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Resolutions proposed by Marquis de Lafayette and accepted by the Chamber of Deputies

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Resolutions proposed by Marquis de Lafayette, 21 June (1815)
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After his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo the French political establishment hesitated on whether to follow the imperialists and support a dictatorship or whether the best interests for them and for France would be to demand Napoleons abdication. The speech by Marquis de Lafayette and the resolutions he proposed were critical in swinging the Chambers of Deputies and Peers behind those who wished Napoleon to abdicate for the second time.

No one who heard the speech ventured to oppose the resolutions—The Imperialist Party was taken by surprise. The leading members were now elsewhere with Napoleon Bonaparte, and the others had not the courage to face the impending storm[1]—and, after a brief discussion, in which their instant adoption was urged in the strongest manner, they were carried by acclamation, with the exception of the Fourth, which was suspended on account of the invidious distinction which it appeared to convey between the troops of the Line and the National Guards.[2]

They were then transmitted to the Chamber of Peers; where, after a short discussion, they were adopted without amendment.[2]

Sources:

1453246Resolutions proposed by Marquis de Lafayette, 21 June1815Marquis de Lafayette

Representatives![3] For the first time during many years you hear a voice, which the old friends of liberty will yet recognize. I rise to address you concerning the dangers to which the country is exposed.[4] The sinister reports which have been circulated during the last two days, are unhappily confirmed. This is the moment to rally round the national colours—the Tricoloured Standard of 1788—the standard of liberty, equality, and public order. It is you alone who can now protect the country from foreign attacks, and internal dissensions. It is you alone who can secure the independence and the honour of France.

Permit a veteran in the sacred cause of liberty, in all times a stranger to the spirit of faction, to submit to you some resolutions which appear to him to be demanded by a sense of the public danger, and by the love of our country. They are such as, I feel persuaded, you will see the necessity of adopting:[5]

  • I. The Chamber of Deputies declares that the independence of the nation is menaced.[6]
  • II. The Chamber declares its sittings permanent. Any attempt to dissolve it, shall be considered high treason. Whosoever shall render himself culpable of such an attempt shall be considered a traitor to his country, and immediately treated as such.[7]
  • III. The Army of the Line, and the National Guards, who have fought, and still fight, for the liberty, the independence, and the territory of France, have merited well of the country.
  • IV. The Minister of the Interior is invited to assemble the principal officers of the Parisian National Guard, in order to consult on the means of providing it with arms, and of completing this corps of citizens, whose tried patriotism and zeal offer a sure guarantee for the liberty, prosperity, and tranquillity of the capital, and for the inviolability of the national representatives.
  • V. The Ministers of War, of Foreign Affairs, of Police, and of the Interior are invited to repair immediately to the sittings of the Chamber.

Notes

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  1. ↑ Clarke 1816, p. 313.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Siborne 1895, p. 666
  3. ↑ "Gentlemen" in some sources
  4. ↑ Some sources replace this sentence with "The country is in danger, and you alone can save it."
  5. ↑ Some sources replace these two sentences with: "Allow a veteran in the sacred cause of freedom, and a stranger to the spirit of faction, to submit to you some resolutions, which the dangers of the present crisis demand. I am assured that you will feel the necessity of adopting them" in some other sources:
  6. ↑ some sources do not include "of Deputies"
  7. ↑ in some sources: "Whosoever shall render himself culpable of such an attempt shall be considered a traitor to his country, and condemned as such".
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