The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-02-02

Danton's namo stands pre- eminent
,, ny one OF the better class OF the
French revolutionists--if any may be
50 called. Al any rate. TO his name
,annot be linked those which send u
feeling OF terror through the history
Of that period for their blood thirst
cess. 1t was because he lacked this
quality that his place was taken By
| such men as Mirabeau. Robcspierre and
Siarat. who more nearly met the views
OF the Terrorists, who grew to be the
dominating element.
Danton had the same desire Mt heart
that had these leaders. but he believed
that a revolution could DO accomplish
sd through much milder methods than
lid the others. For a long time his
magnetism and his oratory held the
people within his grasp, but finally the
revolution grew to be greater than
Danton. Conditions were quickly
changing for the worst. and he who
would survive was compelled to keep
Up with the procession or be trampled
In its path.
Upon many occasions Danton had
given wise council to his countrymen
and infused them with courage. Then.
IN the course Of events. Robespicrre
md Danton came face to face as rivals
Tor the leadership OF Paris and France
Danton was reckless. generous and
frank; on the other hand, Robespierre
was cold. severe, cautious and uncom
promising Feeling that the contest
VAS unequal, Danton withdrew to his
native town of Arcis. but not for long,
for his associates keenly felt his alb
sencc from the field OF action.
Shortly after returning to Paris
Danton met Robespierre and was ac-
cused by him Of having embeZzled the
public money. He retorted by calling
Robcspierre sanguinary tyrant, This
dispute fixed his doom. His wife and
friends urged him to fly "Whther
hy?" answered Danton. III freed
France casts mo out, there are only
dungeons for me else where. One car
rios not his country with him st the
soles of his shoes"
Danton heard there was n warrant
for his arrest but he said: They
dare not, they dare not!" But he for
got that he had Robespierre. tho in
flexible, to deal with. On the night OF
the 21st of March. 1894, he was ar
rested. and was brought up for trial on
the I'd of April.
Upon entering the Luxembourg pris-
hand was Thomas Paine. author Of the
Rights OF Man" Paine was now
naturaiized Frenchman, and a member
of the French National Convention. and
because he had voted against tho
death OF Louis XVI. the Jacobists had
cast MIN into prison. Wnerc ne remain
ed until the death OF Robespierre
brought about his release.
What you have done for the liberty
and happiness Of America 1 have In
vain attempted to do for France"
The trial of Danton was a mockery
OF the forms of Justice. st. Just. the
Jacobin, had read the accusation
against him to the Convention, and
that body weakly voted his arrest On
the I'd, Sd and 4th of April he was
tried, with other prisoners. by
packed bench and packed jury. But
SO uncertain was the temper of tho
vast throng that filled tho streets out
side, so violently did Danton struggle
to burst his bonds that for n moment
1t seemed as though the immense re-
verberation OF his voice, heard, 1t is
said. even across the Seine. might have
awakened the force of the people, as
SO often before. and overthrow the
Jacobin rule.
a hasty message to the Committee
|of Public Safety-a hasty decree rush
Cd through the Convention--and DAN
toms voice vas quelled, and judgment
delivered before the accused had fn-
ishcd his defense
At tho trial. when Fouquier Tin
Vile asked Danton his name. and place
OF abode, the prisoner said my name
is Danton, name tolerably well
known in the revolution. am thirty
five years old. My abode will soon be
In nothingness, but my namo shall