New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1877-02-10
A nTnuchnrd.

AprOpos of the testimony of one OF the
Democratic witnesses before the Commit
tee of Privileges and Powers of the HOuse,
we are reminded of the following incident
in the history of the French revolution:
A respectable old man. having learned
that the companion of his boyhood, Fouche,
was in power, went mp to Paris to renew
his acquaintance and request some easy
employment for his declining years.
The Minister of Police received him
with great cOrdiality, and after exchanging
"reminiscences of their earlier days, struck
his Office sOnnette. A subordinate appeared,
to whom the minister addressed some
words and then directed his old friend to
follow the officer.
"What is it, then, that must dol"
"What restaurant do you prefer, mon
sieurp
"They are all the same to me-"
'"Then you will make your lodging where
you will, and take your meals at that will
show you"
"And my duties-my Officer
"The minister directs that you will take
your breakfast and dinner at table in the
salon mGnger. Spare neither good soup,
fish, game nor wine, with q good cigar at-
terward. Invite, also, any friend, but only
one at time, understand"
"Et pt!is-and thenl"
Report every morning at the department
that which you shall have observed"
Nothing mOreG"
"It is ALL"
"Ah," said the old man, ''my friend
FouChe has comprehended exactly. 1t is
in effect that which need-rest, good
nourishment and good company. Deci-
dedly, he has not forgotten my nature"
The honest man obeyed the order with
fidelity, and appeared at the bureau to an
swer inquiries.
"What have you seen?'
MET Nothing except the crowds which
pass always, as passes stream that never
ceases"
what do you hear?'
"Mel OF the theatre, much. By the
way, does the minister expect me to 60 to
the theatre, also"
"But of politics, do you hear nothingP
"Oh, not at all. take no interest in
politics. do not know what they are sines
the revolution"
This dialogue continued for some days
when on gratefully boasting to a new 40
quaintanoe of favor shown him by his old
friend, he was astounded to learn the popu
lar estimation in which his employment wal
held.
at is q shameful position he has as
signed friend, and one of your years"
what mean youi"
THAT You have been sent out daily to in
gratiate yourself with the people; to learn
their thoughts, and report them to the De
partment of Police for pursuit and punish
ment. You are employed in one word fol
the despicable and infamous work OF 6
mOuchdrdW
The indignation of the old man had nc
limits. He rushed to the department, and
demanded instant audience.
The minister, supposing he came with i'm
portant intelligence, received him.
"And it is you, the friend of my youth
| who assign me this infamous FoleP
"WhAt do you meanr
III am to be q spy upon the acts O.
others-I am to be the means of Bubjectinl
those who OOnfde in me to imprisonment
possibly, to death! All, my friend at homt
will ask to what degradation would yOI
oOnsign met Better poverty and toll thar
shame. You have, yourself, been long &C
CustOmed to this work in others. You Gal
not have thought how degrading it is to me
AdieuI will try to think that yOu ar
yourself unconscious of the insult yoi
have offered me. For myself, it shall neve
be in your power to repeat it,"
He left the office and returned to homes
poverty.