Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1868-11-27
The news from France shows that L.

The news from France shows that Louis
Napoleon finds unusual occasion for uneas-
ness in the revolutionary agitations going on
under the crust of his repressiVe policy. Thss
far in his remarkable career be has been able
10 suppress all the mutterings of revolution by
his astute and vigorous Treatment, but he is
now getting much past his prime, aud the time
will come, If il has not already, when his hand
Will b. unequal to holding the din ult rsius of
absolutism over the impursive ami turbulent
people he has held in check for twenty years.
The LIBERAL revolution IN Spain, aud the SUE
cess Of the English liberals the late elections
have had their effect In "a wing new impulse to
liberal ideas in France. The revolutionary Sc
cret societies Of France are recognizing and
showing an activity that accounts for part OF
the disquiet exhibited by Napoleon. Thu lib
eral press Of that country IN the signilcsncs OF
its utterances gives further evidences of the
subterransan movements that threaten a con-
vulsIon that may upset the empire NJ any mo-
ment.
Louis Napoleon has now governed France
for tw enty years, i've years longer than
the first Napoleon held power, aud
two years longer than Louis PHILIPPE was
King of France he became President for
four years on December 10, 1919, and consum-
mated his coup ctGt on December ,, 1851, dis
persIng the Legislature, overthrowing the
Constitution he had sworn TO defend, putting
ms more dangerous enemies to death and ban
ishing others 10 Algeria and Cayenne. After
this be made himself President with a Consti-
tuition Of his own fabrication, aud faaIIy, q
year later on December :. 155l, he was pro-
claimed Emperor with absolute power.
Twenty years Is long reIsn for tickle
France; and the revClutionists apparently
think the time has arrived,or is near when they
can hope 10 unseft their dictator. But IN esui-
mating their chances for success 1t will not do
to underrste the resources Napoleon relies
upon for continuing his lease Of power. In
the first place he has the vast army which
he has cultivated with such assiduity,
and at a cost that has nearly impover-
ishsd the nation a time of profound peace.
Unless an uprising should have great sponta-
neity and force, swallowing up the army IN
lis volume. the soldiers would probably re-
main iaiihful TO him.
In the next place il cannot be denied that
Napoleon has 4 large number of adhsrents-
perhaps ms ority of the population
all classes of the French people. 1t must be
conceded that life and property were never
more secure than under his rule and the m i'd.
die and upper classes dread any change that
may result IN anarchy. The lower classes AT
the same time have reason 20 think we'll OF him
because the immense public improvements he
has carried forward 50 incrssantly have served
10 give them employment. But the elements
IayOring Napoleon msy De too sluggish or hun
kerish 10 aford him prompt assistance WHEN
histIme of need comes Paris governs France
and comparatively small body of revolution
lists once IN possession Of that city would be able
to overthrow the Empire almost without op-
position. The nicely with which the game is
t.
with which 1t will be watched from this side
Of the Atlantic.