A VINDICATION OF NAPOLEON III.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 778, 18 February 1871, Page 2

A VINDICATION OF NAPOLEON 111.

At a special meeting of the Dublin Corporation, to consider certain matters with reference to the Continental War, one of the speakers touched on the causes which led to war between France and Prussia, and concluded thus : —" For three years past Prussia has been planning an invasion of France. Among the official papers found iu the Tuilleries is a despatch to the French Minister for War from Captain Samuel, writing from Forbach on the 9th April, 1868, —two years and a half ago, be it noted—which I will read for the House" : " Since Monday I have followed General Moltke, who is visiting France, and studying the positions. On Monday I overtook him at Mayence. Tuesday he stopped at Berkenfeld, and took notes of the heights near the ruins of the old castle. He slept that night at Saarbruck, and has taken the dispositions of the defence' at the station and at the canal. Yesterday he was at Saarlouis, where he is now. This morning, in spite of bad weather, he went out in a carriage to visit the heights surrounding Vaudeyangue and Berns. I suppose, from information, that he will go to-night or to-morrow to Treveß, whence he will descend the Moselle."

" What did this mean ? "With this information in their possession, the French Government knew all that lay beTiind the Spanish nomination — namely, a formidable design of aggression upon France. Men have eagerly blamed the Emperor—that great ruler who raised France to prosperity and power —as if he were the author of this war. Nothing could be more baseless and unjust. I say the Emperor might as well have laid his head upon the block as hesitate to act upon the demand which the French nation, alarmed for its existence, made upon liim to grapple with aggressive and treacherous Prussia ere it was too late. —(Hear, hear.) Too late it was even then, as it happened. The real fault of the Emperor was that he was too pacific France has been worsted so far because she was unprepared and unarmed. Prussia has won so far because she was arming, planning, and preparing for a raid on France for ihree years past.—(Hear, hear.) On this whole case 1 now assert that this war has been one of self-defence for France against a rapacious and aggressive foe ; and sure am I the Emperor spoke truly in his proclamation, that France, in this war, sought no injustice, but rather to relieve Europe from an oppressive incubus. Alone France has had to bear the brunt of the fight, yet surely she deserved better than this from F]urope, from England, from the world. Before ever a kingdom of Prussia appeared on the map of Europe, France had made the world her debtor for glorious services to civilization, to science, to arts. She has given great and glorious names to the world's history ; she has done deeds of chivalry ; she has poured her blood for public liberty ; she has been a great, a noble, and a generous nation. What, on the other hand, has Prussia done for the world? What deed of national chivalry can she point tor" Wiafc act in all her career, that was not selfish and mercenary ? And vet between two such combatants, and iq such a combat, Europe holds coolly aloof! Even England, to assist whom in repressing Russian aggression, without any personal interest to serve, she poured her blood so freely, has shrunk from her side.