Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-10-08

appeared no more on the political theatre until
the consulate of Bonaparte, whose cause he
zealously espoused. For this he was made
counsellor of state, and president of the council.
/ ''The glory of Frances" said this speaker,
/ els in the army. Her honour depends OH the
| restoration of our losses. Her liberty and indie
pendence are connected with the strength of her
defenders. The safety of the country consists
in their number, their discipline, and their ex-
plots. great reverse is 10 great souls but a
salutary warning. Let us turn to the triumph
of principles that misfortune which, at first sight
may appear to compromise them. If victory
have ceased to crown our standards, are there
not other palms besides those which are sprnk
led with blood, The olive of peace may still
flourish upon our menaced frontiers; but, that it
may bear permanent fruit, it must be planted
by the hands of heroes. The army already be-
gins to rally; but astonished eagle, afflicted
at the absence of its defenders, demands that
we should fill up those vacancies, which I'M
heard-of sacrifices have made Ill their ranks.
Will you refuse to recruit with heroes this gal
liant army, BY enlarging IFS battalions, or, at
least, by filling them up with devoted men, YOU
will second the public enthusiasm-you will
crown the wishes Of the nation. Far, however,
be from us the desire of revenge. The only
conquest which we desire is that of peace: but,
| IN order that we may not be compelled to beg
1t on our knees, it is necessary that the number
| OF our soldiers correspond with their courage.
| nation defeated, but which neverwll be utterly
vanquished, should only present the reed of
peace. when leaning upon the massive club of
her combats. Iconclude with moving that the
chambers make an appeal to French valour,
whist the emperor is treating of peace in the
most steady and dignGed manner"
La E'ayette next rose. Every eye was fixed
upon him, and the most profound silence reign
cd through the assembly. Napoleon was vio-
lcntly agtated but he soon recovered himself
mod pF
''ln love for my country" said he and ar
dent wishes to save it from the dangers which
threaten To Overwhcln it, will not Weld to- the
last speaker. l am not disposed to doubt the
sincerity of his patriotism: but | compelled
to say, that the measures which he proposes,
would hasten and aggravatc the calamiiies that
we all dcprecatc.-Thc fine army with which
our northern frontiers were recently covered
exists no longer. Ii can oppose cTcctua re-
sistance To the hories of foreigners, who have |
already passed our borders, and whose course is |
marked with blood and devastation. 1t is under !
the walls of Paris alone that our scattered troops
will be able to unite, and dispute with the cne-
my the possession of the capital oftle empire.
Respecting the issue of the contest, should
not bedoubtful. 1.-THE voice of their government
ana to defend the liberty, the integrity, and the
independence of his country, every Frencbman
would fly 10 arms, and the invaders wowd be
chased from soil with disgrace. But, though
the triumph would be certain, the contest would
be long and terrific Our fertile fields would
be laid waste, and our rivers be mingled with
blood Is il necessary TO fill it with widows and
orphanse Are there means by which peace
may be obtained without compromising our hon.
Our'
''The last speaker has proposed that pacific
Overturcs should be made TO the allies; that
while an appeal is made to French vaiour, the
emperor should treat for peace in the most dig.
.G..l.
cess can he trcato Have not our enemies
pledged themselves to 4 line of conduct which,
adopted when the issue of the contest was uncer-
tain, and while all France appeared TO have rail-
lied round the sovereign of their choice, " i'll not
be readily abandoRed now that victory has crown
ed their efforts.
"Scntiments of united respect and affection
prevent me from being more explicit There is
but one measure which can save the country,
and if the ministers of the emperor will not adj
wise him to adopt il, his great soul will reveal it
TO him."
This speech excited many murmurs from the
court party, and much applause from Others
Al the close of it Napoleon cast his ewes down,
and Immediately raised them again with smile
OF disdain.
*
The chambers, in the mean time had selected
FIVE commissioners al the head of whom were
La Fayettc, and Count Ponlicoulant, with ID.
Constant as their secretary, who were despatch
ed TO the headquarters of the allies To treat for
peace. The interests of the nation were com
united without reserve TO their discretion. The
lnutlIty of resistance was universally aclSno,y-
lodged, and the instructions of the commissions
crs comprised in one sentence To g obtain peace
on as advantageous terms possible, without
violating the integrity, or furnishing the honour
of France"
The allied monarc!,s received them with APP
parent Kindness and the conferences commence
ed Immediately. The French Observation-Disclosures
related the events which had recently happened
IN France. They stated that Bonapartc had not
only abdicatod the throne, but that the govern
incnt was adopting measures TO prevent his ever
exerting the least influence on the affairs of
France. Here they we're interrupted by the
demand of the British minister, that Napoleon
should be delivered uDconditonaIly into the
power of the allies. This proposition was re-
cciyed with mingled astonish .ent and indirna-
ton; and La Fayette replied that Napoleon hav-
ing voluntarily resigned the crown, that he
might be no obstacle To the welfare of France
his person was under the protection of the ma
tlonal gratitude and honour, and that the French
people wOu'd never consent to commit all act of
unexamplcd treachcry.
1'hemonarchs felt Tire inpoIicy of this demand.
and Immediately waved 1t.
"A Happy an,ily.-Thc is a man travelling and |
exhibiting III one cage, Il dog, cat, and
A..