The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-05-31
From the European Times.
Fr.nce-The Electoral Law.

Inc details or the Electoral hill of France
are now known all over Europe all its advantages
and its dangers have been freely canvassed out of
doors, and yesterday the discussion of the
would no doubt, be commenced in the Assembly.
Its important influence upon the future destiny of
France cannot be overrated; and however at the
first view ofthe state Of parties in the Chamber it
might seem that the measure would be carried
through the Assembly with a high hand by minis
tiers, the collective strength which seems gathering
TO oppose such a vagrant violation of the constitu
ton Fills with doubt about the result. Petitions
from all quarters pouring in against the bill
The whole party Of the National, including Dupont
dc PEurc, Goudchaux, and Marrast, have sent in
firm petition and remembrance against its passing
The pettien truly says that it threatens the repub
lie in its essence, law in its most sacred point and
order itself in Of its principal conditions, and
u proceeds to point out all the monstrous anoma-
lies of the bill, and urges that universal suffrage
cannot have failed since ii raised the President 10
power, and created a majority in the present As
sembly. These are truths which IL is difficult to
gloss over Every sees that If the late success
sion Of the Socialists had not taken place, but
OF "order" had been elected, should never have
had the right Of universal suffrage impeached
For own parts have concealed that
we deem republic wholly unadapted 10 the set
tied habits and prejudices Of the French, but
jority of the people having fixed upon that form of
government, and the President having been placed
at the head of the republic pledged TO maintain IL
nviolate, view with deep alarm this undisguised
attempt 20 undermine and overthrow the power by
which the President and the Assembly alike derive
Napoleon succeed fail in carrying the bill, the
fatal consequences will be, fear, equally depo-
rable.
The Mountain party threaten a most violent OPP
position 10 the bill, and, no doubt, the debate will
be the most stormy ever witnessed in the chamber.
II one Of the leaders Of the Mountain is far
threatened with violence, because he will not resort
10 arms, as 10 appeal 10 the magistracy for protec
ton, IL IL not 10 be wondered that some Of the OBJ
noxious members Of the moderate party arm
ing themselves 10 protect their persons in the cham
Der. In fact, tumult is fully expected in the very
hall Of the Assembly. Troops are being poured
into Paris. The Yoir du Peupie has been seized by
the police almost every day; mayors and their adj
joints dismissed from their offices because they
have signed petitions against the electoral law;
mobs Of people assemble round the Offices Of La
Presse, and on Wednesday the license of the Voir
du Peupie was wholly Withdrawn. In fact, every
thing portends fierce struggle, and, although
there IL no doubt that the sodiery will crush any
attempt at insurrection The government, being legal
" Che ,orong, will scarcely better its position by
a military triumph, socialism will receive a
fresh impulse from such success.
II appears that the absence Of the President from
Paris at such critical moment causes good deal
OF uneasiness, and the funds are heavy. The po-
sition Of the government is an uneasy one On
Tuesdays sitting, ministers were in minority OF
95 on a question whether any minister, exceeding
estimate voted by the chamber, should pay the
excess out Of his own pocket. No fewer than 81
members against 276 voted that he should; and I'M
der existing circumstances, this vote must render
a minister, especially finance minister, very un-
comfortable. Our report next week promises TO
be ne exciting as any one we have ever written
since the first king out Of the revolution.
Recall OF the French Ambassador from
England.
The following explanation given in the As
sembly on the 18th instant:
The order of the day the interpretations Of
NJ. Piscatory on the affairs Of Greece
General De La Hitte, Minister Of Foreign Affairs,
ascended the tribune and said: "Gentlcmen, in the
sitting of Saturday last had the honor Of announc
ing TO the Assembly that, in consequence Of the
failure Of our good Offices in the negotiation pur-
sued at Athens, the government Of the republic had
considered IL its duty 10 apply TO the English gov
eminent for explanations The reply which was
given not being such az we had right to look
for, considering the good intelligence which existed
between the two countries the President OF the re-
public. after having taken the advice OF his coun-
Gil, gave me orders 10 recall from London our am
bassador. loud burst Of cheering from the Right,
capping Of hands, cries Of Bravo, bravo;' renewed
cheers and clspping Of hands from the same quar-
ter. The Left all this time remained silent The
appreciation continued al least five minutes In
order 10 make the Assembly Of the motives
which actuated the government 10 come 10 this de-
cison, cannot do better than read you the letter
which addressed M Drouyn de pHuys on the sub
Jet;