New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1854-06-09
Robespierre,

Frequently. when stitly standing in his olive
colOred coat, with fixed eye, contracted brow
and shrill voice, accompanied by hard gestures.
Robespierre pleading at the tribune for the
peoples cause, Mirabeau, in the midst of whis-
perings and mockeries, had been seen to contem-
plate, in pensiye curiosity, that man--palevis-
aged and strangely smiling--whose physiognomy
breathed forth, as it were, a dreamy gentleness
in whom all things spoke of passion for ord der
and who appeared full of respect for himself--so
careful was he of his attireso grave in his atti-
tude-so studied in his speech. Who might this
new conner be. on whom fingered thus the pre-
sentiments OF genius, and what part was he to
play in the Revolution He was to demand jus
tice for all men--for all, without exception--he
was to be the preacher of right With him there
was to be no compromise ;'tor is not truth one I?
Let no party claim him. he is of the party OF
his own convictions; that suthces. AT his first
step in the career where he was to leave the
trace of his blood, and name accursed, he
earned the surname of The mcoaruptibie As
a simple advocate, honest people quoted his in
tegrity; as legislator, the wicked feared him
Always ready to defend the people, he knew not
how to hatter them; he had at once too much
pride and too much virtue. In the midst of a
society in disorder, he worshipped regulation
Anarchy he abhorred popularity, to be earned
by cynical habits and language, he despised
He never concealed his disdan for extrava-
gauces in theory action Yet Freron admired
MIN, Hebert respected him. and be forced Mnrnt
to praise him His life was lahorious austere :;
his manners did honor to his principles, Others
among known trihunes, might display suspi-
cous opulenee, sup by the light of golden chan
deiers, and intoxicate themselves with wine and
luxury. He occupied, in the kue Sainfonge a
wretched apartment shared and half paid for by
companion of his youth. He spent scarcely
so sous for his meals, went on foot where dut,
called him, and out of his salary as deputy,
piously diminished by an annuity paid to bis
sister, could lot always set aside enough to buy
him a coat But if there are imperfections
which an imperfect nature willingly covers with
| its sympathy, there are weaknesses which we
| adore, and these Robesperre bad not Some
| thing impenetrahle enveloped his mind His
virtue, like siekly star, shone without beam
ing Even on the lips, which commonly opened
only TO exelt him, it seemed as il his presence
| checked light praises and familiar smiles When
| he spoke Of mercy, he awakened fear Yet. at
| Arras, where he WAS born, his childhood, We
are assured had given evidence of frankness
and charming tastes Although already in
clined to serious meditations laughter, even to
tears, came easily to him; ayiary in those
times formed his republic. Early an orphan,
he tenderly loved his brothers, and idelized his
sisters; next 10 them came his dear birds La.
ter, when he left the college of Louis lie Grande,
the doors of which had been opened for him by
the affection of the Able de Waast, and where
he had Camille Desmoulns for fellow-pupil, his
| thoughts began to turn towards love, and took
form in gallant verses He entered the society
of the Rosatis, celebrated the light songster oi
Vert-Vert in q tone worthy of his hero, and