New national era. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1870-1874, 1873-11-27
The Latest Events in France

The prolongation of the powers of McMa-
hon as President Of the French Republic for
term of seven years has been the last re-
sort Of the Conservatives to maintain them
selves in power which was fast slipping out
of their hands, and that they could not have re-
tanned much longer by lawful means. They
had plotted for the overthrow Of the Republic,
and the restoration of the Monarchy under
Henry ", the Comte dc Chambord, but had
to abandon this project, for the moment,
partly on account of the truly-quixotic, yet
honest stubbornuess of the Comtc, whom
not even the prospect Of a crown could move
to make any concession to the demands Of
the times and circumstances; and partly,
because they probably became convinced,
that the people would not submit to such a
measure. Under these circumstances, the
prolongation of McMahon's term was de-
vised as the safest and most expcdient means
to throttle the Republic if not in name, at
least in fact. Mcmahon is known as q man
of ultra-conservative tendencies, both in poll
tics and in religion, of very limited intel
lect, and with that hatred Of progress and
OGRE minds. He is consequently considered
most desirable instrument in the hands q
the Reactionists, to retard and oppose pro-
gress, give aids and support to the priesthood,
suppress, as far as possible, the growth of
radicalism, especially by wasing war against
the liberty Of the press, and thus pave the
way for the ultimate restoration of the Mon
archy. \ term Of ten years was intended;
yet this scheme, too, had to be modified-the
term was reduced to seven years, Sand
compromise was effected through the acquies-
cence of the Bonapartists, who are still
watching for an opportunity to establish
third Empire, and find their best chances in
quasi provisional half-settled state, which
always leaves door open for any change.
The majority Of siXty-siX that voted for the
proposition seems rather small when we
remember all the illegal proceedings resorted
! TO by the Conservatives to delay new cleo
tons in all districts, certain to return Repub
lican candidates; and it can safely be
said that this Conservative victory is by no
means due to the people, but has been
achieved in utter disregard Of their rights
and wishes, and contrary to the principles Of
popular sovereignty.
From the very establishment of the pres
ert French Republic, its rulers and legisla-
tors have displayed such disregard not only
of the spirit and principles, but even of the
| forms Of Republican Government, that we
have actually no cause to be much surprised
at any new enormity in this direction. The
continued atrocious executions and transpor-
tations of the unfortunate Communists, more
than two years after the suppression Of the
instruction; the transSrcssions against the
liberty Of the press; the prosecutions of
radical editors, and the suppression Of their
papers: the influence of the clergy on educa-
ton; the empty display of noble names and
titles; and, above all, the audacity Of the
Conservative majority Of the Assembly in
prolonging arbitrarily their long-expircd
powers in open violation of the law, and the
| will of the nation, these are the prominent
features which combine to form the picture
of anything rather than Republic. This
latest outrage needs no comment; however,
it may turn against its perpetrators who did
not stop to consider that a short term Uf
Office is the best Safeguard against rcyolu-
ton, and that this arbitrary prolongation
without the sanction Of the people is quite
likely to accelerate the crisis which it is to
prevent, although for the present the situa-
ton is certainly little cheering for the
adherents of the Republican cause