Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-02-28
Speech of Louis Napoleon.

speech ol LOUIS NaPoieou
The session of the French Legislature
opened on the 9Th instant with an important
speech from the Emperor. He commenced by
referring TO the existing agitation, stating
that it was excited without any apparent
and imminent danger: and, after expressing
regret at the disquietude, and pointing to
his peaceful policy as IL proof OF his modera-
ton, he proceeded as follows:
To-day it is my duty to explain again to
YOU that which itappears to me you have tor
gotten-what have ever been my principles:
To re-assure Europe, to restore France I"
her true rank among the nations 10 cement
closely our alliance with England, and 10
regulate with the Continental Powers Of Eu-
rome the extent of our relations according to
the conformity of our views and the nature
of their relations towards France. 1t was
in that spirit that on the eve OF my
third election | made at Bordeaux this decla-
tion-.Thc Empire is Peace. was anX-
ious to prove by that expression that, al
though the heir of Napoleon the First had
assembled the throne, he would inaugurate a
system which could only be disturbed tor
the purpose of defending great national IN
terests.
with respect to the alliance with Eng
land, have used all my perseverance to con-
soidate it. and | have found on the other
side of the channel happy recprocation OF
sentiment on the part Of the Queen. As on the
part of all statesmen of every shade of opln-
ion: also to attain that end, so valuable to the
/ peace of the world, have thrown aside all
| opportunities of reyiving irritating remem-
! brances of the past-the calumnious attacks
! dictated by prejudice, even the national an
! tipathies of my own country. This alliance
has borne its fruits. Not only have we ac-
quired together lasting glory in the East,
| but at the extremity of the world We have
just opened an immense empire to the pro
gress Of civilization and of the Christian rcll-
! gion.
''Since the establishment Of peace my rela-
! tons with Russia have assumed character
Of the frankest cordiality, because We are
agreed upon all the points in dispute. am
equally iustitied.in congratuating myself on
/ nv relations with Prussia, which have never
ceased TO he animated with mutual good
/ will
The Cabinet of Vienna and that of France,
on the contrary, speak it with regret, have
disagreed upon important questions, and 1t
required most cOncliatory spirit to succeed
! in arranging them. For instance the recon-
struction of the Danubian Principalties has
not been completed without many difficult
ties, which diminished the full satisfaction
of their most legitimate desires; and II l
were asked what interest France has III those
distant countries watered by the Danube, |
should reply that the interest Of France Is
every where. where there is Il first cause,
and where civilization ought to he made to
prevail.
"In this state of things there is nothing
! extraordinary that France should draw clo-
ser to Piedmont, which, proved herself 50
devoted during the war, SO faithful to our
policy during peace. The happy union of
my well-loved cousin Prince Napoleon, with
the daughter of King Victor Emanuel, is
not one of those unusual facts to which some
hidden reason must be attributed, but the
natural consequence of the community of in
terests Of the two countries and of the friend
ship of the two sovereigns.
For some time past the state of Italy and
her abnormal position, where order cannot
be obtained except by foreign troops. gives
Just cause Of anxiety to diplomacy. This,
| however is not Il sufficient motive to give
rise to the belief in war. Some may invoke
it with all their hearts without Legitimate
reason, and others i'll their exaggerated
! fears cndeayor to show to France the dangers
of Il new coalition But shall remain firm
and invulnerable in the path of right and
Justice and ofnational honor, and my Govern
mrnt will not allow itself to be led away or
inundated, because my policy will never be
provocative or pusillanimous.
| .sEur la from n tb,.p these tu lsp alarms
these unjust suspicious. these interested APP
prehensions, as peace hope will not be dis
! turbed. Resume calmly the usual course OF
! your labors. | have explained to you the
state of our foreign relations: and this ex
PLANTATION corresponds with all that have
! made known during the last two months
| both ut home and abroad. You will, tlatter
myself, find that my policy has never ceased
/ to be otherwise than firm, but conciiatory.-
Therefore confidently rely upon your sup
| port rs well ~ upon that OF the nation that
has entrusted its fate tn me. 1t is well
known that never shall personal interest or
! petty ambition guide my actions. When,
supported by popular sentiment, We ascend
throne and acquire 80 grayea responsible
( ". we rise far above that Infamous region
/ where vulgar interests are debated: and the
/ first motives of our actions as our ast.iudges
are: God, conscience, and posterty.'
| The speech was various commented on by
the press. Notwithstanding its pacific Ian
guage its effect on the funds was not favoru-
! Bile
Arrest and Excitement,
! Threatened Lyach Lam-The Wheeling
| Times states that great excitement prevails