It is not surprising that views of this description should be entertained by all well-informed persons on the spot in France, for the new “National Assembly,” to whom the formation of a constitution is to be intrusted in that country, is to be composed in such a way, as renders the direct or indirect spoliation of property a matter of almost certainty. The following is the decree of the Provisional Government on the subject:—
“French Republic.
“Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.
“The Provisional Government of the Republic, wishing to resign, as soon as possible, into the hands of the Definitive Government the powers it exercises in the interest and by the command of the people,
“Decrees,
“Article 1.—The electoral assemblies are convoked in each district for the 9th of April next, to elect the representatives of the people in the National Assembly, which is to frame the constitution.
“Article 2.—The election shall have the population for its basis.
“Article 3.—The total number of the representatives of the people shall be 900, including those of Algeria and the French colonies.
“Article 4.—They shall be apportioned by the deputies in the proportion indicated in the annexed table.
“Article 5.—The suffrage shall be direct and universal.