Year: 1869

The French Enpire-Rumors Of Napo's"s's
impending AbdicatiOn.


A cable telegram brought us yesterday
rumors of a possible abdication by the Emperor
of the French. Liable as Napoleon Iii. is to
return Of sickness, incapacitating him for
active personal government" it is thought by
many that the majority and the successorship Of
his son will be proclaimed on the next birthday
Of the Prince Imperial, the 10th of March,
1870. However improbable the abdication Of
the Emperor may seem, it is not impossible.
With his characteristic foresight Napoleon iii.
may not be unwilling to try the experiment OF
| acoustoming his son and France without, his
direct Intervention, to ''running the machine"
which he has SO carefully elaborated and to
which he has recently, in Difference to
unmstakable indications of the popular will,
added so many important liberal improvements.
The prospect however, of the possible abdica-
ton Of the Emperor in favor of his son Is at
present less practically interesting than the
attitude which his cousin, the Prince Napoleon,
has lately taken.


In view of the critical condition OF the
Emperor's health and the progress of reforma-
tory reconstruction in the government Of
France, the position assumed by Prince
| Napoleon, as the expounder of liberal ideas in
the Senate, has occasioned much comment,
| and has been characterized as both ill-timed
and scandalous by the conservative Senators
and imperialst journals. The Prince Is far
too liberal, according to their ideas Of pru-
dence and progress. Notwithstanding the un-
qualified dissatisfaction which the speech of
the Prince has encountered from such sources,
Notwithstanding the vote of the Senate reject
ing by an overwhelming majority an amend
ment to the Senatus Cons,Atuu proposing
reforms in the constitution of that body, we
| are constrained to think, from the accord
which seems to exist between the Emperor and
his cousin, that the latter is not acting unad-
visedly, but with the full concurrence and
appreciation of Napoleon. The Prince is a man
Of unquestionable genius, and, although rather
an extremist in his opinions and lacking much
Of that administrative foresight and prudence
which characterize his more astute cousin, his
well known liberal tendencies would suggest
him as fitting instrument, well chosen by the
Emperor, for the elucidation of those reforms
contemplated in the experiment Of parlia-
mentary government.


Accepting the theory that the Prince is but
moving under the advice and inspiration Of
the Emperor, we recognize in his senatorial
a. IND
eating the forthcoming Of q more liberal
regime than that promised in the late imperial
message, and a probable further change Of
policy In keeping with the progressive spirit of
the age. If such, indeed, be not the case, if
the Prince is acting solely on his own respon-
sibility and to the embarrassment OF the
policy Of the government, why does he remain
unrebuked, and why have we not seen some
evidence Of imperial displeasure, like that
which sllenced him some years ago, after an
imprudent harangue, and subsequently neces-
STATED his resignation as President of the
Imperial Commission for the Universal Exposi-
ton Of 1862 Surely, II not in accord with
the Emperor, the closetings and interviews
reported by telegraph would reveal some
assurance Of disagreement, whereas we are
told instead that public opinion receives the
speech as displaying great ability and liberal
spirit. The Emperor, according to the consti-
tuition, exercises psternal power over oil the
members Of the imperial family, and it can
scarcely be supposed that he would quietly
submit to q move which, unsanctioned by him,
/ iksn1 int ind
to fragrant and refractory disobedience.
Napoleon I'LL, by his firm and judicious
rule, has been able to govern and direct for
! their good people that before his time
acknowledged no master except Napoleon L.
since the death of Louis XIV. Strong per-


sonal government was necessary to restore
order and tranquility in country prone to


convulsion under the guidance of revolutionary
factions. Years Of rest and prosperity have


not only developed the material interests of


the nation, but have prepared the people for


more liberal institutions. Napoleon, with his


characteristic boldness of initiative, accepts


the situation, abandons or greatly modifes


personal government and sets about inaugu-


rating reforms which shall meet the aspirations


Of the people. In the pursuit of this policy,
judging from present indications, he is dis


posed to go further and effect, il possible, Q


complete union and harmony between his


government and the national representation


All these are so many steps towards disarm-


ing the opposition, popularizing his dynasty


and securing the succession of his son. They
| Prol0gues to the swelling act


| OF the imperial theme


which is to reconcile Napoleonic ideas and


empire with liberal government.


The Emperor realizes that the perpetuatior


Of his dynasty depends in a great measure


upon the popularity Of his government at thu


time of his death, and hence his solicitude Il


see the consolidation of such liberal measure.