M. Lafayette was returned a member of the chamber of deputies from his own
department, in 1819, though his election was opposed by the ministerial
party. Some members rejoiced to see again among them, the "friend and
disciple of Washington;" while others, the adherents of monarchy, viewed
him with distrust and jealousy, as "the veteran general of the revolution."
He was not a very active member of this legislative body; for he was
convinced it would be in vain to attempt restoring the constitution of
1789. He seldom attended the assembly: but on several questions, when he
was present, discovered the same political sentiments which directed his
conduct in the early days of the revolution. The minister offered a
proposition for establishing a censorship over the public journals, and for
arresting persons suspected of being inimical to the restoration of the
Bourbons. Lafayette spoke against the proposed law, "as subversive of all
order, of all right, and of the natural and just privileges of the
citizens." He referred to the evils consequent upon all arbitrary
proceedings against persons merely suspected of being unfriendly to the
government, and to the probable mischiefs which would arise from a severe
restriction upon the liberty of the press. The minister himself
acknowledged, that the proposition was not wholly consistent with the
national rights of the citizens; but insisted upon its expediency in the
present state of the nation. At this time, also, he reminded the ministers
of promises, which had been made by the political friends of Louis XVIII.
in favor of the liberties of the people. He "conjured them to maintain the
liberties of France, within the limits prescribed by the constitution." "To
violate it," said he, "is to dissolve the mutual guarantees of the nation
and of the throne; it is to give ourselves up to a total primitive freedom
from all duties and all laws." This discussion was unusually animated, and
Lafayette was very decided in his opposition to the measure. The course
pursued by the court was condemned; and some severity of remark was