In conformity with the usual form, the proposition of the Tribunate was transmitted to the Senate.  From that time the Senators on whom Bonaparte most relied were frequent in their visits to the Tuileries.  In the preparatory conferences which preceded the regular discussions in the Senate it has been ascertained that the majority was not willing that the marked proof of gratitude should be the Consulate for life; it was therefore agreed that the reporter should limit his demand to a temporary prolongation of the dignity of First Consul in favour of Bonaparte.  The reporter, M. de Lacepede, acted accordingly, and limited the prolongation to ten years, commencing from the expiration of the ten years granted by the Constitution.  I forget which of the Senators first proposed the Consulate for life; but I well recollect that Cambaceres used all his endeavours to induce those members of the Senate whom he thought he could influence to agree to that proposition.  Whether from flattery or conviction I know not, but the Second Consul held out to his colleague, or rather his master, the hope of complete success Bonaparte on hearing him shook his head with an air of doubt, but afterwards said to me, “They will perhaps make some wry faces, but they must come to it at last!”

It was proposed in the Senate that the proposition of the Consulate for life should take the priority of that of the decennial prolongation; but this was not agreed to; and the latter proposition being adopted, the other, of course, could not be discussed.

There was something very curious in the ‘Senatus-consulte’ published on the occasion.  It spoke in the name of the French people, and stated that, “in testimony of their gratitude to the Consuls of the Republic,” the Consular reign was prolonged for ten years; but that the prolongation was limited to the First Consul only.

Bonaparte, though much dissatisfied with the decision of the Senate, disguised his displeasure in ambiguous language.  When Tronchet, then President of the Senate, read to him, in a solemn audience, at the head of the deputation, the ‘Senatus-consulte’ determining the prorogation, he said in reply that he could not be certain of the confidence of the people unless his continuance in the Consulship were sanctioned by their suffrages.  “The interests of my glory and happiness,” added he, “would seem to have marked the close of my public life at the moment when the peace of the world is proclaimed.  But the glory and the happiness of the citizen must yield to the interests of the State and wishes of the public.  You, Senators, conceive that I owe to the people another sacrifice.  I will make it if the voice of the people commands what your suffrage authorises.”

The true meaning of these words was not understood by everybody, and was only manifest to those who were initiated in the secret of Bonaparte’s designs.  He did not accept the offer of the Senate, because he wished for something more.  The question was to be renewed and to be decided by the people only; and since the people had the right to refuse what the Senate offered, they possessed, for the same reason, the right to give what the Senate did not offer.