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!