The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1867-07-15
REFORM IN FRANCE.

Whatever may be said of tho French Opposi-
ton, and Of the character of many of tho mea-
sures they advocate, certain It Is that they
merit great credit for perseverance amid dis
cou. agement. They tako grea. pleasure In
giving the Government "piocs of their mind"
and not unfrequently, it is thought by many,
oppose measures for no other reason than be-
cause they arc brought forward or supported
by the Government. But, as far as we can
perceive, they have accomplished nothing
whatever. The Emperor somehow contrives
10 have his own way; and we ore not prepared
10 say that he does not understand the needs
OF France and Of her people quite as we'll, or
that he is not rs epntrioio" as NJ. JULES
FAvRE or n. GLAIzR BEzorx
The Emperor hns beau ideal of "liberal'
government, and fact as he thinks the
people can bear q httlo more liberty, he
"promises" to accord il to them Thus in
January last His Majesty issued whole batch
of such promises, and the Corps Legi.lntif has
ever since been industriousy engaged in fram-
ing proper laws for the carrying out Of the En-
peror's will in those matters. As an Offset,
however, to these promises of enlarged liberty,
is the very unpopular measure of the Reorgani-
zation Of the Army. This, with the Inv regu-
lating the liberty Of the press, and the right of
meeting, have engaged the chief attention Of
the Chamber; and they are perhaps the three
questions, more than all others, calculated to
excite lively discussion, and rouse the passions
even both Of the Corps Legislatif and of the
country at large. ~
But the Exposition, with It's attendant pomp
and incidents, the visits Of 30 many soyereigns,
and the great glory oil this reflects upon the
Emperor's government, could not but exercise
modifying influence upon the members Of the
opposition. Deputies even are but men; and
the great spectacular drama that has been
enacting in Paris, during the past three or four
months Is not calculated TO promote that calm
Of mind, so desirable when celebrating upon
important questions Of legislation. In fact
the Exposition itself is national affair, and
therefore occupies the attention of Legislators
even legitimately. With the exception OF tie
n.t.ar Of appropriations, oil other questions
can very well bide their time, and wait till the
national holiday Is over. In fact decsnoy
alone would forbid violent internal agitation,
at time when go many foreign guests and
visitors arc enjoying the hospitality Of France
The French, never wanting in politeness, cer-
tninly would not be guilty Of that breach Of
good breeding. Of exhibiting their family quar-
rsls In presence Of their company" And IL
the people can wait with the reform Of the
laws Of the press and Of public meetings, GER
tainly the government can wait for the law
authorizing tho reorganization Of the army
first because France 10 al peace with all man.
kind, so much So, that We see II stated that
tho Emperor contemplates disArning some 4O,-
600 men. But should there be war, or
thressening even Of war, NAPOLEON has
ample means and power to organize as large
On army AS he may think necessary. The
further discussion Of ell these measures has
therefore been postponed till November, whom
an extra session Of the Chamber Ia 10 be
held
Paris Is intoxicated with her Exposition, and
with great Jtts almost every day. Who cares
whether there are a few journals more or
lessf especially as the Minister Of the Interior
has authorized twenty-five new papers since
January, when the Emperor's promise was
given for IN enlargement Of tho liberty Of the
press. By taeit understanding, tho Govern
mens now permits all but unbounded liberty 10
tho neHspEpSrs.
As to the right to meet in public unrestrict-
cd, II can be Of little Importance before the
next election for deputies to the Chamber and
IL the law is passed In November II will be In
ample time for that purpose.
Some Of the French papers, however, the
organs Of tho Government, while they profess
the utmost ys.sn.!ien 70 the postponement of
the passage Of the two laws just named, arc
not 50 we'll satisfied in regard to the delay Of