The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1874-04-11
U PARIS LETTER,

PARIS, March 10th, 1874.
The Emperor Theodosius directed that if any one
spoke badly Of bis Government, he was not TO be
punished; if spoken with levity, he was TO be des-
pissed if by folly, he was TO be pitied if he COM
mitted an injury, he was TO be forgiven. In all the
literary archives of French charters and constitu-
tions, these principles have never been embodied.
Were the Septennalists to incorporate them in a new
declaration Of rights for parties or pretenders, France
would be in a fair way to anticipate, if not an age
of love, at least that Of reason. 1t does not appear
that the country has advanced since the divided
mOnarchists overthrow Theirs; but the coalition GER
tainly holds TO the maxim, it is necessary 10 consider
that nothing has been done, so long as anything
remains to be accomplished. At every supplemental
election, the nation does its duty by sending deputies
to the Assembly with fixed opinions in favor Of rec
ognizing a moderate republic. In time these recruits,
these drops will tell, in changing the current in the
Assembly, Until it be organized, no person can pre-
dict the fate of the Septennate; and even when the
time may be thought p%ropitious for that organic ton,
it is held grave dangers may burst forth. There is
something unfavorable to longevity in the slowness
with which the parties in power hang back from
bestowing n constitutional definition on McNahon's
Office; an Office by which parties must observe an
armed neutrality for seven years; free to square ut
one another; to shake fists, Gesticulatc, and abuse;
all and everything provided no blows be given.
The government may be very sincere in its belief,
that the nation is not democratic, bt with all the
means and appliances Of its command. it has neither
converted nor intimidated the country, which persists
in being not radical, but conservative republican.
II INAL5 ~ tAiaA Ag-AiN - EDE hlL III atlH AiAks
The people obey the legal authorities, because it is
sage, because it is convinced that only in legality
there is safety; hence its perseverance, and patience
to ensure the triumph Of its wishes according TO law.
1t is aware that nothing is lost for nations that never
despair Of themselves.
In France all administrations resemble very much
the days, succeeding, but remaining the same.
Parties as they rise FIRE on antagonists with red-hot
balls; the wounds being so frequently severe, may
explain the difficulty Of efecting reconciliations,
while not preventing from time 10 time, something
like unnatural coalitions when Z common foe is in
presence, or rather when a common obstacle bars the
way TO diversified pretentiOns. For all, 10 reign is
worth ambition; with all. there is the carolIug on the
ninth part Of a hair. In both cases equity il Illus
trated to be n roQuish thing and according to the
conscience Of him that is Chancellor. One Chan
cellor has a long foot, another n short foot, n third
an Indifferent FOOT Hence, when the outs upbraid
the inns with arbitrary or Inconsistent acts. pbiloso-
ply if she condescends TO throw a regard on the
complaint, can only see TecTiminaIions Of the pot
and kettle order. In one respect the antagonists are
equal in maintaining the necessity Of occasions to
put a veil over liberties, as formerly one concealed
the statues of the gods.
The royaiists live " %glimmeTing through the dream
of things that were, - and the republicans accept the
adage, who breathes, must suffer, and who thinks,
must mourn" Efforts are being made 10 unite the
moderates Of these parties to-form n kind of patriotic
phalanX, 10 resist the uncomfortable pro ress OF
Imperialism. The project is cOmmeudable, but il is
likely to remain ever a project. For the present,
France more than drifts with tie republican stream;
this current arrested, she Will most likely drit to
military absolutism.
Comparison has had a field day at the French
Academy. VI. Emile Olivier, Napoleon the Thirds
light-heart Minister, was elected one Of the Forty
Immortals, when the second Empire in the spring Of
1870. was concerted to liberalism, as suddenly as
Paul was converted on the road to Damascus. The
Academy, like all France, has changed Its mind
respecting Imperialism, and took umbrage at a
tribute being paid to its memory by Olivier, who
had been chosen under its halcyon days. Though
not formally received, he is not the less a member or
the Academy. The civil part of the marriage had
been gone through, all that remained 10 be performed
was the religious portion of the ceremony after an
interval of four years-but what an interval-when
the bridal party broke up when on the point OF
entering the church. Il is rumored that NJ oh'Vier