The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1815-08-02
IMPERIAL SESSION OF THE TWO
CHAMBERS,

PARIS, June z.
At three o'clock, the members of the Cham
bers of Peers, and those of the Council of
State were introduced by deputations, & took
their places; the Peers on the four first rows
of benches on the right of the throne, and the
Counsellors of State on the two first benches
on the left. The representatives occupied all
the rest OF the Hall, into which no stranger
was admitted. The galleries, which gen
orally public, & into which no persons came
except with tickets, were filed with about
500 persons. A large tribune was reserved
for Madame, the Ernperor's Mother, the
Princess Hortense, & the ladies of their court.
The seat of Her Imperial H,ghness Princess
Joseph, remained vacant. At half past four,
the Emperor, preceded by Heralds at Arms,
Pages, Ministers, Marshals, and the two prin-
ces his brothers, entered amidst unanimous
acclamations. All the spectators rose spon-
taneously.
His esty seated himself on the throne,
having Prince Joseph on his right and Prince
Lucien on his left. Cardinal Fesch was sea-
ted on chair On the right, the Arch Chan
celor presented to the Emperor the members
of the two Chambers, that they might take
the oath before him.
M. Cauchy, Secretary to the Chamber Of
Peers, & NJ. Bedoch, Secretary to the Cham
Ter OF Representatives, called on each mem
Der in succession, and they all took the same
oath that had been agreed on at the sitting Of
yesterday.
Among the Marshals present at the cere-
ncny, we observed the Duke of Cornegliano,
The Duke of Dalmatia, the Duke of Dantzig,
the Prince of Esling and the Prince of Eek
fnuhl.
The ceremonial being concluded, the En-
peror uncovered himself, and saluted the as
sembly and being again covered, pronounced
discourse OF which we have been fortunate
enough to collect the words
f" Gentlemen Of the Chamber Of Peers,
Gentlemen Of The Chamber Of Retlrese7a-
tafiUes,
For three months past, circumstances and
the confidence OF the people, invested me with
unlimited power. At this moment the most
anxious wish of my heart is accomplishing.
have just commenced the constitutional mo-
narchy.
Men are too feeble to secure the future
institutions alone fix the destinies of nations.
Monarchy is necessary to France, to guaran-
tee the liberty, the independence and the
rights of the people.
Our constitutions are scattered one of our
most important occupations will be to consol-
idate them into one body. and Co-ordnately
TO arrange them in one simple system. This
labor VIII recommend the present epoch to
future generations. 1 am anxious to see
France enjoy all possible liberty 1 say pos
sioie, because anarchy still leads to absolute
government. A formidable coalition of kings
assa our independence their armies arrive
on our frontiers
The Melpomene frigate has been attacked
and taken IN the Mediterranean, after san
gunrary action, with an English vessel of ~
guns Blood has been shed during the
peace
Our enemies rely upon our internal divisions
they excite and foment civil war Risings
nave taken place; communications are held
ont al. IL
$iSlatlve measures are Indispensable | place
unreserved confidence in your patriotism vour
intelligence, and your attachment to nv per-
son.
The liberty of the press is inherent in the
existing constitution ; no change can be made
IN that respect without altering the whole O
our political system but repressive lawsarer
necessary, more especially in the actual state |
OF the nation. / recommend this important
subject to your meditation
My ministers will acquaint You with the |
situation of our affairs.
Inc finances would be in a satisfactory |
state, but for the INCREASED expenditure rem !
dered rtqu site by existing circumstant es.- |
Nevertheless, all might be met, it the receipts |
comprised III the budget, would all be real-
yea within the year my minister will direct |
result.
1t is possible that the first duty of the prince
may soon call me, at the head of the children
OF the nation, to combat for the country
The army and mysefwl do our duty
DO you, peers and Representatives, give the
nation The example of confidence, energy and
patriotism and like the senate of the great
IeoPle OF antiquity, resolve to die ratherthan
survive the dishonor & degradation of France
lhe sacred cause of the country shall tri-
urph 20
This discourse wac foIIou,sd b,, c,;os of Iy.,o |
l,lsmTereT, YtOe PInheratrice Vive la
S'"f'1e I'nberialc 4! Yive Ia Pafyie Vfve I4
Nafion The same acclamalions the SAME
transports, followed bis majesty, when pass
ing through the crowd of deputies as he lclt
the Hall. The President re. conducted the
emperor, at the head of the deputatiou Re-
turning to the Assembly, he declared the sit
ing 70 be terminated, and that of the NOR
~" would commence at noon. The order Of
= gig gay will poobably be the nomination of
majesty.