n. From the 16th of June, at Lyons,[1164] "people begin to
feel that it ought not break with the Convention." Five weeks later, the
authorities of Lyons "solemnly recognize that the Convention is the
sole central rallying point of all French citizens and republicans," and
decree that "all acts emanating from it concerning the general interests
of the republic are to be executed."[1165] Consequently, at Lyons and in
other departments, the administrations convoke the primary assemblies
as the Convention has prescribed; consequently, the primary assemblies
accept the Constitution which it has proposed; consequently, the
delegates of the primary assemblies betake themselves to Paris according
to its orders.--Henceforth, the Girondins' cause is lost; the discharge
of a few cannon at Vernon and Avignon disperse the only two columns
of soldiery that have set out on their march. In each department, the
Jacobins, encouraged by the representatives on mission, raise their
heads; everywhere the local club enjoins the local government to
submit,[1166] everywhere the local governments report the acts
they pass, make excuses and ask forgiveness. Proportionately to the
retraction of one department, the rest, feeling themselves abandoned,
are more disposed to retract. On the 9th of July forty-nine departments
are enumerated as having given in their adhesion. Several of them
declare that the scales have dropped from their eyes, that they approve
of the acts of May 31 and June 2, and thus ensure their safety by
manifesting their zeal. The administration of Calvados notifies the
Breton federes that "having accepted the Constitution it can no longer
tolerate their presence in Caen;" it sends them home, and secretly makes
peace with the "Mountain;" and only informs the deputies, who are its
guests, of this proceeding, three days afterwards, by postings on their
door the decree that declares them outlaws.

Disguised as soldiers, the latter depart along with the Breton federes;
on the way, they are able to ascertain the veritable sentiments of this
people whom they believe imbued with their rights and capable of taking
a political initiative.[1167] The pretended citizens and republicans
they have to do with are, in sum, the former subjects of Louis XVI. and
the future subjects of Napoleon I., that is to say, administrators and
people, disciplined by habit and instinctively subordinate, requiring a
government just as sheep require a shepherd and