Page:The Royal Family of France (Henry).djvu/85

 Philippe did not allow French territory to be tampered with, and he completed the conquest of Algeria. The awful events of 1848 found him willing to accept the decision of the country. He might have opposed force by force, and have stirred up civil war: he did not choose to do so. If the conduct of Charles X. at Rambouillet was dictated by generosity, that of the Governor of Algeria in 1848 was even more admirable. We shall have, presently, to consider the attitude of the Orléans Princes in relation to the Head of the House of Bourbon. Without prejudging the question, it is indisputable that their conduct, as Frenchmen, has always been irreproachable and blameless. They never plotted; unless, indeed, the Duke d'Aumale's short trips on the frontier to challenge Prince Napoleon to a duel can be construed as such!

The misfortunes of France, the misfortunes of the Orleans family have a secret cause. This secret cause transpired in 1848; the twenty calamitous years which after that have bowed France to the ground, have divulged it to all ages. This secret cause is the violation of rights, the neglect of principle.

We are not speaking here of what is termed the divine appointment; in political matters, it is a paradox, not to say a blasphemy. Divine right refers to creation; God rested on the seventh day after having exercised His power during the preceding six; He continues to exercise it till the end of time. In politics, we speak of human rights. On this ground we can discuss the matter without taking the Lord's Name in vain, without profanely and insolently associating Him with the complicated results of our pride.

I will designate this right (human), the violation of which has for nearly a hundred years caused all our misfortunes, as the social right of Royal Heirship. There are certain matters which, though they regulate civilized society, are yet beyond the limits of human discussion. This right is a mystery as is life, as is the moral liberty of man. Yet, what is this liberty which we claim as our most precious possession? Notwithstanding the conscious pride with which it inspires us, it is only the power of error; its greatness is due to its frailty.

The mystery of social right is not less deep than is the mystery