dom and Justice, and thus acknowledging the truth of the ancient motto: "The Welfare Of The People Is The Highest Law." APPENDIX. THE Preface to the Evidence of the MM. Pereire before the French Commission of Inquiry into the Bank of France, as an expression of the opinion of these two distinguished men on the importance of this subject, is too valuable to be here omitted, and, therefore, an English translation of the whole is given, though at the risk of extending this volume beyond what, by some, may be considered its reasonable limits. This Appendix has been revised and approved of by the MM. Pereire. PREFACE TO THE EVIDENCE OF MM. EMILE & ISAAC PEREIRE BEFORE THE SUPERIOR COUNCIL OF COMMERCE, AGRICULTURE, & INDUSTRY, ON THE INQUIRY INTO THE BANK OF FRANCE. November & December, 1865. THE pamphlet published by one of us, in 1864, on the question of the Banks, pointed to the necessity of an inquiry. The trades of Paris, and Lyons especially, were not slow in manifesting the same desire in respectful but pressing memorials, and before a like manifestation, before the adhesion of the Bank of France, herself yielding to an irresistible movement of opinion, the Government judged that the moment had arrived for opening this important inquiry. In was ordered in consequence of a report addressed to the Emperor by their Excellencies, the Ministers of Finance and Public Works, and the charge was confided to the Superior Council of Commerce, under the presidency of his Excellency, the Minister of State. This inquiry has been solemn; numerous witnesses |