The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-10-18

The Emperor Of the Frcach-His Declining
Inauence.
Napoleon is now no longer the man he was.
There are many things which indicate that the
good genius which has hitherto stood so faith
fully by him is gradually leaving him to his
own resources Fortune, whatever the cause,
is less propiti0us than formerly. For the last
eighteen years he has occupied more con-
spicuous place in the eye Of the world than
any man living in the same period. The part
which he has had to play in the drama of his
time-a part in some sense selfselected, but in
some sense also forced upon him-has been
great and hazardous, but his worst enemies
cannot refuse to admit that he has played it
with singular ability and success. His admin
istration of tho affairs Of France, notwith-
standing many adverse influences, has raised
that nation tu height Of prosperity and great
ness rivalling if not SURPRISING the dazzle and
magnifcence Of the first empire. No great
movement has taken place in Europe since 1848
with which he has not been directly or indirectly
connected, and in no single instance, till within
recent period, has he spoken without effect or
exerted his influence in vain. Since the days
Of Oliver Cromwell no ruler has so firmly
grasped the reins Of power or infused such
vigor into every department Of government.
Nor has the Emperor found scope for the exer-
else of his faculties in one direction only. He
has appeared but once at the head of his army
on the field Of battle; but his success on that
occasion in the estimation Of many warranted
the belief that in other circumstances it might
be possible for him to rival even the brilliant
military reputation of his uncle. Nor has he
failed to obtain distinction in the world Of let
tiers. Not to speak Of his earlier works, Of
which competent critics speak in terms of COM
mendation, his "Life of Julius Caesar" so far
as it has gone, must be regarded, with all it's
faults, as marvel of industry and talent. How
such man, in such circumstances, could find
time and convenience to prosecute such a task
it is difficult to conceive. Success in fact,
since 1S4S has been inseparable from his
name.
There is tide, however, in the affairs of
men ; and to all human appearance that criti-
cal period has arrived in the history of Napo-
leon III. Whether his good genius has grown
weary and impatient because of continuous and
excessive effort we know not but it is abund-
antly manifest, whatever the cause, that
change has come. The Emperor is not what
he was. Failure follows failure in rapid sue
cession, and evidence accumulates upon evil
dence to show that his calculations are at fault
He has not yet given up his favorite game, but
his movements on the political chess board are
no longer made by the same unerring hand.
1t was no doubt sufficiently tempting thought
to become the founder in the New World Of q
great Latin empire. 1t would give form to his
favorite doctrine of Cesarism. It would have
the effect besides Of counteracting the growing
influence of the great Anglo-Saxon family. In
giving shape to this thought, however, h cover
looked two most important and vital truths:
first, that institutions are rarely successfully
upon people, and secondly,
that the influences which had made the Anglo
Saxon family what it is, and the elements of
character which those influences had gradually
formed, were wholly wanting to the Latin races.
Of the folly of his Mexican enterprise the EN-
peror is himself already fully convinced. 1t
was natural enough, too, for Bonaparte to
"detest" the treaties Of 1915, and to declare as
he did, in that famous speech which heralded
the German war, that the time had come for
the fresh rectifcation Of frontiers and the re-
arrangement of European territory. 1t is diff
cult to believe that the announcement was
made for any other purpose than to fatter
French pride and to encourage French ambi-
ton. The result of the German contest has
been sufficiently humiliating. The treaties of
1915 have been flung to the winds of heaven,
but without the aid of France. Frontiers have
been rectided, but Napoleon has not been con-
suited. The map Of Europe has been recast,
but France remains what it was. And who
would have believed six months ago that the
all-powerful Emperor Of the French would
have patiently endured q rebuff at the hands
Of the Prussian government? Nor can II be
said that matters have been mended by this
recent manifesto. II is dull mind that cannot
penetrate the cloud Of sophis.ry with which it
is yelled and perceive that it has no other
object than to gloss over defeat which cannot
be concealed and soothe the irritated feelings
of people whose ambition cannot be gratifed.
Ard what shall we say Of his present wretched
Mexican muddle and Of his miserable attitude
towards Romes Clearly the old decisive will
is wanting. Hesitation and uncertainty are
everywhere. Whether it Is that the state of the
Emperor's health Is rendering him more Access
sible to the influence of weaker minds we know
not, but certain it is that his good genius is less
faithful than of old and that the tide Of his for
tunes has turned.
THE HERALD AND THE CLERGY.-We publish
in another column this morning . very read
oI,a corroocordonca batuaon Mr. WilIieur II