Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1830-09-29
FRANCE.
DEBATES OF THE CHAMBERS.

the Chamber of Deputies on the 9th and
7th of August, relative to the expediency
of raising the Duke of Orleans to the
Throne, sc. The most important part
of the debate is given in the following
extracts:
| M. dc Connv-In the terrible circum-
stances in which we are placed, freedom
of debate is more than ever a sacred law.
| come forward at the voice of my con-
science; silence would be cowardicc.
Social order is shaken to its foundations.
These tumultuous commotions, which
suddenly suspend the action of the lc-
getimate powers instituted to establish
order in society, are cpochs of calamity
which exercise upon the destiny of ma
tons the most fatal influence. IneXorable
history rising above contemporary pas
sions, will impress upon these lamcntable
days the character which belongs to
them, and the cry Of human conscience
is raised to consecrate this eternal truth
force constitutes no right. In thesc-timcs
Of trouble, liberty is invoked, but the eX-
preston of thought has ceased to be free
Liberty is stihed by the sanguinary cries
which carry alarm in every direction.
You will not suffer yourselves to be sub
jugatcd by the cries which resound a
round you. Statesmen, remain calm in
the midst of pcrils, and when confused
voices call to France the son of Napo-
leon, invoke the Republic, and proclaim
| 4 of 4 ~, tynn
duties, you will remember your oaths,
and acknowledge the sacred rights OF
of the Royal Infant which, after so many
misfortuncs, Providence has given to
France. Think of the Judgment of pos
tcrity-it would be terrible. You would
not wish that history should say, they
,cefe fdiihless 10 their oaihs.-The eyes
of Europe are upon us. We have too
long exhibited to her a spectacle OF
strange inscnsibility; too long have we
changed sides, as often as victory chan
gcd colors. Brought back to truth
by misfortune, let us remain calm in the
midst of so many turbulent passions, and
upon great and royal misfortuncs. by
remaining faithful to our duties, wish
to spare our country all the calamlties
and crimes consequent upon usurpations.
Viewing with an anxious mind the des-
tiny of France, perceive gentlemen,
the twolold scourge of civil and foreign
war threatening our noble country-l
perceive liberty disappearing forever; |
perceive French blood flowing, and this
blood would rccoil upon their heads.
The consideration of the principle of
Legitimacy, of this principle estab-
lished by the Charter, can alone pre-
serve our country from this fearful des-
tiny. All France is bound by oaths;
the army, ever faithful, will bend their
arms before the young King; call to
witness our national honor. Let us
not exhibit to the world the scandal
of perjury. In the presence of the sa-
cred rights of the Duke dc Bourdeaux,
the act which should raise the Duke of
Orleans to the throne, would be viola
ton of all human laws. As Deputy,
remembering my oaths before God, who
will Judge US, have declared the whole
truth. l should have forfeited the cs-
TEEN of my adversaries, if, in the perils
which surround us, had remained silent.
| declare the sentiments which animate
me in the face of heaven; ] would cX-
press them at the cannon's mouth. If
the principle of legitimacy be not recog-
niscd by the Charter, must declare that
| have no right to participate in the de-
liberations which are submitted TO you.
Nj. Benjamin Constant said, that
though there was still some agitation u
mong the people, it was not sufficient to
excite any alarm. Coming to the PROPOSE
ton made by Nj. Berard ,he said we must
have Prince of different charactcr
from him whose acts have been so de-
plorablc and irightiul. | will not antici-
pate this discussion, but cannot refrain
from saying that we must have Prince
who has fought in our ranks and under
our standard. Legitimacy, in its ordina-
ry acceptaton, can no longer be invok-
ed there is IN truth, no legitimacy but
that which derives its source from the
people and the laws All Europe know $
that VIC have resolved to be free. We
have no hostility against any nation. OF
this the proof will be found in the modcr-
alton We have displayed after victory. |
abhor and abiurc Il Legitimacy that stains
the pavement of our streets with blood.
NJ Hyde de Neuvillc--l begin by
declaring, that ! pronounce judgment
upon no one. In politics, as in religion,
conscicnccs are all subject to the same
influence, and men may seek the same
good end by different directions. If
you admit the truth of ;his principle, you
viii not refuse me your esteem. ! have
done all that n Frcnchman could do to
prpypnt thp cnlnmitips Np have suffered