Star.
London, England, 1830-09-28 00:00:00

SOCIETY OF TILE FRIENDS OF THE PEOPLE.

The meeting of this Society attracted a very large assemblage of spec-
tators yesterday evening. At eight o'clock the room, and all the ave-
nues leading thereto, were thronged to excess. A deep feeling of anxiety
pervaded that portion of the meeting which was composed of spec-
, tators, but this agitation soon evaporated upon the President's open-
ing the business of the evening. After the reading of the report,
which contained nothing very interesting, the Society proceeded to the
nomination of Its officers. This part of the business was, at times, in-
terrupted by cries of impatience from some of the spectators. A propo-
sition was subsequently brought forward by one of the members,
and its object was to present a petition to the King to authorize the es.
tablishment of different depots in various towns. This resolution gave
rise to great uproar and confusion. At that moment a superior officer
of the National Guard, ren.:trated to the centre of the room, and repre-
sented that the meeting caused a collection of persons in the street,
and was likely to preduce gnat disturbances; he therefore begged of
the President to dissolve the meeting. In fact, from 400 to 600 persons
had collected in the rear of the two companies of the National Guard,
which blocked up the streets at both ends, close to the entrance of the
halL

The President said that, although the Society was free in its meet.
ings, it was too much the friend of good order to allow any pretext for
the assembling of such a crowd, or to refuse complying with PO rca.
sonable a request. The meeting then separated, and left in the midst
of the National Guard, which formed some patrols, and continued in
the Rue Montmartre for several hours. At half.past nine tranquillity
was completely restored. Several young men, who at first refused to
retire, and who were taken into custody by the National Guard, were
liberated. It is proper to add that there were persons most actively en.
gaged (both inside and outside the mom where the meeting took place)
in trying to create a riot, but fortunately, heir efforts }moved abortive.
There is a proposal to open a subscription for the purpose of pre-
senting a civic crown to our illustrious Berenger. This will be the
only recompence tit for so noble a character, and no doubt the only one
which he would accept.
From the Messayer (Its Chamtrce, dated Sunday, Sept. 2S.
Letter from General Clause!, Commander in Chief, to Marshal Gerard,
Minister of War.

" ALGIERS, SETT. 6.—The amounts which I begin to receive
from the interior of the country, make me think that there was
much exaggeration in the reports sent to Paris. after the unfortunate
affair of Bellida, and after the evacua•ion of Bona, which was perhaps
more unseasonable than the occupation of it, respecting the projects
and means of attack of the chiefs of some tribes. Smelts Ali Ben Isa,
sheik at Mousse, in the mountains of Jarjara, has written to the Aga
of Algiers, desiring him to tell nut, that the bouillon of the Bey of
Titcri are not founded on any means of carrying them into effect, and
that the inhabitants of the country, far from assisting the enemies of
France in their enterprises. would readily co-operate in their destruction,
and ardently desire the execution of the measure that has been an.
nounced, of die formation of a corps of troops of the country.
" I Intend, indeed, to attempt to form a corps of 1,000 or 1,200
men, in the composition of which I shall take gnat care, and which I
design to keep the vicinity of our poets clear. lam convinced, from
information collected with scrupulous attention, that with the exception
of some hordes of Bedouins, and a few Turks who have dispersed
themselves about the country since their defeat, we had no very dan-
gerous enemies to contend with, and that I should soon succeed in hav-1
ing nothing to fear on this head, especially when, after having restored
the moral of the army, which has rather relaxed of late, I shall esta-
blish most strict discipline among the troops, neglecting no measure to
ensure their comfort.
• The population of Algiers is in general well-disposed, and every
thing leads me to believe that the same would be the case in the other
towns of the regency, but we must avoid the temporary occupation of '
those when we are not certain of keeping a garrison. The example
of Buna will not be thrown away. That town, whose inhabitants re.
eeived us well, suffered cruelly after the evacuation, which is the more
deplorable, as several persons of distinction had incurred danger on our
account, and gave a proof of their sincerity by enabling a soldier to
escape over the walls, who, out of forgetfulness, remained behind in the
town when it was evacuated by our troops.
"t I yesterday convoked the Commission of Government, of which
Gen. Berthezene is President. I pointed out some measures relative to
the administration of justice, which appeared to me very necessary, and
on which I shall decide when the members composing the commission
have communicated their observations to me. 1 have already authorized
the erection of a tribunal of the find instance, of which Moors and Jews
will make part, and I know that this resolution has produced a good
effect, the inhabitants of Algiers being pleased to see themselves repre-
sented in a tribunal which they thought we had a right as conquerors to
compose entirely of Frenchmen.
." I ant, with respect, &c.
Count CLAUSF.L.'
" The Lieutenant-Geneisl esounsadiag.in-chief

the army in Abies,
" PARIS, SIPT. 24.
•• The T0111043i Journal says, the Government having learnt that
some coostitutional Spanish refugees are assembling on the frontlet, in.

tending to re-enter the country, has sent orders by the telegraph to dis-
perse titer e asset:falai:et, if they take place, ill order to preserve peat*
with Spain and other Powers, and to allow nothing contrary to iteutra.
lity and the duties of good neighbourhood'
PARIS, Sari. 26.
I cannot help thiuking that the extraordinary scene of the dia.
petition of the club (1.. s Anis du Pcuple) has acquired touch of
its interest anti all its importance by the alarm implied in the previous
denunciation of the Chamber, and in the numerous attendance of the Na-
tional Guard. From the character and stations of the members of the
chin, the probability is, that a few absurd speeches and fruitless motions
s:oplil have occupied its sittings, and that the contempt of the Govern-
ment and the holiffivence of the great body of the people would have had
the natural effect of rendering the society so insignificant, that from mere
runup it must have dissolved itself. But come timid persons took the
alarm, and began to tenions- rate and petition against it: public atten-
tierl and curiosity were awakened : the club now finding that they had
auditors, began to assume a more vehement and important tone, in or-
der to excite (what the French arc so fond of) a sensation. Alarm then
' begins to spread, and the peaceable citizens demand an appeal to the laws.
The law against public societies is so decidedly bad, than as in all cases
of oppressive regulations, the attempt to enforce it makes the object po-
pular. Thus, in a few days, by no act of their own, but by the mere
fears and follies of others, these clubbists have become formidable ; and
to crown all, the Alinista of thcinterior, who denour.ces them, and who
is known to have been the leader of that part of the Cabinet which
wishes to oppress them, admits that the existing law against them is
one that ought not to be enforced, and yet talks of enforcing it ; and
while he urges the pressing necessity of the easy as a reason for enforcing
a had law, uegge-t., a mode of procedure which must occasion great
delay ! One thing is certain, the club is am, important ; the law has
denounced it, the Chamber of Deputies has denounced it, and yet it
meets in defiance of both. What is to be done? (inc thing only.
The Governnient must at ore' suppress it ; they will evidently sow be
supported by the National Guard, who arc incensed against the clubs
as disturbers of the peace, and injurious to the pursuit of their regular
business. If the club is suffered to meet much longer, it will daily in.
crease ii itunilnrs and inyortance ; friends and relatives of the National
Guards will probably become members of it ; and then the great civic
force of Paris sill begin to feel a reluctance ta act. Nor would it be
wise to bring this force at present into hostile cootac't with any decent
class of their fellow-citizens; they will have qui,c enough to do in
watching and controlling the very numerous malcontents among the la-
bouring classes. N.

We rcceived List night, by express from Paris, papers and letters of
Sunday. The fauw ing is the condnuatioz (4 the debate ir. tha Chamber
of Deputies.
" M. Benjamin Mord-- The petition which is laid before you shows
the distressing situation of our commerce ; yes, iadeed, gentlemen, the
industry and commerce of France is in a state of penury ; and the duty
of the Government is to come forward with the only remedy proper to
close its wounds. That remedy is the re-tatablishment of confidence,
without which then can be neither labour nor food for our workmen,
who turret such an interestir.g portion of society.
" Commerce is the very life of nations ; but, in order to exist at
present, it must have confidence in futurity. Well, gentlemen, let us
be careful that this confidence be not extinguished in the country'; and
yet how should it exist, whilst every day we see a destructive society
increase, and make rapid progress amongst us,•-4 society, which, ac-
cording to its avowed maims, cor.spires in the open street, deliberates,
makes decrees, extends its ramifications, and, finally, dares to publish
its manifestivs.

Gentlemen, remember that to tolerate such abuses, is to put in
question the existence of society itself. I look upon It as certain, that
to prop.agate doctrines contrary to the order established since the glorious
days of July, is to become an enemy of that order, of the King, and of
the country.
" However, these doctrines are promulgated publicly, they have their
preacher; full of zeal, their sophisms are concealed under the most bril.
liant colours, and their theories, still more attractive, arc defended by
nwn of talent : these are facts which cannot be denied. .

" But what ought to he denied —a report which does most certainly
amount to nothing but calumny—is, that acme of our honourable col.
leagues are manbers of these meetings, which I do not hesitate to
call seditious, on account of the doctrines which are professed amongst
them.

" Calumny has even gone still farther. In the assembly called So-
ciete des iluds di. People, of whose existence every one is acquainted,
on the day before the numerous procession which we all witnessed lately,
one of the members of that society said that he had spoken to 151.(iirod
de l'Ain on the subject,—the magistrate told him him that he did not
six why the ceremony should not take place.
" I confess, gentlemen, that such a thing engine to me utterly im-
possible, for nobody can think that no harm can ensue from a popular
society being allowed to assem'Jle and to conduct to our public squares
300 or 400 ionividuals, there to preach before them, perhaps very inno-
cently at first, but perhaps also in a very criminal manner.
" Several voices.—That is nothing to the business; return to the
question.
" 31. Benjamin MoreL—lt is for the ministers who are charged with
the inspection of these assemblies, to meditate on their importance :
they are accountable for their acts to the country. Ido not accuse their
intentions ; but my conscience tells me that I ought to speak as I do
at present.
" I request that the,petition may be deposited at the bureau des vets.
scignensens.
"M. de Tracy.—l shall certainly never show any astonishment at
the full liberty given to discussion, though the silence with which the
orator has been listened to is truly surprising. However, I do not fear to
follow him on his own ground, and that in few words.
" I cannot understand how a deputy can come forward to accuse the
conduct of a certain number of citizens, who have been brought before
the tribunals for their trial. _ _ .

" The orator has said, that a certain number of deputies have attended
a meeting which he considers as criminal and dangerous.
"M. Benjamin Morel-1 attributed this assertion to calumny.
" M. de Tracy—Such insinuatior.s arc not to be made lightly ; but
I have no share in the accusation. _ . _

" The hon. gentleman requires a strong legislatiora But a govern-
ment Is strong when it follows the public opinion, and the impulse which
it receives front it. You have voted anew charter,—you have promised,
that in a very short time laws will be proposal to cotnplete our institu-
tions : we now call upon you to fulfil your promises.
" I have already defended the cause of hbetty of education, and yet
every day we sent some new measure tending to rebuild the edifice of the
Imperial university. Of all that has been plumised, nothing is yet
accomplished ; and notwithstanding that, people come forward and seek
for a strong legislation. Why I wish also such a legislation ; but then
I wish it grounded on liberty, and our rights newly conquered, for in
them alone will Government find true strength and energy.
" The orator who spoke before me has made no kind of proposition ;
certainly the question of Commissaires-Priseurs is of vary little
portance, compared to the questions which have Leen agitated. 1 also
have nothing to propose on the subject.
"M. Geizot.—(Propound silence..)—Gentlemen, the silence which
attended the words of the first speaker. aad the hastiness ntanitestcd in
answering hint, is to toe a proot of the gravity of the question. Indeed,
it fills the minds of all, and agitates the whole surface of France. It
was impossible that it should not present itself here itutricethaely, and
under every shape.
" I am inclined to believe that di( re is sane cxaggeration in the ap-
prehensions manifested concerning the assemblies called popular eoci.
dies: up to the present moment they do not appear to me to have done
much harm, nor to have displayed much power. Yes, I repeat that this
panic is caused by a recollection of former days, and that the fast bar
uo less intim:nee over us than the present.
• Iluaever, the excitement is real; our apprehensions are unfeigned;
the whole public is in a state of agitation: anti this fact alone, with ail
the symptoms which have manifested its existence, is a-nattily a great
evii—an evil which reektires a speedy and proper ramify.
" You see the capitalists hoard up their tuoney ; our industry is
depressed ; the labouring classes are generally alarmed ; and yet they
suet the basis and the solidity of our social edifice. All this may care
tainly be caused by some degree of exaggeration ; but yet these tears
are groundeal on the character of popular societies, which tend to in.
crease daily the present convulsive state of affairs.
Gentkinen,--We have happily effected a great revolution, but we
do not pretend to keep France in a continual state of revolution : we
have never pretended to prolong that tumultuous effervescence which is
the effect of revolutions.
" What are the characteristics of popular societies? Why, they are
to put every thing in question, to app. al to forca—to violence. Such
are the,true distinctive traits of a ievelutionaiy situation:
" I say that every thing is put in queer ion in popular societies : tar
remember that not only philosophical theories, but facie, but your re-
?elution, your Government, thedistributiouof property, are the bubjects
of discussion. All the fundamental facts of society are put in question
in the popular societies,
and this agitation is a matter of anxiety
for all.

" In the popular societies it is not such or such reformation which is
brought foroard ; no, they go through no kind of true political loves.
tigution ; but these bodies give scope to the pretensions of inuny, and in
abomination, which is ignorant of its own object. They are guided by
a spirit of excitement and fermentation—not by any plan or political
reformation. (In the centre, • Bravo;)
" Another circumstance which marks the character of popular socie-
ties, is the appeal wb eb they continually make to violence--theiner.aess
addressed to all profetsions—to all feelings. Such is, perhaps, their fun.
damental characteristic, and this gains ground daily. Remember, that
they do not discuss philosophical questions ; they are the real arena on
which all the passions are provoked to combat; and what is that but to
foment revolutionary disorders in France. What la that but to
prolong that state of excitement and trouble which must necessarily
accompany a revolution, however fortunate it may be in its effects ; and
certainly, gentlemen, this isnot any thing like progress.
" You ask for the result of the revolution. Now we are as desirous
as any one else that the present movement should be progressive ; but
tumult and disorder are not progressive; a continued state of revolution
is not a state of order and tranquillity,—is not the progress of society.
" And, indeed, I repeat that the impulsegiveu by the popular societies'
is nothing but fermentation, and such is not the object of the wishes cat

Feaoc.•. Fiance never intended to remain in a Mate ut iLipctual

"France et-niggled &nixie 15 ye: r: twinge she resolved on a revolt:.
tion. There were, during that ianee nt time, many conspireetes and
popular rime, but no kind of revoiutitelary
.attempt. Hsc me the g
vernment overthrown all our social edifice, and compromised our fume.
destinies, France would not have risen; but then she did nee, ate,
effected the ret,ilutioti in three dem; but remember, that till then
France did not rise : therefore nobody hae now any right ta male any
appeal toe revolutionary movement. (' !tigers.' at the left centre.)
• • When a. y attempt is made to brine about a revolution, nut only
hares, but even violence is done to the country ; and that is preeis, ly
the great evil of the popular societies. They put Frer.ce into u state set
excitement against het own will, and she instinctivsly opposes that vere
tendency et a revolution.
The pepular societies' are not less My:Rif/WI to our le ereete sthr.rad
Nobody can be mistaken on the jedenere of Europe concerning out
late revolution. Europe thinks due we are right ; that the events at
July were grounded on reason ; that Pima: is perfectly justifiable is.
having changed the Government. So that, far ikon: abandoning ant
of the principles of our revolution, I maintain that we arc not them!),
ones who defend them-1 maintain that ail Eurotie, both in private act
public, finds that we are perfectly right.
" When Europe manifests this opiniote we may say that our mvolu
tion ie accomplished ; hut still Europe letske with an anomie:: eye on the
consequences of the event. Europe recollects the past ; and asks it m;
revolutionary propoyand will rise ansoment us ; Europe apprelientie it,
and this apprehension is intimately routiected with less present judg-
ment : it is for us to show that Europe is mistaken.
" Now certainly nothing else can inspire the other Stems with these
fears except tile popular elute, or ratb:r the InOTCMCSIIit which they en
deavour to foment. It is therefore nemesary that this situation Should
change, so that them popular societies be no Wow as it were a cause of
excitement at home, and distrust abroad. ("-Beano, bravo," at the
centre left.)
" When we make an appeal to the legielature tit ohm; a remedy to
this evil, what do e fund P the 2'/Ist article .r our penal came;
and this is certainly a had article, whien ought not to be presavel
any to in the legislature of a free Iw:sink : the citieens have a
right to meet together. and it is proper they elvedd do so. But yet the
21915 t artless: is legal all over France, it is written down its our laws,
and tl.ough ever so bad, it is not one of the tliapo.-rions implicitly a;l9.
lishc.4l by the charter.
" his not the article which is dangerous ; the dange arising him
the popular societies is much wore alarinnee You etll re:anu the
article, but you cannot do it reasonably wiriamt having put at; end to
the danger much snore imminent, caused by the popular aocied:s.
The Government is far from wishing to prevent any meethvg regu-
larly established; but it will endeavour to d ueover where them Hee any
danger, and that danger it will put ass eel fa indeed it has alreade
done it. (Long and repeated bravo:4' from the centre krt.) Tile de-
cree et the Cour Royale will be fully executed this very day. Tilt per
sons will be brought before the Police eurreetionnell.. No, I neem to
say, before the jury. in virtue of the law eut before the Chamber. The
accused will be judged by the country. (New aeclamatioin.)
" Fifteen years ago we had ne liberty, but since fiat we Live cue-
quertel it. Why have we conquered it sadly and stolidly ? Ea:cause
the: reformation has been lona and laborious; beraus.: we have lived In
the midst of danger, and under the government of our enemies ; because
we have thus keened to persevere, anti thus we have gained in 15 years
tuore liberties than all other netiene possess in common.
" But these 15 years must Lot be lute to France ; let us preserve the
habit of slow reformatioes ; let us not pretend to obtain in one day
all that the revolution will give us. A time will tutor, and 1 hope
not distant, when the 2.9 Ist article will be mused from our Dade, sue
Well es many o:hers ; but us these articles now exist, they °min
to be put in execution, and applied reasonably and with musletaion.
" Gentlemen, the existence of the popular societies it: a enflicient ;na-
tive to maintain the application of them articles, and the adednieuattots
ought not to give them up; it has already begun to apply them, and I
shall add that it ought to do so in the interest of the country. (Great
movement in the assembly ; numerous; marks of satisfaction:a the neve
left ; profound silence at the extreme kit.)
"31. Eusebe Salverte.—lt is concerning a petition that 31. Benjatnit.
Morel has started a question of the highest huportance ; cud most ,tr.
tainly the discussion of this question is very opportune : indeed it i.;
even difficult to suppose that toe Minister of the Interior did not femme
it. (At the centre left, 'Ah !ah !') The eloquence with winch he has
developed his opinion (new exclamations), gives a very high idea of his
talent for improvisation, if it is not the result of his meditations.
(Laughter.) He maintains that Paris has been calm foe the last two
months, and that a few hundred of citizens, who meet IA drawing-rooms,
cannot give rise to any disturbance. 'The Minister allows also that the
fears entertained on that subject are exaggerated.
" I have not myself attended any of -the popular societies : I know
some of those who ere members of them, and I do not think th.ir ac:.
of a nature to excite public animadversion. If any criminal am wt re id
take place, certainly it would become urgent to make use of rhy ;
but remember that these men whom you now accuse have I.; eetet 1 y
yone sideemee—
" At the centre left—No, no!
" M. de Corcelles.—They fought without you.
° M. Dupin, sen. (with energy)--No, no!
" N. de Marcay (addressing M. Dupin.)--Yes, indeed, eit, test-
fought without yes. (Laughter.) Yes, without you and witheut in,.
(General laughter.)
l• 111. eialverte.—The president of this society did not put down MA
gun during the three days, and never ceased to proffer help and succeur
to his wounded friends. Gentlemen, if a proverb says, that man
ought never to fear his shadow,' I shall tell you not to fear y;u:
friends.

M. Delabortle asks for laws for the popular societies of the senie kit:.:
as those adopted for the press.
11. 11. Constant maintained that the popular societies do no siolene
to France, for the circumstances not being the same as in I 7 d 9, tie
societies cannot produce the same effects as formerly. lie approvo
popular meetings.
" AI. Mauguin.—lt is necessary to know whether or no we shall rertr
to the Nlinister a petition which concerns the auctioneers, and upon this
question, in itself simple, is raised another of extreme interest--one
upon which our ntinds are full namely, that of our internal si-
tuation. We hear of popular societies, but these are may one er
the elements of this situation. We ought to occupy ourselves in seek.
ing the causes of the evil. Whence are they ? They erring from the
I Ministry. (Great murmurs from the centre left.) It is necessary to
say, that two months ago a great crime was perpetrated in France : it
was punished. A people were then freed, full of the love of order, burning
with a sense of glory and heated, yet they did not violate the rights of
any man : they surrounded with enthusiasm the man to whom they had
decreed the crown, and now within two months dieaffiction mires, ..g.d
public credit has received a shock. For this there must be some vis nc:el
cause, and. I repeat, it springs from the Ministry. (a, p...:en tout-
mursfrom the central left.) It becomes mem try, the. ,to eXaM'llt the
conduct of the Government. Ido not this day meat: LU enter upon the
complain:a of the auctioneers, for I do not like disemsioas which lead
to no result. prance is now at war with the Administration, *nil 1,, r
question must at once be decided. (Cries of " Order, order," thou the
kit. The centrul left rose in a body, and poured upon the 'pc:kir a
heap of interlocutory remarks, which the tumult prevented us tient
hearing. The 31 blisters rose from their seats in great agitatior, :ier-
ticularly M. Guizot and Sebastiani, but what fell fre:n them w..s nut
beard.)
" M. Mauguin resumed, and said, ahem silence is re.estubliehet! yeti
will hear the proposition which I mean to place upon the bureau of the
President. The opposition (that is to say, the extreme left) desires to
hate an explanation from the ministers, to prove that France accuses
them without foundation. M. Mauguin then endeavoured to read his
proposition, but was interrupted by tumultuous noise from the centre
left, and Messrs. Etienne, ti 'dun, Cassimer Perrier, 31aeher de MUM.
. .

jean, Dupin airs, aril almost all the oiler members of the centrui ieit
rose, in violent agitation, and exclaimed to N. Mauguin, that he could
not read his proposition. After a long continuance of this interim :tor.,
which was the must tumultuous cid. remembered—M. Ilaugin mitt,
It seems to me useful for the Chamber to interpose. I desire tini
Commit ice of Inquiry be fortned. and that it will take cognizance ut* !tie
necessary means to enlighten public (pinion. I demand the nomiratien
of two Comniissionirs by the Chamber, to examine the conduct of the
ministets, and the situation of France.'
" Messrs. Etienne, De Montjeen and other members of the ctittal
left exclaimed, You calumniate France in the eye, of Europe. You
calumniate the Ministerit.' (Order.)
6. When 31. Nlauguin returned to his place, many members of the cen-
tral-left came and addressed to him violent remarks. The tumult re-
commenced, and for several minutes suspended the sitting.
" The President—M. Nlauguin desires to be heard in explanation,
because he says he has been misunderstood.
" Ninny persons exclaimed, • Ile has raid that Fror.ce was at war
with N:inisters.• IDlucb agitation.)
" M. Mauguin—l do no: believe that what I have snid ought te at
casion this movement. Our opposition here is quite constitutiona..
Upon one point we are all agreed—that it is necessaty to consolith,:c
our revolution. The system adopted by the present Ministers does net
accord with our revolution, and as all faults may have serious results. I
say that this system is in opposition to my view of these nmatters, aoti
that of my friends.
6. The President-1f N. Nlauguin had said that France was at our
with the Ministry, he would Lave done an injustice to France, and I
ought to have recalled hint to order : hut it is only his own personal
opinion he expresses.
•• M. Dupin, able, said, that ir. such a struggle as they had been is.
livered from, it was natural for men to be warm. He then enlarged
upon the virtues of the people, and their loyalty to the throne and the
charter. As to these clubs, he said, that the disorder they had oces-
shined was unnecessary he he was no advocate for them, neither would he
summarily suppress them, but rather leave them to the Wine opera-
tiro of tht law. TheAttorney-Geotral had already taken cop of
them, and what more was wanted ? In Fiance there were of
people who loved peace and hated tumult.
" When N. Dupin concluded, no other speaker rose, but the Minis-
ters and members collected in little groups, and after Noe other bush.
uess adjourned till Monday.

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