for the ministry, for the ministry alone, to declare war? Should we not, we also, have a word? And before we have that word, must we not have an instant of reflection—(Interruptions from the right)
M Jules Favre—People do not reflect before putting Europe on fire, we certainly have seen this (Exclamations)
M Thiers—I have told you that history looks at us, I add that France also and the world look at us The gravity of circumstances cannot be exaggerated, know, that from the decision you are going to issue may result the death of thousands of men (Exclamations from the centre and the right—Very good! From the left—The noise drowns the voice of the orator)
M Granier de Cassagnac—We know it well we have our children there (Diverse moments)
M De Tillancourt—Do not interrupt! You shall reply
M Thiers—And if I demand of you one instant of reflection, it is that in this moment a recollection besieges my spirit!—Before taking a resolution so grave, a resolution upon which will depend, I repeat it, the fate of the country and of Europe, gentlemen, recall to your mind the 6th of May 1866 You had refused me the word then, when I signalised to you the dangers that wore preparing (Approbation from the left—Exclamations from the right)
When I showed to you what was preparing you listened to me one day, the next day, the decisive day you refused to listen to me It appears to me that this recollection alone, this recollection ought to make you stop one moment, and to inspire you with the desire of listening to me one minute without interrupting me (Very good! From the left—Speak’)
Let me tell you one thing you will cry out against it, but I am quite decided to listen to your murmurs, and if it be necessary to brave them (Yes, Very good! From the left)
You are where you were in 1866
From the left—Yes! Yes! It is just that!
M Thieis,—Well! You did not listen to me then, and do
