The things we do!

-- On the
contrary, because it was once privileged to enjoy important and
rewarding public employment, the candidacy of the upper classes is
now suspect. All projects which, directly or indirectly, reserve or
provide a place for it, are refused: At first the Royal Declaration,
which, in conformity with historical precedents, maintained the
three orders in three distinct chambers, and only summoned them to
deliberate together "on matters of general utility." Then the plan
of the Constitutional Committee, which proposed a second Chamber,
appointed for life by the King on the nomination of the Provincial
Assemblies. And finally the project of Mounier who proposed to
confide to these same Assemblies the election of a Senate for six
years, renewed by thirds every two years. This Senate was to be
composed of men of at least thirty-five years of age, and with an
income in real property of 30,000 livres per annum. The instinct of
equality is too powerful and a second Chamber is not wanted, even if
accessible to plebeians.


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