5. A second Assembly, formed of all the illustrious of
the country, a preponderating power, guardian of the
fundamental compact and of public liberties. The
system created by the First Consul at the commence-
ment of the century has already given to France repose
and prosperity ; and it would again guarantee them to
it. Such is my profound conviction. If you share in
it, declare it by your suffrages. If, on the contrary,
you prefer a government with strength, monarchical or
republican, borrowed from I know not what past, or
from some chimerical future, reply negatively. Thus,
then, for the first time since 1804, you will vote with
a knowledge of what you are doing, in knowing well
for whom and for what. If I do not obtain the ma-
jority of your suffrages, I will then call for the meeting
of a new Assembly, and I will give up the charge
which I have received from you. But if you believe
that the cause of which my name is the symbol — that
is to say, France regenerated by the Revolution of '89,
and organized by the Emperor— is still your own, pro-
claim it by consecrating the powers which I ask from
you. Then France and Europe will be preserved from
anarchy, obstacles will be removed, rivalries will have
disappeared, for all will respect, in the decision of the
people, the decree of Providence. — Given at the palace
of the Elysees, this second day of December, 1851."

The events of the preceding night gradually became
known to the astonished citizens of Paris. At an
early hour in the morning, many of the leadings mem-
bers of the Assembly had been arrested and sent to
prison. The President's proclamations, which had



THE coup d'etat. 381

been privately printed, were posted on the walls.
