The Duke's adventure, so unlike the ways of the Orleans
family, has undoubtedly increased his reputation, and sud- denly made him a personage. A French Minister's exclama- tion, "Boulanger has been floored by a boy !" expresses that side of the situation ; and the Monarchists of both parties are inclined to cling to him. On Monday, indeed, M. Cazenove de Pradine, remarkable for his steady devotion to the Comte de Chambord, moved in the Chamber that the Law of Exile be re- pealed, declaring it to be a negation of the higher law of patriot- ism. The Government proposed urgency, which the Chamber granted, and there was a sharp debate, the Royalists dwelling on the fact that no conspiracy was afoot, and the Republicans pleading political necessity and a ratification of the Law of Exile by the subsequent " plebiscitau" election. The repeal was refused by 328 to 171, the Monarchical parties voting together, in a House not quite full, the scene being unex- pected, and many Deputies still on leave for the recent sickness. The vote was probably not influenced, but the interest was deepened, by a rumour from Madrid that the affair had been prearranged, the Comte de Paris, who is in the West Indies, having decided to abdicate in his son's favour, and therefore desiring that he should make himself known to France. This rumour, though given in great detail, is not very probable, the Comte de Paris being a cool man, quite aware that one can abdicate at any time, but that it is impossible, should the heir do anything to destroy his chances, to recall the act.
Previous page
