ecause there was no
opposition to the matter, but only to the form. He assures me, on the
information of another member who was present, that Target's motion
passed. We shall know, I think, within a day or two, whether the
government will risk a bankruptcy and civil war, rather than see all
distinction of orders done way, which is what the Commons will push
for. If the fear of the former alternative prevails, they will spin the
matter into negotiation. The Commons have in their chamber almost all
the talents of the nation; they are firm and bold, yet moderate. There
is indeed, among them, a number of very hot-headed members; but those
of most influence are cool, temperate, and sagacious. Every step of this
House has been marked with caution and wisdom. The _Noblesse_, on the
contrary, are absolutely out of their senses. They are so furious, they
can seldom debate at all. They have few men of moderate talents, and
not one of great, in the majority. Their proceedings have been very
injudicious. The Clergy are waiting to profit of every incident to
secure themselves, and have no other object in view. Among the Commons,
there is an entire unanimity on the great question of voting by persons.
Among the _Noblesse_, there are about sixty for the Commons, and about
three times that number against them. Among the Clergy, about twenty
have already come over and joined the Commons, and in the course of
a few days, they will be joined by many more, not indeed making the
majority of that House, but very near it. The Bishops and Archbishops
have been very successful by bribes and intrigues, in detaching the
_Cures_ from the Commons, to whom they were at first attached to a man.
The Commons are about, five hundred and fifty-four in number, of whom
three hundred and forty-four are of the Jaw. These do not possess an
influence founded in property; but in their habits of business and
acquaintance with the people, and in their means of exciting them as
they please. The _Cures_, throughout the kingdom, form the mass of the
Clergy; they are the only part favorably known to the people, because
solely charged with the duties of baptism, burial, confession,
visitation of the sick, instruction of the children, and aiding the
poor; they are themselves of the people, and united with them. The
carriages and equipage only of the higher Clergy, not their persons, are
known to the people, and are in detestation with them. The soldiers will
follow thei