The Life of La Fayette, the Knight of Liberty in Two Worlds and Two CenturiesFarmer, Lydia Hoyt
History
The Life of La Fayette, the Knight of Liberty in Two Worlds and Two Centuries
Farmer, Lydia Hoyt
Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834
“In mounting this tribune for the purpose of expressing an opinion
opposed to that of many friends of liberty, I am not yielding to a
momentary impulsion, nor am I courting popularity, which I never
preferred to my duty. (Cheers.) The republican principles which I have
professed throughout my life, and under all governments, do not prevent
me from being the defender of a constitutional throne raised by the
people. The same sentiments animate me under the present circumstances,
when it is judged desirable to raise to a constitutional throne, the
prince lieutenant-general, and I am bound to avow that this choice the
more perfectly fulfils my wishes the more I become acquainted with him.
(Cheers.) I do not partake in the opinion entertained by many of my
fellow-citizens as to an hereditary peerage. (Hear! hear!) A disciple of
the American school, I have always conceived it to be necessary that the
legislative body should be divided into two chambers, differently
constituted; but I have never been able to comprehend how people could
be hereditary legislators and judges. I have always thought that the
introduction of aristocracy into public institutions was mixing them
with a bad ingredient. It is, therefore, with great pleasure that I find
you occupied with a project that meets the sentiments I have professed
throughout my life, and which I only now repeat. My conscience forced me
to make this repetition, and declare that I hope shortly to see the
hereditary peerage suppressed. My fellow-citizens will do me the justice
to acknowledge that if I have always been the upholder of liberty, I
have at the same time been the supporter of public order.”
General La Fayette was everywhere received as a kind father. He had many
able coadjutors in the great work performed, especially Lafitte and
Gerard.
The total number killed in Paris during the three days’ fighting in this
revolution of 1830 was about eight thousand. La Fayette and his son
devoted themselves with great kindness to the wounded, encouraging the
surgeons and personally bestowing attentions and favors upon the
sufferers.
The following letters written by La Fayette to various friends at this
time will give a clear and concise idea of his opinions regarding this
political upheaval in France.
The first two were addressed by La Fayette to General Bernard of
Washington; the last, to a gentlemen in New York.
“PARIS, Sept. 8, 1830.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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