Page:The Constitutions and Other Select Documents Illustrative of the History of France, 1789-1907, Second Edition, Revised and Enlarged.pdf/311

Rh 88. A national institute is charged with the collection of the discoveries and the improvement of the sciences and the arts.

89. A commission of national book-keeping regulates and verifies the accounts of the receipts and expenditures of the Republic. This commission is composed of seven members chosen by the Senate from the national list.

90. A constituted body can deliberate only in a sitting when at least two-thirds of the members are present.

91. The form of government of the French colonies is determined by special laws.

92. In case of rebelHon by armed force or of disturbances that threaten the security of the state, the law can suspend in the places and for the time which it determines, the authority of the constitution.

This suspension can be declared provisionally, in the same cases, by an order of the government, the Legislative Body being on vacation, provided that this body be convoked within the shortest possible time by an article of the same order.

93. The French nation declares that in any case it will not permit the return of the French, who, having abandoned their fatherland since July 14, 1789, are not included in the exceptions allowed by the laws made against the émigrés; it forbids any new exception upon this matter.

The goods of the émigrés are irrevocably acquired for the profit of the Republic.

94. The French nation declares that after a legally consummated sale of national lands, whatever be the cause thereof, the lawful purchaser cannot be dispossessed thereof, reserving to their claimants, if there is need, indemnification by the public treasury.

95. The present constitution shall be offered immediately for the acceptance of the French people.

 59. Ordeer for Suppressing the Newspapers.

January 17, 1800 (27 Nivôse, Year VIII). Moniteur, January 19, 1800 (29 Nivôse, Year VIII).

Shortly after the Constitution of the Year VIII went into effect the First Consul began a series of vigorous measures against possible opposition to his rule. This document is typical of the series.

