ks of that
question show, that the _Tiers-Etat_ are unanimous, a good majority
of the Clergy (consisting of the _Cures_) disposed to side with the
_Tiers-Etat_, and in the chamber of the _Noblesse_ there are only
fifty-four in that sentiment, against one hundred and ninety, who are
for voting by orders. Committees to find means of conciliation are
appointed by each chamber; but conciliation is impossible. Some think
the Nobles could be induced to unite themselves with the higher Clergy
into one House, the lower Clergy and _Tiers-Etat_ forming another. But
the _Tiers-Etat_ are immovable. They are not only firm, but a little
disdainful. The question is, what will ensue? One idea is to separate,
in order to consult again their constituents, and to take new
instructions. This would be doing nothing, for the same instructions
would be repeated; and what, in the mean time, is to become of a
government absolutely without money, and which cannot be kept in motion
with less than a million of livres a day? The more probable expectation
is as follows. As soon as it shall become evident, that no amicable
determination of the manner of voting can take place, the _Tiers-Etat_
will send an invitation to the two other orders, to come and take their
places in the common chamber. A majority of the Clergy will go, and the
minority of the Noblesse. The chamber thus composed, will declare that
the States General are constituted, will notify it to the King, and
that they are ready to proceed to business. If the King refuses to do
business with them, and adheres to the Nobles, the common chamber will
declare all taxes at an end, will form a declaration of rights, and
do such other acts as the circumstances will permit, and go home. The
tax-gatherers will then be resisted, and it may well be doubted whether
the soldiery and their officers will not divide, as the _Tiers-Etat_ and
Nobles. But it is more likely that the King will agree to do business
with the States General, so constituted, professing that the necessities
of the moment force this, and that he means to negotiate (as they go
along) a reconciliation between the seceding members, and those which
remain. If the matter takes this turn, there may be small troubles and
ebullitions excited by the seceding _Noblesse_ and higher Clergy; but no
serious difficulty can arise. M. de Lamoignon, the _Garde des Sceaux_ of
the last year, has shot himself. The Emperor's complaint is pulmonary,
and in