There was then a France, Monsieur.

The province had an existence, subordinate doubtless, but real, active, and independent.

Each government, each office, each parliamentary centre was a living intellectual focus.
The great provincial institutions and local liberties exercised the intellect on all sides, tempered the character, and developed men.

And now note well, Durocher! If France had been centralized formerly as to-day, your dear Revolution never would have occurred--do you understand?
Never! because there would have been no men to make it.

For may I not ask, whence came that prodigious concourse of intelligences all fully armed, and with heroic hearts, which the great social movement of '78 suddenly brought upon the scene?
Please recall to mind the most illustrious men of that era--lawyers, orators, soldiers.