population in Paris, the multitude of artisans brought there by
recent demolition and constructions. Think of all the craftsmen
whom the stagnation of manufactures, the augmentation of octrois,
the rigor of winter, and the dearness of bread have reduced to
extreme distress. Remember that in 1786 "two hundred thousand
persons are counted whose property, all told, has not the intrinsic
worth of fifty crowns." Remember that, from time immemorial, these
have been at war with the city watchmen. Remember that in 1789
there are twenty thousand poachers in the capital and that, to
provide them with work, it is found necessary to establish national
workshops. Remember "that twelve thousand are kept uselessly
occupied digging on the hill of Montmartre, and paid twenty sous per
day. Remember that the wharves and quays are covered with them,
that the Hôtel-de-Ville is invested by them, and that, around the
palace, they seem to be a reproach to the inactivity of disarmed
justice." Daily they grow bitter and excited around the doors of the
bakeries, where, kept waiting a long time, they are not sure of
obtaining bread. You can imagine the fury and the force with which
they will storm any obstacle to which their attention may be
directed.


II. The Press.

Excitement of the press and of opinion. - The people make their
choice.

Such an obstacle has been pointed out to them during the last two
years, it is the Ministry, the Court, the Government, in short the
entire ancient régime. Whoever protests against it in favor of the