Daily National Intelligencer

CONDITION OF FRANCE

Extract of a letter (dated 18th Aug.) from an American gentleman now in France to his friend in Boston.

"In this country we have fine weather, the prospect of good harvest, and the certainty, I think, that the liberty of the people, for a time at least, will prevail. The despotic governments around us are alarmed at the march of public opinion in France. They tremble, and with reason; for it is scarcely possible that the liberty of the press can exist in so powerful a country as this without opening the eyes of those who border on them. The ancient nobility and clergy, especially those who have returned here since the peace, have ever since been making efforts to place the government upon its old footing, nor are they yet disposed to let the people alone. They have had one terrible lesson; and can they want another?

A Congress of Ministers is about to assemble at Carlsbad; what is intended to be done you know as well as myself. Several tubs for the whale have been already thrown out. It is said they mean to reduce the armed force of Europe; a very good thing for the people on whose shoulders they stand, and who are sweating under the enormous load of taxes required to support them. But who is to make the beginning? It is about an equal chance that they decide the question by fighting.

Whatever may be done elsewhere, be assured that France is fast recovering herself, and that she will soon be called upon to take an important part in the affairs of Europe The nation, I grant, is naturally fickle; fond of change: but, as some excuse at least, let it be recollected that they have had every thing to deal with from '92 to the return of the King, and even until the last year; for the country, being under military occupation, could hardly have an opinion."—Patriot.