Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1870-12-06
French Politics.


In the midst O. one Of the most ter
rible wars that ever occurred in the
history of the world, she suddenly
casts aside the insignia of royalty,
tramples under foot Imperial author
ity, and proclaims Republican form
OF government. In accomplishing
which she has turned the tide OF
American sympathy in her favor.
But in spite of our wishes for the
stability and perpetuity ofthe young
Republic, it must be admitted that
hope hangs upon a slender thread.
The history of former French Repub-
lies casts shadow Of doubt across
the popular mind concerning the
probable success of the present one.
The intellectual condition Of the mas
ses is such as to render it question
Of dispute whether or not they are
capable Of selfgovernment. 1t is
astonishing to learn the number of
French people unable to read and
write. Ignorance is the strength of
tyrants, but not of a free government.
In point Of intelligence Prussia
is far in advance Of France, and
consequently better prepared for
Republication, and it is worthy of
remark that Republican principles
are rapidly gaining ground in Prus-
STA and all the German states. But
the great bulk OF the French people
are not only illerato but they possess
the unfortunate peeHliarity of tickle
mindness, which is characteristic Of
all classes. To-day they may be
Republicans, tomorrow Imperialsts.
No one can read the history of France
the last century without admitting
that her people are deficient in sta
bility. We are persuaded that Napo-
leon, though usurper and decoiver,
has been uni Justly accused and denoun-
ced by the public press in the United
States. Nothing can palIiate his
cowardly attempt to force a foreign
prince upon the Mexicans but in
matters pertaining to his own coun-
try and people probably few Sover-
eigns would have governed them
better than he has for tho last twenty
years. 1t is an open question wheth.
or any other regime than shat OF Ma
poleon would have better sufliced for
tho government of tho French ma
ton. They are q people more diff
cult TO rule than any other nation in
Europe. Circumstances compelled
Napoleon to inaugurate the present !
war or abdicate his throne. To the |
sorrow of France and the regret of
the whole world he decided upon |
war, and though. prisoner and his
dynasty overthrow, the masses of
the people are still in favor of the
Emperor.
The Republic has been established, |
but suspicion turks in every depart
ment. Mcmahon, Bazaine, Canro-
bert, Troehu, Theirs and other prom
inent characters are Imperialists
while Victor Hugo, Rochefort, Jules
tsvro and their associates arc Re
publicans. Our government prompt
~ recognized the Republic, as a mat
tor Of course, but neither Minister
Washburne or President Grant has
much hopes of its perpetuity.-I
Everywhere monarehs are jealous Of
Republicanism, and will BIO slow to
interfere in behalf OF the pres
ont government. Dark threatening
clouds hang over the French nation,
and it is difficult to conjecture the
future Of her career.
In the meantime King William is
severely censured for not making
peace with his vanquished foe. Poo
pic imagine that it is very easy
matter to settle the question of
war. With whom shall King Will
liam treat for peace and indemnifica-
tion? If he forms a treaty with Re-
publicans, lmporialists will be very
likely to repudiato it, and ifho treats
with Imperialists, Republicans are
sure to disregard it. Tho present
struggle has brought to light the
welcome fact that Republican prin-
ciples are rapidly pcrmeating Euro
pean governments, and it is perfectly
patent that France, Germany, Eng.
land, Italy and Spain ares ripening
Tor self government.