LETTER V.
Opening of the legislative body.—Election of the president.—Lord Cornwallis.—Reflections of the people in the gallery.
Paris, november the 23d, 1801 (2 frimaire).
MY DEAR SIR,
Yesterday being the first of “frimaire,” the day on which, by the present constitution, the legislature and tribunate begin their session, I determined to attend the opening of the former.
As I was not acquainted with any of the members, I was obliged, by means of a silver ticket, to seek admittance in one of the galleries devoted to the public. The legislative body holds its sittings in the beautiful palace, now called by its name, but better known by its former one, of Palais Bourbon. It is situate in the Fauxbourg St. Germain, immediately fronting le pont Louis XVI, and opposite the Champs Elisées. The hall, in which the members assemble, is a very fine room, in which the council of five hundred sat during the directorial government. It is large, of an octagon shape, and would be admirably suited to the purpose, for which it is used, did not its extreme height and arched roof prevent even the strongest voice from being distinctly heard. To remedy this defect, green baize is suspended on several parts of the wall; but the evil is but little removed by this precaution. The first thing which attracted my attention, was the military parade, in which the members entered the room, and the regimental costume, in which they were dressed. Drums and fifes announced their approach; and a guard of honour (for both the corps législatif and the tribunate have each a regiment) preceded them. The members wear a uniform of blue cloth, embroidered with gold, a tricoloured sash, hussar boots, and a cocked hat, both laced with gold. To an english eye, they had more the appearance of naval officers than of legislators. The meeting was opened by the minister of the interieur, who ascending the tribune (or rostrum,) congratulated in a short speech, the corps législatif on commencing its session, at a moment when the restoration of peace with all the world confirmed the victories, and completed the happiness of the republic. The eldest member then took the chair, and declared the meeting legally constituted. They next proceeded to choose a president. Scrutineers were appointed to examine the votes, which were given in the following manner: The names of the members were alphabetically called over, and each in his turn placed a written paper, containing the name of the person whom he chose into one of four vases, which were placed on the table for that purpose. When all the members had voted, the four vases were placed on as many different tables, and each examined by an equal number of scrutineers. These counted the votes, and conveyed the result to the temporary president, who, after comparing them together, declared that Dupuis, having an absolute majority of 133 voices, was duly elected. The former then left the fauteuil[22], to which the latter was instantly conducted. On taking the chair, Dupuis ordered messages to be sent to the consuls and tribunate, acquainting them, that the corps législatif was definitively constituted, and was ready to receive the messengers of the government. He then drew from his pocket a written paper, and read a speech, in which he congratulated the meeting on the happy auspices under which it began its session. He had scarcely finished, when the sound of drum and fife announced the arrival of three counsellors of state, with a message from the government. They were preceded by huissiers, or ushers, in Spanish hats, with three plumes of different colours, and were dressed themselves in their grand costume of scarlet cloth, embroidered with silk of the same colour. One of them then ascended the rostrum, and read a short speech, declaring what the consuls had done, and what still further they proposed. He congratulated the legislature on the peace, and reminded the members, that the war being now over, they could devote their whole time to the happiness and tranquillity of the people. He concluded with complimenting the assembly on the conduct which they had pursued in their last session, and which, he said, they would doubtless continue in that which was now begun. The president assured him, in reply, that the legislative body would, on all occasions, be ready to assist the views of government in promoting the glory, the peace, and the happiness of the nation.
The counsellors of state then retired, and the president read the procès-verbal of the proceedings and appointments of the sénat conservateur, as likewise several letters; some from members, with excuses for nonattendance; others with resignations; and some from authors, presenting books, almanacks, &c. to the legislature. The title of one dedication entertained me not a little. It was addressed, “Au Corps Législatif, au premier Consul, et à madame Bonaparte[23].” We may conclude, that the writer was at once a republican and a courtier. Inconsistencies are often reconciled in France.
After these letters had been read, the meeting was closed. The austrian, english, swedish, and other ambassadors, were present, in a box appropriated to their use. The venerable appearance and military dress of my lord Cornwallis delighted the parisians; and my national vanity was not a little gratified, by the favourable comparison which the people around me drew between his lordship and the other foreign ministers. “Oui, oui, ce grand est milord Cornvalis. Il a bonne mine. Il a l’air militaire. Il a servi, n’est il pas vrai, monsieur? C’est un galant homme, regardez ce petit à côtè, quelle différence! quelle mauvaise tournure, &c[24].”
I believe, indeed, that, on every account, we have reason to be satisfied with the choice which our government has made of the noble marquis. While in exteriors he satisfies the curiosity of the french, and the pride of the english, he gives, by the respectability of his character, the dignity of his deportment, and the known moderation of his principles, the surest pledge of the pacific intentions of the sovereign, whom he so worthily represents.