The New York herald., 1868-02-02
Napoleon, Germany and the Pope.


Napoleon has within year or two made
mistakes which, in the opinion of many, damage
his reputation as a far-seeing man. His
blunder in Mexico was followed by loss o
prest ge consequent on the unexpected result
OF the Austro -Prussian war, and in the eyes o.
many these two errors have even been sur
passed by an undue interference in Italy
alternating from his friendship cohnhy from
which he had reason to expect support Bu.
events may yet prove that his interference in
the Roman question, far from being mistake,
not only will enable him to retrieve influence
lost by the results of the last campaign in
Germany, but also secure the only coalition
likely to be successful in general European
war. 1t is fair to surmise Napoleon cares
little for the Roman question per Sc, and that
his will, combined with the general opinion in
France, could have resisted the opportunities
of the clerical party, that desired interference
in favor of the Pope, had he so desired it
But he had his points TO make and he made
them, we think, very successfully. The events
OF the past year, the recent publication OF
documents and correspondence, and the nature
OF the last treaties prove, with little room for
doubt, that the known entente between Russia
and Prussia includes one just as firm between
Prussia and Italy. By planting an army in
the Roman States France does not lose a
friend, since Italy's friendship was pledged to
Prussia, but neutralizes the forces of an
enemy. Whatever Bismarck's designs may be,
while Napoleon holds in Italy the nucleus
of an army easily reinforced from Toulon
that country cannot assist Prussia. At the
expense, then, of twenty thousand men
Napoleon checkmatcs an alliance which caused
two years ago Austria's defeat Without the
loss Of a single man he obtains footing in 4
country whose enmity might be fatal to him
and whose passiveness is now almost secured.
The situation may be calling to Italy, but
borne it must be until Napoleon sees fit and
advisable TO withdraw. This, then, is a great
point gained, but far from being the only one
Since Austria's defeat it has been Prussia's
aim to secure German unity, which, II attained,
would assure her preponderating influence
on the European Continent
To great degree this has been attained in
the north but two States in the south, Wur-
temberg and Bavaria, still hang back. Every
effort and inducemcnt has been made to secure
their adherence, but as yet unsucccssfully
Napoleon has not been idle no means have
Seen spared by him TO dissuade them from
Joining the Northern Bund." But nothing
that he has yet done has been SO conducive TO
delay Wurtemberg and Bavaria's adherence
to the Bismarckian policy as the French inter-
ference in behalf of the Pope. Had Napoleon
not thwarted Italy's plans, or delayed much
longer his succor 10 the Holy See, Wurtcmberg
md Bavaria would before now have been
members of the United German Confederation.
They are both Catholic countries-nonc more
SO in ope-notwithstanding the Lutheran
tendencies of their lower orders; but the court,
the aristocracy and the clergy are Catholic and
rule as they please. BY interference in the
Roman question Napoleon has not only de-
layed the inevitable formation OF German
unity, but perhaps secured the friendship OF
Two kingdoms lying between some Of the allies
coalesced against him. Neither is this all he
has gained by the simple move Of last autumn.
~ may be l00keu on as Cerhlh- tnat close
alliance exists between Austria and France,
by virtue Of which the former >country will
assist the latter in almost any cventuality-cer-
tainly in any promising defeat to Prussia or
Russia. And this alliance may be looked
upon as strengthened by Napoleon's action in
Italy. 1t is only reasonable to suppose that,
considering Napolcon's behavior to Austria
during that counsry's last trial, and his treach-
erous treatment Of Macmillan, he could not
have secured her good will had he still further
incensed the Catholic court party by deserting
the Pope's cause In addition to all these he
has gained still another point which should not
he overlooked, and that Is the good will and
assistance of the clerical party In France, by
which he has not until lately been favorably
| looked upon.
| Should all these results be attained-and
| there Is a reasonable amount of expectation
that they may be--Napoeons interference in
Italy, instead Of being another Mexican fasco,
will be further evidence Of his shrewd sagacity.