Seine is the Corps Legislatif, the Parliament of France. Parliament House.It was commenced by a Duchess of Bourbon and was completed in 1807 and was then known as Palais Bourbon. On the eventful 4th September 1871, it was here that the Assembly discussed the capitulation of Sedan. The excited mob burst into the hall and dispersed the assembly and clamoured for the abolition of the empire which had landed France in defeat and disgrace, and for the proclamation of a Republic. Gambetta, Jules Favre and the other leaders of the times left the assembly and repaired with the excited multitude to the Hotel de Ville of which I have spoken before. It was on the steps of that Hotel that the Republican Government was proclaimed, a Government which has now lasted and given peace and rest and strength to France for twenty years.
Near the Corps Legislatif, and towaids the east is the Palais de la Legion d'Honneur. Further to the east is the Palais des Beaux Arts which is both a museum and a school of painting, sculpture and architecture, and numbers over a thousand students. Further to the east, and on the banks of the Seine, is the historic Institute of France with its lofty dome and spacious wings. It was founded in the 17th century by cardinal Mazarin as a College but during the Revolution it was converted into a prison! French Academy.At present it comprises within its precincts the celebrated French Academy which was founded by Richelieu and which has since has time shaped the language and the literature of France. Besides this historic Academy
