The debate on the prosecution showed M. 011ivier in a
very favourable light on every point but one. He faced MM. Roche- fort and Gambetta very courageously, but without losing calmness, and explained his policy very clearly. It was to prevent any " days of July," but maintain order, while leaving the Press free to do anything but incite to civil war, or defame the Emperor in a way which would give private individuals a right of action. They might attack the Ministry as much as they liked. To repress an armed movement, however, the Ministry must shed blood, and their one prayer was to be able to quit power without shedding it. They would neither be weak nor reactionary. All this is excellent, but M. 011ivier refers to the Army a little too often. If he does not take care, he will create an impression among the workmen that their courage is impugned, and then the collision will be a matter of hours or minutes. As yet he seems only to have given the tradesmen courage to act actively, with big sticks, against the blouses, a most noteworthy sign of the hour.
