"But if you believe that the cause of which my name is the symbol,--that
is to say, France regenerated by the Revolution of '89, and organized by
the Emperor, is to be still your own, proclaim it by sanctioning the
powers which I ask from you.

"Then France and Europe will be preserved from anarchy, obstacles will
be removed, rivalries will have disappeared, for all will respect, in
the decision of the People, the decree of Providence.

"Given at the Palace of the Elysée, 2d December, 1851.

"LOUIS NAPOLEON BONAPARTE."



PROCLAMATION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC TO THE ARMY.

"Soldiers! Be proud of your mission, you will save the country, for I
count upon you not to violate the laws, but to enforce respect for the
first law of the country, the national Sovereignty, of which I am the
Legitimate Representative.

"For a long time past, like myself, you have suffered from obstacles
which have opposed themselves both to the good that I wished to do and
to the demonstrations of your sympathies in my favor. These obstacles
have been broken down.

"The Assembly has tried to attack the authority which hold from the
whole Nation. It has ceased to exist.