6 JANUARY 1866, Page 7

The Emperor of the French held his annual levde on

New Year's Day, and this time expressed a hope that he might " augur a long day of peace and prosperity for the world," a prophecy which, as the augur is also Csssar, may possibly be realized. At least the peace may, but prosperity must wait till Europe ceases to keep every tenth male in idleness out-of taxes, in order that he may at some future period protect the other nine. Europe is at peace just as a soldier is at ease when marching under a hot sun in full accoutrements. Suppose the Emperor in his zeal for the pros- perity of the wor1d reduced the army of France one-fourth ?