“PROCLAMATION. “_Addressed to the French by the deputies of departments assembled at Paris._ “FRENCHMEN! France is free. Absolute power raised its standard; the heroic population of Paris has overthrown it. Paris, attacked, has made the sacred cause triumph by arms,—which had triumphed in vain in the elections. A power which usurped our rights and disturbed our repose, threatened at once liberty and order. We return to the possession of order and liberty. There is no more fear for acquired rights; no more barrier between us and the rights which we still need. A government which may without delay secure to us these advantages is now the first want of our country. Frenchmen, those of your deputies who are already at Paris, have assembled, and till the Chambers can regularly intervene, they have invited a Frenchman who has never fought but for France—the Duke of Orleans—to exercise the function of lieutenant-general of the kingdom. This is, in their opinion, the surest means promptly to accomplish by peace the success of the most legitimate defence. “The Duke of Orleans is devoted to the national and constitutional cause. He has always defended its interests and professed its principles. He will respect our rights, for he will derive his own from us. We shall secure to ourselves by laws all the guarantees necessary to liberty strong and durable.” [Illustration: LOUIS PHILIPPE.] From the _Journal du Commerce_, Paris, July 31, noon:— “INHABITANTS OF PARIS: The deputies of France, at this moment assembled at Paris, have expressed to me the desire that I should repair to this capital to exercise the functions of lieutenant-general of the kingdom. “I have not hesitated to come and share your dangers, to place myself in the midst of your heroic population, and exert all my efforts to preserve you from the calamities of civil war and anarchy. “_On returning to the city of Paris, I wore with pride those glorious colors which you have resumed, and which I, myself, long wore._ “The Chambers are going to assemble; they will consider the means of securing the reign of the laws, and the maintenance of the nation. “The Constitution will henceforth be a reality. “LOUIS PHILIPPE D’ORLEANS.” “_Municipal Commission of Paris, July 31._