Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1870-09-04
PRUSSIA OR FRANCE.
Letter from an OLD Semphiah-Re Chldes
the Radicals for their Inoorss-
mint OF Prussia.

From the HsndsborO (Miss.) Democrat
1 see from the papers that the Repub-
licsu party, in Convention assembled in
some Of the Northwestern States, have
Incorporated in their platform their sym
psthY with Prussia, in the great conflict
now going on between that country and
FrsDca. What does this mean? Has the
Republican party sold out TO the Dutch?
Do they love the glittering crown, the
hereditary nobiliteS, the srlstOcratlc dy-
uasties and the crowned Princes of Prus-
sia more than they do the sovereignty of
the people of France? France is the only
government in Europe that gives the
right of suffrage 10 every citizen; there
is no nobility, no property qualification;
the sovereignty of the people is ackDowl-
edged by the supreme law of the
land. IL is not 50 in Prussia,
for there the sovereignty of the
meet in convention and publicly an
nouncs their desire for the success OF the
sovereignty Of kings over the sovereignty
OF the people. Is this repu blicanism? or
has Prussia changed her form of govern
mentY II so, when7 or was it done to
catch German Yotes2 Can it be possible
that the Germans require us to subscribe
70 the doctrine of the sovereignty of
kings before they will give US their infiu-
gerous influence, and the sooner it is
checked the better II will be for the libeF-
ties of our children.
The gold of Germans seems to have
bought up the influence OF all the nation
al banks, insurance Offices, railroad cor
porations, and the rich and learned peo-
pie OF the country. The great majority
OF the press seem 70 be in favor of Prus-
sia. and the officials and dignitsries of the
land seem TO vie with each other in praise
of Prussisn successes.
Has Prussia ever done anything for
American liberty2 On the contrary, has
she not seized upon every opportunity
for two hundred years to destroy the SOW
sreignty Of the people, the fundamental
principle of the government Who first
kindled the fires of liberty in the hearts
Europe2 France. Who first conse-
Grated the principle, and cemented 1t
with the blood Of bis armies, against
Prussia and ali the Kingdoms2 Napo-
leon the First. Who loaned our fore
fathers twelve Thousand millions Of francs
CS240, ,O0O, ,0OO) to aid in the struggle for
American independence2 France. Who
was it that crossed the Atlantic, under
the most adverse circumstances, with an
army 70 aid the immortal Washington
in his struggle for liberty, against the
tyranny OF ths King Of EnglaDd7 1t was
a FTeRchnsGA--Genersl Lafayette. Not
withstsndinE these facts, We see the en-
tire moneyed institutions of this country,
and the Republican party in the North
and West, loudly advocating the cause OF
Prussia.
whittier are we drifting2 What are the
tendencies of the times7 Are We guard
ing the temple Of liberty7 Are not the
people losing interest in their country ?
Are not the liberties of our Children, if
not our own, ia danger? Does not every
thing we see, and read, and hear, point to
strong government? And when that day
comes, wili the people submit to it7 That
Is the question. /, for one, shall be found
battling with the party that defends the
people and their rights against the en-
croachments Of aristOcrstic nobility, in
whatever form it may present itself
With nay best wishes for the success
of Francs-b believing that her triumph
Will perpetuate our own liberties and
save this country from revolution that
will be forced upon il by German inhu-
ence and blOated aristOcracy, in the in
terest of i'm perialism of some form, that
may destroy the credit Of the nation and
shake the very foundation Of liberty it
sell, before peace and prosperity can be
rs-sstabiished, am,
Very respectfully yours,
L. G. NORVELL.