The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-01-23

sentatives of other governments who call upon
him on New Years day, TO say something sig
nificant as to the relations of those governments
which are involved in difficulties. The remark
of the Emperor on the first day Of the year
1859 to Baron Hubper, representing Austria,
is not forgotten by any Of our readers. 1t was
scarcely noticed at the time, but ii was preg-
nant with meaning, as afterwards appeared by
the part which the Emperor took, even in per-
son, in the Italian war of the following sum-
mer, which cost Austria one fair province, and
will probably result in the loss of her last foot
hold in Italy. Napoleon's salutations on the
first Of the present year to the representatives
Of European governments have no pointed sig
nifcance, because all understand that the pro-
gramme Of the last year remains to be finished
in this, and that he is preparing for the strug-
gle with the whole resources of France
But if no hints were necessary for
Europe, the Emperor Of the French has
spoken with words of kindly admonition
to the representative Of the United States. Ad-
dressing our Minister at his Court, he said, in
Englsh:-"I hope ii is not true that any of the
States have separated from the general confede-
ration. My sincere wish is that you should
long continue united and prosperous people"
"Hs manner" we are informed, "was exceed
ingly cordial and friendly" and there can be
no doubt that he was sincere.
To say nothing Of the hospitality which he
enjoyed here in his exile, or Of the evidences of
our prosperity and happiness which he wit
messed, friendship for the American people is
hereditary in France, whose assistance in the
Revolutionary struggle of the colonies mate
rally contributed to the final achievement of
their independence. For the blood and trea-
sure she expended she was amply repaid by
the Revolution, which was clearly the result Of
our own--a revolution which, though terrible
beyond all precedent or all future imitation to
the generation which experienced its immediate
effects, was the turning point in the liberties Of
continental Europe-and its operation, guided
by the master hand of Napoleon Ill, continues
to this day. France and her Emperor, and
all that is liberal in Europe owe debt
Of gratitude to the thirteen colonies, now
expended into Union Of tfirty-three States
And be it observed that, though calling
himself an Emperor, Napoleon is the great re-
preventative of progressive freedom in Europe,
regulated by order and the rights Of property
At this moment there is more social equality,
more substantial liberty, and more security for
life and property, in France than in any other
country of Europe. In Switzerland there is
confederated republic, in many respects like our
own, but one half of its States are aristocratic;
whereas in France there is NO aristocracy, and
the working man stands as high in the eye of
the law and in social status as the millionaire
1t is no wonder, therefore. that in a demo-
cratic empire like France there should be
strong sympathy with the institutions of the
United States of America, and that it should
grieve the potent statesman who sways its des-
TIMES that there should be any danger of dis
ruption of our confederacy. Well might he
tremble FOR the success of the doctrine of self
government, Of which he is the Jealous propa-
gandist, If its most glorious example should
fail here after an experiment of three-quarters
OF century.
Moreover, the disruption of any established
government for SO slight cause as that which
is working the destruction of ours is an omi-
nous precedent for the governments Of Europe,
in which there are 80 many and 80 great causes
of discomfort Had our people only few years
experience of European rule, with standing
armies, continual wars, enormous taxation and
frightful pauperism, they would gladly bear the
ills they have, rather than fly to others they know
not of. The other governments of Europe, as
well as France, feeling that we do not NEEDLE
with their affairs, but benefit them all by our
trade, are more or less friendly to the United
States; and it is doubtless in the recollection of
our readers that short time ago we published
q telegraphic despatch containing an extract
from letter of Minister of European 60
vernment, in which it was averrcd that all the
Powers Of Europe sincerely regretted the
threatened disaster to this great confederacy-
o proof Of the high estimation in which our
government Is held at the other side of the At
lantic.
What some Of these governments may do
hereafter in order to take care of their interests
on This continent, when we proclaim to the
world that we are no longer able to take care
Of our own, is another question, which can only
be solved by the events as they arise. Mean
time, the brief speech Of the Emperor Of the
French is full Of friendly suggestion to all
whom it may concern He desires that we
should "long continue united people, like
France, and therefore prosperous and power
full. What the opinion Of this great statesman
is as to our destiny, If the confederacy should
be broken up by 'disunion, is matter Of easy
inference. Wickedness and the worlds con-
tempt, disaster and adversely, arc the inevitable
consequences Of division among ourselves.
TiiE BROOKLYN NAVY YARD PANIC The mus
tering Of troops and special posse Of police in
Brooklyn, on Monday, to repel an apprehend-
ed attack by q secession or revolutionary mob
Of come sort for the seizure Of the United States
property in the Navy Yard, Afforded lively
bit Of excitement for the day and the evening to
our neiphbors in that corner of Long Island