NAPOLEON'S PROCLAMATION.

Bruce Herald, Volume VI, Issue 361, 29 March 1871, Page 6

NAPOLEON'S PROCLAMATION.

The following is the translation of tho proclamation of the Emperor Napoleon to the electors of Francs : — " WiLHELJisnoiiis, Fobruaiy B.— Betrayed by fortune, I have maintained since my captivity that profound silence which is misfortune's mourning As long as the armies confronted each other, I abstained from any stops or words capable of creating p;irty_ dissensions ; but 1 can no longer remain silent before my country's disasters, without appearing insensible to its sufferings. '• When I was made prisoner, I could not ask for peace, because my resolution would appear to have baen dictated by personal considerations. I left the Begont to decide whether it was to the interest of the nation to continue the struggle. Notwithstanding the unparalleled reverses, Franca was unsubdued, her strongholds unreduced, a few departments invaded, and Paris in a state of defence. The extent of her misfortunes might possibly have been limttsd, but, while attention was directed to your enemies, an insurrection arose in Paris, the seats of the Representatives violalod, the .safety of the ErtipreS3 threatened, and the E.npire, which had been three timas acclaiine .1 by the people, overthrown and abandoned. Stifling my presentiments, I claimed nothing for my dynasty if the country be saved. Instead of protesting against the violation of my rights, 1 hoped for a successful defence, and admired the patriotic devotion of the children of France "JS T ow, when the struggle is suspended, and all reasonable chance of victory has disappeared, it is time to call to account the usurpers for the bloodshed, and ruin, and squandered resources. It ia impossible to abandon the destihie3 of Franca to an unauthorised Government, which wa3 given no authority emanating from universal suffrage. Order, confidence, and solid peace are only recoverable when tho people are consulted. *' Regarding the Government- most capable of repairing the disasters to the country, it is essential that France should be united to *er wishes For myself, disheartened by ii • justice and bitter deception, I do not kmr* nor claim my rights ; ' there is no room for personal ambition till people are regularly assembled and express their will. . '■' It is my duty to say that alLthe facts are illegitimate ; there is one Government in which resided the national sovereignty able to heal the wounds,: to bring hope to the fireside, to reopeu the profaned churches, for prayers, and to restore industry,- COneordj and peace."