royalist journals call the ridiculous farce of the national representation, but what you perhaps will find to be truly noble, and worthy the best ages of liberty.

At the opening of the meeting, in the morning of yesterday, a message from the government informed the chamber that every precaution had been taken by the executive to insure the tranquillity of the capital, and the safety of the government and of the national representation. The chamber then proceeded to the order of the day, and the discussion of the constitution article by article. Two other messages arrived, giving notice, that the army had been paid for the whole month of June, that the sums for the payment of the present month were in the hands of the receiver-general, and that two millions had been advanced to the troops on marching: the second related to the fourth veteran battalion being allowed to continue its duties at Paris. The discussion on the constitution was resumed, and passed to the question of the peerage, whether or not it should be bereditary and unlimited, which excited much debate. Two secretaries were sent to the Tuileries to hasten a message from the government, which had long been expected to decide upon their destinies, it being known that the Luxemburgh, where the peers were sitting, was occupied by Prussian troops. The debate,

1

however, continued, and M. Manuel, in an eloquent speech, supported the hereditary and unlimited peerage. General Carnot had ascended the tribune to deliver his sentiments, when a state officer from the Tuileries presented himself at the end of the theatre, with the long expected message. The eyes of every one present were instantly directed towards him: it was in vain that some members demanded that the deliberations should not be interrupted; no one looked at, or listened to the orator, who, overcome by the impatience of the assembly, discontinued his argument, and himself taking the paper, read, from the tribune, the following communication.

"Monsieur le President,

"Jusqu'ici nous avons dû croire que les souve"rains alliés n'étaient point unanimes sur le choix "du prince qui doit régner en France. Nos plénipotentiaires nous ont donné les mêmes assu66 rances à leur retour.

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"Cependant les ministres et les généraux des puissances alliés ont déclaré hier, dans les conférences qu'ils ont eues, avec le président de la "commission, que tous les souverains s'étaient engagés a replacer Louis XVIII. sur le trône,

VOL. II.

M

"et qu'il doit faire ce soir ou demain son entrée "dans la capitale.

"Les troupes étrangères viennent d'occuper "les Tuileries où siège le gouvernment.

"Dans cet état de choses, nous ne pouvons plus

que faire des vœux pour la patrie, et nos délibé"rations n'étant plus libres nous croyons devoir "nous séparer.

"Le Marechal Prince d'Essling, et le prefet "de la Seine, ont été chargés de veiller au main"tien de l'ordre, de la sûreté et de la tranquillité publiques.

"J'ai l'honneur de vous offrir, M. le president, "les nouvelles assurances de ma haute considera«tion.

"Le President de la Commission de Gouvernement.

(Signé)

"Le Duc de OTRANTE.

"Comte GRENIER.

"QUINETTE.

"CARNOT.

"CAULAINCOURT, Duc de Vicenze."

The recital of this message was heard in, and succeeded by, a profound silence; and M. Manuel, reporter of the committee of constitu

tion, ascending the tribune, addressed the assembly.

"What has happened you have all foreseen; "with whatever rapidity events have succeeded "each other, they have not surprised you; and "already your declaration, founded upon the

deep feelings of your duty, has told to all "France that you are able to fulfil and com

plete your glorious design. The commission of government has been reduced to a position "which leaves it incapable of farther defence. "As to ourselves, it is our duty to allot to our

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country all our last moments, and, if need be, "the last drops of our blood. The time, per"haps, is not far distant, which shall restore you "to all your rights, consecrate public liberty, "accomplish all your wishes, and fulfil all the "desires of every Frenchman: that time it be"comes us to look forward to with the calm dignity worthy the representatives of a great

people. Let there be neither shouts, nor complaints, nor acclamations. You are animated "by one firm resolve, which the dictates of wis"dom must develop, adorned with her charac"teristic qualities, and clearly demonstrated to "be the settled impression of every generous "heart. Forget, I demand it of you, every per"sonal interest; suffer no apprehension to hide

"from your eyes the good of your country:

you will complete your work by continuing

your deliberations. Gentlemen, one of two things must happen, either the allied armies "will permit the usual sittings of your assembly, " or violence will tear you from this sanctuary., "If we are to remain free, let us not have to "reproach ourselves with any hesitation or in"terruption; if we are to bend beneath the laws "of force, let us leave to others the odium "of such a violation, and let the disgrace of

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having stifled the accents of independence fall "with all its weight upon those who dare to "undertake so base an office. You have pro"tested beforehand; you protest again, against 66 every act aggressive on our liberties, and the "rights of your constituents. Alas! would you "have to fear such evils, if the promises of

kings were not given in vain? What, then, "remains, but to exclaim with that orator whose "words have resounded throughout the whole "of Europe: We are here by the will of "the people-the bayonet alone shall drive us "hence."" Four distinct peals of applause, notwithstanding the injunction, greeted the ora tor as he concluded his speech. The chamber, having agreed unanimously to the proposal of M. Manuel, entered again upon the business of