A decree of the National Assembly, passed in May last, runs thus:
"The king shall have the right to provide for the security of the frontiers, to make every preparation, and take every necessary step to defend the national possessions; to manage the operations of the war, and to propose whatever he thinks proper for the general good:
"But the legislative body shall have the right to decide on the propriety of the war, make peace, and settle treaties.
"In case of war, the king shall give immediate notice of it to the legislative body, if the assembly is sitting, and if not, it shall be summoned immediately."
I was informed in Paris, that the National Assembly have abolished all the titles of nobility; and observed that their coats of arms were taken from their carriages.
It was also reported, that the nobility are to pay land and other taxes, in proportion to their abilities.
These are some of the fundamental alterations in the Constitution, according to the best information that I have been able to obtain. Let us then, in the next chapter, consider of the causes of the Revolution.
CHAP. XVII.
Supposed Causes of the Revolution.—The Resolutions of the National Assembly.—Names of some of the Officers appointed under the New Constitution.