It is not necessary to add much to this finished picture- finished
as far as its canvas admits, but, as I apprehend, not taking in the
whole of the nature and complexity of the disorders of this military
democracy which, the minister at war truly and wisely observes,
wherever it exists must be the true constitution of the state, by
whatever formal appellation it may pass. For though he informs the
Assembly that the more considerable part of the army have not cast off
their obedience, but are still attached to their duty, yet those
travelers who have seen the corps whose conduct is the best rather
observe in them the absence of mutiny than the existence of
discipline.
I cannot help pausing here for a moment to reflect upon the
expressions of surprise which this minister has let fall, relative
to the excesses he relates. To him the departure of the troops from
their ancient principles of loyalty and honor seems quite
inconceivable. Surely those to whom he addresses himself know the
causes of it but too well. They know the doctrines which they have
preached, the decrees which they have passed, the practices which they
have countenanced. The soldiers remember the 6th of October. They
recollect the French guards. They have not forgotten the taking of the
king's castles in Paris and Marseilles. That the governors in both
places were murdered with impunity is a fact that has not passed out
of their minds.
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