Chapter 7

GOVERNMENT OF THE RIGHT-HAND PARTY.

1822-1827.

Position of M. de Villele on assuming Power.--He finds himself engaged with the Left and the Conspiracies.--Character of the Conspiracies.--Estimate of their Motives.--Their connection with some of the Leaders of the Parliamentary Opposition.--M. de La Fayette.--M. Manuel.--M. D'Argenson.--Their Attitude in the Chamber of Deputies.--Failure of the Conspiracies, and Causes thereof.--M. de Villele engaged with his Rivals within within and by the side of the Cabinet.--The Duke de Montmorency.--M. de Chateaubriand Ambassador at London.--Congress of Verona.--M. de Chateaubriand becomes Minister of Foreign Affairs.--Spanish War.--Examination of its Causes and Results.--Rupture between M. de Villele and M. de Chateaubriand.--Fall of M. de Chateaubriand.--M. de Villele engaged with an Opposition springing from the Right-hand Party.--The 'Journal des Debats' and the Messrs. Bertin.--M. de Villele falls under the Yoke of the Parliamentary Majority.--Attitude and Influence of the Ultra-Catholic Party.--Estimate of their conduct.--Attacks to which they are exposed.--M. de Montlosier.--M. Beranger.--Acuteness of M. de Villele.--His decline.--His Enemies at the Court.--Review and Disbanding of the National Guard of Paris.--Anxiety of Charles X.--Dissolution of the Chamber of Deputies.--The Elections are Hostile to M. de Villele.--He retires.--Speech of the Dauphinists to Charles X. 223