Men of various shades of opinion, Radicals, Liberals and Conservatives, are all mixed up together.

The first two benches are set aside for representatives of the nobility, with precedence from the left of the president round to his right.

Then come officials, scholars and leading merchants on the next two benches.

Behind them, again, on four rows of benches, are the delegates from the provincial assemblies.

There is thus a kind of House of Lords in front, with a House of Commons, the representatives of the nation, at the back.