MENACING POSITION OF FRANCE.

New Zealander, Volume 9, Issue 728, 6 April 1853, Page 4

MENACING POSITION OF FRANCE.

(From the "Alta California," January 24.) Since our article a short time since, entitled " A Cloud over Europe," we have received information from private sources, which we deem reliable and authentic, and which goes to justify our preconceived opinions on this subject. All the European journals are filled with accounts of French movements and exhibit the most marked scepticism as to the oft repeated assurance of pacific disposition on the part of the Emperor Napoleon. The policy of this sovereign has ever been extremely averse to an exposition of his intentions ; his most intimate friends and comE anions heve never been able to fathom is views, and no familiarity has ever succeeded in winning his confidence ; his designs have hitherto been impenetrable, until their consummation has called forth the astonishment of the world. The oldest and shrewdest politicians have been at fault, and conjecture has been vainly expended. His long confinement in the fortress of Ham has taught him the great lesson of self-confidence, and implicit faith in his own resources ; and also, " that which is everybody's property is noboby's secret." Every act of the Emperor of the French has been brought about by some unforeseen and unexpected modus opaandi, and has been vigorous and bold in dcßign and execution. Nobody believes in the reality of his pacific intentions, and all Europe is preparing for the opposite demonstration. The naval stations of France give evidence of unusual activity, while the diminution of the the army is regarded as a farce, which although publicly declared, has not been and will not he effected. The conscriptions of 1853 will be as large as ever—Bo,ooo inert. In the meanwhile* one hundred war steamers are said to be concentrating in the northern harbors of the Empire, fitted with every necessary

implement of art to carry swift and vengeful war to England. It is well known that the present Emperor has taken thellannibalian oath of implacable enmity to the destroyer of his illustrious progenitor and the humiliator of his country, and the keenest apprehension reigns in England as to his future movements, which the London Times in its war articles does not seek to pacify. No act on his part lias hitherto given sufficient cause to the British government publicly to take the matter in hand ; on the contrary, the policy of the Emperor lias been so uniformly pacific in its public declaration, that England can not without a seeming violation of justice and hastening on a rupture take any steps to throw a doubt on his assertions ; but the preparations for defence going on in the whole kingdom prove that the British government distrust the designs of its neighbour France. There is nothing to assure us that a declaration of war and the invasion of England wil not be coeval. It may be urged that such a proceeding would be contrary to the laws and usages of civilized nations. But in what particulars has Napoleon 111 ever acted in conformity to establish customs or laws in any portion of his extraordinary career, or what proof have we from his past conduct that he will now respect such laws and usages \ A few hours will be sufficient to carry an overpowering force, naval and military to the English coast; no such sudden and unbooked for irruption being expected, no preparation for instantaneous effective resistance could of course be made, and the French would obtain a foothold at the first assault which it will be next to impossible to drive them from, possessing as they will the enormous resources of their populous country within a few hours sail. And who is to make the French Empire accountable for such a proceeding, should it be successful':! (and that it may be is very probable.) Russia, the onlv European power able to cope single-handed against her, is playing the part of the fabled fox, which looked on at the fight between the lion and the tiger till both were exhausted, when it came up and carried off the spoil. Austria and Prussia are held in abeyance ; the one from alliance, the other from incertitude and (ear for her own existence, but ready to throw her weight into the winning scale. •France counts on the co-operation of disaffected Ireland, to whom she offers emancipation, and independent representation, with the advantage of similar religious institutions. Spain is incapable of extraneous action in the premises. Holland alone may, and probably will, aid Eiidand ; but any effort on her part will be rendered futile by the decision and promptitude of the French movement. England at present contains the palladium of European liberties, and in the event of an invasion by her powerful ancient foe will undoubtedly look for aid across the ocean, to her rebellious colonies of 70, where thousands of kindred hearts are beating warmly on the side of popular government and liberty, even in the restricted sense secured by British laws, preferring that to the glory and dominion of the newly fledged Empire in France. That she counts upon such assistance should the armies of the Emoire encompass her, is undoubtedly true ; with how much reason and propriety we leave it to the reader to judge.