Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1806-05-23
PARIS, March 6.
SITTING
OF TIE LEGISLATIVE BODY.
March 8.

M. Champagny made the following
speech:
Gentlemen, deputies of the depart.
rfent to the Legislative body-I am com
nissioned by his majesty the emperor to
S'Vc yo" an account ef the situation of the
empire during the year that has just been
completed.
Its .iinies have been fixed upon an
1mmovable basis: ceremony, the recol-
lection of which will make an epoch in
the annals OF our history, has raised the
caief OF the state, and his august family, to
that dignity which was called for both by
the wishes and the interests of France.
Last year, you assembled in this place,
Sfhich was consecra!ed by his presence.
1t was IN the midst of you, that the first
rays were seen, OF that immortal lustre,
with which the wishes of the people and
the blessing Of Heaven have surrounded
him, happy presage for you in the com
mencement OF your labors, and your la.
bois have answered his expectation, for
they have been useful 10 the country.-
The love of,he public good, and the inspi.
ration OF genius have guided all your
steps; and the unity which is established
In :he empire, and has been so. soiemnly
proclaimed, has increased the harmony
which prevailed both in your sentiments
and deliberations.
HE emperor on his side, told you,
tnat IN his new hoDors he perceived y hea.
Wy debt which was thrown Upon him
Every moment of his time has been con.
secrated 10 the discharge of this debt. -
You know whether he has fulfilled his pro.
misses, and how far he has surpassed yonr
expectations. You know With what events,
or rather with what ptodigies, the year
which has hardly been completed, ha.
been filled. shall recall them to YOUR
recollection, without pretending 10 detail
them, or describe the immense import
ance OF their results. Europe, still mott
onless with astoDshmept and fear, France
transported with admiration and;loye, dis
Pense me from the necessity of speaking
what should yainly endcayor to express.
Scarcely were your labors ended,
when the emperor undertook to visit o
part of France. If he has been every
where ssluted by the most lively and una.
nimcus expressions of public affection Il
the inhabitants of The towns and OF the
CNuHNJ ~ HitGl MIN, III
preceDt him with the homage of their
gratitude and love, he has experienced q
pleasure no less dear to his heart, 81 see.
ing with his own eyes the happy result o.
an administration, constantly animated for
the last six years BY The most generous
solcitude for the good Of the people, and
the restoration of public orter. He has
seen The traces OF cur nsfortunes effac'
sd, and the very recolie Eiion Of them al.
most eZtinguished, the laws respected, the
magistrates devo,iDg themselves - their
duties, The morals of the people grown
more pure, re!igioss sentiments in hiah
esteem, and the urbani,y of manners re.
stored 10 It's former deiicacy. ifthere re,
manned Some Improvements 10 be- mode
ii was rot from those acts wbch usually
follow great misGStunes, but from ,h,9se
advances 10 perfection, which belong To- a
time OF CAN. ard pfosps r;;y. The emp.
ror. boweper, wished 70 know them, and
10 accomplish whatever slill remained "a
be- doue. He has called upon all " bo, by
their situation Or. their talents, could sc.
cond i,s views he has admitted al! those
who had layors 10 solicit; he has hearc
them fsvorably; he has listened To all
THAR observations /; rewarded services
examined; most minute details, anl
every where he has left, in measures o.
. the greatest wisdom, lasting monuments
Il his journey through his states.
"Ttoyes was The first town which bt
visited, aud obtained Ire first benefit,
from his attention. Those benefits pro
mise il prosperity worthy its ancient ce
lebrity. The project Of making ,hs SEN:
completely nsvigabIe from Paris 10 Cha
tiIlon (Which is near The source of it) is al
ready conceived; the details Of tie exc
cution are resolved on, and decteed. J h.
improvement g the navigation OF inc Sa
one is pr ieeled--the towns shat IL wsshes
are now receiving improvements. I'll,
qnays ct Chalons, Tournss, end Mscor
are TO be repaired and enlarged. Macor
viii see within its walls "a new cathedral
which will be grsrder than that whose de
struStIon il regrets. The emperor con
tributes to This edilice considerable sum
taken from his private revenue. The ma
kiEg the river ScIlle nsvigsb'e viii be
new benefit To the department &C Saon
end Loire. The department de Pain re
aisrea tb~ a,oht III - acy.....~, a., l.