-
We have updated our Community Code of Conduct. Please read through the new rules for the forum that are an integral part of Paradox Interactive’s User Agreement.
Au Chambre de Pairs
M. le Président—
I will not be long in detaining the attentions of the Chamber. In the absence of M. le Duc de Lévis, and having seen a good number of our friends make for the safety of liberal declarations against the Ministry – for which at this hour I cannot blame any man – it falls to me to offer some voice to the situation of the government.
The proposals on the suffrage advanced by M. le Duc de Fleury are most sensible. Would that they had been advanced some months ago, I have great faith that they may have gone some good way towards allaying our present situation. It is of no matter. My own opinions on the suffrage, and the expedience of its extension, have been known to M. le Duc de Lévis for some months. In making this observation, I make no attempt at recrimination, for the fault of a Ministry's conduct is to be allotted equally among its members, and surely I must assume my portion of guilt. Nevertheless, I do not stand here to make penance; only to give some account on behalf of His Majesty's ministry, as is only proper.
I entertain no fancy that the mob will be sated at this late time by words alone. The coming crisis will not be averted, and thus must await us to be endured. It has been my lasting privilege to have devoted four decades of my public life to the service of His Majesty's cause. I hope only that I be judged fairly for my conduct.
To those of you who have at one time held me in good regard, I trust that some day hence we shall be reacquainted in happier circumstances. Until such a time, I can only say: Vive la France!
In conjunction with Lecuyer, with whom he had been coordinating, Montvicq tendered his resignation from the Government of the Duke of Levis. While he had been generally supportive of the moderate tack taken by Levis in the first three years of his ministry, the collapse of the Liberal Union inclined Montvicq toward resigning his position. On November 4, 1866, Montvicq officially resigned, citing in particular concern over the Levis government's aggressive and ideological shift to the right. A transliteration of Montvicq's copy of his resignation letter is included below.
ASSORTED CORRESPONDENCES OF THE VICOMTE OF MONTVICQ
~~~
Part Two: 1866-1871 - Lightning and Thunder, Autumn 1866
[Hector de Montvicq, trans. James Crawford (2001)]
___________________________________________________________________________________________
. . .
((Private - @DensleyBlair))
Monsieur du Bessin,
While I am afraid there is little good news to come, I must begin by first thanking you for our service together on behalf of France. While our plans with regard to Denmark and Prussia have endured a great deal of criticism, I believe we have been and will continue to be vindicated for them. It is a shame that our work together has been brought to a close, but as you will no doubt be aware by the time of your reception of this letter, it has become unworkable to support both the general contentment of our country and this Ministry.
With that said, it is my intention to retire immediately from this post and return to France. While I recommend the Deputy Ambassador take over my duties immediately upon my receipt of your confirmation, should it be necessary I will await relief. Let it be known only that I can no longer serve the needs of this Ministry, which has chosen to rely far too much upon philosophical contrivances rather than those things in the best interests of our country and our countrymen.
I hope that we will be able to serve together again someday.
Cordialement,
MONTVICQ.
(MONTVICQ)
I SEND MY THANKS AND MY BEST REGARDS STOP YOU MUST DO AS IS RIGHT BY YOUR CONSCIENCE STOP IN THE HOPE OF MEETING AGAIN IN HAPPIER TIMES STOP
(BESSIN)
View from the Hotel de Crillon
The tranquility of the morning had broken into fresh disturbance, with the quiet of the Place de la Concorde giving way to intermittent shouting and chants of protest.
The Prince de Polignac looked out the window of the Hotel de Crillon at a small but growing assembly of the citizenry.
Calling for a servant, the Prince gave clear instructions: make sure the champagne is chilled.
Vallée had just left the Ministry buildings behind, news of unrest and rising sentiments against the Ministry having finally convinced him to give up on staying with these "Liberals" and "Progressives", in any case he had never quite shared in their sentiments, they were but the means to an end.
His head was filled with thoughts on what to do next. Numerous Ministers had already resigned, yet he would not atleast not officially, when they discovered his departure they might appoint someone new in his stead but for the time being his title - no matter how weak the Ministry was - could still prove to be of some use. Questions would surely be raised as to where he had gone, having not even left a note behind with his secretary or written to his wife, they would find out soon enough...Though hopefully not too soon.
Racing back to his Ministerial Lodgings the servant was surely surprised to be immediately dismissed as Vallée in full naval regalia came home hours earlier than what was usual for him. Catherine, the "Lady" Lécuyer had introduced him to years ago was likewise taken back, attempting to greet him warmly with a kiss only to be shoved aside, "I'm leaving and we shall never speak again" being the only explanation she was left with.
Taking time only to pack what was most important such as his Revolver, some money, his credentials and uniform upon having changed into civilian attire. He went out of the apartment once more leaving his former lover and servant behind gawping, surely thinking a bout of temporary insanity had taken over him.
On his way to the train station he came across numerous gathering crowds, the tide was surely turning, the ungrateful masses that had little care for anyone but themselves out once more in protest of the Government. It was of no relevance to him anymore, it was not likely he would see Paris for many years or perhaps ever again. Surely in Brest the situation would be different.
His head was filled with thoughts on what to do next. Numerous Ministers had already resigned, yet he would not atleast not officially, when they discovered his departure they might appoint someone new in his stead but for the time being his title - no matter how weak the Ministry was - could still prove to be of some use. Questions would surely be raised as to where he had gone, having not even left a note behind with his secretary or written to his wife, they would find out soon enough...Though hopefully not too soon.
Racing back to his Ministerial Lodgings the servant was surely surprised to be immediately dismissed as Vallée in full naval regalia came home hours earlier than what was usual for him. Catherine, the "Lady" Lécuyer had introduced him to years ago was likewise taken back, attempting to greet him warmly with a kiss only to be shoved aside, "I'm leaving and we shall never speak again" being the only explanation she was left with.
Taking time only to pack what was most important such as his Revolver, some money, his credentials and uniform upon having changed into civilian attire. He went out of the apartment once more leaving his former lover and servant behind gawping, surely thinking a bout of temporary insanity had taken over him.
On his way to the train station he came across numerous gathering crowds, the tide was surely turning, the ungrateful masses that had little care for anyone but themselves out once more in protest of the Government. It was of no relevance to him anymore, it was not likely he would see Paris for many years or perhaps ever again. Surely in Brest the situation would be different.
The tricolour is no longer the flag of the Republic! It is a symbol of the order of old, a relic from when our salvation lay not in revolution but the lie of reform!
As the Red Flag was raised in 1850, raise it again Parisians!
The Red Flag of France was wet with the blood of her martyrs in '50! Remember that, Parisians!
Stand with one another, Comrades and Parisians!
The oppressors have filled the cup to the brim, my friends! We can not, we will not, and we must not take any more! The hour of revolution has sounded, Parisians!
Wave the Red Flag high, workers! Let it shade us as we march forward!
Let us march!
- 1
(LÉVIS – @Jackbollda)
I HAVE GIVEN MY ACCOUNT TO THE PEERS STOP I WILL ATTEMPT TO REACH THE QUAI STOP VIVE LA FRANCE STOP
(BESSIN)
--
(POLIGNAC – @m.equitum)
IF ANYTHING HAPPENS I ASK YOU SEE TO THE CHILDREN AS YOUR OWN STOP
(BESSIN)
I HAVE GIVEN MY ACCOUNT TO THE PEERS STOP I WILL ATTEMPT TO REACH THE QUAI STOP VIVE LA FRANCE STOP
(BESSIN)
--
(POLIGNAC – @m.equitum)
IF ANYTHING HAPPENS I ASK YOU SEE TO THE CHILDREN AS YOUR OWN STOP
(BESSIN)
Deschamps hands a number of brief letters off to a number of runners and couriers, to be delivered to important members of the French Working Men's Association in Paris.
Comrade,
The hour of revolution has come. I urge you to rally the Parisian people to our side immediately, while the embers of agitation and dissatisfaction are still hot. Hoist the Red flag, and stand united against the forces of Reaction. I will be working to coordinate us all in the coming hours and days.
Stay stalwart, my friends. We have much work yet to do if we truly seek to liberate the French people from the chains of capitalism and aristocracy. Time is of the essence.
Comrade,
The hour of revolution has come. I urge you to rally the Parisian people to our side immediately, while the embers of agitation and dissatisfaction are still hot. Hoist the Red flag, and stand united against the forces of Reaction. I will be working to coordinate us all in the coming hours and days.
Stay stalwart, my friends. We have much work yet to do if we truly seek to liberate the French people from the chains of capitalism and aristocracy. Time is of the essence.
Deschamps
Lévis, unable to get to the Chambers through the wandering crowds, give a curt letter of resignation to a carrier, hoping he will be able to produce it before the Chambers.
View from the Hotel de Crillon
An urgent telegramme arrived from the Viscount Bessin:
The Prince de Polignac gave instructions for a swift reply, uncertain if events would permit his reply to be delivered, assuring Bessin of his sustained friendship.
(BESSIN - @DensleyBlair)
I SHALL. STOP. STAY SAFE MY FRIEND. STOP. TRUST IN GOD. STOP.
(POLIGNAC)
Last edited:
Chamber of Deputies.
"M.President,
The Prime-Minister have resigned, knowing very well he could not survive confidence after betraying his popular mandate - that of a Kingdom of the French, that of universal suffrage, that of democracy. I put forward this motion that this Chamber, with the popular mandate of the election, will debate and enact universal suffrage.
That a new election for all French are to be called.
That this Chamber elect a new ministry in the transition toward our election under full suffrage."
Auberjonois stands in front of the Seine General Council, A tricolour cockade on his lapel and Lecuyer at his side
The King has failed us, he has neglected his people and has failed to fulfil what was asked of him, French Liberty, French sovereignty and National stability. Instead, he has through his own malicious and cruel actions declared war on the French people, and we stand here as their foremost representatives. Due to this with nothing but patriotism in my heart, we declare King Henri’s Tyranny to be over, and the formation of a Provisional Government led by myself and by the Seine General Council. Until a final, and more appropriate democratic form of governance can be arrived at, via universal manhood suffrage.
To our fellow representatives of the Democratic will, the general councils of Paris, we ask for your support, for you to follow the people into this new era of liberty. To the noble armed forces, we beseech you, do not begin a war of brother against brother, follow the example of your brothers in arms in Algeria. Do not turn your guns on the people of France, and to your officers, we request a declaration of support for this people’s movement, you must know patriots like yourself are not the enemy. To the army of the people, the National Guard, we ask you to rally with the people, to declare your allegiance to the people’s government and to stand with your Nation in this time of incredible duress. To the Prefects, I say, see how the tide has turned, Imperial France is over. As we speak the Cowardly Levis is fleeing the capital, no doubt to his paymasters abroad. Do not make a stand in the name of reaction, cede your authority to the representatives of the people's will, the Councils, and do it peaceably or tragedy will no doubt befall the nation.
And to our National Neighbours, we say this. The domestic events of the French nation are none of your business, all we request is to be permitted to solve these domestic issues without foreign interference. The people of France are the only arbiters of their political system, and we will not accept any attempt to force their hand in their decision making. And finally to those across Europe who view France as a beacon of Liberty, we hope that you will be soon able to bask in its light once again, and you must know that the French people’s collective spirit, the spirit of Liberté, égalité, fraternité marches with you
The General council so decrees, that from and forevermore the Government will obey the people, will cherish their liberties and nurture the nation. Never again will Tyranny be allowed to reign.
Vive La France!
Last edited:
- 1
"Vive la France! Vive la Reforme!" Jérôme cheered while waving the tricolor, his French cockade in his red,white and blue attire.
AN EXCERPT FROM THE JOURNAL OF HECTOR DE MONTVICQ
~~~
November 10, 1866
_______________________________________________________________________
I have lately found myself wondering what, if anything, brought about our situation. Was it malice? Greed? No, perhaps a more bitter pill—conceit. Not my own, although I have played my own part in setting this conflagration ablaze. But history will not remember Lecuyer and I as the harbingers of Levis's downfall; it will remember Auberjonois. The architecture of the demise of this Ministry is the product of Levis's actions and no instance represents that instinct more than his expulsion of Auberjonois from the Cabinet. While it is no secret that we do not agree on all matters of policy, I must admit that his sacking greatly alarmed me just as it did others. It revealed that conceit of which I write, which has plagued the Prime Minister for what I can only imagine has plagued the entirety of his involvement in statecraft.
What he had failed to appreciate was that his success relied upon more men than himself alone. His strength was the strength of many. He was swept into the majority through the hard work of good men, Auberjonois, Lecuyer, and Pauwels among them. But his conceit could not allow him to stomach the nature of that matter. His successes were his alone, as far as he was convinced. Perhaps that alone should have served as the most vivid portent of his undoing. There is no doubt in my mind or in the minds of my colleagues that he served nobly in pursuit of many great causes for four years. Yet those things blinded us. They prevented us from seeing the slow unraveling of his crystal temple. By the time he and the rest of us had become aware, he had become a man with neither ally nor friend.
This was not a condition observable only to myself, either. Bismarck often seemed to possess some understanding of the matter as well, although the keenness of his eyes seemed intent more on exploiting the advantage than aiding in its resolution. Whatever the nature of the matter, we might lay the blame only at the feet of Levis's inability to maintain stability within his own ranks. The moment the balance shifted and his position became solely dependent upon the conservatives, he had lost command of the country. He had not understood what the rest of we liberals had from the beginning. That the conservatives were not our true allies but only briefly our traveling companions.
For this reason I see our present disposition as the result of one man's conceit. However, the King for his part bears no small amount of blame either. While Levis had forced himself to balance upon an uneven stool, the King was the one who swiped it from beneath him. His conceit will be remembered in its own right, for it has compelled him to intervene in this country's affairs when it has been against his best interests to do so. Had he remained quiet and allowed the government to make his own determinations, he would have been able to intervene in a time of crisis. Instead, he tied Levis's hands and left him without possible recourse. Then we have the gall to wonder why we have been left nothing. Had Levis retained the confidence of his Union, he might have been able to resist and persevere. But reliant as he was upon the conservatives, he had been left no option.
Likewise, I suspect he would have been more that capable of successfully adopting his moderate position had he done more to reassure his own supporters. Instead, he attempted to do the difficult while lacking the kind of support necessary to succeed. It is an important lesson for any person to learn, whether he be a grandee or a monarch. To do the unpopular is never impossible unless one seeks to do it alone. In the case of Levis, he attempted to do two hundred men's work alone. In the case of the King, he attempted to do the work of eight hundred and twenty. Is it any surprise that things have turned out as they have? No, I do not think so. But history teaches us valuable lessons, even those we ought to already know. These days will be remembered for the old adage that "pride goeth before the fall."
Last edited:
Destiny
Domadeaux never took to London, though he enjoyed the company of his fellow exiles and the Bonaparte family. He missed Louisiana and anxiously read the telegrams from Napoleonville every day. But he had a duty to carry out and his destiny was in London. The exiles worked tirelessly writing articles. sending letters, and encouraging the association pour la liberté européenne, hoping to create the conditions for a revolution and the implementation of the Third Republic when the moment was right.
In November, it appeared that the moment had arrived. Domadeaux read the incoming news with glee.
"Driver, to the Carlton Gardens, and fast!"
It was time to put aside the sphinx and embrace the eagle. It was time for Louis Napoleon Bonaparte to achieve his destiny.
Last edited:
The day was a great day, men and women across Paris rising up for their liberty.
Rhône marched with his men, where he marched to was unclear to any arbitrary passerby, but march on he did. As his procession came across other groups on the streets in East Paris it came to a halt and conversation broke out - often followed by mutual cheers of Liberté Fraternité Equalité. Those cheers always led to Rhône procession growing as he continued to march.
Now leading in front of a large parade of Parisians, flanked by his best men. Rhône marched front and center leading his parade by example.
Rhône marched with his men, where he marched to was unclear to any arbitrary passerby, but march on he did. As his procession came across other groups on the streets in East Paris it came to a halt and conversation broke out - often followed by mutual cheers of Liberté Fraternité Equalité. Those cheers always led to Rhône procession growing as he continued to march.
Now leading in front of a large parade of Parisians, flanked by his best men. Rhône marched front and center leading his parade by example.
Lécuyer adressed a group of notable moderate progressives and other liberals. Bankers, donaters, deputies.
"I did not only resign over suffrage.
Indeed the PM and King crossed a red line. After the Throne Speech I pressed Lévis to make a speech. He refused. I asked him what his plans was, he refused to comment.
I said we will lose the Progressives, you. The King's response: send in the Army! Arrest the deputies! They are traitors to the Crown!
I said no and pressed Levis further. The King threatened to sack me and arrest me.
When Siecle posted that article, they wanted to again take it down. I said no. The King wanted to send in the troops - over an article! - and arrest you and fire on the pooulation and students celebrating Lincoln.
This was the red line. I cannot and will not tolerate an Oriental autocrat, Teuton in his instincts.
We need a King of the French.
Spread the word, write in your papers. Make pamphleets. This is our so called Most Christian Majesty.
There is nothing Christian of him. He is Ottoman in his represion good Christians. He is not Majestic , he is petty.
He is the Most Jesuit Petty king, not worthy of the Crown he wear.
"I did not only resign over suffrage.
Indeed the PM and King crossed a red line. After the Throne Speech I pressed Lévis to make a speech. He refused. I asked him what his plans was, he refused to comment.
I said we will lose the Progressives, you. The King's response: send in the Army! Arrest the deputies! They are traitors to the Crown!
I said no and pressed Levis further. The King threatened to sack me and arrest me.
When Siecle posted that article, they wanted to again take it down. I said no. The King wanted to send in the troops - over an article! - and arrest you and fire on the pooulation and students celebrating Lincoln.
This was the red line. I cannot and will not tolerate an Oriental autocrat, Teuton in his instincts.
We need a King of the French.
Spread the word, write in your papers. Make pamphleets. This is our so called Most Christian Majesty.
There is nothing Christian of him. He is Ottoman in his represion good Christians. He is not Majestic , he is petty.
He is the Most Jesuit Petty king, not worthy of the Crown he wear.
- 1
The Prince Royal hoped his words would at least carry some weight with his comrades in arms. Professionalism and discipline had to carry the day for the honor of the French military to be preserved. The constitutional settlement had to be preserved. But how? The path was narrowing, the uniform called to him, and sooner or later duty would demand he act.
Teegraphs and letters were sent to the borgeouise friends and new rich friends of Lecuyer and associated industrialists.
"They are sending in troops.
Sabotage the railways.
I will send tje schematics aquired during my time as minister.
All private industrialists stop the trains, sabotage the railways or we will have a Fourth Restoration purged of the middle class.
As proven, they will fire and arrest men over legal opinion.
Close your work places. Order a general strike. Support the general council. Support the Provisonal Government. Protect your rights and property".
"They are sending in troops.
Sabotage the railways.
I will send tje schematics aquired during my time as minister.
All private industrialists stop the trains, sabotage the railways or we will have a Fourth Restoration purged of the middle class.
As proven, they will fire and arrest men over legal opinion.
Close your work places. Order a general strike. Support the general council. Support the Provisonal Government. Protect your rights and property".
- 1
Port of Evreux
Euse Department
France
The steamship Doux Guillaume settles into its moorings at Evreux, having been specially chartered by a prominent individual in need of both speed and discretion. Despite the unobtrusiveness of his departure, the ship's arrival has clearly been anticipated, with a modest crowd of onlookers waving the tricolor, an official deputation from the municipal council, and several uniformed men wearing nearly identical skeptical frowns. The town mayor and the commanding officer seem to be engaged in a rather spirited exchange.
The chief passenger himself ascends from belowdecks, smiling broadly, inhaling the familiar salty tang of the sea air. He's an experienced sailor by now, long since rid of any seasickness, and ever since his time in the Americas he has retained both a healthy frame and a light, unfashionable tan. His moustache and beard, grayer than in previous years, are immaculately trimmed, as he had to learn that particular skill for himself while on one of his many flights from danger. His suit is sober and civilian, a dark blue verging on black that obliquely hints at his lineage, but the obvious sign of who he is comes in the form of a gorgeous red silk sash crossing his torso, upon which is pinned an entirely unique golden eagle medallion.
Louis-Napoleon offers the captain and the assembled crew, who have more than earned their fee, a gracious nod and indicates for Domadeaux to pay the agreed-upon bonus for a speedy arrival. The Prince Imperial glances to Domadeaux on his right, then to Charbonneau on his left, clapping both on the shoulder with barely suppressed excitement. The gangplank slams down on the pier and Louis-Napoleon stands at its summit for just a moment before descending with practiced ease. Always better to arrive in style than depart in haste, as he's had to do both many times.
The officer and the mayor walk down the pier to meet the approaching Louis-Napoleon; the mayor to greet him officially, the officer to detain him even more officially. The officer's steely expression and the determined set of his shoulders falter upon exposure to Louis-Napoleon's brilliant smile and absolute confidence, wavering further at the sight of the Grand Eagle. One firm handshake later, he's given over completely, and beats the disgruntled mayor to offering the Prince Imperial an official welcome.
The crowd cheers, the flags wave, and Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte sets foot on French soil for the first time in years.
Euse Department
France
The steamship Doux Guillaume settles into its moorings at Evreux, having been specially chartered by a prominent individual in need of both speed and discretion. Despite the unobtrusiveness of his departure, the ship's arrival has clearly been anticipated, with a modest crowd of onlookers waving the tricolor, an official deputation from the municipal council, and several uniformed men wearing nearly identical skeptical frowns. The town mayor and the commanding officer seem to be engaged in a rather spirited exchange.
The chief passenger himself ascends from belowdecks, smiling broadly, inhaling the familiar salty tang of the sea air. He's an experienced sailor by now, long since rid of any seasickness, and ever since his time in the Americas he has retained both a healthy frame and a light, unfashionable tan. His moustache and beard, grayer than in previous years, are immaculately trimmed, as he had to learn that particular skill for himself while on one of his many flights from danger. His suit is sober and civilian, a dark blue verging on black that obliquely hints at his lineage, but the obvious sign of who he is comes in the form of a gorgeous red silk sash crossing his torso, upon which is pinned an entirely unique golden eagle medallion.
Louis-Napoleon offers the captain and the assembled crew, who have more than earned their fee, a gracious nod and indicates for Domadeaux to pay the agreed-upon bonus for a speedy arrival. The Prince Imperial glances to Domadeaux on his right, then to Charbonneau on his left, clapping both on the shoulder with barely suppressed excitement. The gangplank slams down on the pier and Louis-Napoleon stands at its summit for just a moment before descending with practiced ease. Always better to arrive in style than depart in haste, as he's had to do both many times.
The officer and the mayor walk down the pier to meet the approaching Louis-Napoleon; the mayor to greet him officially, the officer to detain him even more officially. The officer's steely expression and the determined set of his shoulders falter upon exposure to Louis-Napoleon's brilliant smile and absolute confidence, wavering further at the sight of the Grand Eagle. One firm handshake later, he's given over completely, and beats the disgruntled mayor to offering the Prince Imperial an official welcome.
The crowd cheers, the flags wave, and Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte sets foot on French soil for the first time in years.
- 2
- 1