The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1859-04-28

during the early intoxication of the
French revolution. When the Council
had concluded its sitting, the members
conversed upon the events at Paris, Ly.
ons and Strasburg. They pointed on,
the monstrous transformation of the
French people, who were formerly SC
idolatrous of their kings, and who now
manifested such an exuberance OF Joy al
the downfall Of thrones.
g 1t is the most shameful people upon
the whole face of Gods earth !" cried
the Elector "no other nation would SC
conduct. In contrast with them think
of my own subjects-never, never, l am
indubitably confident, will they be seized
with such an insane fury, or bow the
knee to any other government, than
mine. Do you think it possible, Coun-
selor Stryk 90
The Baron happened at this instant to
have his thoughts otherwise employed,
and only half heard the words of his
prince. He shrugged his shoulders in
an embarrassed manner, and according
to his custom replied: Certainly, Sire,
it is very possible !''
The Elector was astounded. "Is such
your opinion % he exclaimed. Can
you suppose there will ever be moment
when my subjects will feel joy at my
overthrow ?"
II is very possible" said the Baron,
and this time with deliberate reflection
I" Men are ignorant of the future. and
nothing is more uncertain than reliance
upon people which is composed of in
dividual men, each one Of whom vastly
prefers himself to any prince in the
world. A new order of things always
gives birth to new hopes, and hopes are
ever more seductive to the human mind
than the possession of present good. So
certainly, your Serene Highness, loved
as you are by your subjects, and deserv-
ing as You do that love, yet can not
swear, that in the course Of events, your
people, forgetful of all your benefits, may
not celebrate jublees. and prepare illu-
limitations, in honor of a republic or an
other prince. while they destroy and dis
honor the electoral coat of arms. 1t is,
indeed, very possible %
You are not at all backward in ex-
pressing your ideas" said the Elector,
angrily, and at the same time he sicnifi-
cantly turned his back to the Counselor.
Stryk was instantly disgraced man.
Every one said, at the same time, "Stryk
is fool p
A few years afterwards the French
passed VIGOROUSLY beyond the Rhine.
The Elector and all his court fled in ter
ror and dismay. The people behind
shouted with JOY for freedom and equali-
ty, instituted jubilees and illuminalions,
and Indignantly broke the electoral ar
mortal bearings into pieces.
Stryk, as practical and useful man,
and as an individual possessing vast
fund of knowledge, at once obtained a
position in the new order of things, and
the more readily, because it was remem-
bered in what manner he had been dis
graced by the late ruling prince. He
was regarded in some sort as martyr of
electoral despotism. The new govern
ment was established, and his activity
and business ability contributed not lit
tie to that result.
Yet, Notwithstanding his natural ardor
Of disposition, he never allowed himself
to be drawn into the extremes of polti-
cal fanaticism. He maintained a posi-
ton independent of both parties, and that
rendered him suspected of BOTH The
jacobins styled him disguised royalist,
and the royalists disguised jacobin.-
He smiled at both designations and did
his duty.
One day there arrived commissary
from the French republic, and all who
made any pretensions to worldly wisdom,
lavished upon him the greatest marks of
honor. All pressed themselves upon his
notice. and all endeavored to give him an
exalted idea of their own Importance
Occasionally there were not wanting per-
sons who denounced the independent
Stryk, and magnifed the ambiguity of
his republican sentiments, while they
proffered their own words of service
The commissary, when he once met the
baron in a large and brilliant company,
where were presented many glowing
toasts on the freedom of the world, the
rights Of man, and the victories of the
republic, turned to him and said: II
wonder that Kings should sill venture
to contend with us. for BY so doing, they
only hasten their own overthrow. The
revolution will encircle the earth. How
can these despots hope otherwise 4? Can
they think to subject the great nation
and restore the Bourbons The fools |!
before that could happen entire Europe
must be destroyed. What is your opin-
ion, citizen Suyk? Can person of the
least intelligence imagine that the throne
will ever again be established in France ?"
"lt now seems quite improbable. :"
said Stryk, but, nevertheless, it is very
possible"
What? Very possible % cried the
commissary in a voice of thunder. which
caused the whole assembly to start
He who doubts of the duration Of Liberty,
can have never truly loved her. 1t grieves
me that one of the highest officers of
this State should nourish such senti-
ments. Is itpossible you can present an