New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1871-02-08
FRANCE,

its future prospects as nation are at
this moment subjects of such absorbing
interest as to dwarf into comparative in
significance the affairs of the rest OF the
world. How will the war close. or is it
virtually ended by the fall of Paris?
viii the French people, for the sake of
peace, submit to the humiliating terms
demanded by the victors, or will their
pride and patriotism push them to fresh
exertons? What form of government
will be adopted by the National Assem-
bly,. and will that form be ratified by the
nation? Torn by discussions. exhausted
By war, with foreign army in virtual
possession of her capital, and starvation
| thinning the miserable ranks of its cltl-
zens. with imperial. Orleanist and repub-
l;can factions struggling for the mastery
| in her councils, with the period OF the
| arm:stice rapidly drawing to close. and
no profit derived from it except the mega
| tive one of rest, what hope has she of be-
in, able to resume her position in the
field. if q continuance Of the war Is
! decided upon. what balm for her wounded
dignity in the only peace she is likely to
| obtain.
This is the second time within sixty
years tina. this il.ustrious people have en-
tiu-ed the degradation of seeing their
capital in the possession of foreigners.
and both times the calamity has been
brought upon them through the selfish
ambition Of a Bonaparte. Will the body
| which is so soon 70 meet and decide for
a time at least. the destinies Of France.
forget these things: Will they try for
.hi-d time the experiment of on empire.
and invite repetition OF the tragi-
| comedy, which has cost them so much.
| with the same imperial charlatan rs chief
performer. It is not probable. There
| viii. doubtless, be in the National Assem-
big. a party perhaps considerable one),
| in favor of the restoration Of Louis
| Napoleon: and specious arguments will
not be wanting to commend, this course
to the popular favor. The Orleanist
faction will likewise have powerful
| advocate. to maintain it. cause
tu. We think it very unlikely
that raactionary measure, will find favor
| in body chosen in season of such
strong political excitement. Neither do
we think it by any means so certain as
seems to be generally conjectured that
France has no option in her present con-
dit:on but peace. True, the greater part
Of the country has suffered terribly, Paris
is lost, and no military leader Of such
transcendant genius as to inspire general
confidence has as yet arisen. Neverthe-
less. the people in the southern part of
the country are still ardent for a continu-
auc. OF the war: Paris is not France, and
even at thi, late date. the man most
needed may present himself One thing
is certain-a peace eXtorted from 4 people
50 hard-prcssed as the French now are,
can not be durable. Is it not one OF the
PLANES. lessons of history that no treaty
can be framed so binding as to hold to
unjust and degrading terms n proud and
| prosperous nation. chatting under Sense
OF wong. and conscious OF the recovery
OF strength to right it
Hopeless. then. As her case now looks,
completely as she seems at the mercy OF
her successful foe. We can not regard the
situation Of France AZ altogether des-
perate; can not but a,dently wish. at least,
to see thi, brave and generous people
freed from their present painful and hui
initiating situation. and prepared. Unde,
the auspices OF republican institutions, to
win back the proud position among the
nations of Europe to which their past
history. their civilization and their genius
a. "A nation entitie them.
l. is true that in the beginning Of the
present struggle. when the French uatiou
was represented by Louis Napoleon. we,
in unison with the general sentiment OF
our people, inclined to favor the cause OF
Prussia, partially on account of the cause
lassness of the war on the part Of France
BIZ: mostly from feeling Of resentment
toward her for the mean and unfriendly
spiri. displayed by her government TO-
ward this country during our late
war. We could not forget that she ha6
! seized the moment of our weakness tc
gain foothold in neighboring State. il
direct violation. Of our well known
national principle but it would be unfair
to hold the French people responsible fol
thi, action Of their selfish and unprinci
pie,: ruler: and since his deposition anC
:hei. adoption Of republican form o
government lhowever imperfect it ma!
be, our old feelings of gratitude TOWARD
. them for their assistance during on
Revolutionary struggle have resumed thei
power. and with them the hopes that seen
a. present so ill-foundcd.
CITY PHYSICIANS.
= well written communication il tn