Historical Epochs of the French Revolution | Page 6

to the
academy of science for the purpose of bringing weights and measures
to one uniform standard. The title of Dauphin changed to that of Prince
Royal. Rewards are decreed to all those who stopped the King. A
committee is appointed to manage national domains; that is, the
confiscated property of the King and clergy. Decreed, that if within a
month the King do not take the oath to the nation, or if he retract it, he
shall be adjudged to have forfeited the crown. Decreed, that the guard
for the King shall not exceed 1200 foot, and 600 horse. Those who may
be placed in succession to the throne to have no other title than that of
French princes. Registers of the births, marriages, and burials, of the
royal family to be deposited in the archives of the national assembly.
Suppression of the payment of a mark of silver, which was heretofore
required from such as were deputed to the legislature. Decreed, that
every law relative to taxes shall be independent of the royal sanction.
The ceremony of marriage to be considered hereafter as a civil contract
only. Rousseau admitted to a place in the Pantheon. The national
assembly declares, that it will not revise the constitution which it has
just established, before the expiration of thirty years. Sept. The
completion of the constitution announced to the people, and that it will
admit of no change. The departments are all occupied in electing new
deputies to represent them in a second assembly. Sixty members are
appointed to carry the act of the constitution to the King. 4. The King
restored to liberty. Suppression of the order of St. Esprit; the
decorations of the blue ribband to be appropriated to the King and the
Prince-royal only. The King declines to retain a distinction which he
cannot communicate. Decreed, that the Rhine and Rhone be united by a
canal. 14. The King accepts the constitution in form; he takes the oath
in presence of the assembly; and is crowned by the president with a
constitutional crown. Great rejoicings throughout all France. The

national guard to take place of the King's. Whipping, and burning in the
hand, annulled. Three days allowed to every person under accusation to
defend himself and repel the charge. In consequence of the acceptance
of the constitution, all criminal proceedings are stopped; all persons
confined on suspicion of anti-revolutionary principles set at liberty; no
more passports required; a general amnesty takes place; and the decree
against emigrants is revoked. Disturbances at Arles--suppression of the
high national court of Orleans--and of all royal notaries--national
notaries appointed. Prohibitory or commanding clauses in wills to be of
no avail henceforward. Every sort of property dependent upon, or
connected with, churches or charities, is confiscated. All the world
admitted to the title and rank of French citizen, without any distinction
of country. Decree to unite Avignon and the county of Venaissin to
France. Certificates of catholicism suppressed, which hitherto were
required before admission into any office. Severe penalties against
introducing titles of nobility into any public document. All the
chambers and societies of commerce abolished. Jews admitted to the
rights of French citizens. The constituent assembly prepares to lay
down its powers, without rendering any account of its proceedings.
Violent remonstrances against this. Decree against clubs and popular
associations. 30. The King goes in state to close the session of this first
or constituent assembly.
CHAPTER II.
1791. Oct. 4. The second assembly takes the name of the Legislative
Assembly, and is opened by the King in person. It consists of 700
members. An oath is taken to observe the law. An administrator in one
of the departments flies with a large treasure. 17. Massacre at Avignon,
with unusual horrors. Jourdan and his people destroy 600 victims in an
ice-house. Insurrection at Paris on account of religious worship. The
Marquis de la Fayette resigns the command of the Parisian guard. The
expressions "_sire_" and "majesty," applied to the King, suppressed by
decree. Twenty-one committees formed out of the legislative assembly
to transact all business. Riots at Montpellier. The pictures of the
Palace-royal sold for a million eight hundred thousand livres. 27.
Insurrection in Alsace. 29. Notice given to Monsieur the King's eldest

brother, to return to France, on pain of forfeiture of all his rights, and
confiscation. One hundred millions of assignats issued. Disturbances in
Artois and Lower Normandy on account of religious worship. The
archbishop of Ausch, and several bishops, brought before the tribunals.
30. Insurrections in almost all parts of the kingdom, on account of the
prohibition of religious worship. Charrier, ex-constituent, and
nominated by the people as successor to the Cardinal de Rochefoucault,
in the archbishoprick (sic) of Rouen, ashamed of his usurpation,
abdicates the archiepiscopal dignity. Violent decree against emigrants;