in his situation, dreadful prerogative of a veto.  This prerogative, (which they hold as their bit in the mouth of the National Assembly for the time being,) without the direct assistance of their club, it was impossible for the king to show even the desire of exerting with the smallest effect, or even with safety to his person.  However, by playing, through this veto, the Assembly against the king, and the king against the Assembly, they have made themselves masters of both.  In this situation, having destroyed the old government by their sedition, they would preserve as much of order as is necessary for the support of their own usurpation.

[Sidenote:  French ambassador.]

It is believed that this, by far the worst party of the miscreants of France, has received direct encouragement from the counsellors who betray the Emperor.  Thus strengthened by the possession of the captive king, (now captive in his mind as well as in body,) and by a good hope of the Emperor, they intend to send their ministers to every court in Europe,—­having sent before them such a denunciation of terror and superiority to every nation without exception as has no example in the diplomatic world.  Hitherto the ministers to foreign courts had been of the appointment of the sovereign of France previous to the Revolution; and, either from inclination, duty, or decorum, most of them were contented with a merely passive obedience to the new power.  At present, the king, being entirely in the hands of his jailors, and his mind broken to his situation, can send none but the enthusiasts of the system,—­men framed by the secret committee of the Feuillants, who meet in the house of Madame de Stael, M. Necker’s daughter.  Such is every man whom they have talked of sending hither.  These ministers will be so many spies and incendiaries, so many active emissaries of democracy.  Their houses will become places of rendezvous here, as everywhere else, and centres of cabal for whatever is mischievous and malignant in this country, particularly among those of rank and fashion.  As the minister of the National Assembly will be admitted at this court, at least with his usual rank, and as entertainments will be naturally given and received by the king’s own ministers, any attempt to discountenance the resort of other people to that minister would be ineffectual, and indeed absurd, and full of contradiction.  The women who come with these ambassadors will assist in fomenting factions amongst ours, which cannot fail of extending the evil.  Some of them I hear are already arrived.  There is no doubt they will do as much mischief as they can.

[Sidenote:  Connection of clubs.]