s strategy by
Napoleon: more likely he distrusted youths educated in France, and
who, though noisy Corsicans, were, he shrewdly guessed, impregnated
with French idealism. He himself cared for France only as by her help
the largest possible autonomy for Corsica could be secured. In the
directory of the department of Corsica, Joseph, and with him the
Buonaparte influence, was reduced to impotence, while gratified with
high position. The ignorance of the administrators was only paralleled
by the difficulties of their work.

During the last few months religious agitation had been steadily
increasing. Pious Catholics were embittered by the virtual expulsion
of the old clergy, and the induction to office of new priests who had
sworn to uphold the constitution. Amid the disorders of administration
the people in ever larger numbers had secured arms; as of yore, they
appeared at their assemblies under the guidance of their chiefs, ready
to fight at a moment's notice. It was but a step to violence, and
without any other provocation than religious exasperation the
townsfolk of Bastia had lately sought to kill their new bishop. Even
Arena, who had so recently seized the place in Paoli's interest, was
now regarded as a French radical, maltreated, and banished with his
supporters to Italy. The new election was at hand; the contest between
the Paolists and the extreme French party grew hotter and hotter. Not
only deputies to the new assembly, but likewise the superior officers
of the new guard, were to be elected. Buonaparte, being only a
lieutenant of the regulars, could according to the law aspire no
higher than an appointment as adjutant-major with the title and pay of
captain. It was not worth while to lose his place in France for this,
so he determined to stand for one of the higher elective offices,
that of lieutenant-colonel, a position which would give him more
power, and, under the latest legislation, entitle him to retain his
grade in the regular army.

There were now two political clubs in Ajaccio: that of the Corsican
Jacobins, country people for the most part; and that of the Corsican
Feuillants, composed of the officials and townsfolk. Buonaparte became
a moving spirit in the former, and determined at any cost to destroy
the influence of the latter. The two previous attempts to secure
Ajaccio for the radicals had failed; a third was already under
consideration. The new leader began to garnish his language with those
f