216 ORIGIN OF THE WAK OF 1853 chap, temperament, cannot endure that lasting pressure XLV - upon the nerves which is inflicted by a long-im- pending danger. Their impulse under such trials is to rush forward, or to run back, and what they are least inclined to do is to stand still and be calm, or make a steady move to the front. In general, France thought it best that, notwith- standing the Rule of the Constitution, which stood in the way, the then President should be quietly re-elected ; and a large majority of the Assembly, faithfully representing this opinion, had come to a vote which sought to give it effect ; but their desire was baffled by an unwise provision of the 1 Republican Charter, which had laid it down that no constitutional change should take place with- out the sanction of three-fourths of the Assembly. By this clumsy bar the action of the state system was hampered, and many whose minds generally inclined them to respect legality were forced to acknowledge that the Constitution wanted a Avrench. Still, the republic had long been free from serious outbreak. The law was obeyed ; and indeed the determination to maintain order at all sacrifices was so strong that, even upon somewhat slight foundation, the President had been entrusted with power to place under martial law any districts in which disturbances seemed likely to occur. The struggles which went on in the Chamber, though they were unsightly iu the eyes of military men and of those who love the decis- iveness and consistency of despotism, were rather si< T ns of healthv political action than of danger to
