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 Front Page arrow Titles (by Subject) arrow 55.: FRENCH NEWS [1] EXAMINER, 7 NOV., 1830, P. 715 - The Collected Works of John Stuart Mill, Volume XXII - Newspaper Writings December 1822 - July 1831 Part I

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Subject Area: Political Theory
Collection: The Collected Works of John Stuart Mill

55.: FRENCH NEWS [1] EXAMINER, 7 NOV., 1830, P. 715 - John Stuart Mill, The Collected Works of John Stuart Mill, Volume XXII - Newspaper Writings December 1822 - July 1831 Part I [1822]

Edition used:

The Collected Works of John Stuart Mill, Volume XXII - Newspaper Writings December 1822 - July 1831 Part I, ed. Ann P. Robson and John M. Robson, Introduction by Ann P. Robson and John M. Robson (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, London: Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1986).

Part of: Collected Works of John Stuart Mill, in 33 vols.

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55.

FRENCH NEWS [1]

EXAMINER, 7 NOV., 1830, P. 715

This article was prompted by the appointment on 2 Nov. of a new ministry under Jacques Laffitte (1767-1844), the former ministry having fallen as a result of its efforts to save the ex-ministers (see No. 52). It is the first of 107 articles on French politics Mill supplied to the Examiner from this date until 31 Aug., 1834, usually on a weekly basis. We have given serial numbers to these; Mill wrote other articles on France (as well as other subjects) for the Examiner during this period, to which different titles are appropriate. This article is headed “London, Nov. 6” but, like the others in the series, is untitled and unsigned and does not appear in a named section of the Examiner. In his bibliography Mill usually groups several of these articles in one entry as here: “The summary of French affairs in the Examiner from 7th November 1830 to 17th April 1831 inclusive: comprising several long articles” (MacMinn, p. 12). These are Nos. 58-9, 62, 64, 66, 68, 71-2, 74, 76, 79, 81, 83, 85, 87, 89, 91, 93, 95-6, and 100. This article continues with paragraphs on German, Dutch, and Belgian affairs that are here omitted because there is no evidence connecting them with Mill other than their presence in the foreign news section. The Examiner of 14 Nov., p. 729, indicates an erratum: “supposed” should replace “suffered”

(here corrected at 181.27).

the expected change in the French ministry has at length taken place. The fraction of the old administration, which was opposed to popular measures, has given way; and after an ineffectual attempt by M. Casimir Périer,1 to form a ministry of compromise, the vacancies in the Cabinet have been filled by new appointments, said to be made under the auspices of M. Laffitte and M. Dupont de l’Eure.2

In this list, which we have given with our foreign intelligence,3 it will be perceived that M. Odilon-Barrot is not included.4 It is reported that he was passed over at his own request. Whatever be the cause, we regret it; as he enjoys a far larger share of the public confidence than the young peer who has been preferred to him,5 and it is of great importance that those who are raised to power by the popular voice, should be men of sufficient weight of character, to retain popularity without the necessity of constantly courting it and sacrificing to it. We fear that this cannot be affirmed of M. de Montalivet. His devotion, however, to the cause of the revolution was proved by his acting a distinguished part in the glorious three days; and it may be hoped, that the high character of M. Laffitte, and especially of M. Dupont de l’Eure, will give weight to any administration in which they are supposed to be the ruling spirits.

M. Mérilhou is an advocate of great reputation and well-known popular principles.6

M. Maison is the officer who commanded the French expedition to the Morea. His appointment is said by some to be merely a temporary arrangement.7

[1 ]Casimir Périer (1777-1832), financier, a reluctant supporter of the change of monarchy, became Minister without Portfolio.

[2 ]Laffitte had become President of the Council (a position Louis Philippe himself had held in the previous administration) and Minister of Finance(replacing Baron Louis); Dupont de l’Eure remained Minister of Justice.

[3 ]Examiner, 7 Nov., 1830, p. 714.

[4 ]Camille Hyacinthe Odilon Barrot (1791-1873), a liberal lawyer, had been President of the Société Aide-toi, le ciel t’aidera; active in the July Days, he was appointed Prefect of the Seine. After being elected a deputy he became the leader of the moderate opposition to the Government.

[5 ]Comte Marthe Camille Bachasson de Montalivet (1801-80), who had become a peer on the death of his brother in 1826, became Minister of the Interior.

[6 ]Joseph Mérilhou (1788-1856), a liberal lawyer, became Minister of Public Instruction.

[7 ]Nicolas Joseph Maison (1771-1840), made a general by Napoleon, a peer by Louis XVIII, and a marshal by Charles X, was Minister of Foreign Affairs for only fifteen days from 2 to 17 Nov., 1830, when he became ambassador to Vienna. The expedition to the Morea in 1828 forced Ibrahim Pasha to evacuate the peninsula.