Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
Editorial
January 23, 1802
Alexandria Advertiser And Commercial Intelligencer
Alexandria, Virginia
What is this article about?
Editorial highlights irony of France exporting democratic republics while imposing rigid military despotism internally, arguing absolute rule under one head strengthens France against divided European democracies for defense and subjugation.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
FRENCH POLITICS.
It is a remarkable fact that, while the French have been hasty in planting around them a cordon of democratic republics they have established in their own country a rigid military despotism. Which form of government will conduce most to public happiness, I leave the parties concerned to dispute and settle among themselves; but there can be but one opinion among all well-informed men, which is the best calculated for external defence, or annoyance, or what has been the design of the French in adopting measures apparently so contradictory. United under one absolute head of any kind, whether a king or a Consul, they will be a match for all Europe, cantoned into small democratic republics; and the more the powers of Government are divided among the latter, the more will they be exposed to intrigue, to civil feuds, weakness and subjugation.
It is a remarkable fact that, while the French have been hasty in planting around them a cordon of democratic republics they have established in their own country a rigid military despotism. Which form of government will conduce most to public happiness, I leave the parties concerned to dispute and settle among themselves; but there can be but one opinion among all well-informed men, which is the best calculated for external defence, or annoyance, or what has been the design of the French in adopting measures apparently so contradictory. United under one absolute head of any kind, whether a king or a Consul, they will be a match for all Europe, cantoned into small democratic republics; and the more the powers of Government are divided among the latter, the more will they be exposed to intrigue, to civil feuds, weakness and subjugation.
What sub-type of article is it?
Foreign Affairs
Constitutional
What keywords are associated?
French Politics
Democratic Republics
Military Despotism
Absolute Rule
European Defense
What entities or persons were involved?
French
Europe
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Contradiction Between French External Democratic Exports And Internal Military Despotism
Stance / Tone
Observational Critique Favoring Absolute Rule For External Strength
Key Figures
French
Europe
Key Arguments
France Plants Democratic Republics Abroad But Establishes Military Despotism At Home
Absolute Rule Under One Head Best For External Defense And Annoyance
Divided Democratic Governments In Europe Vulnerable To Intrigue, Feuds, Weakness, And Subjugation