POTTER United Families

The Constitution was the cause of the final rupture between the
former friends Gendebien and Louis. Louis wanted the Provisional
Government to go over the Constitution which was drawn up by its
committee, and to present a body of work to the Congress that was
essentially all ready for ratification.
Gendebien evidently wanted the National Congress to have full
legislative power over the document, not just a rubber stamp sort of
seal of approval. The main issue seems to have been whether the
government would be a monarchy or a republic. Louis knew that his
very democratic approach would not stand a chance with the more
conservative assembly.
By October 16, Gendebien had convinced the Central committee
that the final say should be made by the National Congress. October
18, Louis wrote to the Courrier Des Pays-Bas : If the final choice of
the power system does not suit me, I will return in the opposition and
counter it until it changes to the best interest of the citizens.
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