Chapter 298: Chapter 294: The Fall of the Second Republic (Part 1)_2
Some of the mid and lower-ranking officers are still potential Republicans, but faced with the iron discipline of the army, they can only act to make arrests.
Confused about the army’s intentions, Parisians saw the notice posted in the most conspicuous places on the walls and gathered in small groups to read it.
"French People!"
"The current situation can no longer be sustained. Each passing day increases the nation’s danger. The National Assembly was supposed to be the strongest pillar of order, but it has turned into a hotbed of conspiracy. The patriotism of the three hundred Assembly members has not been able to stop this tragic trend. The National Assembly is not making laws from the perspective of the overall interest but is manufacturing weapons in preparation for civil war. It is infringing on the power directly given to me by the people; it is encouraging all vile desires; it is damaging the peace of France. I have dissolved the National Assembly, allowing the people to make a judgment between the Assembly and me."
"You all know: the provisions of the Constitution were initially aimed at weakening the power you would confer upon me. Six million votes were a loud protest against the Constitution, yet I have faithfully adhered to it. I have remained indifferent to provocations, slanders, and insults. However, now, those who constantly cite the fundamental law no longer respect this law; those who have already destroyed two dynasties still want to bind my hands and feet in order to overthrow this Republic. At such a time, it is my duty to thwart their insidious schemes, protect this Republic, save this country, and rely on the solemn judgment of the only master I recognize in France, namely the people."
"Therefore, I honestly appeal to the nation and inform you: if you wish to continue in this unsettling state that is robbing you of dignity and damaging our future, then choose someone else to replace me, as I no longer desire this powerless authority to do good, it is causing me to bear responsibility for actions I cannot prevent; it keeps binding me to the helm while I witness this great ship speeding into the abyss."
"If, conversely, you still trust me, then give me the means to complete the great mission entrusted to me by you."
"This mission is to end this period of repeated revolutions, meet the legitimate needs of the people, and protect them from subversive fanaticism. This mission is especially to establish a system more stable than individuals, laying several foundations to establish something enduring."
"I am convinced that the instability of power, with only the National Assembly possessing the supreme status, is a regular cause of chaos and discord. Therefore, I ask you to agree on the following essential elements of the Constitution, which can be developed later by assemblies at various levels:
1. There should be a responsible Head of State with a ten-year term;
2. There should be several ministers solely subordinate to the executive branch;
3. A Council of State composed of the most outstanding individuals, responsible for drafting various bills and submitting them to the legislative body for examination;
4. Formation of a legislative body to review and pass laws, which should be elected through universal suffrage and not from ’list elections’ with forged results;
5. A second assembly composed of all the virtuous individuals in the nation, forming a balance of power, safeguarding the fundamental law, and public freedoms.
"This system was created by the Chief Consul at the beginning of this century and has already brought France peace and prosperity; it can also ensure peace and prosperity for France."
"These are my unwavering convictions. If you agree, please fully express it through voting. If, on the contrary, you prefer a weak government—whether monarchic or republican—that imitates something from an unknown historical origin, or from an illusory future, please respond negatively."
"Thus, you will, for the first time since 1804, vote with open eyes, that is, you will fully understand who and what you are voting for."
"If I cannot obtain a majority vote from you, then I will initiate a new National Assembly meeting and will hand back the mandate received from you to it."
"However, if you believe that the cause symbolized by my surname, which is the cause of France revived by the 1789 Great Revolution, and organized properly by Emperor Napoleon, is still your cause, then please loudly declare the means to approve the powers you entrust to me."
"Then, France and Europe will be saved from anarchy, obstacles will be leveled, mutual antagonism will disappear, as everyone will act in accordance with the verdict of the great people and in faithful obedience to God’s will."
After reading the appeal, the citizens finally understood what had happened: President Jerome Bonaparte had launched a military coup.
The crowd began to stir, quickly followed by a voice: "Oh God! Jerome Bonaparte actually dissolved the National Assembly! How could he do this!"
Then a rebuttal came from somewhere: "The President has the right given by all the French, and he has the duty to dissolve the National Assembly to protect France!"
"If the National Assembly is dissolved, then who can represent us?"
"Didn’t you see the notice? A new Assembly will be reconstituted!"
In an instant, the crowd divided into three factions, one supporting Jerome Bonaparte, another opposing him, yet the majority of Parisians were moderates who believed that whether Jerome Bonaparte or the National Assembly, as long as they did not disrupt the entire order of Paris, they could be left to fight for power.
After the "appeal" was issued, Parisians remained in a relatively calm state.
Many citizens responded with indifference.
At 9 a.m., the bunker of the Elysee Palace opened, and Jerome Bonaparte, wearing the same Lev’s Formal Suit as his uncle Emperor Napoleon and the Napoleon Hat, emerged with the support of soldiers.
From the Elysee Palace to Concorde Square, Jerome Bonaparte enthusiastically shook hands with the soldiers, thanking them for their efforts to save the Republic.
At 10 a.m., Jerome Bonaparte arrived at Concorde Square.
At this time, Concorde Square was garrisoned by soldiers of the Second Brigade under the leadership of Colonel De Gas. Jerome Bonaparte shook hands with each company commander and warmly asked their names.
The captains looked at Jerome Bonaparte with excitement, eager to give their lives for him.
"Soldiers, you are the saviors of France..." Jerome Bonaparte publicly praised the entire French Army once again at Concorde Square.
Without the help of these bayonets, Jerome Bonaparte’s attempt to overthrow the National Assembly would have been a fantasy.
Under the watchful eyes of all the soldiers, Jerome Bonaparte left Concorde Square and turned toward the City Hall.
All high-ranking City Hall officials, except for the Governor of Seine Province (who was arrested as a potential Republican), met with Jerome Bonaparte, decisively referring to him as "Your Majesty."
Jerome Bonaparte, in return, promised that the military occupation would soon end.
By then, they would still be the executors of the entire Paris policy.
The high-ranking officials of Paris City Hall, upon hearing Jerome Bonaparte’s assurance, sighed in relief, as the frequent military interventions had left these "unfortunate" officials feeling overwhelmed.
Having comforted the City Hall officials, Jerome Bonaparte finally arrived at his final destination of this journey, the Bourbon Palace, where he would announce the dissolution of the National Assembly and the demise of the Second Republic.