The dread of the Imperialists, which has caused this change,
seems to have some foundation. It is stated that the official inquiry into the election for the Nievre has revealed the existence of a complete Bonapartist organisation, with Cabinet, heads of Departments, prefects, a Marshal, and all manner of subordinates ready at once to assume posts already designated. Money has been raised in sufficient quantities, and had the Assembly con- tinued irresolute, a military pronunciamiento might have enabled M. Rouher to take a plebiscite. It is added that Napoleon IV. is to be affianced to the Princess Thyra, sister of the Princess of Wales and of the Cesarevna of Russia. How far all this is correct we have no means of deciding, but a great deal of it is evidently believed by the Orleanist princes, counsellors, and deputies, including the Due de Broglie. So considerable is the alarm, that it is said it will postpone the Dissolution of the Assembly, which ought to follow the proclamation of the Republic, and that it will induce the Left to give way on almost every point not inconsistent with the idea of a Republic.
Previous page
