The French Revolution 417 promises of economy which are never carried out ; that he will live like a private individual ; that a million will suffice him for his personal expenses and those incurred as head of a family; that he asks no more, and requires but a sin- gle table for himself and his family; that all the luxury of the throne should consist in the perfecting of the civil government and in the wise liberality of distinctly national outlays. . . . The king should declare that, although he has resolved upon all possible personal sacrifice, he by no means holds that the same retrenchment can be applied to all the pay- ments which have, for a long time, been granted to a host of citizens who have at present no other means of support, and he requests the nation to consider that public peace is not to be successfully reestablished by ruining and driving to despair so many thousand persons; that for the rest, he takes his people to witness as to his personal conduct in the past; that he will not subdue them by arms, but by his love; that he confides his honor and safety to French loyalty; that he only wishes the happiness of the citizens, and that his own pleasure is of no further importance. This procla- mation of a good king, this peace manifesto at once firm and popular, ought to be forwarded by extraordinary couriers to all the provinces, and all those in command should be noti- fied to be on their guard. . . . VI. Address of the National Assembly to the French People (February ii, 1790) The National Assembly, as it progresses in its work, is receiving upon every hand the felicitations of the provinces, cities, and villages, testimonials of the public satisfaction and expressions of grateful appreciation ; but murmurs reach it as well, from those who are affected or injured by the blows aimed at so many abuses and prejudices. While occupied with the welfare of all, the Assembly is solicitous in regard to individual ills. It can forgive prejudice, bitterness, and injustice, but it feels it to be one of its duties to warn you 400. The National Assembly reviews its achieve- ments dur- ing the previous six months. (February, 1790.)
