New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1866-05-17
NApoLEON,s SECOND VOLUME.

NApOLEON's SECOND VOLUME.
The second volume of Napoeons Life of Cesar has
been published in Paris. We do not suppose that
any copies have yet been received in this country
aud we notice that the English translation is not an
nounced in London till the 10Th inst Meanwhile,
without undertaking to review a book we have not
seen nor to express any opinion upon it at second
hand the general interest in this work as develop
ment of the political views of Napoleon the Third will
Justify us in abridging copious account the vol
ume which one-and only one-of the last London
week.es presents from advance sheets
This volume comprises the events between the ap-
pontment of Caesar to the government of Gaul and
the crossing of the Rubicon-a period OF vast import
ance in the history of Rome well as of Caesar, and
Astounding in opportunities for parallels, both OF the
direct and suggestive Sorts between the Cesar OF that
day and the Cesar, or the two Caesars, of the nine
teenth century. Napoleon has long studied the wars
in Gaul and with such imperial resources at his
command for the purpose OF Typographical
investigation, that, whatever may be thought oil the
soundness Of his scholarship, he has undoubtedly con-
trhutel much 10 our stock Of knowledge respecting
the campaigns OF Cesar. The wars against the Gauls
are treated throughout wars not for personal ambl-
ton or the aggrandzement of the State, but for the
preservation Of the Republic against barbar-
ism that was equally iutolerant OF civilization and
aggressive in its policy. If Cesar had been
yanquished by the Helvetii the Germans,
who can say what Rome would have become,
assailed by inumerable hordes fnging themselves at
will into Italyl" The war, therefore, was popular at
Rome and Caesar was the right hand of his country.
\. ..l,,.. =. . ;,J,ro &c
events after their final result instead Of cooly APP
prasing the causes which have produced them" The
responsibility of the civil war which followed rests
with Pompeius wholly urges Napoleon, and in no
manner upon Caesar, and he argaes that had Cesar
meditated project of overthrowing the Republic,
he would have kept his army near him, and
Of his immense booty in the Gallo wars would have
preserved enough to deiray the cost of his projected
aggressons But he did the reverse of this. sending
two egons to POmpeius, scattering the rest, arriving
az Ravenna at the head of a single legion and only
resolving on the passage of the Rubicon when be
his efforts at reconciliation repused and his enemies
plotting his ruin 1t is the history of the wars which
preceded this final step that occupy the greater part
Of the present volume. The following passage from
the celebrated campaign against the Helyeti is worth
resolute talent of the Roman commander:
Uemmed ND IN their narrow territory where life diff
cul, and population oyecrowded proud OF their ancient
PLOTS aud always DESTROYS Of establishing Themselves In the
south Gau the eye set out to invade the Roman prov
inee towards the Spring OF o Bent on conquest ana
ton aud stirring certain noiehborng tribes to follow their
example they assembled their charots and beasts OF burden
and to destroy all power burned their towns and
villages and all the they could no; with
provisions Cesar he had received tie command had
been kept Rome by internal discussions but when sudden
, of this leyetaD INVASION ne set ont TO meet
he danger such he reached Geneva IN eight days
Neither Heveii Romans being thoroughly prepared at
zations which made good fortnehs delay
gained by his diplomacy enabling him to fory the lei
Jura and 10 concentrate the troops be had
brought with him levied throughout the provinces SO that
when the deputies returned with their request TO be allowed
to pass through country of the Aoboges the Roman
cal position to refuse aud the war began Rerulsed
iy remained the dee the country of
the Sequan the Pas de Ecuse and the Eduan DumnorI
was ask the permission OF the inhabitants for the pas
sage Of the elycwhch granted, and ratified by the
exchange of hostages This then the point which cGsar
Of people gave him time TO take his measures aenb
erntely He pitched his camp near the confidence OF the
Rh6ne the Sa0re the heights OF Setona whence he
could the two banks o the saone or M on the HANS oil
them II even they crossed IT, from catering the Roman pro-
by the yagy of the Rt0ne at his pleasure Here ne
10 six egions but not deemng this sufficient force he le
Labienus in command. and dashed INTO i.y, where
he raised two other es,on' tb. second s pUv
entered Csalpine Gaul by way OF the Alps
After some attempts negotiation battle was fought
and The Helyet were defeated the banks of the Ssone
NM nrrsurg them toordenl Cesar fell into trouble him
seW and the barbirsn proud OF REFUSING 1000 men with
900 cavalry grew bold and harrassed the Roman army no.
little After time the decisive battle OF Bibrace where
% son and OF Orgetorx were made prisoners and
here The slaughter great that the Ganlish emieia
to was reduced 900 individuals They led 10 disorder
no victorous Romans pursuits andehen broken dispired
defeat and morally az well as personally
snoui,hed the Helye gave themselves and rendered
the submission With the exception OF about GUY OF the
Verbgon who attempting to escape were put TO the sword
or sod AS slaves ysnqushed Hevetii received free
naron on certain conditions OF which was that they
return to native country and rebuild their burnt
towns and villages , 60
The purpose to make the apotheosis of Cesar con-
tribute to the eyaltation ofhe Napoeons is not always
left TO inference conjectureas witness this para
graph setting forth the causes of the luminosity against
Cesar
Cesar began his political by trial which Is always
honoabeper borne for great cause The popular
party rested the recoecons OF Marus Caesar did not
hes tate to revive them with splendor Hence the prestige
wh surrounded him from his early youth and which ne''r