people’s representatives? how will a nation that does not respect its hereditary chief, respect its elected representatives? and is it by such outrages that liberty hopes to render herself acceptable to the throne?  Or, is it by infusing similar feelings of resentment in the breast of the king, that he will be induced to protect the constitution, and to aid the maintenance of the rights of the people?  If the executive power be a necessary reality, we must respect it, even in the king; if it be but a shadow, still should we respect and honour it.  The ministerial council assembled, and the king declared that he was not forced by the new constitution to expose the monarchical dignity represented in his person to the outrages of the Assembly, and that he would order the ministers to preside at the opening of the legislative body.

This rumour created a reaction in Paris in favour of the king.  The Assembly, as yet undecided, felt the blow; and that the popularity it sought was fast disappearing.  “What has been the result of the decree of yesterday?” said the deputy Vosgien, at the opening of the sitting of the 6th of October.  “Fresh hopes for the enemies of the public welfare, agitation of the people, depreciation of our credit, general disquietude.  Let us pay to the hereditary representative of the people the respect that is his due.  Do not let him believe that he is destined to be the mockery and the plaything of each fresh legislation; it is time for the constitution to cast anchor, and fix itself with firmness and stability.”

Vergniaud, the hitherto unknown orator of the Gironde, displayed in his opening speech that audacious yet undecided character that was the type of his policy.  His speeches were uncertain as his mind; he spoke in favour of one party, and voted for the other.  “We all appear to agree,” said he, “that if this decree concerns our internal regulations, it should be instantly put into execution; and it is evident to me that the decree does concern our internal regulations, for there can be no connection of authority between the legislative body and the king.  It is merely a question of those marks of respect which are demanded to be shown to the royal dignity.  I know not why the titles of Sire and Majesty, which recall feudality, should be restored; for the king ought to glory in the title of King of the French.  I ask you, whether the king demanded a decree to regulate the etiquette of his household when he received your deputation?  However, to speak my opinion without reserve, I think that if the king, as a mark of respect to the Assembly, rises and uncovers his head, the Assembly, as a mark of respect to the king, should imitate his example.”