The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1862-07-11
Louis Napoleon and America.

Louis Napoleon and America.
We have always been foremost among those
who have lad and expressed confidence in the
wisdom and sagacity Of Louis Napoleon.
Everything concurred 10 prove how correct we
had been in cur judgment, and until this Next
can imbroglio took place the French Emperor
appeared as if determined that no folly should
dim the spiendor Of his poll tical career. and no
false step should be taken likely to trip him up
in his hitherto prosperous course. On that oc-
casion We plainly and honestly spoke out
against the ill-advised measure, and gave ex-
preston to the opinion that here, il he only
proceeded deeply enough into the fatal hazard,
Louis NAPOLEON would work out for himself
another NapoleOnic Moscow as destructive to
his dynasty as the old Moscow proved to his
uncle's.
When the news arrived Of the defeat Of tho
French forces at PUebla, and again when, after
this first warning Of future disasters, the news
arrived that the French Emperor was deter
mined to persevere and prosecute the war in
the heart of Mexico, we began to think that
the former wisdom and sagaoity Of the hero Of
Strasburg, Boulogne and Solferino had at
length deserted him. But more new light seems
to have burst upon the son of Hortense in the
secret chamber of his councils in the Tuilcries.
The last news from Europe reports the fact
chat the Emperor is reconsidering the subject.
There can be no better proof of wisdom and
sagacity IN any man, and especially in any
ruler than this recurring to the "sober second
thocrbt ~ fhia chacE; M On sayf IN the 1ovnb;.I
course OF violent measures, and returning back
10 moderation and selfrestraint. II will no
doubt require great effort and selfden:al on the
part Of the Emperor to give up all the bright
and clluring visions Of planting throne in
Mexico, and Of adding that rich and romantic
country to the other gems of his imperial
crown. But, in his case and in his situation, to
give up, to abandon bis wild schemes of con-
quest in America, will be great effort of wis
dom and consummate proof of profound sa-
gacity. His uncle, the first Napoleon, had not
this wisdom. Fouche and Talleyrand in vain ad-
vised him against undertaking that last fatal
Russian war. His ambition and self-conidence
Of his best friends, and he rushed on madly and
confidently to his own destruction, as in the
event it proved to be.
There are many considerations combining to
prove the madness and folly which it would be
In Napoleon LII. to persevere in the prosecution
of war against Mexico. In the first place, he
would inevitably involve himself in war with
the United States, the natural friend and ally Of
France. Once at war with the United States
would perfidious Albion stand aloof! Would
other Powers in Europe, jealous Of his power
and progress, and instinctively apprehensive Of
the talents and ambition Of the Bonsparte
family-would they stand aloof? 1t would
afford sll his enemies a fine opportunity to
coalesce against him; it would shake his throne
to the foundation, If not overthrow it utterly.
1t would breed intestine diEcontents and mu-
TIMES in France when her commerce was cut
of from participating in any degree and in any
place in the vast field Of American commerce.
II would afford an opportunity for the emerging
into life Of all the elements Of revolution which,
under the power Of his sceptrc, now lie quietly
smouldering in France, unable OF not daring to
lift up the head
But war with the United States would not be
the only danger to which the Emperor would
expose himself. He would raise up against
himself { ,nfederacy Of all the southern re-
publics and dorninions OF South America, which
il would be difficult to encounter: it would be
veritable hornets nest which he would raise
up over his head. Our last accounts from
those countries intimate that they have already
begun to take initiatory steps in forming an
alliance with Mexico and 4 confcleracy against
France. Chile, it is reported, mas resolved on
sending an Ambassador 10 Mexico to proffer
aid and assistance to President Juarez France
may boast Of her great naval power; but has
she naval resources enough to put girdle
round the New World, and to blockade all It's
ports and harLors, east and west, from Maine
to Terra del Fuego? Would she have naval
forces enough to cope q. the same time with
the fleets and iron-bound Monitors OF the
United States in all the seas and oceans Of the
world! We trow not.
1t Is well for Napoleon that he hesitates AMI
has determined to reconsider tic matter. That
reconsideration may save his throne and his
dynasty, aud postpone for many years the out
burst Of revolutions in France and the recon-
strsc.ion OF fugitive dynssties. We begin to
see the light Of the wisdom and sagaci.y for
which We formerly gave credit to The Emperor
shining out again from the cloud which mo
mentariiy obscureGit. For the interest Of man
kind, for the peace OF the world, for the secu-
rity and safety o. himself and Lis dynasty, we
hope that Louis Napoleon will give full force
and eject to his sober second thought and
abandon all his visionary schemes and ideas Of
inArfering with Mexico as we'll also as the no
less ridiculous and insolent lea of intervening
in The domestic quarrels or these United States.
TEE PouR EFT CoSrrE" or ForEfoS INTER-
yEsIroH.-Th The interference Of France and Eng
land in OR affairs 10 becoming terrible bug