The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1864-01-14

The former laments the failing cause of the
South, the want of troops and money, the grow
ing debt, and more than all the loss of syInph-
thy from the European nations. Altogether it
would appear that the rebel leaders have arrived
very close to the edge of the famous last ditch. 5"
They may manage to keep up their courage IA
little longer, but their fate is as certain as that
of the convicted murderer.
From Europe the news, though brief, is ex-
tremely interesting, and We learn that private
letters received from there foreshadow a gloomy
prospect ahead. There seems but little doubt
that Denmark, Norway and Sweden have al
ready commenced war with the German powers,
the result of which it is impossible at this dis
lance to anticipate. The speech of the French
Emperor to his Legislature is said To be unusu-
ally important and interesting. We do not find
the speech in full, but the following extracts and
remarks which We copy from the Alta California,
indicate its tone, and that France, or rather the
Emperor Napoleon, is assuming the position of
dictator of Europeans affairs:
The message Of the Emperor Napoleon to the
French Legislative Chambers is regarded as one of
the most extraordinary imperial documents that has
ever been laid before the public. There is a caudor
about it which is in striking contrast with the
ambiguous puThstS IE WHICH throne OratOry Is
remarkable. For instance. in the remarks made on
the subject Of the invasion of Cochin China and
Mexico, the mask is entirely laid aside and the real
objects of French movements in these places boldly
avowed. The distant expeditions which have been
the subject says the Emperor, " Of so much criti-
cism, have not been the result of any premeditated
plan they have been brought about by the force of
circumstances and yet they are not to be regretted.
How, in fact, could We develop our foreign commerce
il ON the one hand We were TO reliRguish all influence
in -4merica and if on the other, in presence of the
vast territory occupied by the Spaniards and the
Dutch. France was TO remain alone without possess
sions in the seas Of Asia 80
From this it will be seen that the Emperor formal
1y lays aside the character of the Modern Don
QuixOte-traveling around the world for the purpose
of succoring and regenerating distressed nationali;ies.
The hint on the subject of Fl ench influence in Amer
lea furnishes the key TO the Mexican policy. He
wants a position in Asia so as TO be on equal footing
with the SpaniaIds and Dutch and the Emperor
might have added, the English and the Russians.
A portion of Cochin China has been seized SO his
programme in that quarter has been carried out.
Not so, however, in America. The same argument,
though not stated of course, applies here. The
English and the Russians have large possessions on
this continent, and France, according 10 Napoleon's
ideas, ought to be on equality with them. viii that
end be subserved by placing on the shadowy throne of
Mexico an Austrian Prince: The Emperor of the
French seems to think it will. If Macmillan should
ever assume The reins OF COVER ment in the neighbor-
ing republic he would be, il is true. TO all intents
and purposes, nominally a ~feudatory of France but
" lonR IL II likely mat lie WOuil remain Ill tnAL
position : His reign in Mexico might e shorter
than that Of lturbide. What then would become Of
French influence? He might continue on the throne
for years by the aid of foreign mercenaries, but If
France and Austria should fall out, where would
Macmillan be found 1t would seem, then, that
the influence in America, to secure which Louis
Napoleon has expended so much treasure, is at best
Of a very uncertain character. 1t is surrounded
with nIenacinR contingencies, any one of which would
be quite sufficient TO destroy it.
1t is, however, on the remarks offered on the Polish
question that criticism has been piled up in the
European journals. La the discussion of this branch
Of the subject Napoleon lets out a little secret. which
set John Bull to thinking in no pleasant mood. He
said
The Polish question needs a fuller explanation.
When the Polish instruction burst out the govern
ments of France and Russia were on the most friend
ly footing. Since the conclusion Of peace they were
always agreed upon the great European questions,
and | do not hesitate TO declare so. During the war
in Italy, as well as ut the time Of the annexation of
Savoy, the Emperor gave me his most sincere and
cordial support. This good understanding demanded
forbearaDce, ami 1t tcas only the Polish question.
very popular in France, tina; could induce me not TO
hesitate 10 compromise one Of The first alliances Of
The continent, and 10 raise my rOce in fdrOr of Il
nation Te6eiiiOus IN the eyes of Russia, but, in ours,
heirs TO a right inscribed in histories and in trea-
Ties
So it seems that ever since the Crimean war Louis
has been cultiyating Russia, while pretend
ing to be the friend of England. 1t will be seen that
in this connection the strong word g alliance is
used. The revelation must have created no little
sensation in the official circles of his former ally.
1t will be seen by the latest news from Europe,
that the French Government is to send q fleet of
war vessels to the Pacific. The assigned reason
is, to prevent the introduction of guns ana NUM-
tons of war into Mexico but another, and not
improbable reason, is to be prepared to meet the
fleet in case Of war breaking out be-
tween those two powers.
The new rebellion in India, also reported
among the latest news received, Was entirely un-
.ooked for, and may give employment to all the
troops now stationed in that part of the
world.