Year: 1871

Mr.. EDIToR:-When the natural passions excited
by the frightful war, raging the Continent OF
Europe, have subsded, after the restoration of Peace
when the destructive and deadly antagoHism of the
combatants has given place to a generous emulation
for the welfare of mankind and the furtherance OF
the progress of the human mind it will be inter
esting study to gather and the documents rea-
tive to the eventful phases of the Franco German
war


Napoleon III has just published the military part
of a work, that he is preparing in his magnificent
prison of WhelmshOhe under the title of The causes
that have brought about the captulation of Sedan
(By an officer attached to the Head Staff) The po-
litica part will appear under the head of: Re
lations of France and Germany il the reign of Ma
poleon III-(By Senator Of tie Empire.)


The main arguments of the imperial thesis may
prove, even now, matter OF interest," l am there
fore going to expound them showing, as impartally
as can, both sides of the question, that every
one can make such comments as may best suit his
personal opinion or favorite tendencies.


And firstly, Napoleon admits that when he com
menced Lostilities, he knew full well that he
had but 800, 900 men ready for active service His
hope was to compensate the numeric nferority of
his army by great rapldity of movement, which





Germany and cut it off from The North. The dis
proportion of forces would then have been maeri-
ally diminished. This he could not accomplish,
since, events have proved, his plan of invasion
was anticipated by the Prussians He failed on ac-
count of delays which he mputes to the "defeets of
the French military organization, which have been
in existence for the last fifty years."


This statement might naturally be objected to
by Republican Frenchman, (whom will here
nroduce for the sake OF argument) that all
powerful military government, such as the Empire
has been for eighteen years. has no excuse for not
having discovered and done away with those vices
of "rOutibe" after the experience of two previous
wars in which they showed themselves but too ap
parently.


The author of this pamphlet meets this argument
by accusing the Legislative Assembly OF having ere
fused their necessary cooperation to the most urg
eut reforms Who does not remember the Difficult
ties and protests which arose from the introduction
of the bill for military reorganization? The mem
bers of the opposition were upholding the most
absurd theories about legee en.masse saltogether i'm
practicable-and hostile feeling prevailed every
where"


My French Republican has ready answer for
this and be is perhaps fond rf arguing, he SAYS
that the above was true during the last two years
when the gduche numbered about forty adherents,
but that in the previous sixteen years, the Assembly
showed themselves anxious and ready TO follow aud
support the suggestions and measures proposed
by the government and that il the military system
should have been improved, it could have been bet
tered if found deficient and wanting. The Emperor
then states that after the unproptious beginning of
the campaign-for which he felt he would be held
responsble-R gave up the command Of the army
to Marshal Bazaine in whose talents every one had
great confidence; but he soon found out that after
having resigned his position commander-in-ehie
in order to assume again his supreme authority in
the State it was impossible for him TO carry ont his
intentions.


He wanted to go to Paris, with Marshal Mcmahon
at the head of the troops which then assembled
at Chaons, but this decision met with strong oppo
sion on the part of the government of the Empress
Regent, who sent orders to Marshal Mcmahon TO
proceed to Metz in spite of all the dangers that he
for in that flank movement. 1t is therefore
the Government Of Paris that the Emperor lays the
responsibility of the disaster of sedan-a disaster
which was forseen by McMahon, on account of the
lack of cohesion OF bis new army, which he meant
to drill and exercise under the walls of Paris The





by the utter impossibilitY in which he fonnd him
self, either of continuing the flight or of eecting
retreat.


Finally, the Emperor ascribes the success Of Prus
sia to the superior number the inexibe discipline
of her army and the regard of the Germans for the
recognized principles of authority. In France on
the contrary, the Assembly opposed measures calcn
lated to increase the material forces of the nation
and the wars in Africa introduced in the army de-
porable traditions, lack of discipline, want Of cohe
sion, exaggeration in the weight TO be carried by
the soldiers, well as in the baggage allowed to
the officers The looseness Of discipline is also
cribed by Napoleon III TO the violent language of
the Press, which everywhere spread bitter spirit
OF criticism There a great deal of truth in
these last imputations, and as the eontra-argument
of my friend the Republican do not seem TO me for
chile enough, shall not continue them.


have lately become acquainted with some curious
facts connected with the mysterious visit Of General
Boarbaki TO the Empress in England, which viii
communicate TO you at early date


Yours truly,