Chapter 34 - Page 2

France!" They repeated this
double cry. Then the enthusiasm became delirium. It was
a repetition of the ovation I met with on my arrival in
Paris. I was moved to tears. I took refuge in a café at
the corner of the square. I explained in a speech why I
did not address the people, then I escaped--that is the
word--in a carriage.

While the enthusiastic people shouted "Long live the
Republic!" the members of the Assembly issued and filed
past impassible, almost furious, and with their hats on, in
the midst of the bare heads and the waving caps about me.

Visit from Representatives Le Flo, Rochefort, Locroy,
Alfred Naquet, Emmanuel Arago, Rességuier, Floquot,
Eugene Pelletan, and Noel Parfait.

I slept in my new lodging at 37, Rue de la Course.

February 16.--At the Assembly today the result of the
Paris elections was proclaimed. Louis Blanc was first with
216,000 votes; then came myself with 214,000 votes, then
Garibaldi with 200,000.

The ovation extended to me by the people yesterday is
regarded by the Majority as an insult to it. Hence a great
display of troops on the square outside (army, National
Guard and cavalry). There was an incident in this
connection before my arrival. The men of the Right demanded
that the Assembly be protected. (Against whom?
Against me?) The Left replied with the shout of: "Long
live the Republic!"

When I was leaving I was notified that the crowd was
waiting for me in the square. To escape the ovation I went
out by a side door, but the people caught sight of me, and
I was immediately surrounded by an immense crowd shouting:
"Long live Victor Hugo!" I replied: "Long live
the Republic!" Everybody, including the National Guards
and soldiers of the line, took up the shout. I drove away
in a carriage, which the people followed.

The Assembly to-day elected its committees. Dufaure
proposes Thiers as chief of the executive power.

We dined at home for the first time. I had invited Louis
Blanc, Schoelcher, Rochefort and Lockroy. Rochefort was
unable to come. After dinner we went to Gent's, Quay des
Chartrons, to attend a meeting of the Left. My sons
accompanied me. The question of the chief executive was
discussed. I had the following added to the definition:
appointed by the Assembly and revokable by that body."

General Cremer came this morning to enlighten us concerning
the disposition of the army.

February 17.--At the Assembly Gambetta came up to
me and said: "Master, when can I see you? I have a good
many things to explain to you."

Thiers has been named chief of the executive power.
He is to leave to-night for