The tone of M. d'Audiffret-Pasquier is very different from that
of M. Buffet. He was on Monday elected President of the National Assembly by 415 votes to 30 given to M. Martel, and -8 to M. Laboulaye, and on Tuesday told the Assembly that "it is to this government of the country by itself—to the Parlia- mentary system, so often calumniated—that France was indebted in the past for prosperous and glorious days following grievous disasters ; it is thanks to it that four years ago it surmounted the hardest trials a nation can undergo ; it is to it that by your recent -decision you have coiafided the future. You have not forgotten what the surrender of public liberties may cost a country." This speech, which is a bold assertion of the first principles of liberty, has made a deep impression, the President of the Assembly differ- ing from the Speaker of the House of Commons in this, that he is always in close communication with the Government. It is believed that the Duke will make a dignified and efficient Presi- dent, though he hasto overcome two difficulties,—a very explosive temper, and a manner a little too vivacious. • He will certainly maintain order.
