On the Natural Boundaries of Empires. 101 
cording to true ee lines of demarcation. Thee har- 
emagne, after u France, Italy, and Germany, under 
his ——: oray, established that nore = Seg States, 
whic ned unaltered to the prese 
aha aoa the ambitious Napoleon fore es the 
forek of this law; when victory had placed at his disposal ma- 
ny of the finest regions of Europe, he did not attempt, aga 
in a few nay ee, to unite them to France; he placed h 
relations and friends on the vacant thrones, trusting to thetr 
personal friendship, and to political reasons, for their assis- 
ar. 
At other periods; “how often has the funeral cry which 
arose at the tomb of the warrior king been the signal for 
the dismemberment of his empire.’ 
When vicious troops are poured into a country, they 
gradually cuillenn with the original inhabitants. The scenes 
of nature impress oe with irresistible force, and they soon 
begin to understand, sai cr <a ieee ipee of nations should 
be the gi law of the w 
pire ot be quatified without monarchica Peed 
Thus the s eine laws apply to the boundaries of nations, under 
whatever form of government they are placed. 
RIVERS. 
There is probably no opinion more general, and more er- 
roneous, than that of large rivers forming a boundary to 
ations. 
_ Itis wrong to vex @ peaceful river with armed garrisons on 
its banks. 
_ Itis no less wrong in a political point of view. 
Numerous forces will be stationed on the shores, by either 
oll and collisions must necessarily ensue. 
ae a communication that numerous custom house 
officers must be engaged in active service. The river, instead 
