New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1866-09-20
THE NAPOLEOSIC MANIFESTO.

Paris kilograms Of the 18th and 18th Of September
inform US that the French Government has issued the
manifesto on tho recent occurrences in Europe which
has for some time been expected. 1t is in tho form
of circular. and has, according to general belief,
been drawn up by Napoleon himself
The abstract of the circular which ia given by the
cable telegram is too brief and obscure TO convey fully
the meaning and significance of this important docu-
ment. Its main object. however, is clearyto assure
Europe of the thoroughly pacific intentions Of Louis
Napoleon. 1t goes far TO represent the recent
changes in Europe as favorable to France. 1t again
announces that the Franco Italian Convention con-
corning the evacuation Of Rome, WILDE faithfully car
red OUT Finally it again hints, as the dispatch says
at " the annexation of people of the language
and interests to any of the Powers of Europe"
The pacific spirit of the circular is in full accord
with the policy professed by France during the last
month. Whatever may have been the character OF
the negotiations between France and Prussia, con-
corning the cession of territory by the latter to the
former-the matter is still far from being cleared up
from the time when the Prussian Government declared
its determination not to cede inch of German soil
all the public manifestations of the French Government
have profesSed desire to maintain peace, and an &C.
quiescence in the successes obtained by Prussia and
Italy The resignation of Drouyn de Lhuys
had according to the common belief of the
Paris press, the same meaning Drouyn de Lhuys,
Who during bis whole political life has been anxious
to be on good terms with the Catholic party, was be-
lieved to sympathize strongly with Austria and with
the Pope and to DO that account very determined
opponent of tho ACKNOWLEDGMENT Of Prussia and OF the
evacuation Of Rome. The circular assures US, with
regard to these important questions, that France
will take no Oense at the growth OF Prussia, and no
longer force the temporal dominion of the Pope upon
an unwilling people.
If these assurances could be accepted with entire
confidence they would indeed remove some of the
greatest dangers to the peace Of Europe. No
doubt that the Prussian Government and the German
people will continue their efforts for completing the
national unity of Germany, with or without the con-
sent of France. If France at any future time
should try to interfere in this movement, it must,
without fail bring q fearful struggle. On the
contrary if France will allow the Germans 10
enjoy the same national unity which has long been
enjoyed by England, France SPAIN Russia and other
nations, the Germans will soon and without difficulty
achieve their object. The is the case in Italy.
The effort of France to save any kind OF sovereignty
for the Pope must lead TO serious difficulties with
Italy while her nonnterference in Italian affairs
would settle the German question in less than
month aud give Europe 9 now guarantee ofPeaee
III conclusion the circular again hints at the well
known opinions of Napoleon concerning the nation.
atty question If the doctrine which is expressed in
the circular sincerely carried out, if people of
the same language and interests. which are now sep
arated from the main trunk of their nation, al
lowed to rejon their kindred the nationality princ
pie would become the redress of the greatest wrongs
which have been suffered by European peoples, and
the most efficient preparation for lasting peace.
But in the present position Of European politics,
the nationality doctrine is otener used by ambitious
princes as pretext for acts of violence, than by
interested statesmen means TO promote harmony
between nations, and TO promote the interests of
peace. In the mouth Of Napoleon the reassertion Of
this principle may therefore either appeal to
the ympahes Of the nobest patriots Of the European
countries or loophoe for returning, when suitable
opportunity offers, from the professions of peace to
the arbitrament of the sword.
The failing health of Napoleon makes il probable
that he is intent upon securing the continuance
of his dynasty than upon risking uncertain wars.
While at more favorable juncture Of circumstances
he would hardly resist the temptation to risk war
for the rectfcaon of the French frontier there are
many reasons to believe that his present professions
of peaceable designs sincere.