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ABDICATION OF THE EMPEROR
Thursday, June 22.
The Minister of the Interior read a
Declaration from the Emperor, conceived in the following terms:
--
Declaration to the French People Frenchmen -- In commencing the
war to sustain the National Independence, I counted upon the
union of all the efforts, of all the zeal, and the concurrence of
all the National Authorities. I had reason to hope for success,
and I had braved all the declarations of the Powers against me.
Circumstances appear changed. I offer myself a sacrifice to the
hatred of the enemies of France. May they be sincere in their
declarations, and have no enmity but against my person.
My Political Life has terminated, and I proclaim my SON, under
the Title of NAPOLEON II, Emperor of the French. The present
Ministers will form, provisionally, the Council of Government.
The interest that I take in the welfare of my son, engages me to
invite the Chambers to organize, without delay, the Regency, by a
law.
Unite yourselves all, for the public safety, and to preserve a
nation independent. Done at the Palace of Elysium, the 22nd of
June, 1815.
Lt. Gen. Labedoyere said, on the motion to
appoint a Provisional Government, The Emperor has abdicated in
favour of his son. What is this Government that you would form?
Let us remember what has passed -- let us remember these
Provisional Governments. Have we uselessly shed the blood of the
French, to make them pass anew under the yoke of the stranger --
to see our brave men humbled, and obliged to drink again of
bitterness. Let us say, whether it is Napoleon II we are about to
recognize, or a new Government that we are going to establish.
M. Dedelay d'Agier. The Chamber has not to deliberate immediately
on the Message. It must act upon measures to preserve our liberty
-- to witness our gratitude to Napoleon, -- and not to leave
France without a Government.
Lt. Gen. Labedoyere said, The Empire of Napoleon is indivisible.
His abdication is null if we do not recognize his son -- At least
such is my opinion. M. Buissy D'Anglas, supported the
propositions of Agier, and demanded the order of the day on those
of Labedoyere, which he regarded as intemperate. M. De
Pontecoulant moved that the Peers adhere to the decision of the
Representatives, and at the same time, decree that it is full of
admiration for the generous manner in which the Emperor has
terminated his political life. Thibaudeau adhered to the
principles of Agier. There is no fear, cried he vehemently, that
either the Chamber, the Provisional Government, or any person
will wish to restore the oppressive and disgraceful Government
under which we groaned for a year. We must cause it to be
perceived that we are disposed to repulse the Government that the
nation has rejected, and that no person wishes.
This motion of M. Pontecoulant was adopted.
The result of the deliberations of the Chambers on his
communication, was presented in the afternoon to his Majesty, by
deputations composed of Members of the Bureau of each Chamber.
His Majesty replied to both Deputations in nearly these terms: --
"I thank you for the sentiments you express. I recommend to
the Chamber to reinforce the armies, and to place them in the
best state of defence; those who wish for peace ought to prepare
for war. Do not expose this great nation to the mercy of the
foreigner, lest you be disappointed in your hopes. In whatever
situation I may be placed, I shall be happy if France be free and
independent. In transferring the right which France has given me
to my son, during my life, I make this great sacrifice only for
the welfare of the nation, and the interest of my son, whom I
therefore proclaim Emperor."
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-Napoleon Bonaparte
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