d rewarded aristocracies. Such Republicans would furnish
France more Washingtons, Jeffersons and Madisons, and fewer
Robespierres, Dantons and Marats!"

"There can be no doubt," remarked Flocon, "that the paramount interest
in a republic is that of those who work, that the labor question is of
supreme importance, that the profound problem now submitted to the
industrial nations of Christendom demands satisfactory solution, and
that the long-enduring and most iniquitous miseries of those who toil
must cease. Reform, revolution and government which achieve not these,
achieve nothing! They would be worse than useless. The measures
suggested by our distinguished friend seem to me eminently calculated to
attain the consummation we desire."

"A good government must and always will systematically uphold the poor,
and ever interpose to protect the weak against the strong," said Louis
Blanc. "The state should be tutelary for the ignorant, the poor and the
suffering of every description. We must have a guardian government--a
government that will accord the aid of that mighty engine, credit, not
to the rich only, but also to the poor. It must interpose likewise in
the matter of industry, and exclude that antagonistical principle of
competition--the poisoned fount of so much virulence, violence and ruin.
Our maxim is, brothers, and in this do we all concur, 'Human
Solidarity,' and our motto, 'Unity, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.'
All men are of one family, and once thoroughly sensible of this kindred,
discord, hate and selfism will no longer be possible."

"The views advanced," said Ledru Rollin, "so far as they tend to the
elevation of the masses and to popular preparation for reform,
Republicanism or revolution, have my most cordial approval; but I would
beg to ask how long are the people to 'wait and hope?' When is to come
the hour to strike?"

"Who can tell," said M. Dantes, in his low, clear and musical tones,
"at what moment the breath will come which may hurl on its errand of
devastation the avalanche which the snows and suns of centuries,
perchance, have been preparing for its awful mission? In the stillness
of the night-time, beneath the clear blue sky of summer, or amid the
ravings of the midnight tempest, its dread march is ordered, and in
resistless, crushing sublimity it begins to move on to accomplish its
terrible errand. Who may predict the precise moment when the earthquake
shall rock, the tornado sweep, the