France, at the time of her first Bevolution, was war-
like, because others forced her to be so. Threatened
with invasion, she replied by conquest. Now she is
not threatened, she is free to concentrate all her re-
sources to pacific measures of amelioration, without
abandoning a loyal and resolute policy. A great
nation ought to be silent, or never to speak in vain.
" To have regard for the national dignity is to have
regard for the army, whose patriotism, so noble and
so disinterested, has frequently been neglected. "We
ought, while we maintain the fundamental laws which
are the strength of our military organization, to alle-
viate, and not aggravate, the burden of the conscrip-
tion. We ought to take care of the present and future
interests, not only of the officers, but likewise of the
non-commissioned officers and privates, and prepare a
certain means of subsistence for men who have long
served under our colors.
"The republic ought to be generous, and have faith
in its future prospects ; and, for my part, I, who have
suffered exile and captivity, appeal with all my warm-
est aspirations to that day when the country may,
without danger, put a stop to. all proscriptions, and
efface the last traces of our civil discords.
"Such, my dear fellow-citizens, are the ideas which
I should bring to bear upon the functions of govern-
ment, if you "were to . call me to the presidency of
the republic.
"The task is a difficult one — the mission immense.
I know it. But I should not despair of accomplishing
it ; inviting to my aid, without distinction of party, all
men who, by their high intelligence or their probity,
have recommended themselves to public esteem.
