Note that in this Constitution, as in that of 7th
November, 1852, the right of the present Emperor in default of male issue, or even in their lifetime, to adopt any descendant of any brother of Napoleon I., is carefully retained. Such adopted son would, in default of issue, be entitled to succeed at once, or supposing issue, to succeed after them, in preference to any except their children. This very important provision, which is often for- gotten, prevents anyone from putting forward a hereditary claim to the succession during the Emperor's life, and keeps Prince Jerome, who stands next in order, in check. He may be passed over for his own son. It is more than probable that were the Prince Imperial to die, Napoleon would exercise this reserved power, a power without analogy in any European constitution.
