The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1866-06-07
OH a r l. E. ST ON.
THURSDAY MORNING, JUNE 7, 1866.
THE TREATY OF 1916.

THE TREATY OF 1916.
In q recent article on LOUIS NAPOLEON we an
nounced some of the reasons that mo n arch has
for 'dotesting tho treaty of 1916" as he en-
phatically expressed himself in his speech to tho
Marie OF Auxerre.
We propose to-day to continue this subject
The chief ground NAPOLEON has again st this
treaty is that it outlawed his dynasty aud family
The treaty, therefore, was practically nullifed
whom tho French people elected LOUIS NAPOLEON
to bo their Emperor.
Tho Congress at Vienna WAS perhaps the most
important diplomatic assembly that ever sat in
Judgment over the destiuies of peoples and their
princes. 1t was in session from November l.
1914, 10 Juno 10, 1875 It was called together
after the defeat Of NAPOLEON, and was composed
of the most llustrious sovereigns, statesm en- and
military leaders Of Europe. 1t embraced the EN-
peror of Austria NICHOLAS of Russia, the Kings Of
Prussia, Denmark, Bavaria aud Wurtemberg
Prince MErTERNICH, NEssELRoDE, CAsTLEREAau,
and the Duke Of Wellngtoi; Baron WILHELM Won
HUMBOLDT, TALLEYRAED, and many others.
From the prolonged session Of the Congress it
may be inferred that tho assembled politicians
had no easy task. There wero numerous con-
1icting interests, to harmonize which required
the utmost tact of the very frat of diplomatists.
NAPoLEoN's return from Elba, and his enthusias-
tic ovation in France, at last exercised cement
lug influence on the several discordant elements.
They all had one feeling in common, and that WAS
fear Of NAPOLEON, and his hold on the hearts OF
the French people. Minor differences were
waived. The leading spirits of the Congress ar
ranged the "Map,' and war to the knife was
sworn against the Corsican and oil his house.
This treaty was signed March 19, 1915.
The fright divine the principle Of legitimacy,
formed the chief basis of the treaty, and endless
were the squabbles set up for the sovereignty
over ltls bits OF territory. 1t was, to all intents
and purposes, a redistribution of the States of
Continental Europe In this scramble for terri
tory no regard whatever was had to the question
of natonalities. Lombardy and Venice fell to
Austria, Poland to Russia, and part of it to
Prussia. Denmark received Holsten and Lauen-
burg; the old Palatinate was parcellcd out be-
tween Baden, Hesse Darmstadt and Bava ria.
Holland and Belgium were formed into the King
dom OF the United Netherlands.
We have here indicated only such changes on
the map as clearly united antagonstic national
tiles, or arbitrarily separated those who ought
and wish to be under one government. No claim
was regarded in this arrangement, except that of
was either acquired by inheritance or by mar
riage, sometimes by testamentary conveyance.
1t need scarce be added that generally in this
Congress, claim was considered strong or weak,
according to the weight OF the sword the illus
trious claimant was able to lay in the balance.
This treaty has suffered several important
changes and notifications. The Kingdom of
Belgium was recognized as a separate State in
1881. The Kingdom of Poland was suspended in
1882, and in 1859, at Yillafranca, the Emperor of
the French dictated some very important changes
in the msp,-too recent and familiar to require
detailed enumeration. These are the principal
infractions. We pass by those OF less Importance.
It is now proposed (or supposed to be), by some
Of the contracting powers, to abrogate the entire
treaty, with q view to bring to bear q new method
of ciphering out the intricate problem. This
novel feat of geometry is to be executed at the
approaching European Conference. Austria, we
are told has not yet given her consent to such a
Conference, but (in case she persists in her re-
fusal to attend) Is to be represented" by Eng
land and Russia. If such Congress meets, the
annexation OF Venetia to Italy will be the inevita-
BILE result; and this, perhaps, may save Europe
from long and disastrous war.
No wonder NAPOLEON disiikes the treaty of 1916.
It is standing blot on his escutcheon, pnd bar
rier to all his schemes Of ambition. He feels
strong enough now to boldly declare his opinion,
and to foreshadow his intention.
What influence all this confusion in the affairs
of Europe may exercise on Mexico and our rela-
tions with France, it should not be difficult to
foresee. The probability is, that in the event Of
rupture with Austria, France will withdraw her
troops from Mexico, and MAMMALIAN may not
find it easy to supply their place.