Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1869-03-26

sight seeing becomes tedious Sculptures and
paintings, as well as relics of antiquity, and
palatial halls, incite wonder and admiration
at the palace Of Versailles we had seen the his
tory of France, from the time of Charlemagno
put upon canvass, and though the design oriri-
nally was merely to crafty the pride of princes.
1t now serves to teach all Frenchmen the history
OF their country; but at the Louvre were re-
were religious paintings, and selections of artists.
familiar to every one
Frenchmen should be refined in their tastes
and we do not wonder that they do not emigrate.
Whatever the motives of Napoleon in re-
modelling Paris, and however prejudiced against
his principles we may be, we cannot but adj
mire his judgment
France is impoverished for the good of Paris,
but pride overcomes selfshness after all The
prestige of having the capital city of the CONT
nent, builds up business, and the charms of the
city draw large contributions from cosmopolitan
Golfers. While strolling along the bouleyaris
and principal streets, one is astonshed to see so
few indications Of commercial transactions. No
trucks or carts indicate work anywhere, and vet
We are told that the extensive commerce of Fran
ce alone prevents a European war; that silks,
laces and wines are more potent than revenge or
ambition. Another remarkable fact is that one
sees no paupers on the streets. Every one appears
well of. This can be explained partially from
the fact that Frenchmen know how to use money,
but better perhaps, by the fact that g poor folks
are not allowed
While Napoleon protects himself, he also pro-
viles for the welfare of Parisians The boule.
wards may have been designed for military pur-
poses, but they also contribute largely not only to
the pleasure but the moral good of the people An
Englishman will confess that the boulevards sup
port the cafes, and that the cafes are very accepta
bic substitutes for the grogshops which abound in
the narrow streets of London. The sewers also
may have been constructed to provide against
the barricading of streets, but what a sanitary
achievement are they
1t is very difficult to find fault with the En-
peror's administration. He allows religious free.
dom, and contributes largely to social happiness;
and notwithstanding our republicans ideas. We
wish him long life. He loves France, but he
does not hate himself, so that there is no incon-
sstency in his suppressing the press, on subjects
which elicit arguments against his royal exist
ence. The papers of Paris are triling sheets. but
that is owing to other reasons doubtless. The
government does not forbid discussion upon
any subject which does not SAVIOUR Of con-
spiracy against it. The Baudin affair does not
excite any interest whatever in France. The
efervescence of democratic ideas passed away
50 quickly that judges are at loss to decide
whether Frenchman want a change Of govern
ment or not. Present privileges and the re-
membrance Of anarchy are strong arguments
in favor Of the government But what will
become Of the nation when Napoleon dies No
one cares to predict the future of France.
While in Paris, innocently accepted an IN
yitation to a students ball, and to my great
surprise, the d" classical entertainment was
pre-eminently social had hardly entered the
hall, when a trifing exhibition Of cancan skill
convinced me that l had better hold on TO my
hat. I had heard Of similar exhibitions at the
Valentino and Casino, but did not expect a
students ball to be Of such a dubious descriT-
ton.
How preposterous, after all to measure forms
of government and social customs in accord
anee with our private views. We may be
shocked, but little experience viii sometimes
convince Us that We were probably prejulicci
Yours, QUIsqUI,.