The New York herald., 1863-12-15


Nspoaeon's Diplomatic Waterioo-The
Proposed Huropeaa Ooagress . Fix.le.
England has positively and cstegorically re-
fused to attend the European congress pro-
posed by bis Majesty the Emperor Of the French
To all the good and valid reasons urged by
Nspoleon's Foreign Minister in favor OF con
gress, Earl Russell, the Foreign Minister of her
Britannia Majesty. responds with equally good
and valid reasons why the meeting Of such
congress is not feasible. The Earl's answers
are definite. and settle the affair beyond all
question as far a. England is concerned She
positively refuses to accept Napoleou's invita-
ton. 1t may justly be asserted that the acoep-
tatiou in principle Of the Congress by majority
Of the Powers Of Europe amounts to nothing
more than the refusal which England has bold
ly made. Austria, Russia and Prussia all ap-
prove Of tho Emperor Napoleon's idea; but one
aud all desire explanations and guarantees ere
they accept, which is tantamount to refusal,
az they are we'll aware that the conditions they
impose would nvalidate tho congress; in fact.
render it an absurdity.
It is evident that the outspoken refusal Of
England will influence those Powers who have
hestated and bargaIned We shall see
them now following Englands course,
aud lengthy and polite refusals will
be showered upon Napoleon. Some time
must pass in the exchange Of diplomatic notes;
but at last it will be known that all. save the
secondary Powers Of Europe. have refused the
proposed congress. This failure will detract
much from the already waning prestige Of the
Emperor Of the French, and bis opponents will
have all the better game In destroying his in
auence throughout his empire The leading in
tellects of France are pitted against the impe
rial government In tho Corps Legislatf They
we're preparing to attack the policy of the gov
ernmen. as regards this country and Mexico, to
say nothing Of the annoyance they would have
caused the Emperor by probing the Italian
question, when be sprung upon them this
congress coup d'etot The boldness Of the move
gave the Emperor's policy q momentary and
meteorlike brilliancy which quite dumbfosnd-
cred the opposition. and they we're forced TO re-
main quiet and await the course Of events If
Europe accepted the congress, Napoleon at
once became the great man Of the day, and his
sway in France would be more than ever pow
erful; if Europe refused the congress, Napo-
leon had one mora failure to account for, and
the opposition still more formidable weapon
to WELD against him. II is now evident that
ho will fail. and we shall soon bear Of the re-
newed vigor Of the opposition
Louis Napoleon has made strenuous efforts
to gain by diplomacy that lead In Europe
which his uncle. the great Napoleon, gained
by military SUCCESSES Like bis nlustrious
predecessor, he has been at first vastly success
full; but at last q change in his good fortune Is
apparent. and he has lately suffered some terri
bio diplomatic defeats His failure to persuade
Europe into coalition against this country was
his f,eipsic. His present failure spropos Of the
congress must be deemed scsthing defest-a
very Waterloo from which. diplomatically, he
will never recover. His only, bis last resource
il great war. in which he can engage with the
sympathy Of tho French people. struggle In
favor of Poland or great and deadly war
with England, are the las. arrows In the quiver
OF tho MAN Of Destiny" lie will have 10
make choice. and speedy one at that, II he
hopes 70 escape the fats which Is impending
over him.