[55] Nothing
more is wanting against them but the general decree of deportation
which is to come as soon as the Assembly can get rid of the King.
In the meantime, the National Guards, who have extorted the laws,
endeavor to aggravate them in their application; and there is
nothing strange in their animosity. Commerce is at a standstill,
industry languishes, the artisan and shopkeeper suffer, and, in
order to account for the universal discontent, it is attributed to
the insubordination of the priest. Were it not for his stubbornness
all would go well, since the Constitution is perfect, and he is the
only one who does not accept it. But, in not accepting it, he
attacks it. He, therefore, is the last obstacle in the way of
public happiness; he is the scapegoat, let us drive the obnoxious
creature away! And the urban militia, sometimes on its own
authority, sometimes instigated by the municipal body its
accomplice; is seen disturbing public worship, dispersing
congregations, seizing priests by the collar, pushing them by the
shoulders out of the town, and threatening them with hanging if they
dare to return.
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