Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1870-08-02
Proclamation of Napoleon.

The Journal Official of Paris, dated July
23rd, published the proclamation of Napoleon
to the people of France. In speaking oft, the
New York Herald says, that ''there are those
who praise and there are those who blame it;
but whatever may be thought of its merits gen.
orally, it is not to be denied that, considering its
purpose and as addressed to the French people,
it is masterpiece. is skilfully conceived
and ably expressed. 1t goes home to every
Frenchmans heart. 1t makes Frenchmen of
all ranks and classes and parties think and feel
as one man. 1t Identifies the empire with the
revolution of 1889. 1t recalls the glories of the
first empire. The allusion to the GLORIOUS flag
which has borne over Europe the civilizing ideas
of our great revolution" and the touching al
fusion which the Emperor makes to his son
cannot but tell, and tell powerfully, upon the
susceptible minds of the French people,"
The following is the proclamation:
Frenchmen-There are In the life of people
solemn moments-when the national honor,
violently excited, presses itself irresistibly, and
rises above all other interests, and applies itself
to the single purpose of directing the destines
of nation. One of those decisive hours has
now arrived for France Prussia, to whom we
have given evidence, during and since the war of
1866, of most conciiating disposition, has held
our good will of no account and has returned
our forbearance by encroachments. She has
aroused distrust in all quarters, necessitatng
exaggerated armaments, and has made of Eu-
rope camp, where reign disquiet and fear of
the morrow. The final incident has disclosed
the instability of the international understand
ing, and shown the gravity of the situation.
n n pr,1c-
STA was made to understand our claims They
were evaded and followed by contemptuous
treatment. Our country manifested profound
dispeasure at this action, and quickly war cry
resounded from one end of France to the other
There remains for us nothing but the chance of
arms We do not make war upon Germany,
whose independence We respect. We pledge
ourselves that the people composing the great
German nationality shall dispose freely of their
destinies. As for US, we demand the establish
ment Of state of things guaranteeing our Sc
quer q durable peace, based upon the true in
terests of the people, and to assist in abolishing
that precarious condition of things when all ma
tons are forced to employ their resources in
arming against each other.
The glorious flag of France, which we once
more unfurl in the face of our challengers is the
same which has borne over Europe the civiliz-
Ing ideas of our great revolution. 1t represents
the same principles. 1t will inspire the same
devotion.
Frenchmen go to place myself at the head
Of the valiant army which is animated by love
of country and devotion to duty. That army
knowns its worth, for it has seen victory follow
its footsteps in the four quarters of the globe.
| take with me my son. Despite his tender
years he knows the duties his name imposes up
on him, and he is proud to bear his part in the
dangers of those who fight for our country
| May God bless our efforts. A great people de-
Tending just cause is invincibe.
NAPOLEON