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lion of Copenhagen ; then the enormities of Bonaparte, partition ing the earth at his will, and devastating it with fire and sword ; now the conspiracy of Kings, the successors of Bonaparte, blas phemously calling themselves the Holy Alliance, and treading in the footsteps of their incarcerated leader ; not yet, indeed, usurp ing the government of other nations, avowedly and in detail, but controling by their armies the forms in which they will permit them to be governed ; and reserving, in petto, the order and ex tent of the usurpations further meditated. But I will return from a digression, anticipated, too, in time, into which I have been led by reflection on the criminal passions which refused to the world, a favorable occasion of saving it from the afflictions it has since suffered.
Mr. Necker had reached Basle before he was overtaken by the letter of the King, inviting him back to resume the office he had recently left. He returned immediately, and all the other ministers having resigned, a new administration was named, to wit : St. Priest and Montmorin were restored ; the Archbishop of Bor deaux was appointed Garde des sceaux, La Tour du Pin, Minis ter of War ; La Luzerne, Minister of Marine. This last was be lieved to have been effected by the friendship of Montmorin ; for although differing in politics, they continued firm in friendship, and Luzerne, although not an able man, was thought an honest one. And the Prince of Bauvau was taken into the Council.
Seven Princes of the blood Royal, six ex-ministers, and many of the high Noblesse, having fled, and the present ministers, ex cept Luzerne, being all of the popular party, all the functionaries of government moved, for the present, in perfect harmony.
In the evening of August the 4th, and on the motion of the Vis count de Noailles, brother in law of La Fayette, the Assembly abo lished all titles of rank, all the abusive privileges of feudalism, the tythes and casuals of the Clergy, all Provincial privileges, and, in fine, the Feudal regimen generally. To the suppression of tythes, the Abbe Sieyes was vehemently opposed ; but his learned and logical arguments were unheeded, and his estimation lessened by a contrast of his egoism, (for he was beneficed on them) with the generous abandonment of rights by the other members of the As sembly. Many days were employed in putting into the form of laws, the numerous demolitions of antient abuses ; which done, they proceeded to the preliminary work of a Declaration of rights. There being much concord of sentiment on the elements of this instrument, it was liberally framed, and passed with a very gene ral approbation. They then appointed a Committee for the re duction of a projet of a constitution, at the head of which was the
