Book Chapter

HISTORY OF EUROPE: CHAPTER IX

1789

Overview

New convention of Notables (pg. 201). Great questions relative to the organization of the States General, which agitate the whole kingdom of France (pg. 201-202). King resigns himself entirely to the advice of M. Neckar (pg. 202-203). That minister takes a decided part in favour of the double representation of the commons; but gives no opinion on other questions of great importance, which are left, in the event, to chance (pg. 203). Notables, as well as the parliament of Paris, strongly recommend, that the constitution of 1614 should be the model for the new convention of the states; with which the scheme of a double representation directly militates (pg. 203-204). Parliament of Paris endeavour to recover their popularity by issuing an arret, which, if adopted, might be considered as the Magna Charta of French liberty (pg. 204). Treated with the utmost contempt by the popular parties, as falling short of their views (pg. 204). Violent jealousies and dissentions between the three orders which were to compose the states (pg. 204-205). Nobles, odious in the extreme (pg. 205). Dukes and peers offer to contribute a due proportion to the public expences; and a similar disposition seems general among the nobles; but this disposition appears too late to afford satisfaction (pg. 205). Nobility, goaded by numberless attacks, publish a declaration of their rights, which renders them still more odious (pg. 205). Divisions and jealousies among themselves at this critical period (pg. 205-206). Dissentions in the parliaments (pg. 206-207). Clergy as little united as the nobles (pg. 207-208). Curates, or parish priests, disposed to side with the commons, or third estate (pg. 208). Commons wish that the three orders should sit in one chamber, deliberate in common, and vote by heads, instead of voting by orders, according to former practice (pg. 208). Strongly opposed by the nobles (pg. 208). In the provincial assembly of the states of Dauphiny, the nobles and clergy coalesce wich the commons, and thereby establish a precedent contrary to the general sense of their orders (pg. 208). Differences between the nobles and commons of Britany rise so high as to carry the appearance of a civil war (pg. 208-209). Count d'Artois with the princes of Conde, and Conti, (who are called the Triumvirate) present a memorial to the king, which increases the popular odium against them to the highest pitch (pg. 209). Measures pursued by the duke of Orleans to acquire popularity in Paris (pg. 209-210). M. Neckar blamed for not having used any means to reconcile the jarring factions, or to allay the national ferment, previous to the elections (pg. 210). He presents a memorial to the king, strongly urging the measures of double representation, and making himself responsible for its consequences (pg. 210). King accordingly issues a decree for that purpose; but leaves, undecided and open, the very important and critical questions, relative to the manner of voting, and to the sitting of the states in one, or in three chambers (pg. 210). Unfortunate and ruinous consequences of this omission of the minister's (pg. 210-211). Some well-intended schemes for amending the constitution, which were subsequently proposed, but rejected (pg. 211-212). Ancient practice and nature of the Cahiers, or instructions given by the electors to their deputies in the states (pg. 212-213). Nobles bound by oath not to sit or vote in one common assembly (pg. 213). Aphoristic statement of the views of the different parties (pg. 213). Some farther particulars relative to them (pg. 213). Most of the deputies to the states arrive at Versailles, but the delays caused by the elections in Paris prevent their opening the assembly (pg. 213-214). Some explanation of the terms Primary Assemblies, and Primary Elections, with the manner of their application (pg. 214-215). Violent riot in Paris, and much blood shed (pg. 215-216).

• Subject: Artois, Count d / Beaufort, (in France) duke of / Conde, Lewis Joseph, Prince of / Conti, prince of / France / Gregoire, ab / Henriot, gen / Lally, Tollendal / Mirabeau, Honore Gabriel, count de / Neckar, James