Experience
indeed, had shown that, for a long time, the masses were disgusted
with the plebiscite farces; moreover, terror has stifled in
individuals all sentiment of a common interest;[14] each cares for
himself alone. Since Thermidor, electors and mayors in the boroughs
and in the rural districts are found with a good deal of difficulty,
even electors of the second degree; people saw that it was useless and
even dangerous to perform the duties of a citizen; they would have
nothing to do with public functions. A foreigner writes,[15] after
traversing France from Bourg-en-Bresse to Paris: "Ninety times out of
a hundred that I have asked the question,
'Citizen, what was done in the primary meeting of your canton?'
the answer would be:
'Me, citizen, what have I to do with it? I' faith, they had hard work
to agree!'
Or,
'What's the use? There were not many there! Honest folks stayed at
home.'"
In fact, out of at least six million electors convoked, five millions
do not come near the ballot-box, there being no embarrassment in this
matter as they do not vote.[16]
In the second place, precautions have been taken to prevent those who
come to vote on the Constitution from entertaining the idea of voting
on the decrees.
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