The New York herald., 1868-01-06
Napoleon and tho Two Pspes.

The close of Napoleon's reign promises, in
certain important respects, to be more glorious
than its commencement The glory of kings
associated almost as much with religion as
with politics or war. Constantine, Charlie
magne, Charles the Fifth, Philip the Second,
Henry the Fourth, Henry the Eighth, one and
all owe their reputation more to the connection
which they sustained to the religious move
poleon commenced his career as ruler Of
France by throwing the mantle Of his protec-
tion over the Holy Father. As the protector
Of the Pope, quite as much as the chief Of
France or the friend OF Italy, he has been
known for the last fifteen years. After a brief
first of these capacities he has resumed them,
and his second protectorate Of Rome and Of the
Holy Father promises to be quite as illustrious,
If not so protracted, as his first
It would seem, however, if we may
judge from our most recent cable de-
peror's reign were to be rendered illustrious
by another religious connection. Russia, we
are told, becomes more and more menacing
towards Turkey. Russian agents are busy in
their endeavors to incite revolt among the
Christian subjects of the Porte. In these cir
cumstances the government Of the Sultan ad-
dresses an urgent note to Napoleon pro-
testing against the conduct of Russia. A
similar note Is addressed to the govern
ment of Queen Victoria. Strange! some may
feel disposed to say. Not 80 strange. after
ALL Napoleon, allied with England and Sar-
dina, saved the Mohammedan empire from
Russian oppression by the Crimean war of
1876. 1t is natural in the hour of difficulty
to remember an old friend. But this is not ALL
The Sultan, in calling to the French govern
ment for help, remembers not only that Ma
poleon is an old friend, but that he has special
likngs for as well as experience in
Papal protection. Wherein does he differ
from the Pope? Is not he to the
Mohammedan world very much what
Pope Plus the Ninth is to the Catholic
worldf Are they not each of them embodi-
ments of the highest idea Of sovereignty
rulers spiritual and temporal, vicegerents of
God, both? Are they not both Popes? II,
therefore, there is any reason why Napoleon
should feel himself bound to protect Pope Plus,
should not the same reason induce him to pro-
tect Pope Abdul Aziz? 1t will be difficult for
Napoleon to resist the Sultan's entreaties In
our opinion he is quite as sincere in his desire
10 MAINTAIN the integrity of the Ottoman domin-
ions as he is to maintain the temporal power of
the Pope. II Russia persists in encouraging
disatfection among the Christian subjects OF the
Porte it will not surprise us to learn that
France has entered her protest against such
conduct If the designs Of Russia be-
come more visible as well as more
menacing ii will as little surprise US
If France feels herself bound to draw
the sword. The results Of the Crimean
war cannot be undone with grace during the
lifetime Of Napoleon. On this point France
and Napoleon may be supposed to be Of one
mind. Meanwhile, our attention Is called to
the fact that while the Emperor is saddled
with the protectorate of Pope Plus against
growing Italy he is likely soon to be saddled
with the protectorate of Pope Abdul Aziz
against growing Russia and Greece. That
the Emperor is able 10 protect both in de-
fance OF the world we by no means believe.
That he is able to protect one by dropping the
other Is possible. But which can he drop with
dignity and honors Evidently Europe, with
her German, her Italian and her Eastern
questions, is approaching crisis; and Napoleon,
| if he has not under rtaken the i'm possible ma v
be expected to shed a halo OF glory around
the closing years Of his reign.