The Smaller History of France (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1865 Excerpt: ... of Notables to propose new taxes. Who were the Notables? A sort of parliament, consisting only of nobles, selected by the king. This sort of assembly had been twice before convened, once by Henry IV. and once by Louis XII. How did the Assembly behave 1 They refused to sanction Monsieur de Calonne's measures, and Calonne Ca-lonn was obliged to throw up his portfolio. IT Who succeeded Monsieur de Calonne? The queen induced the king to give the appointment to Brienne Bre-enn, archbishop of Sens Sance, a man of courtly manners, but dissolute and an atheist. What advice did the lordly prelate propound? He advised the king to gag the press and put down the protestants with a strong hand. How did he stave over the money difficulty? As the Notables would not propose new taxes, he told the king to do so by his own royal edict. How could this be done? There was a law in France, at this time, that any king might make an arbitrary law, provided he went in person to preside over his council, and got the Paris parlement to register his edicts. What was this proceeding called? A Lit De Justice lee de juice-tece because he sat on a lit or couch in the assembly. Where was this lit de justice held? At Versailles. Having succeeded thus far, the archbishop, thinking to carry the matter through with a high hand, arrested those members of the parlement who opposed the edicts. What was the consequence? The indignation of the people was so unbounded, that the king was obliged to dismiss his obnoxious minister. IT Who succeeded Brienne? T S Necker was recalled, and his popularity was greater than ever. What national assembly did he propose to convene in lieu of the Notables? A States General, consisting of nobles, clergy, and commoners called the third estate tiers-etat. What diff...