Southern standard. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1851-1856, 1852-01-17
Leais Napoleon's Appeal to the People /!

FREECHMEN The present situation cannot last
much longer. Each day the situation of the coun-
try becomes worse. The Assembly, which ought
TO be the frmest supporter of ORDER has become
theatre of plots. The patriotism of 800 of its
members, could not arrest its fatal tendencies In
place of making laws for the general interests of
the people, it was forging arms for civil war. 1t
attacks the power hold directly from the people.
1t has encouraged every evil passion. 1t discour-
aged the repose of France. l have dissolved it,
and make the whole people the judge between
me and it.
The Constitution as you know, had been made
with the object of weakening beforehand, the pow
you entrusted to me. Six Millions of votes
striking protest against it. Calumnies,
provocations, outrages, found me passive, but
now as the fundamental part is no longer respect
ed by those who constantly invoke it, and the men
who have already destroyed two monarchies wish
to tie up my hands in order to overthrow the Re-
public, my duty is to battle their perfdious pro-
jects-to maintain the Republic and to save the
country by appealing to the solemn judgment OF
the only Sovereign l recognize in France
make an appeal to the entire nation, and |
say to you, if you wish to continue in this state OF
disquietude (aalaise thatdegrades and endangers,
the future, choose another person in nv place
for l no longer wish for place which is power
less for good, but makes me responsible for acts
/ cannot hinder, and chains me to the helm when
l see the vessel rushing into the abyss
If on the contrary, you still have confidence in
me, give the means of accomplishing the grand
mission hold from you. That mission consists in
closing the error of revolution, satisfying the
legitimate wants of the people, and in protecting
them against subversiye passions. 1t consists es-
peciay in creating institutions which survive men,
which something durable is based. Persuad-
ed that the instability of power that the prepon-
derance of single Assembly, are the permanent
causes of trouble and discord, | submit to your
suffrages the fundamental basis of a Constitution,
which the Assembly will develope hereafter.
lst. A responsible Chief, to be named for ten
years.
Cd Ministers depending on the Executive alone.
3d. Council of State, formed of the most dis
tinguished men, preparing the laws and maintain
ing discussion before the Legislative corps.
9TH. The Legislative corps, discussing and vo-
ting the law-to be named by universal suffrage,
serutin de Eiste, which falsiies the election
5th A Second Assembly formed of all the il
lustrious persons of the Nation-a proponderatng
power, guardian of the fundamental fact of public
Liberty
The system, created by the First Consul in the
beginning of the present century had already given
TO France, repose and prosperity. 1t guarantees
them still.
Such is my profound conviction If you par
Lake IL, declare SO Dy your SURFACES. II you pre-
fer government without force, monarchlal or re-
publican borrowed from some chimerical future,
reply In the negative. Thus then, for the first
time since $50, you viii vote with complete knowl-
edge as to whom and for what you vote.
III do not obtain majority of the votes, will
summon new Assembly and lay down before it,
the nissionI have received from you Ifyou be-
lieve that the cause of which my name IS but a
symbol. that France regenerated by the Revolu-
ton of '89 and organized by the Emperor, is still
yours, proclaim it to be so, by granting the pow
ers demand of you. Then France and Europe
viii be preserved from anarchy, obstacles will be
removed, and rivalries disappear, for all win re-
spect in the will ofthe People, the Decree of Prov
idencc
LOUIS NAPOLEON BUONAPARTE.
Palais d'Elyssee, Dec. 2, 1851.