Recollections of Society in France and England (Volume 2) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1872. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XX. POLITICAL CHANGES IN FRANCE--EXISTING PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT--M. THIERS--HIS POLICY--RESTORATION OP THE ANCIENT MONARCHY--THE COMTE DE CHAMBORD--THE EED, THE TEICOLOUEED, OE THE WHITE FLAG--POSSIBLE DENOUEMENT OF THE DRAMA. CHAPTER XX. OINCE the collapse of the "Monarchy of the Middle Classes," in 1848, France seems to have faithfully reproduced all the scenes, with the exception of the denouement, of the drama she played out at the end of the last and beginning of the current century. A Eepublic has once more given place to an Empire, and the regime of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity has again been superseded by the regime of Infantry, Cavalry, and Artillery. The downfall of the Second, as of the First Empire, has been caused or hastened by foreign hostility, and has been consummated amid national disaster and humiliation. With my memories and associations the question whether the historical parallel is destined to still further development, can scarcely fail to be one of deep and peculiar interest. The primary aspirations of all with French blood in their veins, must be to see France wipe out the stain of conquest from her escutcheon, and regain her former position in Europe. As compared with the attainment of these objects, the choice of government or rulers she may make will always be of secondary importance. That her present weakness and abasement will be permanent, or even prolonged, those who recollect the events of 1814 and 1815, and what followed on them, will be the least inclined to believe. I remember a time when France was passing through trials almost, if not quite, as severe as those she has recently experienced, when it was seriously contemplated by statesmen that she should be partitioned like Poland, or consecrated to perp...