Page:Life of Louis Philippe, late king of the French.pdf/19

Rh returned to France, where the education of his family engaged his attention for some time. While thus pursuing a career apart from the court, a new scene was opened in the drama of the Duke's eventful life. We allude to the Revolution of 1830, the news of which surprised every nation in Europe. Such an event was not altogether unlooked for the conduct of the elder family of the Bourbons having been in no way calculated to ensure the attachment of the French people. Charles X. and the Prince de Polignac, with the rest of the ministers, struck the final blow at the constitution, and was one of the most foolish acts of which history presents any record. The facts are as follow. - In May, 1830, the Chamber of Deputies was dissolved, and a new election fixed to take place during the latter part of June and beginning of July. The ministry were by no means popular, and there was a strong majority of the new returns against them; but, contrary to the usual custom in constitutional governments, Charles X. determined to retain his ministers, and hazard a new election on such principles as he hoped would gain him a majority in the Chamber. Almost all the newspapers having denounced these projects as a violation of the charter of the king with his people, they became an object of attack, and it was determined to place the press under such laws as would prevent all discussion. Three ordinances were speedily issued by royal authority. The first dissolved the Chambers, the sceond prescribed a new law of election, and the third suspended the liberty of the press. The people viewed this daring act with consternation, and when it became known in Paris, on 26th July, the funds declined bankers refused to discount bills, and manufacturers discharged their workmen, which increased the discontent. Despite of the ordinance, several newspapers appeared, and hundreds of copies were sold in the reading-rooms