplorcs
the abnormal position Of Italy, and the just cause of
anxiety which it gives to diplomacy, and though he
nsl "a sufficient motive to give rise to belief in
war; he is nevertheless resolved not to be "intim-
dated or pusiIlanulous." He will not be "provoca-
tive; on the contrary, ho will be firm and concili
atory !" but so far from avowing any determination
or desire to observe existing treaties, he declares
that "thc interest Of France extends everywhere
where there is just cause, and where civilization
ought to be made to prevail" He lauds the great
advantages of the alliance between France and Eng
land but does not omit to aludc to the sacrifices he
has made to consolidate it--tho rejection of call
opportunities of rovving irritating remembrances of
the past'-the 'calumnious attacks dictated by pre-
judices," which he has had to bear, and even 'tbe
national antpathies of his own country" which he
has been obliged to disregard. IIc reoices at the
frank cordiality Of his relations with Russia and the
mutual good will which subsists between his gov
eminent and that of Prussia but he regrets" the
important Engagements between his cabinet and
that of Vienna and points, with some bitterness to
Austra's misdoeds in the Danubiau prncipalities
The .'fair-weather Peter and "foul-weather Jack
Of Dutch barometer continually popping out
prophcsying smooth things to tranquillizo the ex-
cited quidnuncs, stimulate the hopes Of those who
"love storm" The barometer of tho moneyed and
commercial world still points to change with great
er tendency to fall to "storming than to rise to set
fair"
Meanwhile all the arscnas of France arc ringing
with sounds of preparation for war. Two hundred
ships of-war are in commission in French ports and
floating batteries of the most formidable description
are being constructed Troops of all arms are being
assembled in great numbers within day q march OF
tho confines Of Savoy Austrian troops are pouring
into Lombardy and Venice by thousands; and Sar
DINA is voting millions of frances which she can in
Afford for the avowed purpose of preparing large
military ornaments
The idea which certain French journals and
pamphletcers have diligently labored TO instiI into
the public mind that grand congress of the
great powers of Europe is the only way in
which the slaughter aud waste of war can be
avoided has been secuted both in England and
Prussia. The authors of these publications did
not confinc themselves to simple Recommendation
of the high court Of diplomatsts but they assumed
mat its decision must be tho oex-propriation,' Of
Austria's Italian possessions ION grounds of public
utility, and that tho only thing il would have TO dis
cuss would be the amount of indemnity she should
receive FOR the conscaon of her territory her title
to which is not disputed. England and Prussia ev-
IDENTITY regarded this proposition as "fccIerp put
forward if not by the express desire, at least with