" A
lecture from a fairground surgeon who, using bombastic words,
recommends extensive amputations, a fairground-prospectus so crude
that it does not even deceive a poor sergeant, - such is the
exposition of motives by a government for the purpose of enforcing a
decree that might have been drawn up by redskins; to horrible acts he
adds debased language, and employs the inept to justify their
atrocities.
VI. Commissars of the Revolution.
Representatives on Mission. - Their absolute power. - Their perils
and their fear. - Fit for their work. - Effect of this situation.
A hundred or so representatives of the Committee of Public Safety, are
sent to the provinces, "with unlimited power," to establish, enforce
or exacerbate the revolutionary government, and their proclamations at
once explain the nature of this government.[79] - " Brave and vigorous
sans-culottes !" writes a deputy on leaving a mission and announcing
his successor,[80] "You seem to have desired a good b. . . of a
representative, who has never swerved from his principles, that is to
say, a regular Montagnard. I have fulfilled your wishes, and you will
have the same thing in citizen Ingrand.
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