The daily union., 1852-02-10
The French Constitution.

Our readers VIII Hnd In an0tner column The new
French constitution. and the proclamation of the French
dictator announcing to the people OF France mo.
ments reflection to its origin, and moments glance
at its provisions will serve to show that ii has none OF
the characteristics of republican constitutions that it is
merely the offspring OF the coup detat of the second OF
December and is in substance nothing more than an
TO France and to the world of the
in which Louis Napoleon. prodtng by his successful
application OF the bayonet intends TO exercise the des-
polc powers he has usurped.
The first article of this new constitution admits, con-
firms, and guarantees the principles proclaimed in 1889
the second article confdes the government of France 10
Louis Napoleon for ten years; and the third specifies the
machinery through which he is 10 govern. That ma
chinery consists of ministry. Council Of Stdte a
Senate, and legislative body,
The ministers .depend only the chief OF the State
Louis Napoleon They have seats and votes in the
Council Of State. which is presided by the President,
and charged, under his direction TO draw bills regulate
public administration, TO solve the difficulties which may
arise in administrative affairs, and TO support before the
Senate and legislative body the of the govern
ment-the members to perform this latter service being
detailed in each instance by the President himself.
The Senate is TO consist OF cardinals marshals and
admras, and OF such citizens the President may raise
to the dignity OF senator's who 10 hold office for e
The Senate is called the guardian OF the fundamental
compact and the public liberties ]" yet il is body which
chosen by amenabe TO the people 1t holds i,s
sessions in secret 1t originate law except by
way OF recommendation 10 the dictator, by whom is
con voked and prorogued and who. TO make
doubly sure has given salary the senator's but who
has egazed bribery when necessary by article in the
constitution which allows him grant any Of them per-
sonal donations no, exceeding thirty thousand francs
year
The Legislative body 10 consist OF one deputy 10 each
35 900 electors This is the only branch OF the govern
ment which the people OF France have even nominay an
agency in electing and might be expected il is utterly
poweress except to endorse the will OF The President
as uttered by his Council of State 1t discusses and
votes bills and taxes" but il cannot receive petition
from the people canno, originate bill, nor can il
even discuss amendment to bill sent in by the Coun-
Gil OF Sate unless the amendment has been submitted to
and adopted by the Council
Such are The prominent features OF the new French
constitution. The particular provisions will be
seen by reference 10 the constitution itself II orgna.
ted in the will OF man. backed by the bayonets OF
great army, and il gives that for ten years the die
taorial powers which be held usurper Il constitutes
him commander OF the army and navy. 1t empowers
him declare war and conclude treaties appoint all
employees, to take the initiative in all laws, and Of his
will to make the regulations and DEGREES necessary
carry out the laws which he may dictate Through the
ministry and the Council of State, appointed by and
responsible alone him. he curbs and controls the action
OF the only body which is elected by The people, giving
negative powers TO the Senator's whose action he can in
turn annu and whose positive subservieney he can in
sure, because he is empowered TO appoint them in the
first instance-can increase their number at pleasure
within certain limit and can consttuonally brbe each
OF them 10 the of thirty thousand francs year
Thus ends the French revolution OF Ists, from which
some men, led by feeling rather thaa reason, hoped
much The truth is that the people OF France although
they love liberty with enthusiastic devotion have not the
first idea OF we'll regulated freedom The sovereignty Of
the people, and the sanety Of constitutions as the
deliberate, well. considered commands OF sovereignty,
constitute the only foundation which republican
institutions can be built. A frequent practical utter
snce Of the popular wiIl-by means OF frequent
amenabiy OF all law makers and executors of the
law 10 a people mindful OF their rights, and under
standing the necessity OF submitting TO those self
imposed restraints which protect the weak from the
strong and shield the strong from combinations of The
weak, and prevent liberty from becoming license-can
alone give real virtue to the best framed republic which
tbs genius of man has ever devised First OF all, there
must be people fitted for epublicanism before it will
frame republican constitution or enjoy constitutional
liberty il il should frame a republican constitution.
France has not such people and despite all her strug
gles and sacrifices and unutterabe suengs, she has
NOT enioved freedom for one hour The pendulum has