"The throne has been tumbled from the windows of the Tuileries and is now burning in the Place de la Bastille!" cried M. Dumoulin, who commanded the Hôtel de Ville in July of '30, displaying the tri-color flag.
"No more Bourbons! Down with the Bourbons! Down with the traitors! A provisional government!" shouted the people.
"Aye, a Republic!" cried M. Chevalier.
Crémieux, Ledru Rollin and Lamartine were at the same time in the tribune.
"In the name of the people, silence!" again roared the awful voice of Ledru Rollin.
"A provisional government!" shouted one of the people.
"You shall have a provisional government!" exclaimed M. Maguin.
"In the name of the people--in the name of the people of Paris in arms," again began Ledru Rollin, "I protest against this King and this Regency. The constitution of '9 demands the will of the people to fix a Regency. Yet the law of '42 makes the Duke of Nemours Regent, and now it is the Duchess of Orléans. I protest against it all! I demand a provisional government!"
"Question--question!" shouted M. Berryer. "A provisional government!"
"In 1815," continued Ledru Rollin, "Napoleon abdicated in favor of the King of Rome. The King of Rome was refused. In 1830, Charles X. abdicated in favor of his grandson. The grandson was rejected. In 1848, Louis Philippe abdicates in favor of his grandson--the Count of Paris!"
"Question--question!" again vociferated M. Berryer. "We all know those histories!"
"In the name of the people," continued Ledru Rollin, "I demand a provisional government, named by the people--not by the Chamber--but by the people!"
Tremendous shouts followed, and M. Lamartine, who had stood beside Rollin in the tribune, now took his place amid renewed shouts.
After an eloquent speech on the same side as his friend, he concluded by demanding a provisional government, with an appeal to "the people--the entire people--all who by the title of man have rights as men."
While Lamartine was yet speaking, a violent knocking was heard at the door of the Chamber, which was forcibly burst open and a vast crowd rushed in.
"Down with the Chamber! Down with the Deputies!" shouted the populace, and muskets were instantly leveled at Lamartine, and, also, at the Royal party.
"It is Lamartine! it is Lamartine!" was the cry of terror that rose from his friends.
The muskets were lowered.
The Duchess and her party were at once withdrawn from the Chamber by a side door, and having first retired to the Hôtel des Invalides, next fled to the Rhine; the Duke of Nemours fled to Boulogne and thence to England.
"Silence--silence--silence!" shouted the President, violently ringing his bell. But the uproar only increased. "I pronounce this session closed!" cried the President, and putting on his hat he instantly left the chair.