It has been formally decreed that Paris is no longer
in a state of siege; and the more ardent Republicans at once seek to improve their recovered liberty by reviving certain incendiary clubs and journals. However, the special laws against those organs of sedition are too much for the agitators: the promoters of the clubs and journals have ascertained that a state of liberty does not mean a state of rebellion, and the perturbed spirits have once more been laid.
The Constitution makes way in the National Assembly; and the people already begin to prepare for the election of President. M. de Lamartine has declined the honour : perhaps he only de- clines to be not elected, and would decline no longer if he were placed at the head of the poll. General Cavaignac preserves the respect of his countrymen, but does not win their affections or flatter their love of the dramatic. Louis Napoleon is still the favourite.
M. Thiers does not aim at the Presidency, but he does aim at official position ; and he is displaying a diligence and power which seem destined to command official employment.
