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Paine, Thomas

"The Rights Of Man"

As the experiment
of shutting up the house had no other effect than that of producing
a closer connection in the members, it was opened again the next
day, and the public business recommenced in the usual place.
We are now to have in view the forming of the new ministry, which
was to accomplish the overthrow of the National Assembly. But as force
would be necessary, orders were issued to assemble thirty thousand
troops, the command of which was given to Broglio, one of the intended
new ministry, who was recalled from the country for this purpose.
But as some management was necessary to keep this plan concealed
till the moment it should be ready for execution, it is to this policy
that a declaration made by Count D'Artois must be attributed, and
which is here proper to be introduced.
It could not but occur while the malcontents continued to resort
to their chambers separate from the National Assembly, more jealousy
would be excited than if they were mixed with it, and that the plot
might be suspected. But as they had taken their ground, and now wanted
a pretence for quitting it, it was necessary that one should be
devised. This was effectually accomplished by a declaration made by
the Count D'Artois: "That if they took not a Part in the National
Assembly, the life of the king would be endangered": on which they
quitted their chambers, and mixed with the Assembly, in one body.


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