Page:The Constitutions and Other Select Documents Illustrative of the History of France, 1789-1907, Second Edition, Revised and Enlarged.pdf/252

222 64. The sittings of both councils are public: the spectators cannot exceed in number half of the members of each council respectively.

The minutes of the sittings are printed.

65. Every decision is taken by rising and sitting; in case of doubt, the roll call is employed, but in that case the votes are secret.

66. Upon the request of one hundred of its members each council can form itself into secret committee of the whole but only in order to discuss, not to resolve.

67. Neither of these councils can create any permanent committee within its own body.

But each council has the power, when a matter seems to it susceptible of a preparatory examination, to appoint from among its members a special commission, which confines itself exclusively to the matter that led to its formation.

This commission is dissolved as soon as the council has legislated upon the matter with which it was charged.

68. The members of the legislative body receive an annual compensation; it is fixed for both councils at the value of three thousand myriagrams of wheat (six hundred and thirty quintals, thirty-two pounds).

69. The Executive Directory cannot cause any body of troops to pass or to sojourn within six myriameters (twelve common leagues) of the commune where the legislative body is holding its sittings, except upon its requisition or with its authorisation.

70. There is near the legislative body a guard of citizens, taken from the reserve national guard of all the departments and chosen by their brothers in arms.

This guard cannot be less than fifteen hundred men in active service.

71. The legislative body fixes the method of this service and its duration.

72. The legislative body is not to be present at any public ceremony nor does it send deputations to them.

Council of the Five Hundred.

73. The Council of the Five Hundred is unalterably fixed at that number.