New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1865-11-04

ston began life In the times OF Pitt and CaSue-
reagh. He had seen war as managed by Napo-
leon, and we can well imagine that the young
statesman shrank from it with manly horror.
This thought we can well believe led to what
Lord Palmerston himself was wont to consider
the great act Of his life--the French alliance.
1t is, perhaps, too soon for us to discuss the
motives Of this alliance, or its effects upon the
destinies of Europe. Whether the conspirators
Bonaparte, Morny and st. Arnaud would be able
to keep the throne and treasury OF France was
problem. Certainly from the moment OF
English recognition, that problem was decided.
We have heard it said that Palmerston was
privy to the designs Of Napoleon, and great
writer-one who is kind to Palmerston-ventures
the theory that this recognition was the price
of the alliance which has lasted unbroken for
ten years, which induced the Crimean war; and
subsequently drove Palmerston out of office
Whatever understanding may have existed
between the Emperor of the French and
Palmerston, it certainly was sternly binding on
the English Premier, for ne never once shirked
its responsibilities. 1t must have been
a strong bond that compelled descendant
of the timid Temple to risk and lose the
confidence of the country to maintain it.
All this Henry Temple, Lord Palmerston,
did for Napoleon. We did not find such
scruples in the mind of the French Emperor
when he began his designs upon Mexico. His
love for Palmerston did not prevent him from
breaking faith apparently with the English Gov
ernmeut, and we can therefore safely infer
that whatever the nature of this alliance
may have been, it was only strong when
Napoleon willed it, and weak when France
was disposed to deceive. AT the same
time we do not underate its strength. 1t
has done more to keep the peace of Europe for
the last ten years than any other agency. II
prevented war with Russia on account of Po-
land; and, although it did not prevent Lord
Russell writing impertinent dispatches TO Den
mark, it certainly prevented war for Schles-
wig-IIolstein. Palmcrston knew the feeling of
France in reference to the first Napoleon. \
romantic feeling of revenge, NATURALIZATION
mania, perhaps was national with France
No Bourbon would foster 1t, although the
Bourbons recognized its nationality, and bowed
before it. When Napoleon ascended the
throne. of course every Frenchmen remembered
the "legacies " of Waterloo, and there is no
knowing what this feeling would have created if
Palmerston had not stepped forward and con-
trolled it. He strengthened Napoleons throne
on the condition that Napoleon would preserve
the peace toward England. This he has done
in Maynard, tickle way, but he has done It,
So long as Palmerston was Premier France was
not TO drench herself in blood to ayenge the
sentimental grievances Of Waterloo.
This is the only merit that we can see in what
the admirers of Lord Palmerston call the great
est act of his life. 1t was simply saying to the
murderer of Frenchmen, the usurper of an i'm
perial crown, the robber of a treasury, that he
might enjoy his gains in peace, provided he did
not attempt TO rob his neighbors. II was sell
fish, and, to a certain extent, an ignoble love
for England, that led to this sacrifices but if We
look through Palmerston's life, we ind the same
feeling. lie wanted peace. Let there be rest
after Waterloo. England had had her share OF
staggering among the nst'Ons, but 1t gave her
tremendous debt and must stop. Every En-
glishman's consol, every budget of Mr. Glad
stone. was a memento of Napoleon, and
England could not venture to double
the estimates TO crafty France IN a senti-
mental war. This was the strong sense that
guided Lord Palmerston and this strong sense
indeed was the prevailing trait of his life. He
was bold to the weak-timd TO the strong As
he ruled abroad be ruled at home. When En-
GLAND demanded reform he chafIed England
Here the Tory crept out. England was good
enough for the old mans life and he would not
tinker with it in his old days, with fye-pOund
franchises and Orough-representation and the
ballot. Let that be for Gladstone and younger
politicians: he had fought his last
battle. We can imagine that such thoughts
passed through the mind Of Lord Palmerston
as he boldly and perSistently resisted the cry
of reform. Mr. Bright recognized this
in his recent letter. While Pamers-
ton lived Liberalism might lie down
and sleep on its ams-he would not march
with it, and without him it could not march.
In the midst Of pleasant speculations as to
whether the old man wouls really emulate
Cardinal Fleury, and remain Prime Minister
until ninety, we hear Of his death. We do not
know what the personal nature of the new gov
eminent will be, but certainly the Liberal cause
must advance. No man Of Lord Palmerst0n's
popularity lives to stay it. The consideration