The things we do!

Seeing them act in this way, one would say that the theory of the
Contrat-Social had been instilled into them. They treat magistrates
as domestics, promulgate laws, and conduct themselves like
sovereigns. They exercise public power, and establish, summarily,
arbitrarily, and brutally, whatever they think to be in conformity
with natural right. -- At Peinier they exact a second electoral
assembly, and, for themselves, the right of suffrage. -- At Saint-
Maximin they themselves elect new consuls and officers of justice.
-- At Solliez they oblige the judge's lieutenant to give in his
resignation, and they break his staff of office. -- At Barjols
"they use consuls and judges as their town servants, announcing that
they are masters and that they will themselves administer justice."
-- In fact, they do administer it, as they understand it -- that is
to say, through many exactions and robberies! One man has wheat; he
must share it with him who has none. Another has money; he must
give it to him who has not enough to buy bread with.


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