The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-02-06
NAPOLRoN,s REFORM BILL.
The EmperOr's Letter to the Minister of
State.

StbteG
The following letter was addressed, as noticed
in our cable report a few days since, by the
Emperor to the Minister of State:--
PALACE OF THE TUILERIEs, January 10
Monsieur le Ministre:-For some years past the
question has been asked whether our insti-
Jutions have gained their limit of improve
ment or whether new improvements are to be
which 1t is important to remove.
Up to the present you have had to strike
couTaR eously in order to repel inopportune
OF useful reforms when the time should arrive.
And now believe that it is possible to give to
the institutions of the Empire all the develop
ment Of which they are capable, and to the
public liberties new extension without COM
promising the power which the nation has in-
The plan which I have traced out to myself
consists in correcting the imperfections which
time has revealed, and in admitting that pro-
gress which is compatible with our habits, for
to govern is to profit by the experience which
the future.
The object of the decree of the 24th OF Novem-
ber, 1880 was TO associate the Senate and the
Corps Legislatif more directly with the policy
of the Government, but the debate on the ad-
dress has not led TO the results which were to be
expected from it-it has sometimes needlessly
excited public opinion, given rise to sterile dis
cussions, and occaSioned loss of time most
precious for the affairs OF the country; and
believe that, without any diminution of the
prerogatiVes of the deliberative powers, the ad-
dress may be replaced by the privilege, pru-
IDENTIFY regulated, OF putting questions to the
Government.
Another mod1hcation has appeared to me
necessary in the relations of the Government
towards the great bodies OF the State. have
considered that by sending the Ministers to the
Senate and the Corps Legtslatif to take part in
certain debates, by virtue of q special commits
sion, should better utilize the strength of the
(IoVernment without deViating from the terms
of the Constitution, which admits no solidarity
among the Ministers, and makes them de-
pendent only upon the chief of the State.
But the reforms which IL is hitting to adopt
must not stop there. A law will be proposed
for assigning the Jurisdiction over offenses
against the press law exclusively to the correc-
tional tribunals, and thus suppress the discre
tionary power of the Government IL is equally
necessary to regulate legislatively the right o.
assembly, while restraining II within the limits
which public safety demands.
said last year that my Government wished
to walk upon ground consolidated and capable
OF sustaining power and liberty. by TN
measures I have just pointed out my word
which fifteen years of calm and prosperir
have consolidated, but increase the strengt
by rendering my relations with the great pup
lie powers more intimate by securing 10 IN
citizens by law fresh guarantees. by completln
national will.
On this, Monsieur le Ministre, pray God
have you in His holy keeping.
The following is the full text of
TIE DECREE
which accompanies the letter of the Emperor
Napoleon, by the grace of God and the nations
will Emperor OF the French, to all present an
TO come, Rreeung;-Wishing TO give to the III
cnssions OF the great bodies of the State rel
tive 70 the nome and foreign policy of the 90
eminent more utility and precision we Na,
decreed and decree what fOllows:-
AItslel, The members Of bhe Senate a