Page:A Tour Through the Batavian Republic.djvu/83

Rh is furnished in a manner worthy of the legislature of a wealthy nation. The seats of the members are covered with green baize, and rise amphitheatrically, with desks for the implements of writing. In the centre, on an elevated platform covered with a rich carpet, is the president's chair, of crimson velvet, adorned with the hat, the fasces, and other emblems of freedom. At each end of the hall are galleries for the accommodation of spectators, and no money is permitted to be taken for admittance. I was present at a debate, which excited more than usual interest at the Hague. The subject under consideration was, whether corn and other articles of provision would be allowed to be exported from the republic in neutral vessels to Great Britain. This restriction was proposed by the party most hostile to England, and carried by a large majority. But the debate was conducted with the utmost temperance and moderation, and I was assured the members rarely indulged in virulent abuse of the British nation or government. The stadtholder is already consigned to contemptuous