SCENE AT THE POLYTECHNIC SCHOOL. 18 
cal passions, and that through the fault of the govern- 
ment. 
They wished forthwith to oblige the pupils to sign an 
address of congratulation on the discovery of the conspir- 
acy in which Moreau was implicated. They refused to 
do so on the ground that it was not for them to pronounce 
on a cause which had been in the hands of justice. It 
must, however, be remarked, that Moreau had not yet 
dishonoured himself by taking service in the Russian 
army, which had come to attack the French under the 
walls of Dresden. 
The pupils were invited to make a manifestation in 
favour of the institution of the Legion of Honour. gThis 
again they refused. They knew well that the cross, 
given without inquiry and without control, would be, in 
most cases, the recompense of charlatanism, and not of 
true merit. 
The transformation of the Consular into the Imperial 
Government gave rise to very animated discussions in 
the interior of the school. 
Many pupils refused to add their felicitations to the 
mean adulations of the constituted bodies. 
General Lacuée, who was appointed governor of the 
school, reported this opposition to the Emperor. 
“M. Lacuée,” cried Napoleon, in the midst of a group 
of courtiers, who applauded with speech and gesture, 
“you cannot retain at the school those pupils who have 
shown such ardent Republicanism ; you will send them 
away.” Then, collecting himself, he added, “I will first 
know their names and their stages of promotion.” See- 
ing the list the next day, he did not proceed further than 
the first name, which was the first in the artillery. “I 
will not drive away the first men in advancement,” said 
