The Prince De Joinville, having the interests of his country
much at heart, has been emulating the English patriotism of Viscount Palmerston, in exposing her defenceless condition. He has obtained a Royal Commission, has procured himself to be its Chairman, has instigated it to echo his celebrated " Note " on the steam-marine of France, and has published a second and more emphatic version of the Note in the shape of a Report. France, say the Prince and his Commission, has not a steam-navy: the largest steam-ships are huge delusions, incapable of bearing the guns meant for them ; the 450-horse frigates are deficient in power and speed, fit only for transports,- not war-ships ; the smaller frigates are equally inept; and the "Transatlantic" boats have been made, really as well as ostensibly, packet-boats. For, as the clever young Admiral divulged to us his cunning device to come upon us in the night, and "kill, kill, kill," so he now lets us know that the so-called- Post-office packets were meant for war- ships ; whereas they have actually been made packet-ships! There is an amazing redundancy of humour in that intent to deceive, self- frustration, and self-exposure both of the fraud and the failure. In_such fashion the French might indulge themselves in wars most harmlessly,. doing all sides of the contest themselves • plan- ning the attack, providing the defeat, and magnanimously win- ing the victory over themselves—said by moralists to be the most glorious" of all victories. Themselves their sole victors, they may achieve, campaigns without ravaging countries, aggressions without striking a brow, defeat without disgrace, victories with- out envy, "and a great many other things without a great many other things." Like the serpent chewing his own tail, emblem of cunning and eternity, (though how such a mouthful can be eternally borne, or such conduct be cunning, we are rather slow to conceive,) France opens wide her jaws, seeking whom she may devour ; and devours—herself. Joinville says so. May good di- gestion wait on appetite.
