Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Volume 2, No. 12, May, 1851.Various
History
Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Volume 2, No. 12, May, 1851.
Various
American literature -- Periodicals; Civilization -- Periodicals; Culture -- Periodicals
The most striking incident which has occurred since our last has been a
debate on a proposition to repeal the law exiling the Bourbon family. M.
Berryer, acting in the name of the Legitimists, opposed the motion on
the ground that the Count of Chambord is not an exiled Frenchman, but an
extruded king, who could not stoop to accept a permission to re-enter
his own hereditary dominions. M. Thiers, as the organ of the Orleanists,
advocated the proposition. The Minister of Justice, in the name of
Government, was favorable to the principle of the bill, but was opposed
to pressing it at present. The Assembly was thrown into violent
agitation by a speech from M. Dufraisse, one of the most able and
earnest of the Montagnards, who delivered a speech which would not have
been misplaced in the mouth of Robespierre or Danton. "The pale head,
compressed lips, and intense expression of the young lawyer of the
Mountain," says an eyewitness, "reminded the auditors, not without a
shudder, of such a thoroughbred Jacobin as St. Just." He declared that
the laws of proscription were just, and ought to be maintained. "The
Revolution can not ask pardon of the dynasties it has justly upset. Have
the family of Orleans laid aside the claims of their birth? Have they
rendered homage to the sovereignty of the nation? Do not the descendants
of St. Louis continually dispute the independence and the conquests of
the people? You tell us that royalty never dies; we reply, Nor does its
punishment. If the principle of sovereignty is eternal, so shall its
punishment be eternal. The law ought to chastise the voluntary
representatives, the willing heirs of a principle which the people have
abolished." He went on to vindicate the execution of Louis XVI., and
declared that those who voted against the death of that monarch,
meditated a return to royalty, and reminded the Assembly that among
those who voted for the execution, was the grandfather of the princes
whose banishment was sought to be repealed. The speech caused a perfect
storm of passion in the Assembly. Members rushed to the tribune, and
shook their fists in the speaker's face. M. Berryer proposed the
adjournment of the question for six months, as he could not vote on the
same side with those who advocated such doctrines. This, which is looked
upon as equivalent to a rejection of the proposition, was carried by
acclamation.
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