A Legislative Body which shall discuss and vote the laws, and which shall be elected by universal suffrage, without _scrutin de liste_, which falsifies the elections.
"5.

A Second Assembly composed of the most illustrious men of the country, a power of equipoise the guardian of the fundamental compact, and of the public liberties.
"This system, created by the first Consul at the beginning of the century, has already given repose and prosperity to France; it would still insure them to her.
"Such is my firm conviction.

If you share it, declare it by your votes.
If, on the contrary, you prefer a government without strength, Monarchical or Republican, borrowed I know not from what past, or from what chimerical future, answer in the negative.
"Thus for the first time since 1804, you will vote with a full knowledge of the circumstances, knowing exactly for whom and for what.
"If I do not obtain the majority of your suffrages I shall call together a New Assembly and shall place in its hands the commission which I have received from you.
"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 Elysee, 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.
"I make a loyal appeal to the People and to the Army, and I say to them: Either give me the means of insuring your prosperity, or choose another in my place.
"In 1830, as in 1848, you were treated as vanquished men.