was a benefit
and a progress in its day, but that which was a benefit yesterday may it
not become an evil to-morrow--a danger? That which is progress to-day,
may it not one hundred years hence have become mere routine, and a
downright trammel? Is not that the history of the world? And if you wish
to know, Monsieur, by what sign we may recognize the fact that a social
or political system has attained its end, I will tell you: it is when it
is manifest only in its inconveniences and abuses. Then the machine has
finished its work, and should be replaced. Indeed, I declare that French
centralization has reached its critical term, that fatal point at which,
after protecting, it oppresses; at which, after vivifying, it paralyzes;
at which, having saved France, it crushes her."

"Dear uncle, you are carried away by your subject," said Madame de Tecle.

"Yes, Elise, I am carried away, I admit, but I am right. Everything
justifies me--the past and the present, I am sure; and so will the
future, I fear. Did I say the past? Be assured, Monsieur de Camors, I am
not a narrow-minded admirer of the past. Though a Legitimist from
personal affections, I am a downright Liberal in principles. You know
that, Durocher? Well, then, in short, formerly between the Alps, the
Rhine, and the Pyrenees, was a great country which lived, thought, and
acted, not exclusively through its capital, but for itself. It had a
head, assuredly; but it had also a heart, muscles, nerves, and veins with
blood in them, and yet the head lost nothing by that. There was then a
France, Monsieur. The province had an existence, subordinate doubtless,
but real, active, and independent. Each government, each office, each
parliamentary centre was a living intellectual focus. The great
provincial institutions and local liberties exercised the intellect on
all sides, tempered the character, and developed men. And now note well,
Durocher! If France had been centralized formerly as to-day, your dear
Revolution never would have occurred--do you understand? Never! because
there would have been no men to make it. For may I not ask, whence came
that prodigious concourse of intelligences all fully armed, and with
heroic hearts, which the great social movement of '78 suddenly brought
upon the scene? Please recall to mind the most illustrious men of that
era--lawyers, orators, soldiers. How many were from Paris? All came from
the provinces, the fruitful womb of France! But to-day we