Chapter V: 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