Page:Readings in European History Vol 2.djvu/442

 404 Readings in European History Mirabeau's speech. Disorderly method of procedure in the Assembly. Monsieur de Mirabeau spoke without notes for near an hour, with a warmth, animation, and eloquence that entitles him to the reputation of an undoubted orator. He opposed the words "known" and "verified," in the proposition of Abbe Sieves, with great force of reasoning, and proposed in lieu that they should declare themselves simply Represen- tatives du peuple Francoise ; that no veto should exist against their resolves in any other assembly ; that all [existing] taxes are illegal, but should be granted during the present sessions of the states, and no longer ; that the debt of the king should become the debt of the nation, and be secured on funds accordingly. Monsieur de Mirabeau was well heard, and his proposition much applauded. In regard to their general method of proceeding, there are two circumstances in which they are very deficient. The spectators in the galleries are allowed to interfere in the de- bates by clapping their hands, and other noisy expressions of approbation : this is grossly indecent ; it is also dangerous ; for, if they are permitted to express approbation, they are, by parity of reason, allowed expressions of dissent, and they may hiss as well as clap ; which it is said they have sometimes done : this would be to overrule the debate and influence the deliberations. Another circumstance is the want of order among them- selves. More than once to-day there were an hundred members on their legs at a time, and Monsieur Bailly abso- lutely without power to keep order. III. The Decree abolishing the Feudal System (August ii, 1789) The abolition of the feudal system, which took place during the famous night session of August 4-5, 1789, was caused by the reading of a report on the misery and disorder which prevailed in the provinces. The report declares that " Letters from all the provinces indicate that property of all kinds is a prey to the most criminal