s of
Paris, I said to those governing: "Your discussions are shameful, I can
see but the enemy. You tire me by squabbling in place of occupying
yourselves with the safety of the Republic! I repudiate you all as
traitors to our country! I place you all in the same line!" I said to
them: "What care I for my reputation! Let France be free, tho my name
were accurst! What care I that I am called 'a blood-drinker!'" Well, let
us drink the blood of the enemies of humanity, if needful; but let us
struggle, let us achieve freedom. Some fear the departure of the
commissioners may weaken one or the other section of this Convention.
Vain fears! Carry your energy everywhere. The pleasantest declaration
will be to announce to the people that the terrible debt weighing upon
them will be wrested from their enemies or that the rich will shortly
have to pay it. The national situation is cruel. The representatives of
value are no longer in equilibrium in the circulation. The day of the
workingman is lengthened beyond necessity. A great corrective measure is
necessary! Conquerors of Holland reanimate in England the Republican
party; let us advance, France, and we shall go glorified to posterity.
Achieve these grand destinies; no more debates, no more quarrels, and
the fatherland is saved.

FOOTNOTE:

[9] On the disasters on the frontier--delivered in convention, March 10,
1793.

SONS OF HARVARD[10]

BY CHARLES DEVENS

The sons of Harvard who have served their country on field and flood, in
deep thankfulness to Almighty God, who has covered their heads in the
day of battle and permitted them to stand again in these ancient halls
and under these leafy groves, sacred to so many memories of youth and
learning, and in yet deeper thankfulness for the crowning mercy which
has been vouchsafed in the complete triumph of our arms over rebellion,
return home to-day. Educated only in the arts of peace, unlearned in all
that pertained especially to the science of war, the emergency of the
hour threw upon them the necessity of grasping the sword.

Claiming only that they have striven to do their duty they come only to
ask their share in the common joy and happiness which our victory has
diffused and meet this imposing reception. When they remember in whose
presence they stand; that of all the great crowd of the sons of Harvard
who are here to-day there is not one who has not contributed his utmost
to the glorious consummation; that those