The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-06-28
POLITICS IN FRANCE.

Frencn POLITICS are IN WORST state or con-
fusion than ever, and it would be only mis-
leading persons who have serious interests
in France to venture any prediction as to
what is likely TO happen. 1t is probable, how.
ever, that general election cannot be long
delayed, and that the sense OF the country must
be taken in some shape other for the forma ion
oil permanent government. The septennate Is
neither fish, flesh nor fowl IL pleases nobody, and
every one looks upon 1t as provisional state OF
things which may terminate at any moment. Moth
Ing but the high personal character OF Marshal
MacMahon could have upheld 1t so long;
and it must be remembered with many
iorebodings that he has neither the education
nor mental qualities which constitute q states
man fit to guide the desrnies OF the nation in
troublous times Moreover he has now lost mis-
right hand in the Duo de Broglie; and, personally
he can hardly place implicit confidence in any
of his Cabinet but General de Casey. 1t is all very
well for the legitmsts to press him to bring back
the elder branch OF the Bourbon dynasty. and for
the Bonapartists to appeal to his gratitude the
high military rank which was conferred upon him by
the late Emperor. He can do nothing for either Of
them IN the present temper OF the Assembly at
versailles without drawing the sword; and there
is a growing belief that the army is almost much
divided in opinion as the rest of the nation. A
large majority OF thinking people are certainly
IN favor OF the permanent establishment OF a
French Republic; but then, again, the men
who have most wealth and influence fear
to place themselves under the leadership OF Gam
BETA. And all those who are DESTROYS oil personal
distinction are afraid to attach their fortunes to
those OF so aged chief as NJ. Theirs. M. Grevy,
another PROBABLE President, has not energy or
backbone enough to lead a party. The liberal
Dukes cannot be trusted by republicans and the
whole thing comes to thls-that the great liberal
majority of Frenchmen is without recognized
chief. 1t is therefore quite possible, II not prob
able, that the Count de Chambord may have an
other chance for the crown He has the powerful
support OF Nine. MacMaaon, and she may very
likely induce her husband 10 play the same part as
that which was taken by Monk, Duke OF Albemarle,
at the close of the Commonwealth in England
But no French patriot could LOOK upon this pros
pect with equanimity. The Count de Chambord is
dull, heavy man, obstinate beyond belief, and his
wife is q frightened creature who wishes anything
rather than that he should ascend the throne OF
France, for she Is firmly persuaded that he would
be assassinated, and certainly that event might
happen. There is no statesman OF energy in the
legitmst party, though the half dozen Dukes who
have lately come to the front in Partisan politics
might rally round 1t. What them Neither the
Duke de Brogle nor the Duke de la Rochefou-
cauld. Blsaccia are made Of the stun which can
face and dominate a turbulent democracy. The
Duke de Broge has slngularly unpleasant man
ners, and he is o feeble hearted man, of peevisn
temper and limited intellect. The Duke de la
Rocnefoucaud Is merely a high bred gentleman
who can enter a drawing room with becoming grace
and preside over a state dinner. 1t is needless to
mention the members Of the Extreme Right, for
they are utterly impracticable; but 1t would not
much signify to whom Henry " conhden the seals
of office in his first cabinet. His ministers must
either drive the most prominent men OF the repub-
lican party INTO exile or the stormy Oratory OF
Gambetta would Overwhelm them in q week.
Should Henry v. come back his reign would be
really only another phase in the French Revolu-
ton and there Is no reason to believe that it
would not be both brief and disastrous. On the
other hand, the Bonapartists are compact, rich,
resolute and unscrupulous body, led by very
stout captain In NJ. Rouher. He may, and per-
haps WILL bring the lad at Chisehurst to Paris
midst the accamatons of all the jewellers in the
Rue de Ia PAX; but that will not alter the state
of public feeling in France, which is growing con.
stantly more and more republican. Then, how can
any faith be placed in a hobbedehoy whom nobody
knows? Persons who had good opportunities OF
forming Judgment OF this imperial Prince in his
boyhood did not carry away high estimate either
OF his abilities or his good nature. 1t was said,
and often SAID, that he was frivolous, cruel and in
soent There is a story OF his having had his ears
boxed for impertnence and OF his having tortured
a swan, and OF his having displayed an early taste
for millinery. Perhaps they may be tue, perhaps
false, but q straw will show which way the wind
blows and 1t does not blow in favor OF Napoleon Nv.
He has been highly educated he can ride WELL he
can speak several languages, he knows as much
about military affairs as can be learned
at woolwch by boy who has been
taught IN respectful whispers by elderly tficers
who like to be asked to dine at Camden Place.
That is about all which Is fairly to be said Of him.
Moreover, the Bonapariists are quite as much
divided among themselves as to their ultimte
views "a the royalists: and even they will only act
in concert TO restore the Empire. After That all
mist and fog. M. Rouher and the Empress are n
favor or personal government as it existed before
the time OF NJ. Emile Olivier, but they will have TO
count with Prince Napoleon and with his nuner-
GUS clever and most cantankerous followers. The
Bonapartists have no literary support but that
which may be derived from NJ. de Cassagnac, and
all the lettered hosts OF France will combine
steadily against them. NJ. Rouher will be unable
to Iut down free thought and free speech,
even If he succeeds in hosting nim-
self again into power, and all the free
thought and free speech III the world Is in favor oil
republics. Monarchs, however potent, can no
longer decapitatc their enemies or fay them alive
or put them on the rack; and no other methods
have yet been discovered o. annihilating political
Toes. All permanent authority must now and
henceforth be based upon public opinion and
therefore, although France may pass through
many sore trial and see many dark and gloomy
day, many changes in her destnes, there can be
no rational doubt That she win either cease 70
exist at all as an Independent nation or that she
will end her sorrows by the establishment of q
French Republic on the same model as that OF the
United States OF America.
/ SCENE IN THE ASSEMBLY.
There has been tumulJuous scene In the As
sembly at Versailles between NJ. Rouher and NJ
Gambetta. M. Gambetta called the Bonapartists
'wretches.r and was called to order by the Presi
| dent. This ceremony did not seem to Affect hi