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 The French Revolution 421 to apply this peculiar appanage of his nature to the social organization, which has become the most comprehensive of his interests and almost the most important of his needs. It is impossible, some say, to regenerate an old and cor- rupt nation. Let such objectors learn that there is nothing corrupt but those who wish to perpetuate corrupting abuses, and that a nation becomes young again the moment it resolves to be born anew in liberty. Behold the regenera- tion ! How the nation's heart already beats with joy and hope, and how pure, elevated, and patriotic are its senti- ments ! With what enthusiasm do the people daily solicit the honor of being allowed to take the oath of citizen ! — but why consider so despicable a reproach ? Shall the National Assembly be reduced to excuse itself for not hav- ing rendered the French people desperate ? But we have done nothing for the people, their pretended friends cry on all sides. Yet it is the people's cause which is everywhere triumphant. Nothing done for the people ! Does not every abuse which is abolished prepare the way for, and assure to them, relief ? Is there an abuse which does not weigh upon the people ? They do not complain, — it is because the excess of their ills has stifled complaint. They are now unhappy, — say better that they are still unhappy, — but not for long ; that we swear. We have destroyed the power of the executive — no, say rather the power of the ministers, which, in reality, for- merly destroyed or often degraded the executive power. We have enlightened the executive power by showing it its true rights; we have, above all, ennobled it by bringing it to the true source of its power, the power of the people. The exec- utive power is now without force, — against the constitution and the law, that is true, but in support of them it will be more powerful than ever before. The people are aroused, — yes, for its defense, and with reason. But, it is urged, in several places there have been unfortunate occurrences. Should the National Assembly be reproached for these ? Should disasters be attributed