Chapter 6

GOVERNMENT OF THE CENTRE.

1816-1821.

Composition of the New Chamber of Deputies.--The Cabinet in a Majority.--Elements of that Majority, the Centre properly so called, and the Doctrinarians.--True character of the Centre.--True character of the Doctrinarians, and real cause of their Influence.--M. de la Bourdonnaye and M. Royer-Collard at the Opening of the Session.--Attitude of the Doctrinarians in the Debate on the Exceptional Laws.--Electoral Law of February 5th, 1817.--The part I took on that occasion.--Of the Actual and Political Position of the Middle Classes.--Marshal Gouvion St. Cyr, and his Bill for recruiting the Army, of the 10th of March, 1818.--Bill respecting the Press, of 1819, and M. de Serre.--Preparatory Discussion of these Bills in the State Council.--General Administration of the Country.--Modification of the Cabinet from 1816 to 1820.--Imperfections of the Constitutional System.--Errors of Individuals.--Dissensions between the Cabinet and the Doctrinarians.--The Duke de Richelieu negotiates, at Aix-la-Chapelle, the entire Retreat of Foreign Troops from France.--His Situation and Character.--He attacks the Bill on Elections.--His Fall.--Cabinet of M. Decazes.--His Political Weakness, notwithstanding his Parliamentary Success.--Elections of 1819.--Election and Non-admission of M. Gregoire.--Assassination of the Duke de Berry.--Fall of M. Decazes.--The Duke de Richelieu resumes Office.--His Alliance with the Right-hand Party.--Change in the Law of Elections.--Disorganization of the Centre, and Progress of the Right-hand Party.--Second Fall of the Duke de Richelieu.--M. de Villele and the Right-hand Party obtain Power. 150