nt, was favorable to the principle of the bill, but was opposed
to pressing it at present. The Assembly was thrown into violent
agitation by a speech from M. Dufraisse, one of the most able and
earnest of the Montagnards, who delivered a speech which would not have
been misplaced in the mouth of Robespierre or Danton. "The pale head,
compressed lips, and intense expression of the young lawyer of the
Mountain," says an eyewitness, "reminded the auditors, not without a
shudder, of such a thoroughbred Jacobin as St. Just." He declared that
the laws of proscription were just, and ought to be maintained. "The
Revolution can not ask pardon of the dynasties it has justly upset. Have
the family of Orleans laid aside the claims of their birth? Have they
rendered homage to the sovereignty of the nation? Do not the descendants
of St. Louis continually dispute the independence and the conquests of
the people? You tell us that royalty never dies; we reply, Nor does its
punishment. If the principle of sovereignty is eternal, so shall its
punishment be eternal. The law ought to chastise the voluntary
representatives, the willing heirs of a principle which the people have
abolished." He went on to vindicate the execution of Louis XVI., and
declared that those who voted against the death of that monarch,
meditated a return to royalty, and reminded the Assembly that among
those who voted for the execution, was the grandfather of the princes
whose banishment was sought to be repealed. The speech caused a perfect
storm of passion in the Assembly. Members rushed to the tribune, and
shook their fists in the speaker's face. M. Berryer proposed the
adjournment of the question for six months, as he could not vote on the
same side with those who advocated such doctrines. This, which is looked
upon as equivalent to a rejection of the proposition, was carried by
acclamation.

Rumors have for some time been rife of an intended fusion between the
Bourbon and Orleans interests, with a view to a speedy restoration of
the monarchy. These would seem to be put to rest by a letter from the
Orleans princes in England to the Orleans Committee in Paris, in which
they declare that they will negotiate only on the soil of France, and
while out of their country will take no part in political questions. The
prolongation of the term of the President is urged in many quarters as
the only practicable safeguard against socialism and anarchy. The
present aspect of aff