The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-01-10

across the ocean such startling intelligence as
it did yesterday when IL announced the death
of the ex-Emperor of the French, Napoleon
the Third. 1t was not wholly unexpected.
We had known for days that the Emperor was
| sick, that he was in the hands of surgeons
and undergoing series of painful operations,
and that his situation was really critical; but
it was not our opinion when we went to press
yesterday morning that before our readers had
time thoroughly to examine the columns OF
the HERALD the exiled Emperor should have
breathed his last. 1t is fair to say that
his death was surprise. London, &C
cordng to our latest news, was rs little pre-
pared for it as was New York. On Wednesday
night it was admitted that the condition of the
imperial sufferer was critical, but not by any
means hopeless Yesterday morning his ply
sicians were we'll pleased with his condi-
ton, and so satisfied with the rest which he had
enjoyed, that, after a consultation they de-
cided to perform another operation at noon.
At the time of consultation the pulse was
strong and regular, at eighty-four beats per
minute. 1t was not until twenty five minutes
past ten o'clock that the pulse began to show
signs of weakness. The sinking was rapid
and at forty-five minutes past ten o'clock, in
spite of all that the most skilful medical as
sistance could do the Emperor was dead. To
the last, it is said his consciousness re-
NAMED, and, as the dimness of death dark
ened his vision, he knew that, although he
was away from his much-loved France and
dying in the land Of the stranger, he was sur
rounded by warm friends who would care for
his memory and cling to his cause.
The death of Louis Napoleon will to-day be
Of innumerable newspaper articles and
worldwide sensation. That it should be so
is not matter for wonder. No one man for
the last twenty-five years has figured SO largely
before the world. He was the head of great
nation, the acknowledged chief Of great
people. Forty millions of Frenchmen recog-
nized his authority, and million of bayonets
were ever at his command. Since 1848, but
particularly since 1862, his word has been law
to great nation-a nation which has prided
itself in being the pivotal Power Of Europe.
1t was q favorite saying Of the deceased En-
peror that when France was contented the
world was at rest. His knowledge OF the
French character was profoundand thorough
he knew how to humor it; and hence he was
strong. 1t was natural that the wrath of such
q man should be dreaded, and that his
favor should be courted. For twenty years,
it is fair to say, he was believed
to be the umpire the arbiter and the master of
E11ropa II ,voc bic ouD ba1iaf II xuoc tho
worlds belief, that he was the favorite child
Of fortune. He was, in some respects, even
more than his uncle, the Caesar of the modern
world He seized power and he held it for
many years with vigorous hand His cleo
ton as President of the Republic in 1848 was
somewhat of q surprise to the world the coup
d. etat was an insult to France but the world
got over the surprise and France forgot the
insult; and the result was that France found
prosperity under Second Empire, and the
world learned invaluable lessons from new,
vigorous and practical teacher. For o time,
even after France accepted him as chief, he
was laughed at, ridiculed and caricatured as q
lucky pdruen,l, as fortunate imbecile. But the
man had faith in himself and bided his time.
in connection with Great Britain, he snubbed
the aggressive spirit of Russia and added the
Crimea to the other numerous names which
gave glory to France, glory to the Empire and
glory to the house of Bonaparte. The Cri-
mean war established him on his throne, the
French people adored him and the crowned
heads of Europe did him homage. The fall of
II al ell IL
the name of Napoleon for the second time q
power in Europe, and from that time oil idle
talk about the pdrvenu and the imbecile ceased
The Bonaparte dynasty was by universal con-
sent re-established France was again the mis-
tress of the nations, and Paris was the fash
ionable capital of the world. 1t is not our
business in this article to enter into all the de-
tails of the late Emperor's public career since
his advent to power. In another place in this
mornings issue this ground will be found
completely covered. We cannot, however, in
this connection refrain from mentioning his
italian campaign in 1859-60 when, placing
himself at the head Of his armies he crushed
the power Of Austria OF Magenta and Sol
ferino, at once giving emphasis to his theory
of the unifcation of nationalities and paving
the way for the practical unity of Italy. This
again, was great personal triumph and it
was as Aattering to France as it was gratifying
to himself. 1t was not unnaturally felt that
the star of Austerlitz shone over the destinies
Of the Second Empire. In 1860 what
monarch in Europe was so powerful as the
Emperor of the French? His nationality
theories found fresh expression in his Mexican
campaign; but his Mexican campaign proved
q failure, and with that failure began his