the
outrageous claims of the emigrants, and the declamations of the
priests. It was to no purpose that the government tried to re-assure
them. They had been already deceived and it seldom happens that you
can catch a French peasant twice in the same snare. The abolition of
the conscription had been promised, and the old code was continued in
force with all its harshness, and still the refractory conscripts were
sent away in chains, whilst fines were imposed upon their families.
The abolition of the "_droits reunis_" had also been promised, and
they were not only levied with greater rigour and harshness than
before, but even some of these imposts had been greatly increased.

Such was the fatality which influenced all the actions of the
government, that all proceedings which in themselves were simple and
reasonable, became venomous and corrupted when conducted by the
ministry, and only added to the general disorder and discontent,
instead of producing the good effects which they might have been
justly expected to produce.

The discontent of the people, the inevitable result of the injuries
inflicted on the feelings and interests of individuals[13], was
increased by the open infringement of the rights of the people,
although these rights were secured to the country by a compact which
seemed to be inviolable.

[Footnote 13: There are times when a government may
attack general principles without danger. But men
and their personal interests can never be assailed
with impunity. Personal interest is the prime mover
of public opinion and feeling; and however
degrading the truth may appear, it is not to be
disputed. After a great national catastrophe this
baleful egotism is particularly evident. Dignified
passions become extinct for want of fuel; and the
human mind, destitute of external occupation, works
inward upon itself, and begets selfishness, the
true pestilence of the soul. When this disease
affects a nation, the government is lost if it
attacks the interests of individuals.]

Liberty of conscience had been promised by the charter, and this
liberty was immediately annihilated. An ordonnance was issued by the
police[14], which revived regulations enacted in