Note 78 — Chapter 5 Golovin

The French police could not forgive him one prank. At the beginning of 1849 there was a small demonstration. The president, i.e. Napoleon III., made the rounds of the boulevards on horseback. All at once Golovin made his way up to him and shouted ‘Vive la République!’ and ‘A bas les Ministres!’ ‘Vive la République!’ muttered Napoleon. ‘Et les Ministres?’ ‘On les changera!’ Golovin held out his hand to him. Five days passed, the ministers remained and Golovin published an account of his interview in La Réforme, adding that since the president had not carried out his promise, ‘il retire sa poignée de main.’ The police said nothing, and only turned him out some months later on the pretext of the 13th of July.—(Author’s Note.)