authority in 1848 was forgotten, and all memory of the danger then run was rapidly dying out.
The unpopularity of the Parliamentary régime was a second source of strength to the Empire. That régime had this disadvantage, that the evil it did was instantly seen, while the good could only be appreciated after the lapse of time. And with a nation like the French, so impatient to see results, and ready to criticise them—a nation that has never known how to wait—this disadvantage would be strongly felt. It was inevitable that, after '48, Parliamentarism should be held responsible for the fall of the Monarchy. Under the Republic, the abuse of public speaking greatly increased its unpopularity. Then it was found that the man whom France had charged with the task of restoring order had his own system of government to oppose to the parliamentary system. He had a very clear idea of his system himself, and he set forth its advantages in the most attractive colours. It might be called the system of "enlightened Despotism," and as such, indeed, it was described by its warmest admirers. It was simplicity itself. No more deputies responsible
