|
Position of M. de Villèle on assuming Power.—He finds himself
engaged with the Left and the Conspiracies.—Character of the
Conspiracies.—Estimate of their Motives.—Their connection
with some of the Leaders of the Parliamentary Opposition.—M. de La Fayette.—M. Manuel.—M. D'Argenson.—Their Attitude
in the Chamber of Deputies.—Failure of the Conspiracies, and
Causes thereof.—M. de Villèle engaged with his Rivals within
and by the side of the Cabinet.—The Duke de Montmorency.—M. de Châteaubriand Ambassador at London.—Congress
of Verona.—M. de Châteaubriand becomes Minister of Foreign
Affairs.—Spanish
War.—Examination of its Causes and Results.—Rupture
between M. de Villèle and M. de Châteaubriand.—Fall
of M. de Châteaubriand.—M. de Villèle engaged with an Opposition
springing from the Right-hand Party.—The 'Journal des
Débats' and the Messrs. Bertin.—M. de Villèle falls under the
Yoke of the Parliamentary Majority.—Attitude and Influence
of the Ultra-Catholic Party.—Estimate of their conduct.—Attacks
to which they are exposed.—M. de Montlosier.—M. Béranger.—Acuteness
of M. de Villèle.—His decline.—His Enemies
at the Court.—Review and Disbanding of the National Guard of
Paris.—Anxiety of Charles X.—Dissolution of the Chamber of
Deputies.—The Elections are Hostile to M. de Villèle.—He retires.—Speech
of the Dauphinists to Charles X. | [223] |
CHAPTER VII.
MY OPPOSITION.
1820-1829.
|
My Retirement at the Maisonnette.—I publish four incidental
Essays on Political Affairs: 1. Of the Government of France
since the Restoration, and of the Ministry in Office (1820); 2.
Of Conspiracies and Political Justice (1821); 3. Of the Resources
of the Government and the Opposition in the actual State of
France (1821); 4. Of Capital Punishment for Political Offences
(1822).—Character and Effects of these Publications.—Limits of
my Opposition.—The Carbonari.—Visit of M. Manuel.—I commence
my Course of Lectures on the History of the Origin of
Representative Government.—Its double Object.—The Abbé
Frayssinous orders its Suspension.—My Historical Labours—on
the History of England; on the History of France; on the Relations
and Mutual Influence of France and England; on the
Philosophic and Literary Tendencies of that Epoch.—The French
Review.—The Globe.—The Elections of 1827.—My Connection
with the Society, 'Help thyself and Heaven will help thee.'—My
Relations with the Administration of M. de Martignac; he
authorizes the Re-opening of my Course of Lectures, and restores
my Title as a State-Councillor.—My Lectures (1828-1830) on
the History of Civilization in Europe and in France.—Their
Effect.—I am elected Deputy for Lisieux (December, 1829). | [278] |
CHAPTER VIII.
ADDRESS OF THE TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY-ONE.
1830.
|
Menacing, and at the same time inactive attitude of the Ministry.—Lawful
Excitement throughout the Country.—Association for
the ultimate Refusal of the non-voted Taxes.—Character and
Views of M. de Polignac.—Manifestations of the Ministerial
Party.—New Aspect of the Opposition.—Opening of the Session.—Speech
of the King.—Address of the Chamber of Peers.—Preparation
of the Address of the Chamber of Deputies.—Perplexity
of the Moderate Party, and of M. Royer-Collard.—Debate
on the Address.—The part taken in it by M. Berryer and
myself.—Presentation of the Address to the King.—Prorogation
of the Session.—Retirement of MM. de Chabrol and Courvoisier.—Dissolution
of the Chamber of Deputies.—My Journey
to Nismes for the Elections.—True Character of the Elections.—Intentions
of Charles X. | [330] |
*** This Work has been translated by J. W. Cole, Esq., who also translated the 'Celebrated Characters' of M. de Lamartine.