New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1870-09-09
THE FEW FRENCH REPUBLIC.

OF an OppOrtune moment anu eSlaUuSueu
a republic. The best minds of the late
empire have been called into the public
councils, and were it not for certain indi-
cations OF dissension in Paris, we might be
permitted to congratulate the scause Of
freedom upon tins apparently powerful
accession. But at present We must re.
gard the movement with anxious hope
rather than unrestrained confidence. The
new government has already been recog.
nized by the United States, but this recog-
milton is mere diplomatic form, without
any substantial value otherwise than what
may grow out of the sympathy Of a grea.
sister republic. Recognition does not
mean material assistance or any closer
alliance than existed between the two
countries while France was yet an empire.
The contest with Prussia has not yet
been formally settled. What demands
the victor may make, or what terms the
French notion may be willing to listen to,
are vet to be made known. From certain
givings out, we may possibly be justified
in assuming that Jules Fayre, the new Min
lister for Foreign Affairs, does not con-
template further hostilities. His acts so
far have had tendency to inspire be-
lief in future pacifcatory measures. But
we must at the same time presume that he
will not voluntarily lay France abjectly at
the foot of the Prussian conqueror. And
we have no correct means Of Judging how
far he and his fellow ministers will be sus-
tanned by the proverbially tickle popula-
ton they represent.
We have two distinct, antagonistic
statements bearing Oh the question. One
assumes to give lis the Prussian view, and
is in effect that King William will de
mand the disarming Of France, the sur
render of the Baltic fleet, the cession or
at least disarming of Alsace and a part Of
Lorraine, and the dismantling Of Metz,
Thionville and other fortified
cities on the frontier. In addition to this,
an indemnity of three thousand millions
of francs will be demanded. On the other
hand, it is given ont that the popular
voice in France, especially in Paris, is
against entertaining any terms
that involve the surrender of & foot
Of territory or brick OF the
1t is barely possible
that neither side will insist upon propo-
sitions SO extreme. An interview between
the King Of Prussia and the new French
ministry may possibly result in such an
understanding as will enable the former
to withdraw his forces from France with
honor to himself and without humiliation
10 the latter. The war, though short,
has assumed grand proportions, and there
have been pTotligious losses on both sides.
The French have, however, been by far
he greater sufferers heretofore. But
further prosecution of the war viii be apt
TO result in calling other nations into the
and may even change the scene
If the conflict to other territory. Diplo-
macy may avoid further complications
md avert the necessity for shedding more
blood.
France is i'll a nearly defenseless condi-
ion, without an organized army in the
field or general of ability to command.
The present ministry, who are not respon-
,ible for this condition of affairs, may.
without dishoner, recognize this weakness
md consent to terms which, under other
their pride would not per-
hit them to entertain. There is more at
take than mere military renown or
,rovince more or less. The people Of
france have once more an opportunity to
eaiize their cherished dreams of repub-
ic. The Prussians have paved the way
or them by taking captive the emperor
Tho has for seventeen years ruled them
18th an iron hand. The foreign enemy
the emperor has positively protested
hat he had no quarrel with the French
eople, and we can not see that the latter
ave any cause to look upon King Will
I'm with unappeasable hostility. Posi-
ly the latter may be easily induced
} withdraw his victorious troops and
ave the details to be settled by Bismarck.
Unless a cessation of hostilities can
e effected, there will be little hope
II the permanency of the new Republic.
rompt and decisive victories over the
russians in the field can not be looked
u, and are next to impossible. The
rst important action will result III
isaster to the French, when the popu-
zee will begin to lose confidence in
lie new rulers, and insist upon q change.
o good will result from such change,
cd the disappointment and dissatisfac-
on will be naturally increased. With
ivided counsels, and only a partial re-
oonse to the demands for fresh troops,
le new, inexperienced and outnumbered
rmies Of the Republic will go down be-
IRE the veteran Germans, until finally
ing William will look for an heir to the
arone in the house OF Orleans, and restore
9gitimacy. By this move he will hope to
ecure grateful ally on the throne.
To avoid this, Jules Favre should en-
eayor by every means III his power to
make peace with the menacing power.
Ie can then devote his talents and ener-
les to necessary local reforms, through
nd by means of which alone can he hope