[Expressions of approbation.] _Pierre._ I am happy to see in this assembly statesmen so pure, enlightened, and devoted to the interests of the people.

[Cheers.] I admire their self-denial, and cannot do better than follow such noble examples.

I support their motion, and I also make one to exclude Poitou hogs.

It is not that I want to become a swineherd or pork dealer, in which case my conscience would forbid my making this motion; but is it not shameful, gentlemen, that we should be paying tribute to these poor Poitevin peasants who have the audacity to come into our own market, take possession of a business that we could have carried on ourselves, and, after having inundated us with sausages and hams, take from us, perhaps, nothing in return?
Anyhow, who says that the balance of trade is not in their favor, and that we are not compelled to pay them a tribute in money?
Is it not plain that if this Poitevin industry were planted in Paris, it would open new fields to Parisian labor?
Moreover, gentlemen, is it not very likely, as Mr.Lestiboudois said, that we buy these Poitevin salted meats, not with our income, but our capital?
Where will this land us?
Let us not allow greedy, avaricious and perfidious rivals to come here and sell things cheaply, thus making it impossible for us to produce them ourselves.

Aldermen, Paris has given us its confidence, and we must show ourselves worthy of it.