They have the peculiar privilege of receiving their salary, and the prerogative of "not opposing" the promulgation of the laws.

They are all illustrious personages."[2] This is not an "abortive Senate,"[3] like that of Napoleon the uncle; this is a genuine Senate; the marshals are members, and the cardinals and M.Leboeuf.
[2] "All the illustrious persons of the country." Louis Bonaparte's _Appeal to the people_.

December 2, 1851.
[3] "The Senate was an abortion; and in France no one likes to see people well paid merely for making some bad selections." Words of Napoleon, _Memorial from St.Helena_.
"What is your position in the country ?" some one asks the Senate.

"We are charged with the preservation of public liberty."-- "What is your business in this city ?" Pierrot demands of Harlequin.--"My business," replies Harlequin, "is to curry-comb the bronze horse." "We know what is meant by _esprit-de-corps_: this spirit will urge the Senate by every possible means to augment its power.

It will destroy the Corps Legislatif, if it can; and if occasion offers it will compound with the Bourbons." Who said this?
The First Consul.