e of the people," continued Ledru Rollin, "I demand a
provisional government, named by the people--not by the Chamber--but by
the people!"

Tremendous shouts followed, and M. Lamartine, who had stood beside
Rollin in the tribune, now took his place amid renewed shouts.

After an eloquent speech on the same side as his friend, he concluded by
demanding a provisional government, with an appeal to "the people--the
entire people--all who by the title of man have rights as men."

While Lamartine was yet speaking, a violent knocking was heard at the
door of the Chamber, which was forcibly burst open and a vast crowd
rushed in.

"Down with the Chamber! Down with the Deputies!" shouted the populace,
and muskets were instantly leveled at Lamartine, and, also, at the Royal
party.

"It is Lamartine! it is Lamartine!" was the cry of terror that rose from
his friends.

The muskets were lowered.

The Duchess and her party were at once withdrawn from the Chamber by a
side door, and having first retired to the Hotel des Invalides, next
fled to the Rhine; the Duke of Nemours fled to Boulogne and thence to
England.

"Silence--silence--silence!" shouted the President, violently ringing
his bell. But the uproar only increased. "I pronounce this session
closed!" cried the President, and putting on his hat he instantly left
the chair.

Here ends the Chamber of Deputies.

A large number of the members withdrew with the President, but the
opposition remained, and with them the people and the National Guards.

After the noise incident to this departure had subsided, the venerable
M. Dupont de l'Eure, a gray-headed old man of eighty, was, by unanimous
acclamation, placed in the President's chair. Lamartine still remained
in the tribune, and repeatedly strove to make his voice heard, but in
vain.

"In the name of the people, silence, and let Lamartine speak!" at length
was heard in the thunder tones of Ledru Rollin, rising above all other
sounds.

Silence for a moment being obtained, Lamartine exclaimed:

"Citizens!--a provisional government is declared! The names of the
members will now be announced by the President!"

Lamartine then descended from the tribune; applause and uproar
succeeded.

"The names of the members nominated for a provisional government I will
now read to you," said the aged President, rising and displaying a
paper.

The following names were then read, and were repeated as they came one
after the othe