1851. All attempts to oppose the assumption of power by Louis Napoleon were unsuccessful; the few barricades that were erected were soon torn or battered down.
1854. The people of Mexico completed three days' balloting, and decided with great unanimity that the republic should continue to be governed by Santa Anna.
DECEMBER 4.
1137. Lothaire II, emperor of Germany, died. He was king of Saxony when he was made king of Germany, and finally invested with the title of emperor.
1139. Roger, prior of Hexham, died; author of a history of the campaign of the Scottish army under king David.
1214. William (the Lion), of Scotland, died. He confederated with Henry of England against his father, and his inconsiderate valor at the siege of Alnwick, as well as many other rash acts, brought misfortunes on himself and disgrace upon his people.
1334. John XXII (James d'Eusse), pope, died. He rose under the patronage of Charles II, of Naples. He attempted the suppression of the Cordeliers; was an active pontiff, and respected for his frugality, prudence and sanctity.
1402. Charles VI granted letters patent to the priests to enact mysteries, or as they came to be called moralities, such as the conception of the Savior, &c.
1642. John Armand du Plessis de Richelieu, a celebrated French cardinal and statesman, died. He was a man of great capacity and boundless ambition, whose ministry forms an era in the French government, and prepared the way for the power and grandeur of the reign of Lewis XIV.
1649. William Drummond, a Scottish poet and historian, died. He preceded Waller in polishing English versification.