66

M. DE GUEVEL.--The last speaker is, them from their Chief, it is our duty to mistaken in point of fact. The form of declare that the army is the nation; that the oath introduced in the decree of the the brave men composing that army are 3d of June, is literally conformable with but our advanced guard; that we think as the dispositions of the Senatus Consulte of they do. Pardon, colleagues, the warmth the 24th Floreal, year 11. The article that animates my words; can one feel prescribes the following form,—- I swear strongly without speaking strongly? I see obedience to the Constitutions of the Em- the danger near-I see it as it is. It pire, and fidelity to the Emperor.”. The should be known we are all devoted to. proposed reservation would be unconsti- our Sovereigo, and in an honourable mantutional. The additional act has been ner I demand the Order of the Day. accepted by the French people; it is General SEBASTIANI -I oppose the sanctioned by the Assembly at the Champ Order of the day. The question is too de Mai: let us prove to the nation that we important to be got rid of so lightly. are disposed to support that act with all It deserves, on the contrary, a solemn our efforts. I demand the order of the decision, after a mature examination. day.- (Numerous applauses.)

When Europe, still uncertain, with her M. Roy (of Paris)—“ I vote like eyes upon us, is ready to divide itself, wise for the order of the day; but I must shall we call in question the legality of frankly confess that if the question was to this oath? We have an army, which is discuss the form of the oath, I would not an army of Cossacks; it will preserve rather that there should be added to it a both our liberty and independence; I atpromise of fidelity to the nation, for the test its honour and its courage. I move first duty of the Representatives of the that the deliberation of the Chamber be in nation is obedience to their orders. On favour of the oath; I do not hesitate to the other hand, this legislative power take it individually. is not now comtituted as it was in the year M. DUMOLARDI renounce my

demand 12; I see no analogy—the Senate, the for the Order of the Day, and adhere to Tribunate, the Legistative Body, no the General's proposal.

,

. longer exists.(Violent murmers.)

M. BOULAY DE LA MEURTHE- With M. DUMOlard called out loudly to be respect to the oath of fidelity to the Emhear..

peror, certainly I take it most willingly, M. Bedoc was for the order of the day, and I think in doing it I do an act emiohserving, that nothing could hinder the nently French--for the Emperor is in my two Chambers from employing themselves, eyes the first Representative of the nation, in more tranquil times, in ameliorating the the legitimate and established head of the Constitution.

State, the first tie of the Union. Hence, MODUMOLARD-God forbid that in the when I swear to be faithful to him, I think National Tribune I should suppose any I swear to be so to the nation itself. We thing contrary to the rights and interests must here speak freely, and tell the truth. of the nation. The nation is above every There exist in France two parties--one thing with me. The Emperor exists for which is national comprises the great mass aid by the nation. If it were neces- of the people, stipulates for her independsary to choose between one and the other, ence, honour, and real interest-the other my choice is not doubtful. In the pre- may be called the faction of the foreigner sent circumstances the nation must be -Yes, Gentlemen, there exist Frenchsaved with and through the Emperor men vile enough to call in the English, (great enthusiasm in the assembly). Let Russians, Prussians, &c. The Bourbons us recollect that the enemy is on the fron are the heads of that faction; it is they, tiers, let us recollect the intrigues of Eng- who, by help of foreign bayonets, would land--the first duty of France is to re- again impose upon us an humiliating yokę. pulse the enemy (Applause). We wish We'must speak out—speak out unanito march only with our invincible armies mously, for without doubt, and I am far - we do not wish to isolate ourselves from suspecting, the foreigner has no refrom them. When the insidious procla- presentatives here. For myself I consult mations of Louis XVIII. attack the ho. only my conscience, and my duty; and nour of the soldiers, and depict them as to-morrow, in the presence of the Emrebels--when it is attempted to separate peror and the two Chambers, that is, in

the presence of the nation, I declare, I Representatives took the benches in the will take with pleasure the oath of obedio centre. There was a bench for the Mience to the Constitution of the Empire, nisters and Council of State. His Majesty and of fidelity to the Emperor? (General was received at the foot of the steps by the cries of " To the dote! to the vote!") President and twenty-five Members of the

M. Gourlac-The Member has spo- Representative body. His Majesty stopt ken of the efforts of the foreigners to di- in the hall and received the President and vide us; it might have been added, that in Vice-Presidents, who were severally preLa Vendee the enemies of the interior sented to him. lle then entered the employ all means to subdue the men of Assembly amidst the unanimous acclamathe revolution. I am for the oath ( Fresh tions of all present, who received him calls of “ To the vote! to the vote!") standing. Having taken his place on the

The President consults the Chamber, throne, surrounded by the Princes, Grard and the proposal for the oath is unani- Dignitaries, Ministers, and Grand Eagles mously carried.

of the Legion of Honour, &c.: the Master M. Gen. Carnot-I move, that to add of the Ceremonies received his Majesty's to the glory and to the enthusiasm of our order to invite the Peers and Represenarmies, the Chamber decree that they de- tatives to sit down. The President of the served well of their country. They have Representatives took his seat in a chair in avoided the shedding of blood, and their the centre of the hall, having two ushers, moderation has equalled their courage.

behind him. The names of the Peers M. DUCHESNE-We are all of the same were then called over, and each took the mind respecting the army. It has given oath. A Secretary having called the name proofs, and its glory is established. But of the first alphabetically, pronounced the in the present circumstance we ought to form of the oath.-" I swear obedience to say only that we expect every thing from the Constitutions of the Empire, and fide. its courage. Since it has not yet been lity to the Emperor.". The Peer, standable to signalize itself afresh, I do not ing up and lifting up his hand, said, “ I think that (marked and general disappro- swear it.” In like manner the Chamber bation.)

of Representatives was called over alphaM. REGNAULT DE ST. JEAN ANGELY- betically, and took the oath each, in the With all our attachment to the army, I same terms. The appeal being thus gone must

say that the declaration demanded through, the Emperor uncovered for a by General Carnot, cannot emanate from moment, then having re-covered his head a single branch of the Legislature. We he delivered the following speech: are not definitively constituted; hence we

Messieurs of thic Chamber of Peers and Messicurs have not even the legal character neces

of the Chamber of Ripresentatives--For the last sary to make it the object of a simple resolution.

But if you cannot alone give this three months existing circumstances and the conhonourable testimony to your sons, to mine fidence of the nation have invested me with urili. who forms part of that formidable barrier mited authority. The present day will behold to foreign invasion, to those brave Na- the folóilment of the wish dearest to my heart. I tional Guards, raised on all sides, and in

now commence a Constitutional Monarchy.-a number which it is not yet time to disclose to our enemies, it is to the whole Mortals are too weak to insure future events; it nation to pay that sacred debt. I move, is solely the legal institutions which determine that acknowledging all the justice of our the destinies of nations. Monarchy is necessary Colleague's proposal, the decision be ad

to France, to guarantee the liberty, the indepen. journed till after the union of the three dence, and the riglıts of the people--Our Constipowers. The adjournment was

pronounced.

tution and laws are scattered ; one of our most PARIS, JUNE 8.--Yesterday, at four important occupatious will be to collect them into

Emperor in

reach of every mind. This work will recommend open the Session of the Legislature. The Peers went with an escort of honour to the present age to the gratitude of future genee the Palace of Representatives, and took rations. It is my wish that France should enjoy their seats to the right of the throne ; the i all possible liberty. I say possible, because

state to the Palace of Representatives to a solid body, and to bring the whole within the

are,

anarchy resolves itself into absolute Government. | die rather than survive the dishovour and degraA formidable coalition of Kings ibreaten our datioe of France. The sacred cause of the condindependence; their armies are approaching our try shall triumph! frontiers. The frigate La Melpomene has been This discourse was followed by cries of attacked and captured in the Mediterranean Vive. l'Empereur! Vive l'Imperatrice ! after a saugninary action with an English ship of Vice la Famille Imperiale! Vive la Pa. 74 guns. Blood has been shed in time of peace. trie! Vite lu Nation!—The same accla

mations, the same transports, followed his Qar enemies reckon on our internal divisions! Majesty when passing through the crowd They excite and foment a civil war. Assemblages of Deputies, as he left the hall. The Prehave been formed, and communications are car. sident re-conducted the Emperor at the ried ou with Glent, in the same manner às with head of the Deputation. Coblentz in 1792. Legislative measures therefore, become indispensibly necessary; and IONTHE THREATEN'D INVASION OF FRANCE. place my coufidence, without reserve, in your pa.

Anno Domini 1815. triotism, your wisdom, and your attachment to my Oft did NAPOLEON offer Peace, person. The Liberty of the Press is jnberent in our And, when refus’d, forWA'R prepare, present Constitution ; por can any change be made which serv'd lis glory to increase, in it, without altering our whole political sys- And left his foes disgrace to share ; tem; but it must be subject to legal restrictions, Again such offer he has made

; more especially in the present state of the nation.

And still his foes refuse to treat. I therefore recommend this important matter to Swearing they'll once more France invade your serious cousideration. My ministers will

A Bourbon on her throne to seat: inform you of the situation of our affairs. The finances would be in a satisfactory state, except

Thus, among nations, FRANCE alove from the increase of expence which the present

Is calld on to renounce her Chief; circumstances, renders nec essary; yet we might But great Napoleon fills her throne, face every thing, if the receipts contained in the

And he's gone forth to ler relief, budget were all realizable within the year. It is His god-like presence will disnay to the means of arriving at this result that my A host of foes, where he appears ; minister of finance will direct your attention. It Like chaff he'll scatter them away, is possible that the first duty of a Prince may And they'll fall victims to their fears; poon call me to the head of the sons of the nation, Let then his foes retract in time w fight for the country—the army and myself

Nor further dictate laws to France, will do our duty.- You, Peers and Representa- Lest they are punish'd for their crime, tives, give to the nation an example of confi.

And taught the grand Carmagnol darce. dence, energy, and patriotism; and, like tlie

ALFRED N. senate of the great people of antiquity, swear to | Temple, June 12th, 1815.

Priated and Published by G. Houston, No. 192, Strand; where all Communications addressed

to the Editor, are requested to be forwarded.

Vol. XXVII. No. 25.] LONDON, SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 1815. [Price 19.

769)

(770

LETTER V.

pired long ago.

Yet, such is the effect of To LORD CASTLEREAGH.

habit, especially the habit of submission,

that the people have continued to act ever On the late WesTMINSTER MEETING, and

since, as if the penal laws about Meetings on the Declarations of Mr. Hunt with were still in existence! The City of Westregard to the conduct of the EMPEROR minster, with Sir Francis Burdett at NAPOLEON, as far as relates to the their head, have set an example of spirit Death of the Duke of ENGHIEN and sufficient to overcome this habitual subCAPTAIN WRIGUT.

missiveness, and that example will, I dare

say, now be followed by other places. My Lord,-The public prints inform The people of Nottingham were, the other us, that, at the Meeting of the City of day, deterred from holding a public meetWestminster, held on the 15th instant, to ing to petition against the war. Indeed, consider of another petition to the House they appear to have been threatened. They of Conimons, their former petition against now see, that no one had a right, that no the French war having been refused to be one had a legal authority, to preveot received by that honourable body ; at them from meeting ; and, another time, this Meeting, we are told, that your it is to be hoped, that they will remember Lordship was present, in your capacity this. The “SEDITION BILLS” may, of course, of a citizen of Westminster. indeed, be revived; but, then, we shall I was sorry to perceive, that your Lord. have libèrty to talk about the revival'; ship was not well received by your fellow shall we not, my Lord ? And the world, citizens, who, it is stated in the Times especially the French and Americans, will newspaper, attacked you, and compelled hear what we say; will they not, my you to seek safety in the speed of your Lord? horsé. Il is also added, that it was found But, the matter which attracted my to be necessary to send a detachment of attention the most forcibly, in the speeches HORSE SOLDIERS to guard YOUR of this Meeting, was, that which was HOUSE during the succeeding night. I brought forward by Mr. Hunt, with renotice these facts, my Lord, merely to gard to the conduct of the Emperor Nahave occasion to observe to you, that, if poleon, as far as relates to the death of we were to hear of Mons. C.AMBACERES, or the Duke of Enghien and of Captain Mons. Carnot, being thus treated by Wright. The Courier newspaper abuses their fellow citizens, I am quite sure that Mr. Hunt for what he said, or is reported this same Times newspaper would cite it to have said, upon this occasion. It says, as a certain proof of the speedily ap- that that gentleman undertook to justify proaching downfall of the French Go. Napoleon in his murders of the Duke of vernment : yes, this corrupt print would Enghien and of Capt. Wright. But, it apnot fail to cite it as a complete proof of pears, from the report itself, that Mr.Hunt, those Ministers, as well as their Master, so far from justifying murder perpetrated heing held in universal horror and execra- by Napoleon, denied that Napoleon had, in

, tion.

the alledged cases, committed any murder As to the Meeting itself, I am very at all. The reason why Mr. Hunt made happy to see, and so must every friend of this denial was very good. He had perfreedom, that there is one City, at any ceived, that the vile London presss had rate, who have had the sense and the re- succeeded in making the people, or a solution to exercise their rights once more. great part of them, believe, that Napoleon The laws which were passed, during the had been guilty of these morders. This first French war, to prevent the people done; hair:d and abhorrence thus ex. from meeting without the consent of cited against him, it required less trouble the King's Justices or Sheriting have ex.Ito reconcile them to the present war,

2 B

which is, in this manner, on the part of the assertions of the 'French government the deluded people, a war of passion, in upon either of the two principal points ; which, of course, reason, justice, policy, and, I allow, that I have had fair opporand even self, bare self-interest, are suf- -tuuities of seeing all that ever was pæbfered to have nothing to say.

lished on the subject. Therefore, if there Mr. Ilunt, as was his duty, his strict ever was any authentic document, disduty, having the opportunity, endeavour-proving or contradicting the allegations ed to shew that this hatred of Napoleon of the French government upon the points was founded in folshood ; and, though it in question, I allow, that I may be fairly may surprise your Lordship, I really think suspected of publishing a wilful falsehood that Mr. Hunt was perfectly right in his at this moment. efforts, if he was convinced of the gor- But, my Lord, we will not let this rectness of what he stated.

matter go off thus. Since the busy slaves The great point, however is, was Mr. of the Times and Courier will keep Hunt right in his STATEMENT, or was ringing in our ears the charge of murder he wrong? Precisely what his statement against Napoleon; since they will insist was we cannot collect from the report of upon our waging a war of passion, his speech, published in the corrupt Times grounded upon this charge; since, if and COURIER newspapers. But if what they events should, as in the case of America, say be true, Mr. Hunt said, in substance compel you to make peace with this prethis : 5 that the Duke of Enghien was scribed Chief, and to acknowledge the " shot in consequence of a court-martial legitimate title of him, who is now doom“ regularly convened, and agreeably to ed at every breath, to everlasting outlaw"larc, he being charged with traitorous ry; since, in such case, you and your

proceedings against his country, and worthy colleagues might be greatly em" with plotting against the life of Rona- barrassed by the charge of murder

parte by the means of assassination; still resting on the head of him, with "and that, as to Capt. Wright, he was whom you would thus be compelled to

charged with having landed Georges, treat : since, in short, wisdom and truth " Pichegru and others, on the coast of demand a recurrence to the real facts, I

France, from England, and these men am resolved to recur to them, and to eis

having been convicted of a plot to assas- able my readers to judge between Napo“sinate Bonaparte, he, Capt. Wright, leon and the vile slaves, who have the

was not regarded, by the French, as a audacity to charge him with murder, in “ prisoner of war, but as guilty of a crime order to delude and inflame the people of

against the laws of war; and that, be- England. ing confined in prison, and, as he natu- T'he death of the Duke of Enghien

rally thought, liable to be put to an ig- took place in the month of March, 180*. “ nominous death, he put an end to his He was tried by a special military com own existence."

mission, at Vincennes. The President of This, my Lord, appears to have been the Court-martial was General HULEY. in substance, the statement of Mr. Hunt; The charges against him were :- 1. Hlavand, I am sure, that your Lordship, who ing carried arms against the French Rewas present at the Meeting, would have public. 2. Having offered his services to contradicted this statement, if you had the English government, the enemy of not known it to be TRUE. At any rate, the French people. 3. Having received, true it is, unless all the official papers, and having, with accredited agents of published at the time, in the face of all that government, procured means of obEurope, can be proved to be false, which taining intelligence in France, and conthey never have yet been, as far, at any spiring against the internal and external rate, as my observation has gone. And security of the State. 4. Being at the here, my Lord, I wish to be very precise; head of a body of French and other I say, that authentic, public papers, pub- emigrants, paid by England and formed on lished by the French government, attest the frontiers of France, in the districts of the truth of Mr. Ilunt's statement; and, Fribourg and Baden. 5. Having atI say, that I have never seen any paper, tempted to foment intrigues at Strasbourg, published by our, or any other govern- with a view of producing a rising in the ment, disproving, or even contradicting, 'adjacent departments, for the purpose of