THE CONTENTS. ** HISTORY OF EUROPE. CHAP. I. Retrospective view of the affairs of France towards the close of the year 1789. State of Paris. Sudden and frequent revolutions in the government and constitution of that metropolis. Body of electors appointed for the present, to fupply the place of the former regal and municipal authorities. Laudable conduct of the electors, and great benefits derived from it, in preserving fome degree of order and peace in that city. Incidents which led to their being exposed to imminent danger, through the caprice and the fufpicious difpofition of the people. Seemingly apprehensive of this change of temper, they had the fortune previously to fecure a retreat, by inducing the people to elect 120 deputies, who were to be their temporary fuccessors. The divifion of Paris into fixty districts, for the better conducting of the late elections for deputies to the states, productive of many consequences favourable to the revolution, as well as to the establishment of form and order. In each of these districts general assemblies were held, whose resolutions carried the effect of laws, and the most sovereign acts of authority for the government of the district, were dispensed by its own administration. Thus, Paris was rather to be confidered as a confederacy, composed of fixty independent democratical republics, than as one commonwealth. A few demagogues affume the lead in all these districts, and being fupported by the lower orders, foon oblige people of character to absent themselves from these assemblies. Instances of the noise, disorder, and tumult, which prevailed at these meetings. "New republican clubs, who have their appendant focieties in every town of France, foòn become rulers of the mobs and demagogues of Paris, and at the same time dictators to the national affembly. Instances from a men. make |