uthorization having been granted, he entered the hall.
The right applauded; the left kept silence. Being allowed to speak, he
declared that he was the author of the letter to the Assembly of June
16, whose authenticity had been denied, and that he openly avowed
responsibility for it. He then expressed himself in the sincerest
terms concerning the outrages committed in {233} the palace of the
Tuileries on June 20. He said he had received from the officers,
subalterns, and soldiers of his army a great number of addresses
expressive of their love for the Constitution, their respect for the
authorities, and their patriotic hatred against seditious men of all
parties. He ended by imploring the Assembly to punish the authors or
instigators of the violences committed on June 20, as guilty of treason
against the nation, and to destroy a sect which encroached upon
National Sovereignty, and terrorized citizens, and by their public
debates removed all doubts concerning the atrocity of their projects.
"In my own name and that of all honest men in the kingdom," said he in
conclusion, "I entreat you to take efficacious measures to make all
constitutional authorities respected, particularly your own and that of
the King, and to assure the army that the Constitution will receive no
injury from within, while so many brave Frenchmen are lavishing their
blood to defend it on the frontiers."

Applause from the right and from some of those in the galleries began
anew. The president said: "The National Assembly has sworn to maintain
the Constitution. Faithful to its oath, it will be able to guarantee
it against all attacks. It accords to you the honors of the session."
The general went to take his seat on the right. Deputy Kersaint
observed that his place was on the petitioners' bench. The general
obeyed this hint and sat down modestly on the bench assigned him.
Renewed applause {234} ensued. Thereupon Guadet ascended the tribune
and said in an ironic tone: "At the moment when M. Lafayette's presence
in Paris was announced to me, a most consoling idea presented itself.
So we have no more external enemies, thought I; the Austrians are
conquered. This illusion did not last long. Our enemies remain the
same. Our exterior situation is not altered, and yet M. Lafayette is
in Paris! What powerful motives have brought him hither? Our internal
troubles? Does he fear, then, that the National Assembly is not strong
enough to repress th