Rensselaer Journal, Volume 11, Number 9, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 August 1901 — WILL FRENCH REPUBLIC FALL? [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

WILL FRENCH REPUBLIC FALL?

"Will France, the only great republic of Europe, give way to the pressure and allow the imperialists to put Victor Napoleon in the Emperor’s chair? There are many indications of a coming revolution. For thirty years the rich of France have been growing richer under a republic, but naturally they want a monarchy, as it would be more favorable to wealth. The masses of the people who have been growing poorer will not give armed aid to the republic, which without reason they connect with their poverty. On the other hand, the royalists have all the aid they need and may begin hostilities at any time. Nothing seemed at one time more improbable than the accession of Napoleon 111. to the throne of France. He was regarded as a charlatan of the first water. He spent the earlier years of his life in England, where no one took him seriously; and yet for twenty years be managed either as President or Emperor to- sway the destinies of France. The unexpected has ever happened in that home of political surprises. There are. therefore, many reasons which make it possible, if not probable, that Victor Napoleon may one day reign as Emperor of the French. Victor Napoleon combines within

himself contradictory elements. He is the eldest son of Prince Jerome, and the grandson of the King of Westphalia. On his mother’s side he can lay claim to not only the bluest blood of Europe, but to that reputation for orthodoxy that was her great characteristic. Prince Victor may therefore appeal not only to those who still believe in the Napoleonic legend, but to many

whose loyalty to the Legitimist principle has been shaken by the irresponsibility of the Due d’Orleans. In some respects, however, he Is at a disadvantage; he is by no means so well provided with worldly goods as his rival; for he depends entirely on an allowance mads to him by the Empress Eugenie. This Is his greatest weakness, for it is said that she wishes to end her days in France. Were her nephews to make an unsuccessful “coup d’etat,” this would cease to be within the limits of possibility, and many of his supporters fear he would then forfeit his allowance. He has, therefore, everything to lose should he spell failure, and tais must tell against him in France, where daring is the one essential for success. On the other hand, many elements are fighting in his favor, and his ultimate triumph is quite within the region of practical politics. The republic has lost its glamour. Many of its champions will argue that it has produced able and distinguished men, but they will admit that they are all more or less tainted by their contact with Government. One scandal after another has driven men from public life. Panama, the decorations, boulangism, and “affaire” have successively destroyed many a reputation.