Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 63, No. 389, March 1848Various
History
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 63, No. 389, March 1848
Various
England -- Periodicals; Scotland -- Periodicals
When Blucher, on his visit to this country after the war, rode through
the streets of London, he was observed, amidst all the shouts of
acclamation, to be peering curiously at the windows of the shops,
which then, as now, exhibited a tempting and valuable display. When
asked what he thought of the metropolis, the worthy veteran replied
with a deep sigh, whilst a tear rolled down his venerable cheek--"Mein
Gott! What a city for to sack!" Such were the first impressions of old
Marshal Forwards; and, with all deference to Cobden's sagacity, we
suspect that the amiable French, if they had it in their power, would
not be slow to realise the sentiments. Indeed, his Royal Highness the
Prince of Joinville, being of an open and candid nature, does not
hesitate to acknowledge it in as many words. We do not think a whit
the worse of Joinville for saying so: on the contrary, we are obliged
to him, and, if wise, we shall treasure the hint. He merely speaks the
sentiments of a large portion of his countrymen, who very probably
have no abstract wish for war, and would rather let things rest as
they are. Of all nations in the world, the French have the best
possible excuse for reducing their armaments, since France is
inundated with troops, and they have few foreign territorial
possessions. As compared with Britain proper, France could afford to
shake off nearly three-fourths of her establishment, and yet remain
upon an equality; but although Algeria may now be considered as safe
and tranquil, there are no demonstrations of the kind. The French army
is organised and ready to act upon any emergency: ours is too small,
is dispersed, and we have not an adequate reserve at home.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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