The Duke of Braganza, Crown Prince of Portugal, was on
Saturday betrothed to the Princess Amelie, daughter of the Comte de Paris. The reception afterwards was, of course, attended by all the leading Legitimists and Orleanists in France ; and the crowd of 3,000 persons numbered so many illustrious names, that the Royalist papers declared "the King" was reviewing his forces, and the jealousy of the Republicans was fiercely aroused. The propriety of expelling the Princes was discussed in a Cabinet Council, and it is stated that when the Chamber meets, a proposal to this effect will be accepted by the Government. It is even rumoured that the Comte de Paris, who has gone to Lisbon with his daughter, will be forbidden to return to France. It is possible that reflection may cool this temper, and remind Republican statesmen that in the worst case, a Pretender within reach of the police is less dangerous than a Pretender beyond their grasp ; but the Cabinet depends upon Extremist votes, and that party are incapable of reasoning. At heart they are always dreading sudden and final overthrow, and desire violent blows to convince themselves that they are up to the level of the situation. It is fair enough to banish dangerous conspirators; but only a hidden fear or an acrid social jealousy could prompt such injustice towards men so law-abiding and so cautious as the Orleans Princes.
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