The National tribune., 1898-08-25

forced the continental powers to regard
him with respect, and in some cases with
sympathy, while England by her imperi
Gus demands had embroiIed herself with
all the northern powers of Europe.
But this universal and wasting war
began at length to be tiresome to all
parties, and after much negotiation and
delay a general peace was concluded at
Amiens, and the world was at rest. Uni
versal Joy was spread through France
and England, and the transports of the
people knew no bounds.
PEACE OF AMIENs.
Peace, which Bonaparte needed and
wished for, being restored, he applied his
vast energies to the development of the
resources of France, and to the building
of stupendous public works. Commerce
was revived, the laws administered with
energy, order restored, and the blessings
Of peace were fast healing up the wounds
of war.
Men were amazed at the untiring en-
ergy and the amazing plans of Bonaparte.
His genius gave a new birth to the Nation,
developed new elements of strength, and
impaired an impulse to her growth that
threatened to outstrip the greatness of
England. His ambition was TO obtain
colonial possessions, like those of Eng
land, and If allowed TO direct his vast
energies In that direction there was no
doubt France would soon rival the British
empire IN IT'S provinces.
England was at first fearful OF the in
fuence of the French Republic, but now
q new cause of alarm seized her. 1t was
evident that France was fast tending to-
wards a monarchy. Bonaparte had been
made First Consul for life, with the power
TO appoint his successor, and il required
no seer to predict that his gigantic mind
and dictatorial spirit would not long
brook any check from inferior authority
From the very superiority of his intellect
ne must merge everything into his majestic
plans and gradually acquire more and
more control till the placing of a crown on
his head would be only the symbol of
that supreme power which had long be-
fore passed into his hands
England, therefore, had no longer to fear
the influence of republic, and hence
fight for the security of Government in
general. She had, however, another
cause OF anxiety-the too rapid growth of
her ancient rival She became alarmed
at the strides with which France ad-
vanced under the guiding genius of Napo-
leon, and refused to carry out the terms
Of the solemn treaty she had herself
signed.
BRITISH BAD FAITH.
In that treaty Ii was expressly stipu-
hated that England should evacuate Egypt
and Malta, while France on her part was
to evacuate Naples, Tarento and the
Roman States. His part of the treaty
Napoleon had fulfilled within two months
after its completion; but 10 months had
now elapsed, and the English were still
La Alexandria and Malta. But Napoleon,
anxious to preserve peace, did not see fit
to urge matters, and made no complaint
till il was suddenly announced that the
English Government had proclaimed
her determination not to fulfill the
stipulations she had herself made.
The only prete1t offered for this violation
OF a solemn contract was her suspicious
that France had designs on these places.
The truth was, England-with her ac-
customed jealousy OF other nations &C
curing colonial possessions, and remem-
bering what a struggle ii had Just cost her
to wrest Egypt and Malta from France
resolved, though in violation of her own
treaty, not to give them up.
Talleyrand was perfectly amazed at this
decision OF the British Ministry, while
Napoleon was thrown into a transport OF
rage His keen penetration discerned at
\ glance the policy of England and the
dreadful conflict that must cnsue. He
saw that she was resolved to resist the
advancement OF France, and to band
while she could the powers Of Europe
against her.
He knew that II she would remain .,
peace, he could by force OF arms and
diplomatic skill compel Russia, Austria
Prussia, and Spain to let him alone to
carry out his plans for the aggrandizs.
ment Of France. But with England con.
are-brands In the cabinets of the CONT
nent. he would be engaged in perpetual
conflicts and wranglings.
Il had, therefore, come to this: England
must Be chastised into quietness and r.
speot for treaties, or there was to be con-
ttnual war till France should yield to thu