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M. Buffet was compelled to take steps, and on the 9th September, Admiral La Roncière le Noury was replaced in his command by Admiral Rose.

At Ajaccio, M. Rouher explained the attitude of the party during the five years that had passed. It was already a fine thing that Bonapartism should be able to say, "we have lived." As a good leader, M. Rouher declared himself satisfied with his work: "We have been the true, the only supporters of Universal Suffrage, the fundamental law of our Democratic nation." "The right of revision leaves every hope to the party. It can set its foot, not without, but within the Constitution itself; there it will find an instrument of salvation." Those were powerful words; the Republican party required much tact and prudence to remain standing on the narrow and fragile platform which was left to it. The hour had not yet come when, in M. Louis Blanc's words. (9th October, 1875), "the Republic might become . . . the Republic."

Two men alone had sufficient authority to conduct. manœuvres in these obscure times: M. Thiers and M. Gambetta.

M. Thiers at

M. Thiers spoke at Arcachon on the 17th Arcachon. October. In his own vivacious manner, he went straight to the heart of the subject. "The Republic is voted. What is to be done! Only one thing, by all of us, at once to endeavour frankly and loyally, to make it succeed. Whatever future we may foresee, this is our one duty. The Republic is difficult, do you say. What about the Monarchy? Let us therefore, in view of the coming elections, enter frankly upon the new road after the next electoral consultation, France will require a governing Government," A simple and precise programme of action followed: "The country must com

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