uld say that the
latter (Louis Philippe) was possessed of vast knowledge upon all and
every subject, of immense experience in public affairs, and of great
activity of mind; whereas the Emperor possesses greater judgment and
much greater firmness of purpose, but no experience of public affairs,
nor mental application; he is endowed, as was the late King, with much
fertility of imagination.

Another great difference between King Louis Philippe and the
Emperor is, that the poor King was _thoroughly French_ in character,
possessing all the liveliness and talkativeness of that people,
whereas the Emperor is as _unlike_ a _Frenchman_ as possible, being
much more _German_ than French in character.... How could it be
expected that the Emperor _should_ have any _experience_ in _public
affairs_, considering that till six years ago he lived as a poor
exile, for some years even in prison, and never having taken the
slightest part in the _public_ affairs of _any_ country?

It is therefore the more astounding, indeed almost incomprehensible,
that he should show all those powers of Government, and all that
wonderful tact in his conduct and manners which he evinces, and which
many a King's son, nurtured in palaces and educated in the midst of
affairs, never succeeds in attaining. I likewise believe that he would
be incapable of such tricks and over-reachings as practised by poor
King Louis Philippe (for whose memory, as the old and kind friend of
my father, and of whose kindness and amiable qualities I shall ever
retain a lively sense), who in great as well as in small things took
a pleasure in being cleverer and more cunning than others, often
when there was no advantage to be gained by it, and which was,
unfortunately, strikingly displayed in the transactions connected with
the Spanish marriages, which led to the King's downfall and ruined
him in the eyes of all Europe. On the other hand, I believe that the
Emperor Napoleon would not hesitate to do a thing by main force,
even if in itself unjust and tyrannical, should he consider that the
_accomplishment of his destiny_ demanded it.

The _great advantage_ to be derived for the permanent alliance
of England and France, which is of such vital importance to both
countries, by the Emperor's recent visit, I take to be this: that,
with his peculiar character and views, which are very personal, a
kind, unaffected, and hearty reception by us _personally_ in our own
family will make a las