This change seems also to have been brought about with the connivance of the French authorities:[221] their refusal to listen to Stapfer's claims for a definite settlement, as well as their persistent hints that the Swiss could not by themselves arrange their own affairs, argued a desire to continue the epoch of quarterly _coups d'etat_.
The victory of the so-called democrats at Berne now brought the whole matter to the touch.

They appealed to the people in the first Swiss _plebiscite_, the precursor of the famous _referendum_.

It could now be decided without the interference of French troops; for the First Consul had privately declared to the new Landamman, Dolder, that he left it to his Government to decide whether the foreign soldiery should remain as a support or should evacuate Switzerland.[222] After many searchings of heart, the new authorities decided to try their fortunes alone--a response which must have been expected at Paris, where Stapfer had for months been urging the removal of the French forces.

For the first time since the year 1798 Switzerland was therefore free to declare her will.

The result of the _plebiscite_ was decisive enough, 72,453 votes being cast in favour of the latest constitution, and 92,423 against it.