,
whose memory is so dear to the nation. The _Garde des Sceaux_ then spoke
about twenty minutes, chiefly in compliment to the orders present. The
Comptroller General, in a speech of about an hour, opened the budget,
and enlarged on the several subjects which will be under their
deliberation. He explained the situation of the finances at his
accession to office, the expenses which their arrangement had rendered
necessary, their present state with the improvements made in them, the
several plans which had been proposed for their further improvement, a
change in the form of some of their taxes, the removal of the interior
Custom-houses to the frontiers, and the institution of Provincial
Assemblies. The Assembly was then divided into committees, with a prince
of the blood at the head of each. In this form they are to discuss
separately the subjects which will be submitted to them. Their decision
will be reported by two members to the minister, who, on view of the
separate decisions of all the committees, will make such changes in his
plans, as will best accommodate them to their views, without too much
departing from his own, and will then submit them to the vote (but
I believe not to the debate) of the General Assembly, which will
be convened for this purpose one day in every week, and will vote
individually.
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