in order to regulate all matters relative to the
meeting of this important assembly, it was resolved to convoke the
notables a second time. Among these, a diversity of opinion appeared
respecting the comparative number of deputies to be sent by the
Commons, and the two other orders; the cardinal point on which the
whole success of the revolution eventually turned. [Footnote: The
last assembly of the states-general, which had been held in France in
1614, was composed of 140 deputies from the order of the clergy,
among whom were five cardinals, seven archbishops, and 47 bishops;
132, representatives of the nobility; and 192 deputies from the
commons. The Cardinal de JOYEUSE was president of the clergy; the
Baron SENECEY of the nobility; and the president of the commons was
ROBERT MIRON, Prevot-de-Marchands, (an officer similar to that of
mayor of Paris.)] All the classes into which the notables were
divided, decided for an equality of deputies, except those in which
MONSIEUR and the Duke of ORLEANS presided.

In these, it was agreed that the representatives of the commons
should be equal in number to those of the other two states. The
ministry were of opinion that this double representation was
adviseable (sic), and persuaded themselves that, through their weight
and influence they should be able to prevent any mischief to be
apprehended from this preponderance of the tiers-etat. By their
advice, the King issued an ordinance in January 1789, throughout the
whole kingdom, commanding the people to assemble in their bailiwicks,
and to nominate deputies to represent them in the states-general;
viz. 300 for the clergy, 300 for the nobility, and 600 for the
commons.

HAC FONTE DERIVATA CLADES.

******

N. B. The first legislature, which was called the National Assembly,
has now the name of the "Constituent Assembly."

The second is called the "Legislative Assembly;" and the third
legislature is called "the National Convention."

[Illustration: Frontispiece--Artillery.jpg]

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HISTORICAL EPOCHS OF THE FRENCH REVOLUTION.

******

1787.
_March_. THE Assembly of Notables first convened under the
ministry of Mons. de Calonne, comptroller-general
of the finances.
1788.
_August_. Mons. Necker replaced at the head of the finances
on the dismission (sic) of Mons. de Calonne; and
Mons. de Lomenie, archbishop of Toulouse, ma