Page:Coubertin - France since 1814, 1900.djvu/28

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FRANCE SINCE 1814

importance to these causes of unpopularity. We have to look at the fall of the first Restoration in order to judge properly of its popularity. The landing ofNapoleon at Cannes was hardly known when a perfect explosion of Royalism broke out. All State functionaries, the National Guard, the young men of the University were united in a unanimous determination to defend the Throne. Unfortunately these good intentions were paralysed by the defection of the regiments. It could still be hoped that the officers would make a stand against the Emperor; it was by no means possible that the soldiers could be brought to fire on him. He knew it, and exposed himself with magnificent audacity to their bayonets, making straight for them and kindling them to enthusiasm by his look and voice.

However, this temper of the troops was not the gravest factor in the problem. Moreover, those which were not actually present at the passage of the Emperor might possibly have resisted the contagion ; and in certain regiments, notably the 10th of the Line, Royalism was fervent. The disaffection of the troops was seconded, where it was not directly pro-