238 . BAILLY. 
a prefatory and very minute inquiry, of their adherents 
only. The unfortunate defendants were thus judged not 
by impartial persons free from any preconceived system, 
but by political enemies, which is as much as to say, by 
that which is the most cruel and remorseless in the world. 
Bailly would not be defended. After his appearance 
as a witness in the trial of Marie Antoinette, the ex- 
Mayor only wrote and had printed for circulation, a paper. 
entitled Bailly to his fellow-citizens. It closes with these 
affecting words : 
“T have only gained by the Revolution that which my 
fellow-citizens have gained: liberty and equality. I have 
lost by it some useful situations, and my fortune is nearly 
destroyed. I could be happy with what remains of it to 
me and a clear conscience; but to be happy in the repose 
of my retreat, 1 require, my dear fellow-citizens, your 
esteem: I know well that, sooner or later, you will do me 
justice ; but I require it while I live, and while I am yet 
amongst you.” 
Our colleague was unanimously condemned. We 
should despair of the future, unless such a unanimity 
struck all friends of justice and humanity with stupor, if 
it did not increase the number of decided adversaries to 
all political tribunals. 
When the President of the Tribunal interrogated the 
accused, already declared guilty, as to whether he had 
any reclamations to make relative to the execution of the 
sentence, Bailly answered: 
“JT have always carried out the law; I shall know how 
to submit myself to it, since you are its organ.” 
The illustrious convict was led back to his cell. 
Bailly had said in his éloge on M. de Tressan: 
“French gaiety produces the same effect as stoicism.” 
