The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1870-11-11

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The Herald special correspondent who inter.
viewed the Emperor Napoleon at Wilhelmsho-
he, on the 10th inst, states: The Emperor said
that when the press was freed entirely by him
it was seized by demagogues and unscrupulous
politicians, who opealy preached disobedence
to the laws, and were but too successful in per-
verting the minds of the people
On the subject of the reco ,ntion of the
French Republic by the United States the EN-
peror said:
| suppose Americans would naturally SYM
pathize with republican insti tutiops, but all
the conditions requisite to true republican
form of government are absolutely wanting in
France. Those who have boldly grasped the
reiDs of the new government have already
shown their inability to establish such a gov
eminent. That for which they blamed me
most they have been compelled to do them
selves, and impose still more obnoxious restraint
upon the press. The restraint upon the press,
for instance, was constant theme of attack on
my government But while made moder-
ate of the law, while fines and punish-
ments were rare and preceded by mild sys-
tenn of warning advertisements, they have sup
pressed number of journals because they do
not chime in with their fantastic ideas and re-
publican sentiments, presupposing vital in
terest of a majority of the people in the con-
Germs of the country, and a willingness to put
their shoulders to the wheel which does not ex-
list ia France. The Republic of America and
the Republic of France are as white and black.
Your country people submit to thellaws. Pub
lie sentiment and spirit based upon general
intelligence and morality dictate to and control
society. Are not your theatres in New York
and Boston allowed to perform such plays as
they deem fit?
Cores Enthusiastically they are.
Emperor-Then supposlng they should treat
the public to a performance Of impure and Of
fensive pieces, what would be the consequence?
The press would denounce them. Nobody
would go to see them, and they wonld be con-
demned by the verdict of the public. But in
France the greater departure from decency
and decorum, the greater will be the crowd
focking to delight in it. 1t is no easy work to
curb such an extravaganza spirit in country SO
often nnhappiy shaken by revolution. 1t
requires the utmost energy to build up any
thing.
Correspondent--Will your Majesty please
enlighten the American people as to the inn
mediate causes of the catastrophe which has
upset your government?
Emperor can only tken it TO an earth
quake, sir, produced by the combined action
and influence OF elements of whose existence
we are aware of without being able to trace
their sudden operations. NV government has
been almost willing to listen to the clamors of
those who sometimes bona Jfde imagined they
know best how to promote the welfare of the
country. thus consentedto the removal of
the last existing check to the right OF tree as
semblage, and no sooner had I done so than
the privilege was abused to an unlimited ex-
tent Public meetings no longer discussed po-
litical and social questions in sober and dig
nified manner, but became tumutuous in the
HIGHEST degree.
During the whole year, assassination, pois-
oning, rebellion and the most abominable pas
sions we're openly preached to the masses, aud
urged upon them as the best and only means
of saving the country"
Napoleon most emphatically denied apprO-
priating any of the public funds for his own
use or that of bis friends. He said he had some
property gin Italy which was left him by his
father; nothing except that and his wife's pri
vate dowery and jewelry. Il have TO property
in New York. The accusations of treason
made by the soldiers was on account Of their
dislike to believe their were conquered"
The French people, as well as himself were
deceived as to the relative strength of the
French and Prussan armies. In reference to
the possibility OF returning to power, Napoleon
said he really felt but little ambition, and pre-
ferred to be independent and would rather be
prisoner, and never step again on French
soil.
In answer to the question in reference to his
natural desire to bequeath the throne to his
sou, to confine the dynasty, Napoleon said
Il love him too much to desire for him the
chances for snch dread uncertainty, and if
these cannot be avoided, he would be far hap
pier in private life without the overwhelming
responsibilities attaching to such station, and
that too in France, country which can never
forget humiliation"