ciliate, even his astute genius may
well be puzzled as to the wisest policy. But it is of no consequence
what particular government France may impose upon the conquered
State,--monarchical, vice-regal, or republican,--Maximilian, a
Bonaparte, or some one of the seditious Mexican chiefs. In either case,
if the French plan succeeds, the broad country which Cortes won and
Spain lost, will be virtually a dependency of France.

* * * * *

Even while we write, France has embarked in yet other schemes of
colonial aggrandizement. She has just purchased the port of Oboch on the
eastern coast of Africa, near the entrance of the Red Sea. The place is
not laid down upon the maps; nor is its naval and commercial importance
known; but its proximity to Aden suggests that it may be intended as a
checkmate to that English stronghold. In the great island of Madagascar
she is founding mercantile establishments whose exact character have not
as yet been divulged; but experience teaches us that these enterprises
are likely to be pursued with promptness and vigor.

Thus France is displaying in colonial affairs an aggressive activity
which was scarcely to have been expected. To what extent she may perfect
her plans no one can prophesy. That she will be able to girdle the earth
with her possessions, and rear strongholds in every sea, is not
probable. England has chosen almost at her leisure what spots of
commercial advantage or military strength she will occupy; and the whole
world hardly affords the material for another colonial system as wide
and comprehensive.

* * * * *

There is one consideration which ought not to be overlooked. It is this:
the relations which Louis Napoleon has succeeded in maintaining between
himself and that power which had the most interest in defeating his
schemes, and the most ability to do it. Under the Bourbons, the whole
policy of France was based upon a principle of settled and unchangeable
enmity to England. As a result, war always broke out while French
preparations were incomplete; and the concentrated English navy swept
from the sea almost every vestige of an opposing force. The present
French emperor has adopted an altogether different course. He has sought
the friendship of England. He has multiplied occasions of mutual action.
He has sedulously avoided occasions of offence. Kinglake, in his
"Crimean War," intimates that Louis Napoleon des