The National Register.
London, England, 1815-09-10 00:00:00

FOREIGN INTEL.

REPORT TO THE KING REGARDING THE INTERIOR
OF THE KINGDOM.

Sr n E-I have laid before your Majesty the situation of your king-
dom, as it regards toreign armies ; the disorders to which I had the
honour of calling your attention are temporary; resignation mode-
rates them. time will repair theni; their.-cause is known, but there
are others more serious, a picture of Which it is my duty to bring
under your view. France is at war with herself; we are threatened
with all the calamities that can arise from the rousing of passion,
and the conflict of opinion.
The many political tempests that have agitatated us for 25 years,
have scattered us with their violence into contending parties; so
many public and private disputes, such a discordance of actions,
wishes, and fears have been the consequence, that it is now impossi-
ble to rally desires, miles* at the same tiine opinions are also rallied,
by setting the heart at rest, and insuring tranquillity to all interests.
All is danger or obstacle in the element by whirls we are stir-
rotinded. The majority of the men of energy who have combated
and overthrown the last power, sought only to put an end to tyranny.
Tvery arbitrary government would surround them again with their
enemies It is not merely fur the struggle of two governments,
hot for the difference of principles that war has again burst forth in
La Vendee ; they lay down thilr arms, but war is not' ended: an
opposition of the same kind agitates and disunites all classes of citis
• zees, even to the members.of every family, Its habitation if in the
most ardent passion:, in the desire as well as iu the fear of witness-
. -
tug the triumph of old opinions. v.-
Public calamities have served only to augment Anr disorders; the
two parties either aggravate each other by their reptoaches anti
their threats of re-action, or 'tree themselves by their hopes. An •
will submit to the Kink, all at least will have the language of sub.
. mission, but the one will demand as the condition of their fidelity the
maintenance of the rights of the people, while the other; oti the con-
trary, wish to retrograde, that every thing should be put in ditipitte,
in short that the present should decide all the past, in their favour.
Indeed, it would now be said, on a view of the state of public opi•
'lion, that France contains two nations contending against each
other : one degree more of fury is only necessary to dissolve:the so-
cial compact, and a few false mea.nres on the part of Government,
are only required to produce a general conflagration.
Ou a view of the state of public opinion, and of the conflict of pas-
sions. there are found, distinguishing shades between the various de.
pirtments, between the citizens and the armies, and between the
parties and the factions.
Minds are more calm in the centre of France; there obedience
will he more prompt ; but the Capital must, be considered a distinct
class. It is not, and can no longer be the ride and example of the
provinces; since a factitious opinion there so quickly takes
the place of a real opinion, each, party there finds auxiliaries and
accomplices in a momentary triumph ; every thing is to be appre-
hended from its slightest agitations*,- while what appears its most
perfect repose can give but a feeble security.
The North has evinced moderation, and your Majesty has re-
ceived some proofs of attachment; the character of its inhabitants
renders it susceptible of disturbance; a constitutional regime,. under
the Government of the King, would gratify the wishes of the depart;(
silents of the North.

The West presents a frightful contrast : a great number of persons
in IA Vendee, in Limousin and Poictou, are devoted to the King,
but either from terror or from passion, for the last twenty years,
they have confounded the cause of the ancient regime with the
cause of royalty. Perhaps an imprudent zeal would consider it an
advantage to calculate on this awned population, on these credulous
simple, and ignorsnt peasants, made soldiers by a long civil war,
and obeying their chichi with the most blind submission. Suck an
es rot ought to claim the attention of your Majesty. The employment
el these soldiers, the support of such an army would lose the royal
cause without redemption, because they see there the evident project
el placing the cunnter-revolution on the throne. It is, nevertheless,
not to be believed that opinion would be nnauiwous in these depart-
ments. Armed federations have been there formed ; one part of
Vie towns is opposed to the °wintry, and those wlw gain would re.
gist whoever should attempt to dispossess them.
The Royrilisme of the South breaks out in attempts: armed hands
penetrate into the towns and overrun the country. Assassinations
and robberies multiply ; justice is every where silent; the Adminis-
tration every where inactive; the passions that agitate alone speak
and are listened to. • 'fire necessity for terminating these disorders
urgent, for woo the miAiitioe provoked by ouch I:4IASKJI womb'