The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-07-07
RssuFrsctisa 81 France and tho
Effect Upeu Europe.


calculations of the different reactionary fac
tons in that country, as well az the forebod-
ings of evil prophets abroad. Notwithstand-
ing the almost overwhelming disasters Of the
war with Germany and of the terrible civil
war which Immediately followed, the nation
rises again with power and calm dignity that
surprises the world. Never before in history
has France exhibited such sober earnestness,
less excitable impulse or more elevated
patriotism. The suffering and humiliation
brought upon this proud nation by the war
with Germany have made the people more
serious, Thoughtful and patriotic than ever.
That good, at least, has resulted from it I; and
possibly all the suffering, losses and disgrace
of this war may prove in the end benefit to
France, just as our terrible civil war may
prove blessing both to this republic and the
world at large Although the sacrifice Of life,
health and property with us has been stu
pendous, and although we have created an
enormous debt and put our constitutional lib
critics and free system Of government on a
severe trial through maintaining the unity of
the nation, great advantages have been gained.
The continued disturbing element of slavery
has been removed, republican principles have
received broader and more enduring fonnda-
ton in the enfranchsement and civil equality
Of all men, the republic has been placed in the
first rank of nations, and we have developed a
power, wealth and greatness not known be-
fore. This is the good that in the DISPENSE
ton of Providence, has grown out of evil.
May it not be the same with France? The
indications are that it will be.
The events to which we particularly refer
as showing the resuscitation of France are the
elections that have just been held, the success
of the loan and high credit of the country, and
the suppression of the Paris insurrection. The
first shows that the sentiment of the ma
ton Is republican, for though the cleo
tons were supplementary and held only over
a part of France, they were so decisive, and
occurred at the time when there might have
been some apprehension of red republicanism,
that there is no doubt the votes cast then re-
presented the views Of the majority of the
French people everywhere. The Theirs gov
probably SO understand the meaning of these
elections, whatever may have been the polti-
cal complexion of the Assembly previously.
There is little doubt that NJ. Theirs looks at
them in that light. Let us hope the Assembly
does also for they took place when France
was much calmer, and acting more deliber-
ately than under the previous elections, and
when there was no undue governmental infu-
ence exerted. In short, there never was in
that country, perhaps, fairer election, or one
when the people were more serious and calm.
True, the European press agents that send us
news, as well as the press and monarchists
generally of Europe, endesvor to make
it appear that the elections did not in
dictate republican success. The thought
is according to the wish, and not accord
the republic they call the republican deputies
elected liberties, wishing to imply that these
deputies are not republicans-are only sup
porters Of M. Theirs, and would go with him
even for the monarchy. This is misrepre-
sentation without the least foundation, and is
like great deal of the news that comes
through European sources. The elections
were decidedly and overwhelmingly in favor
of the republic; and If the government or
Assembly should attempt to act in opposition
to the sentiment expressed then, which We do
not think is likely, that would be a betrayal of
and fraud upon the people.
The other events to which we refer to
strengthen our expectation of the speedy
resurrection of France under republican gov
eminent are the extraordinary subscriptions to
the loan and the effectual suppression of the
Paris instruction. In the former we see at
the same time the patriotism Of the French,
the astonishing resources of the country and
confidence in the ultimate confirmation and
establishment Of that republic which
had only been regarded as provisional.
In the latter we have the best evil
dence of the strength of republican
government to crush rebellion, to keep down
the dangerous classes and to maintain order.
1t may be said the loan would have been
readily taken under any form of government.
No doubt the French are so intensely patri
otto that with them their country is superior
to all political or partisan considerations but
it must not be forgotten that the actual gov
eminent is republican in form, though it may
be called provisional, and that the people and
capitalists showed remarkable confidence in
that government. Every other form of gov
eminent was uncertain of attainment. The
imperialists and the two branches of the Bour-
bon family could not unite, and separately
were evidently weak. The late elections show
this in a striking manner. The loan, there
fore, was taken with the expectation that the
existing republican government would be sus-
tanned, and hence, we think, the confidence in
it. more significant fact is that of the loan
advancing on the market Immediately after