tribune that never did it enter into my mind for a single moment to address myself to any one whoever he may be in the Assembly (Protests and noisy laughter from the right)
M the President—Then the insult remains quite entire for M The President of the Republic.
M De Heeckeren—If it does not regard us, why say it to us and not reserve the thing for the "Evénement"
M Victor Hugo turning towards the President—It is not about the President of the Republic that the discussion is now
M the President—You have dragged him down as low as possible
M Victor Hugo—The question is not about that!
M the President—Say that you did not wish to insult M the President of the Republic in your parallel, that’s brave forsooth! (The agitation continues, apostrophes of an extreme violence are addressed to the orator and exchanged between several members of the right and of the left)
(M Léfebverc-Duruflé coming near the tribune gives to the orator a sheet of paper which he prays ham to read)
M Victor Hugo, after having read it—Here is the observation that is transmitted. to me, I shall give it instant satisfaction Listen
That which has revolted the Assembly is, that you said you, and that you have not spoken indirectly
The author of this observation shall find to morrow in reading the "Moniteur," that I did not say you, that I did speak indirectly, that I did not address myself to anybody directly in the Assembly, and I repeat that I do not address any one
Let the misunderstanding cease
Voice from the right—Very well! Very well! Let it aside!
M the President—Let the Assembly get out of the state into which you have put it
Gentlemen, please to keep silence
M Victor Hugo—You will read tomorrow the "Moniteur" which has gathered up my words, and you will regret your pre-
