Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-12-17
20 RCESTER
TUESDAY. DECEMBER IL, 1879
The French National Assembly.

Fcu'n kAsSthAblg'
The recent discussions in the French assem-
bly, indicate very clearly, that the monarchists,
who have majority in that body, are conscious
that majority of the nation is against them,
In opposing the petitions for a dissolution oftlfe
assembly, they show the violence of desperation.
They dare not appeal to the voters in new
election for members of the assembly, for they
would be defeated. Nearly all the elections 10
fill vacancies have been carried by the republi-
cans, who have elected their candidates by de-
cisive majorities, in districts which were sup
posed 10 be strongly conservative. The
convictions and common sense of a majority
OF the French people appear to have decided
that the nation can not have order and
quiet under monarchy, because it would en-
counter irreeoncilable opposition, and at length
become the prey of revolution. The history of
France, during the last seventy-fve years, does
not encourage the hope of different result
In that time, France has had Napoleon, the reg
ular Bourbons, the Orleans Bourbons, Bona
partisan again, the nominal republic several
times, and revolution repeatedly. Now it has
a nominal republic, with provisional govern
ment, and a national assembly controlled by
plotting monarchists. Meanwhile, the world is
looking on and waiting to see what will come
next, and Theirs, who understands the opinion
of the country, is repeating that the republic
must be fully established because monarchy
is now impossible.
The French monarchists are attempting, inla
different way what was attempted, not long
ago, by the communists. They seek to have the
nation ruled in the interest of a minority, and
conspire to substitute their majority in the as
sembly for the will of the people. This assem-
bly, was elected 10 arrange the terms of peace
with Prussia. il has extended its authority far
beyond this business, and now aims TO do every
thing. If the purpose of those who control it
were honest, they would invite the people to
elect a constituent assembly TO organize a
permanent government. They refuse to
do this; but, at the same time, they
do not venture TO say plainly what
they mean, although their meaning comes
in sight, now and then, in their moments of
passion. For instance, when Gambetta, in the
discussion, Saturday. defed the monarchists to
establish a monarchy, and added, "Neither
would king accept nor the people ratiiy, There
was volcanic eruption of passion among the
monarchists. They intend to have monarchy.
The way TO it is difficult, dangerous, and per-
haps impossible, as Gambetta says; but they
will not allow the opening of an orderly way to
anything else.
The assembly voted strongly against dssolu'
ton; but the republicans have the advantage OF
position. On this question, they represent the
general public sentiment of France, while the
monarchists fight against it. A dissolution of
the assembly and an appeal TO the people in a
new election, can not be postponed indefinitely;
and when that new election shall come, it will
be seen that the republicans have made the best
preparation for it. If the monarchists
means of a coup detdt which may
lead to revolution and civil war, rath
er than even a temporary monarchy
But they are divided into three hostile parties,
Old Bourbons, 0rleanist Bourbons, and Bona
parlisis, and, therefore, can not act in concert
in the matter of organizing monarchy They
can plot and vote in concert against the repub'
lie; but they can not unite in determining who
shall be king. If they were wise, they would
take the advice of Theirs and establish "the con-
sentative republic" themselves; but, if theywere
wise and patriotic, they would not be either
Bourbons or Bonapartists.
Mr.. II. N Ogden of Louisiana, who has ap-
peared at Washington in behalf of Warmoth
falsely claiming to be attorney general of that
state, has addressed letter to Attorney General
Williams on the subject of his mission. In this
letter he asserts that Mr.. Pnchback never was
lieutenant governor Of that state, and, there
fore, is not eligible TO the position of acting
governor. Most of us remember the peculiar
circumstances under which Mr.. Piuchback be-
came lieutenant governor. He was formally
elected to this Office, by the legislature, TO fill
a vacancy. There was an effort on the part of
the democrats and portion of the republicans
TO elect another man; but Warmoth used his
influence to elect Pinchback, in order TO paralyze
a movement to impeaeh him. Warmoth believed
the democrats would give up the impeachment
scheme as soon as it was made certain, that,
by impeaching him they would make eolored
man acting governor. If the gentleman, Ia
white mani, who was run against Mr.. Pinch
back, had been elected, Warmoth would have
been impeached at that time. As it was, the re.
publicans engaged in the impeachment move
ment were eager to 60 on with it; but War
moth had guessed shrewdly, that the demo
Gratis would not have colored man for acting
governor. All this was discussed al the time
Now the republicans have impeached Warmotl
and Pinchback is acting governor, position tt
which everybody knew and admitted be wa
eligible, when he was elected TO the lieutenan
governorship. This Mr.. ogden's statement Q
fact Is very much like Warmoth's politica
character.