Page:Trial of Louis XVI (1793).pdf/4



N December 3, 1792, M. Barbaroux demanded that Louis XVI, late King of the French, should be put upon his trial. M. Charlier moved that he should be decreed to be in a state of accusation, and a great part of the assembly immediately approved the latter motion.

M. Roberspierre said that to propose the trial of Louis in any manner, was to go backward towards despotism; it was a counter-revolution idea, for it placed the revolution in dispute.

"I propose," said he, "to decide instantly upon the fate of Louis XVI; to refer his wife to the ordinary tribunals, as well as all those accused of the same offences; and to imprison his son until peace and liberty shall be firmly established. For Louis I demand that the Na- Rh