" Often, in spite of the seals, they take in
advance antiques, pieces of jewelry, medals, enamels and engraved
stones;" nothing is easier, for "even in Paris in Thermidor, year II.,
agents of the municipality use anything with which to make a stamp,
buttons, and even large pennies, so that whoever has a sou can remove
and re-stamp the seals as he pleases;" having been successful, "they
screen their thefts by substituting cut pebbles and counterfeit stones
for real ones." Finally, at the auction sales, "fearing the honesty or
competition of intelligent judges, they offer money (to these) to stay
away from the sales; one case is cited where they have knocked a
prospective bidder down." In the meantime, at the club, they shout
with all their might; this, with the protection of a member of the
municipality or of the Revolutionary Committee, shelters them from all
suspicion. As for the protector, he gets his share without coming out
into the light. Accuse, if you dare, a republican functionary who
secretly, or even openly, profits by these larcenies; he will show
clean hands. - Such is the incorruptible patriot, the only one of his
species, whom the representatives discover at Strasbourg, and whom
they appoint mayor at once.
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