In the course of the autumn a simple edict of the Conservative Senate authorised him to appoint his successor in the consulate by a testamentary deed.

By this act (Aug.

4, 1802) a new dynasty was called to the throne of France.

The farce of opening books in the departments was dispensed with.

Henceforth the words "_Liberty, Equality, Sovereignty of the People_," disappeared from the state papers and official documents of the government--nor did the change attract much notice.