time of the session of the diet. But according to the fatal
custom which so often rends our councils, that assemblage was dissolved
by a nuncio from Wolhynia named Podhorski, and the affair in which
Courland was so deeply interested was not discussed.

It then became necessary to refer it to the senate, where it occasioned
many fierce debates. The prince Czartoryski especially endeavored to
embroil the question by maintaining that the king had no right to
dispose of the duchy without the consent of the diet; that Biren could
not be degraded from the dignity conferred upon him without having been
properly tried, judged, and condemned; and finally, that the nomination
of the prince royal could only be provisional, or valid during the
lifetime of the czarina. These foolish clamors were rendered powerless
by an imposing majority; one hundred and twenty-eight white balls,
against five black ones, decided in favor of Prince Charles. The diploma
has already been presented to him by the grand chancellor of the crown,
and the ceremony of investiture takes place to-day. The rejoicings in
Warsaw must be truly magnificent, and I am quite sure that all are
delighted.

It is said that the king has grown ten years younger since the happy
termination of this affair. I cannot judge of the importance of these
events to the general welfare of the republic, but I am enchanted with
the good fortune of Prince Charles. I ask myself continually why this
matter interests me so deeply. The destiny of my country may soon depend
upon the prince, and I believe him called to avert the storm which seems
ready to burst upon Poland. I believe that he will give us better laws
and a good government. The dukedom of Courland will serve him as a
stepping stone to the throne. I am truly grieved from the bottom of my
heart that I cannot now be in Warsaw, where I should see such brilliant
fetes, a splendid court, and Prince Charles. ... But since that is
impossible, I must content myself with drinking his health to-day at our
table.

THE LADIES' LOYAL LEAGUE

As men led the way in the formation of a Loyal League throughout the
country, many women, in view of an association of their sex under that
name, seem to think themselves required to adopt ideas and regulations
approaching as closely as may be to those already existing in the male
League. But as, in private life, woman's duties, though equally
important, are not identical with those of man, s