Here again the logic of facts was with him.

For many months he was the necessary man, and he and they knew it.
[Footnote 68: De Mazade, _Thiers_, p.467.For a sharp criticism of Thiers, see Samuel Denis' _Histoire Contemperaine_ (written from the royalist standpoint).] But, as we have seen, there came a time when the last hard bargains with Bismarck as to the payment of the war debt neared their end; and the rapier-play between the Liberator of the Territory and the parties of the Assembly also drew to a close.

In one matter he had given them just cause for complaint.

As far back as November 13, 1872 (that is, before the financial problem was solved), he suddenly and without provocation declared from the tribune of the National Assembly that it was time to establish the Republic.

The proposal was adjourned, but Thiers had damaged his influence.