Page:Heroines of freethought (IA cu31924031228699).pdf/38

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MADAME ROLAND.

In March, 1792, Roland was chosen Minister of the Interior, in order to conciliate the malcontents, but he continued in that office only until the following June. On the 11th of June, having read before the king that famous letter of remonstrance to Louis XVI, said to have been written by Madame Roland, he was dismissed the next day from his office. That the people might understand the reason of his removal, Roland read this letter before the National Convention. Filled as it was with bold republican truths, its publication still further inflamed the people against the king, and popularized Roland; and when, after the terrible 10th of August, Royalty in France was for the time being put an end to, he was recalled under the new administration, and reinstated in the Ministry.

True to their principles, M. and Madame Roland did not allow any change of station to alter the republican simplicity of their manners. She paid no visits and received only those visitors whom her husband’s pub-