The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1866-07-03
napoleon's Letter.

n1sn us tne text OF Napoleon's mes
sage to the Legislative BODY of
France, read TO that body on the 18th
ultmo. 1t is rs follows, with the
French reporters notes:
PALACE OF THE TUI1ERIEs.
June IL, 1866.
MONSIEUR LIE MMIsTRE: AT the
moment when the hopes of peace.
which the meeting of the conference
mad LED us to entertain, seem to dis
appear, it is essential to explain, by a
circular to our diplomatic agents in
1orelgn countries, the ideas which
my Government intended to support
IN the councils of Europe, and the
conduct which it purposes following
In the presence of the events that ara
about to take place.
This communication will place our
policy in its true light.
If the conference had been hold
your language, you may remember,
was to have been perfectly explicit.
You were to have declared, in NV
name, that I reject all idea of terrific
ria! ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, loud applause, !
SO long as the balance of power in
Europe has not been broken. Move
ment. -
In fact, we could not think of anv
extension of our frontiers unless the
map OF Europe should happen to be
modified, to the exclusive profit of
some great power, and unless the con-
terminous provinces demanded, by
their wishes, freely expressed, their
annexation to France. Renewed ap-
probation.
Out OF the action Of these circum-
stances, 1 consider it more dignified
for our country to prefer to acquisi-
tlons OF territory the precious advan-
tage OF living in good intelligence
with our neighbors loud cheersl in
respect to their independence and
their nationality. NRenewed cheers.
Animated by such sentiments, and
having nothing in view but the main
tenance OF peace, had appealed to
England and Russia to address with
me to the parties Interested words of
eonciiation.
The accord established between the
neutral powers will remain of itself q
pledge of security for Europe (nu-
merous marks of adhesion;) they had
shown their elevated impartiality in
coming to the resolution to confine
the discussion in the Conference to
the questions pending.
In order to settle them, I am of
opinion that all that was required
was to examine them frankly; to dis
engage them from the diplomatic veil
which covered them, and to take into
serious consideration the legitimate
desires of the sovereigns and of the
populations. Applause.
The difference which has arisen is
attributable to three cause.-the
geographical situation of Prussia
badly marked out by frontier, the
desire of Germany to possess an i'm
proved political C Constitution. more in
conformity with her general wants,
and the necessity for Italy to secure
her ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.
The neutral powers could not wish
to mix themselves up with the inter
nal affairs of foreign countries.
Nevertheless, the courts which have
participated in the constitutive acts
of the Germanic Confederation. had
right to examine, if the changes de-
manded were not of nature to COM
promise the established order of Eu-
rope
We should have, as far as we are
concerned, desired, for the secondary
States of the Confederation, more
ultimate union, more powerful or
ganization, a more important posi-
tion-lapprobation; for Prussia more
homogenity and force in the North.
and for Austria the maintenance of
her great place in Germany Hear.
hear.
We should have wished, besides.
that, In consideration OF n reasonable
compensation, Austria should have
resolved to cede Venetia to Italy
| loud appreciation for if, in concert
with Prussia, and without paving
attention to the treaty of 1852, she
made war on Denmark in the name
OF German nationality, it appeared
to me just that she should recognize
in Italy the same principle, by COM
pleting the independence Of that
peninsula. appreciation.
Such are the ideas which in the
interest of the repose of Europe we
should have endeavored to support.
At present, it is to be feared that the
fortune of arms can alone give a de-
cision. In the face of these eventn-
alitles, what is the attitude suitable