Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-07-31
DE TOCQUEVlLLE'S REPORT

The following extract from the Paris cores
pondence OF the National Inteligencer gives
better idea, than that we published Yesterday, of
the spirit of De Tocquevilles report on the revi-
sion of the French constitution:
PARIS, July TO- 1851.
De Tocquevilles anxousIy looked for renort mon b
revision OF the constitution read in the Assembly
day before yesterday and given to he public Yesterday
1t the aole conclllaoY, patriotic and statesanlke
document which you would expect from the distinguish
ed author OF Democracy IN America He sketches with
a master hand the numerous perls which environ
france. head his report, which is drawn I'D in the
cam earnest. 9ut passloness language of deep and sad
convclon and you will rise from the perusal narticn
ary if you have attended sufficiently to the n1arch If
events here TO know as do that his narrative is only
too true, with the belief forced upon you that France
IS approaching and under circumstances that almost
preclude hope one OF the most critical passages Of her
| national existence.
| Revision, he ad its, is full of danger: hut he con-
tends that it is less dangerous Than the sfatu quo He
appehends, OF the chief dangers of refusal to re-
wise regularly. an unconstitutional candidacy and nomi
nation OF NJ. Bonaparte; not from any general enhus-
asm for him personally but from the pressure of the
administration, he being in power, and holding in his
grasp the thousand Strings OF executive influence; from
the ignorance OF the masses unenightened and unused
to the exercise OF the nights OF citizens Of any other
name, of any other man than him with whom they
have been, as were, in contract Tor he last three
years. Such an election, he argues would be The to-
tai overthrow of the constitution the loss of berv and
an invitation to despotism. He concludes in favor of
revision as the least othe dangers, praying the Assem-.
bly,, in the OF the committee adopt the follow
ing resolution: Taking into consideration article IL
of the constitution, The Assembly decides that the con-
siitntion shall be totally revised" The debate in the
Assembly will commence next Monday. The follow
ing concluding remarks, recommending, whether the
resolution pass not, that The ASS mbly respect the
constitution and cause it TO be strictly respected by all
and upon all occasions, comprise the most interest
ing and important portion OF The report:
lone point, however Tor which he committee has
been unanimous is this: IT, in spite of all the efforts
sincerely m ade TO come TO understanding, by ma
king mutual sacrifices compatible with the sincerity OF
opinions and their dignity the present attempt shou
tall il there should not be found in assembly the number
OF votes required for the legal revision take places if
in word the constitution continues 10 exist as il is il
ought to be invariably and universally obeyed On this
point the committee, divided on so many Others found
sell unanimous; and COW iced that the same
unanlmlty will be evnced by the Assembly Every one
ought to comprehend that legal attempt made to re-
oim constitution gives to this latter, should il fail,
new conservation. As long could be legally thought
hat Inc Constitution was to he revised any one could
nave thought OF changing it, even preparing 10 do
What II did not as yet permit. But from The moment
hat such nope Is no longer admissible there only
mains 10 submit to Its prescription, and TO obev them
For the const uon, have already said is The on.
y legality, the only political right which we RECOGNISE al
present IN Frances and out OF It's pale there is nohDg
but adventurous acts or revolutions
1.-The firm Will o. the National Assemble oughl
consequently 10 De- not Only Use respect the cans,i-
tuition but to watch careful that all others ia ca IIbe
wise. 1t is in order letter express his idea I'D n
give YOU an occasion 10 associate in it, that y6nr conn
mlttee proposes TO you lOrodute into The resoLto
Which II submits 10 yon The tex OF article Ill nj the
constitutions order 10 cause 10 be Understand mai
1t Is only IN virtue y; the constitution and IN view o.
Inc conditions which 1t has Itself laid down, that we