CHAPTER XIV.
The Provisional Consulate--Reforms in France--Pacification of the Chouans--Constitution of the year VIII .-- Buonaparte Chief Consul.
The upper population of Paris had watched the stormy days of the 18th and 19th Brumaire with the most anxious fears, lest the end should be anarchy and the re-establishment of the reign of terror.

Such, in all likelihood, must have been the result, had Buonaparte failed, after once attempting to strike his blow.

His success held out the prospect of victory abroad, and of a firm and stable government at home, under which life and property might exist in safety; and wearied utterly with so many revolutions and constitutions, each in turn pretending everything, and ending in nothing but confusion, the immense majority of the nation were well prepared to consider any government as a blessing which seemed to rest on a solid basis, and to bid fair for endurance.

The revolutionary fever had in most bosoms spent its strength ere now; and Buonaparte found henceforth little opposition to any of his measures, unless in cases where the substantial personal comforts of men--not abstract theories or dogmas--nor even political rights of unquestionable value and importance--were invaded by his administration.
The two chambers, on breaking up, appointed small committees to take counsel during the recess with the new heads of the executive; and, in concert with these, Buonaparte and Sieyes entered vigorously on the great task of restoring confidence and peace at home.

The confusion of the finances was the most pressing of many intolerable evils; and the first day was devoted to them.