Conférence Molé
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| Named after | Louis-Mathieu Molé |
|---|---|
| Formation | 19 March 1832 |
| Founder | Count of Montalivet |
| Founded at | Paris, France |
| Type | Debating society |
| Legal status | Active |
| Headquarters | Paris |
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Membership (1846)
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221 |
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Official language
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French |
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Main organ
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Bulletin hebdomadaire de la Conférence Molé-Tocqueville |
The Conférence Molé was a French debating society founded in 1832. In 1876 it became the Conférence Molé-Tocqueville. Its purpose was to debate legislation, administration, political economy and general politics. The debates were modeled on parliamentary procedures and served to train future politicians. The society also provided a venue where young men of the élite could meet and become known by established political figures. The society became dormant in the 1970s but was revived in the 1990s.
The Conférence Molé was founded during the July Monarchy on 19 March 1832. It was founded by the Count of Montalivet and sponsored by king Louis Philippe. The choice of name has not been explained, but seems to be a reference to the politician Louis-Mathieu Molé (1781–1855). One of the co-founders was M. Pontmartin, possibly Armand Pontmartin. Another was Huard-Delamarre, an advocate. There were three magistrates: Adrien Gastambide, Gustave Aignan and Édouard Ternaux, nephew of the cashmere manufacturer William-Louis Ternaux. Four founders were members of the council of state: Mortimer Ternaux, Achille Guilhem, Prosper Hochet and Édouard Bocher. Charles His and the Count of Cambis were embassy secretaries, and Grille de Beuzelin was a functionary in a ministry. Other founders were Edmond Anthoine, Édouard Goupil, Francisque Lefèvre and Alp. d'Herbelot.
The headquarters of the Conférence Molé were at 8, rue de Poitiers, in the Academy of Medicine. At first the membership was limited to 80, divided into four committees. Later this was changed to 150, without mention of committees. A list of members seeking admission was prepared each year. Each candidate had to be sponsored by three members, with a declaration prepared by one of the sponsors. Admission was accepted at the meeting of the members. The entrance fee was 10 francs, with a contribution of 24 francs for each session, or 48 francs for the year. After ten years of attendance members became honorary members. The Molé was a place where young men of the élite could mix with notable older men. The board of directors was a permanent body, unlike the presidency which lasted only to six months and was meant to alternate between left and right wing presidents.
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