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 : 



" I 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, I 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 : 



" I 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 eloge on M. de Tressan : 

 " French gaiety produces the same effect as stoicism." 



