Bismarck's misunderstanding of the French national character and political needs was well betrayed when he favored a Republic rather than a Legitimist monarchy in France, because a French Republic would, in his opinion, necessarily keep France a weak and divided neighbor.

The Republic has kept France divided, but it has been less divided than it would have been under any monarchical government.

It has successfully weathered a number of very grave domestic crises; and its perpetuity will probably depend primarily upon its ability to secure and advance by practical means the international standing of France.

The Republic has been obliged to meet a foreign peril more prolonged and more dangerous than that which has befallen any French government since 1600.

From the time of Richelieu until 1870, France was stronger than any of her continental neighbors.