ectly, and we will give you a hundred francs."--They did not wait for
the offer to be repeated, but accepted the money and marched off. Now
men who are willing to sell their consciences at two francs a head--for
there were fifty of them--cannot have any very formidable political
opinions. I forgot to say that this post of Federals was commanded by
the Italian Tibaldi, the same who had been arrested in one of the
passages of the Hotel de Ville during the riots of the 31st October.

XV.

The news is excellent, in a few hours perhaps it will be better. We
rejoice beforehand at the almost certain prospect of pacification. The
sun shines, the boulevards are crowded with people, the faces of the
women especially are beaming. What is the cause of all this joy? A
placard has just been posted up on all the walls in the city. I copy it
with pleasure.

"DEAR FELLOW CITIZENS,--I hasten to announce to you that together
with the Deputies of the Seine and the Mayors of Paris, we have
obtained from the Government of the National Assembly: 1st. The
complete recognition of your municipal franchises; 2nd. The right of
electing all the officers of the National Guard, as well as the
general-in-chief; 3rd. Modifications of the law on bills; 4th. A
project for a law on rents, favourable to tenants paying 1,200
francs a year, or less than that sum. Until you have confirmed my
nomination, or until you name some one else in my stead, I shall
continue to remain at my post to watch over the execution of these
conciliatory measures that we have succeeded in obtaining, and to
contribute to the well-being of the Republic!

"The Vice-Admiral and

Provisional Commander,

SAISSET

Paris, 23rd March."

Well! this is opportune and to the purpose. The National Assembly has
understood that, in a town like Paris, a revolution in which a third of
the population is engaged, cannot be alone actuated by motives of
robbery and murder;[20] and that if some of the demands of the people
are illegitimate or premature, there are at least others, which it is
but right should obtain justice. Paris is never entirely in the wrong.
Certainly among the authors and leaders of the 18th March, there are
many who are very guilty. The murderers of General Lecomte and General
Clement Thomas should be sought out and punished. All honest men must
demand and expect that a minute inquiry be instituted c