CONCLUSION 347 



and reconstruction ? Let it prescribe fish as a habitual 

 article of diet in its barracks and between the decks of 

 its warships. It might well show itself generous in this 

 respect, even though it is asked to perform so many 

 miracles that Providence itself, to which it has succeeded, 

 would have lost its head and gone out on strike ! 



But do not let us deceive ourselves : it is easier to kill 

 the hydra of Lerna than to open the barrier of the octroi. 

 It is of no use for our shipowners, fishermen, and 

 salesmen to take the field unless they are armed and 

 assembled with this precise end in view. They must 

 make up their minds to incessant action, I would almost 

 say to incessant agitation. The victory is too precious 

 to lose for want of ardour in the struggle, and the victory 

 is certain, because it is just. 



