Note 104 — PART II LETTERS (continued 3)

On December 2nd, 1851, Victor Hugo held a meeting of the representatives of the people, at which he drew up a proclamation addressed to the Army. On the 3rd he presided over a meeting of the Republicans in the Faubourg St. Antoine. Word was brought that the troops were marching on the Faubourg. Victor Hugo thereupon delivered an impassioned appeal to his audience, which concluded in the following terms: “On one side stand the Army, and a crime—on the other, a handful of men, and the Right! Such is the struggle. Are you prepared to carry it through?"—Translator’s note.