The Orleans family has come to the front with a
rush. On Friday, 7th inst., the Due d'Orleans, eldest son of the Comte de Paris, and therefore heir of the French Bourbons, arrived in Paris, and presenting himself at the recruiting office, demanded to be inscribed on the list of conscripts under the Military Law. He was referred to the War Office, which ordered his arrest for breaking the Law of Exile. He was sent to the Conciergerie, where the Royalists, who were instantly astir, provided him with food which the Republicans denounced as too luxurious. The Cabinet decided to prosecute him, and after the usual delay of three days, the Duke was carried on Wednesday before the Eighth Court of Cor- rection, where he declined the assistance of counsel. He defended himself in a short and manly speech, repudiating politics, "which are my father's province," and asking if it were a crime for a Frenchman to wish to serve in the French Army. He was then sentenced to two years' imprisonment, the minimum term under the statute for breaking the law of banishment, and sent to prison ; but it is supposed he will shortly be pardoned and conducted over the frontier. This is the general expectation, more especially as the Czar has per- sonally intervened in his favour; but many Republicans allege that his detention will last some time, the public excitement showing that the Duke's act, though in itself an escapade, had a political meaning and a political effect.
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