1822.] 
left centre; they appear at times 
against the majority, courageously 
combating what is erroneous on the 
part of government. Next to these 
are some well-intentioned characters, 
that blame themselves for not giving 
the decisive support of their vote to 
the amendment of the virtuous Camille 
Jordan. Messrs. Harlé, Doublat, &c. 
figure in one or other of these posi- 
tions ; but, as illadapted for an orator, 
M. Courvoisier has quitted them. 
We come now to the opposition, 
and have'no hesitation in saying, that 
here begins the scene of speaking and 
acting,—in the left centre properly so 
called. Here are two sorts of men, 
but not two opinions, or different poli- 
tical bearings ; for the left centre is 
the most modest, least clamorous, 
and most homogeneous, part of the 
Chamber. In the first class, the most 
prominent character is M. ‘Vernaux; 
the chief politician of the second is 
M. Royer-Collard. 
M. Ternaux is respected as one of 
the» most industrious individuals in 
France. Once. introduced imto the 
Chamber, the connexion of events, 
collateral and subsequent, naturally, 
and without an effort, brought him for- 
ward to influence and consideration. 
The loyal and disinterested support he 
gave to the ministers of 1819 is not 
forgotten. He and his friends 'are in- 
violably ‘attached to the interests of 
regenerated France; and, such is his 
growing influence, that he has brought 
over the majority of the Department 
‘College of the Seine to the side of the 
opposition. 
_ M. Ternaux and the deputies of his 
class are rich manufacturers and great 
proprietors ; as their prosperity is that 
of the nation, their decline would be a 
Source of public regret. M.T. has 
uniformly evinced a respect for the 
monarchy; hence he seems placed in 
the Chamber as an unsuspected nego- 
ciator between the throne and ‘thie 
revolution. Should the good- genius 
of France and the empire of circum- 
stances produce an alliance between 
the crown and opposition, M. T. and 
his friends would claim no power for 
themselves, but would see that the 
treaty be religiously observed on both 
sides. , 
The second division of the left cen- 
tre forms a true political party, and 
has a very striking resemblance to the 
English whigs: these are moderate, 
well-informed, and patriotic. They 
State of Parties and Opinions in France. 
197 
have never been in possession of 
power, but can influence those who 
occupy its exalted offices. 
Here also we can look with com- 
placency ‘to M. Royer-Collard; the 
manner in’which he displays his elo- 
quence is clear and dispassionate ; su- 
perior alike to ornament and affecta- 
tion, it is equally sublime and severe, 
and excellent for its strength of ex- 
pression. M.de St. Aulaire appears 
in the Tribune, as in the centre of a 
brilliant circle. Over the facts and 
conclusions he presents, he throws an 
air of grace and elegance ; his reason- 
ings are perspicuous, and the manner 
wherein he delivers his sentiments is 
so popular, that hearers of every de- 
scription acquiesce init. In M. Louis, 
who has often appeared at the head of 
the finances, there ‘is much to admire. 
His character for ministerial ability is 
settled on a firm basis,—just and punc- 
tual in business, serious and conside- 
rate, yet fervent, faithful, and: con- 
scientious in counsel. On the same 
benches of the left centre sit Messrs. 
Turckheim, Villevesque, Vandoeuvre, 
Guillard, &c. ingenious, valuable cha- 
racters, qualified, by their moderation, 
&e. to'sit in the senate of such a coun- 
try as France. 
There may, however, be shades: of 
difference in the left side on points 
of secondary consideration; Messrs. 
De la Fayette, D’Argenson, &c. may 
hold theories, the indubitable integrity 
of which their virtuous coadjutors 
Sebastiani, Foy, and Chauvelin, may 
think it necessary to call in question; 
but upon subjects of general useful- 
ness ‘to the public, their time and ta- 
lents are similarly employed. 
The power of the left side is capa- 
ble of being exalted to the noblest 
purposes: it seems essential to civili- 
zation and socicty. A similar power 
has produced, for the use and advan- 
tage of the many, the revolutions in 
Spain, Portugal, and Italy ; and other 
political’ changes are likely to follow. 
Since the Constituent Assembly, 
France has never witnessed such’ an 
aggregate of wise and humane politi- 
cians, of members so fully equal to the 
task they have undertaken, as what 
the left side of the Chamber now 
affords. 
M. De la Fayette is their standard- 
bearer; he is as the legate of the Con- 
stituent’ Assembly, the revolution of 
1789 personified. Since the death of 
Bonaparte, bis may be selected from 
other 
