The same evening the National Assembly discussed and adopted an address to the French nation, in these terms:—­

“A great crime has been committed.  The king and his family have been carried off, (the continuance of this pretended enlevement of the king excited loud murmurs,) but your representatives will triumph over all these obstacles.  France wishes to be free, and she shall be; the Revolution will not retrograde.  We have saved the law by resolving that our decrees shall be the law.  We have saved the nation by sending to the army reinforcements of 300,000 men.  We have saved public peace by placing it under the safeguard of the zeal and patriotism of the armed citizens.  In this position we await our enemies.  In a manifesto dictated to the king by those who have offered violence to his affection for his people, you are accused—­the constitution is accused—­the law of impunity of the 6th of October is accused.  The nation is more just, for she does not accuse the king of the crimes of his ancestors. (Applause.)

“But the king swore on the 14th of July to protect this constitution; he has therefore consented to perjure himself.  The changes made in the constitution of the kingdom are laid to the charge of the soidisant factious.  A few factious? that is not sufficient; we are 26,000,000 of factious. (Loud applause.) We have re-constructed the power, we have preserved the monarchy, because we believe it useful to France.  We have doubtless reformed it, but it was to save it from its abuses and its excesses; we have granted a yearly sum of 50,000,000 of francs to maintain the legitimate splendour of the throne.  We have reserved to ourselves the right of declaring war, because we would not that the blood of the people should belong to the ministers.  Frenchmen! all is organised, every man is at his post.  The Assembly watches over all.  You have nought to fear save from yourselves, should your just emotion lead you to commit any violence or disorders.  The people who seek to be free should remain unmoved in great crises.

“Behold Paris, and imitate the example of the capital.  All goes on as usual; the tyrants will be deceived.  Before they can bend France beneath their yoke, the whole nation must be annihilated.  Should despotism venture to attempt it, it will be vanquished; or even though it triumph, it will triumph over nought save ruins!” (Loud and unanimous applause followed the conclusion of the address.)

The sitting which had been suspended during an hour, re-opened at half-past nine.  Much agitation prevailed in the chamber, and the words He is arrested!  He is arrested! ran along the benches, and from the benches to the tribune.  The president announced that he had just received a packet containing several letters which he would read; at the same time recommending them to abstain from any marks of approbation or disapprobation.  He then opened the packet amidst a profound silence,