inion, a species of livery worn by the demagogues and flatterers of
the people, had been almost unanimously adopted by the Jacobins. This
emblem, like many similar ones received by the revolutions from the hand
of chance, was a mystery even to those who wore it. It had been adopted
for the first time on the day of the triumph of the soldiers of
Chateauvieux. Some said it was the _coiffure_ of the galley-slaves, once
infamous, but glorious since it had covered the brows of these martyrs
of the insurrection; and they added that the people wished to purify
this head-dress from every stain by wearing it themselves. Others only
saw in it the Phrygian bonnet, a symbol of freedom for slaves.

The _bonnet rouge_ had from its first appearance been the subject of
dispute and dissension amongst the Jacobins; the _exaltes_ wore it,
whilst the _moderes_ yet abstained from adopting it. Dumouriez did not
hesitate, but mounted the tribune, placed this sign of patriotism on his
head, and at once assumed the emblem of the most prominent party, whilst
this mute yet significant eloquence awakened a burst of enthusiasm on
every side of the _Salle_. "Brothers and friends," said Dumouriez,
"every instant of my life shall be devoted to carrying out the wishes of
the people, and to justifying the king's choice. I will employ in all
negotiations the force of a free people, and before long these
negotiations will produce a lasting peace or a decisive war. (Applause.)
If we have this war I will abandon my political post, and I will assume
my rank in the army to triumph, or perish a free man with my brethren. A
heavy weight presses on me, aid me to bear it; I require your counsels,
transmit them to me through your journals. Tell me truth, even the most
unpalatable; but repel calumny, and do not repulse a citizen whom you
know to be sincere and intrepid, and who devotes himself to the cause of
the Revolution and the nation."

The president replied to the minister that the society gloried in
counting him amongst its brethren. These words occasioned some murmurs,
which were stifled by the acclamations that followed Dumouriez to his
place. It was proposed that the two speeches should be printed. Legendre
opposed the motion from economical motives, but was hissed by the
tribunes. "Why these unusual honours, and this reply of the president to
the minister?" said Collot d'Herbois. "If he comes here as a minister,
there is no reply to make him. If he comes