ave suffered from obstacles
which have opposed themselves both to the good that I wished to do and
to the demonstrations of your sympathies in my favor. These obstacles
have been broken down.

"The Assembly has tried to attack the authority which hold from the
whole Nation. It has ceased to exist.

"I make a loyal appeal to the People and to the Army, and I say to them:
Either give me the means of insuring your prosperity, or choose another
in my place.

"In 1830, as in 1848, you were treated as vanquished men. After having
branded your heroic disinterestedness, they disdained to consult your
sympathies and your wishes, and yet you are the flower of the Nation.
To-day, at this solemn moment, I am resolved that the voice of the Army
shall be heard.

"Vote, therefore, freely as citizens; but, as soldiers do not forget
that passive obedience to the orders of the Chief of the State is the
rigorous duty of the Army, from the general to the private soldier.

"It is for me, responsible for my actions both to the People and to
posterity, to take those measures which may seem to me indispensable for
the public welfare.

"As for you, remain immovable within the rules of discipline and of
honor. By your imposing attitude help the country to manifest its will
with calmness and reflection.

"Be ready to repress every attack upon the free exercise of the
sovereignty of the People.

"Soldiers, I do not speak to you of the memories which my name recalls.
They are engraven in your hearts. We are united by indissoluble ties.
Your history is mine. There is between us, in the past, a community of
glory and of misfortune.

"There will be in the future community of sentiment and of resolutions
for the repose and the greatness of France.

"Given at the Palace of the Elysee, December 2d, 1851.

"(Signed) L.N. BONAPARTE."

"IN THE NAME OF THE FRENCH PEOPLE.

"The President of the Republic decrees:--

"ARTICLE I. The National Assembly is dissolved.

"ARTICLE II. Universal suffrage is re-established. The law of May 31
is abrogated.

"ARTICLE III. The French People are convoked in their electoral
districts from the 14th December to the 21st December following.

"ARTICLE IV. The State of Siege is decreed in the district of the
first Military Division.

"ARTICLE V. The Council of State is dissolved.

"ARTICLE VI. The Minister of the Int