to the Government of Versailles, and to proffer the good offices of
the League to aid in the conclusion of an armistice, have the honour
of submitting you an account of their mission.

"The delegates, having made known to Monsieur Thiers the programme
of the League, he replied that as chief of the sole legal government
existing in France he had not to discuss the basis of a treaty, but
notwithstanding he was quite ready to treat with such persons whom
he considered as representing Republican principles, and to acquaint
them with the intentions of the chief of the executive power.

"It is in accordance with these observations, which denote, in fact,
the true character of our mission, that Monsieur Thiers has made the
following declarations on different points of our programme.

"Respecting the recognition of the Republic, Monsieur Thiers answers
for its existence as long as he remains in power. A Republican state
was put into his hands, and he stakes his honour on its
conservation."

Ay! it is precisely that which will not satisfy Paris--Paris sighing for
peace and liberty. We have all the most implicit faith in Thiers'
honour. We are assured that the words, "French Republic" will head the
white Government placards as long as he remains in power. But when
Thiers is withdrawn from power--National Assemblies can be capricious
sometimes--what assures us that we shall not fall victims to a
monarchical or even an imperial restoration? Ghosts can appear in French
history as well as in Anne Radcliffe's novels. To attempt to consider
the elected members who sit at Versailles as sincere Republicans is an
effort beyond the powers of our credulity. You see that Thiers himself
dares not speak his thoughts on what might happen were he to withdraw
from power. Thus we find ourselves, as before, in a state of transition,
and this state of transition is just what appals us. We address
ourselves to the Assembly, and ask of it, "We are Republican; are you
Republican?" And the Assembly pretends to be deaf, and the deputies
content themselves with humming under their breaths, some the royal tune
of "The White Cockade," and others the imperial air of "Partant pour la
Syrie." This does not quite satisfy us. It is true that Thiers says he
will maintain the form of government established in Paris as long as he
possibly can; but he only promises for himself, and it results clearly
f