It
forever shamed the French Revolution. It began in March, 1793, when the
Revolutionary Tribunal was established by the National Convention. This series is written by François P. G.
Guizot the Prime Minister who ended absolute monarchy in 1830 but was retired
in the Revolution of 1848.
The
judges sat with pistols ready to hand; the President cast his eyes over the
lists for the day and called upon the accused. "Dorival, do you know
anything of the conspiracy?" "No!"
"I
expected that you would make that reply; but it won't succeed. Bring
another."
"Champigny,
are you not an ex-noble?"
"Yes."
"Bring
another."
"Guidreville,
are you a priest?"
"Yes,
but I have taken the oath."
"You
have no right to say any more. Another."
"Ménil,
were you not a domestic of the ex-constitutional Menou?"
"Yes."
"Another."
"Vély,
were you not architect for Madame?"
"Yes,
but I was disgraced in 1789."
"Another."
"Gondrecourt,
is not your father-in-law at the Luxembourg?"
"Yes."
"Another."
"Durfort,
were you not in the bodyguard?"
"Yes,
but I was dismissed in 1789."
"Another."
So
the examination went on. The questions, the answers, the judgment, the
condemnation, were all simultaneous. The juries did not leave the hall; they
gave their opinions with a word or a look. Sometimes errors were evident in the
lists. "I am not accused," exclaimed a prisoner one day.
"No
matter; what is thy name? See, it is written now. Another."
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