1822.] 
persons and circumstances, in relation 
to the present system, the reflecting 
observer may arrange them as fol- 
lows -— 
1.. The ancient Noblesse, augmented with 
a portion of the new.—-Though scattered 
over the provinces, so complete is their 
uniformity, that they form an homogene- 
ous class, united in one body politic. In 
1820, a department of the south presented 
an electoral list, containing 150 gentle- 
men, of whom three only were of the op- 
position. In the departments from the 
Alps to the Garonne, along the Mediterra- 
nean and the. Pyrenees, the gentlemen 
compose nearly a third of the Department 
Colleges. 
2. The Clergy.—In the Electoral Col- 
leges their number is small, but their in- 
fluence over the people is considerable in 
the southern and eastern departments, 
3. Public Functionaries.—Of these very 
few maintain a character truly indepen- 
dent. ‘They preside in the provincial 
assemblies, and dictate principles; with 
the gentlemen, they form majorities in 
most of the department, and several of the 
district Colleges. 
4. The Neutrals.—These are pretty nu- 
merous, and range themselves on the side 
of power; but, as to the present ruling 
party, they are rather a moveable property 
than fixtures, and would adhere to oppo- 
sition should they rise to the ascendant. 
Many well meaning individuals may have 
a range in this sphere, that are in dread of 
fresh revolutions, and covet repose. They 
were patriots in 69, and the shock in 93 
was too violent for them. 
5. The Antecedents.—A monarchy can- 
not have been for ages without leaving 
deep impressions on the mind and man- 
ners.. Remembrances mingled with regret 
mark the-spirit and temper of several, and 
render their approach. toa more perfect 
civilization..yery gradual... With another 
class, legislation was. accelerated too 1a- 
ye ecg 
6. The Holy Alliance, with all its pecu- 
hiarities, muy be here brought forward.—It 
is an accidental, temporary circumstance, 
but of weight in the ‘balance of French 
destinies, ©Its ‘first call seenied to be to 
check the’spirit of conquest in France ; it 
has no longer that enemy to face... The 
battle of Waterloo ;seemed rather against 
the conquering Napoleon than democratic 
France. The Tribune and the liberty of 
the press have given a new direction to 
passions, characters, incidents, and the 
reign of. Napoleon is now but an episode 
in the history of the revolution. 
Not less diversified is the view of 
the elements that sum up, in a general 
account, the whole force of opposition 
in the nation: — 
1. The possessors of National Property.— 
State of Parties and Opinions in France. 
199 
This class of citizens, in its physical state, 
fornis a sort of grand corporation, a min- 
gled mass, extremely numei ous, and united 
by the strong bond of interest attached to 
property. 
2. The Actors in the Revolution.—This 
denomination properly comprises the 
whole body of veterans of the Republic, 
including also the public functionaries 
disgraced under the empire, and the off- 
spring of these, respectively. 
3. Scientific und Literary Characters.— 
This does not so much refer to the Acade- 
micians of Paris, whose pensions may 
draw them to forbearance, and prevent 
them from opposing the aim of a govern- 
ment; it takes into the account the great 
Majority of advocates, physicians, and 
others, that can purchase books, aud read 
them, in the different cities and provinces, 
4. Such as are employed in the Arts of 
Industry, make a conspicuous appearance in 
this part of the Opposition.—The situation 
of merchants, manufacturers, &c. is fa- 
vourable to the progress of knowledge, 
and the proper use of it, to the develop- 
ment of instruction, in matters moral, 
civil, and intellectual. 
5. The Protestants.—These have now 
an ostensible situation, a distinguishing 
character, which claims attention, and oc- 
cupies a space likely to be far more consi- 
derable among the political orders of the 
state. In the elections of the Great Col- 
leges of Upper and Lower Rhine, Deux 
Sevres, the Lower Charante, and La Ven- 
dee, the Protestants are of the first consi- 
deration, active and determined friends to 
liberal principles. ; 
6. The Rising Generalion.—The senti- 
ments and much of the character of these, 
which time will heighten and improve, 
cannot be ‘too warmly praised. In and 
among the different ranks of these, true 
liberty has, if not its best, its most univer- 
sal sanction. 
7. The Charter.—This is strong in itself, 
and will acquire additional strength, 
though, from peculiar circumstances, it 
may for a time be the prey of a party. In 
the Elective Chamber, it contains a repre- 
sentative government; ‘which is that of a 
common interest j ‘while the adverse party 
depend npow soldiers, the police, the bud- 
get, the courts: ofi justice; promises, me- 
NACE Ry ot bauok exsw woe bs 
8. The Holy Alliance of the People.—In 
France, now, there,are only two divisions, 
—of such as are for and against the an- 
cient regimen.. Where liberal. principles 
are introduced, they meliorate the humi- 
liating condition of the lower orders; 
these are explained so clearly, so repeat- 
edly, and pressed so warmly, that the issue 
of the division cannot be doubtful. The 
whole system of political society begins to 
be better understood ;—who in France is 
ignorant that Lord Holland and Mr. 
Brougham 
