The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-11-24
The Revolutionary Movement In Franco
Popular Triumphs.

There are few movements OF the day 80
interesting as that which is now going on In
France. 1t is a crucial movement. 1t is test
ing in the last degree. It is the movement
which, more than any other, engrosses the
attention of the peoples of Europe. Interest
ing and engrossing as it is to the peoples, it
is not less so to the politicians. The leading
statesmen of Great Britain of Prussia, of Aus
tria, of Italy, of Spain are watching this move
ment for no higher or nobler purpose than to
catch the popular breath of the hour. The
question is whether a centralized or divided
and widey-difused authority is now most in
favor. On this question Europe is now
divided, Germany particularly. Prussia,
under the guidance and control of Bismarck,
goes in for centraization Austria, under the
guidance and control of Won Beust, goes in for
the opposite or federal govern
ment Bismarck has won golden honors; Won
Beust is now winning them. The question is
still open, still unsettled. The final settlement
of the question, for at least one decade, is now
in the hands of France. The French people
have for seventeen, or rather for nineteen, years
enjoyed the benefits of Comparison, or Caesar
| ism, or imperialism, or, which covers all, the
one man government. France has been asked
to say whether it is satisfied. A large section
of the French people we know are not salts
fed. But France has yet sacred regard for
the voice of the majority, and it remains to be
seen whether the majority is satisfied or
| whether it demands change
What will be the final voice of the French
people it is not easy to say. The late general
elections were unquestionably popular in their
results, although not decisive. They were,
however, popular and decisive enough to con-
vince the Emperor that change of programme
was necessary. Hence the concessions implied
in the new constitution. But they were not so
was no longer, in his present position, neces-
sity to France. The general elections did not de-
prive him of his majority in the Corps Legislatif.
They did not compel him to convene the Cham
bers sooner than he, in the exercise of his
imperial wisdom, deemed proper or conve-
nient. The Emperor had the Paris elections
in his eye, and until they were over he knew
he could afford to withhold the full revelation
of his intended policy. 1t is the desire Of
Napoleon to rule, to maintain his position, to
lay broad and deep the. foundations of his
dynasty, but all this he wishes to do with
the help of France.
The Paris elections are now over. The
returns have been largely in favor of popular
candidates. M. Rochefort, who for the last
twelve months has been singing him like
hornet; who has been uttering sentiments not
only wildly revolutionary, but, in a personal
sense, severely anti-Napoleonic, has been
triumphantly elected by the First circumscrip-
ton Of Paris. 1t is not possible for Napoleon
to misinterpret the full meaning Of this cleo
ton. 1t is quite as unmistakable to Europe
and the world. It is really blow, and
although Rochefort is said to be small man
physically, and all the world as well as Napo-
leon knows that he is q small man intellect
ually-a heavy blow dealt in the face of the one
man power The election of Rochefort is a
triumph to the popular cause in France. 1t is
regarded as triumph to the popular cause all
over Europe. We dare not yet say that
imperialism is condemned in France for Paris
is not France, and the First electoral district is
not Paris; but we dare and will say that the
situation is grave, and that Napoleon must, as
indeed he will, shape his policy accordingly.
In few more hours we shall doubtless know
how far the Emperor means to carry out and
give emphasis to his late concessions, and who
are to be his chosen ministers in the premises.
1t is now no longer possible for him to keep
his secret regarding this matter, and as it is
not desirable to keep Paris and France in dan
gerous expectancy until the goth of this
month, when the Chambers open, we look for
full revelation.
NOPE CusTON HOUSE FRAuDS The frauds