The increasing unpopularity of the king augmented the popular excitement.

Twice had he already arrested, by his royal _veto_, the energetic measures of the Assembly--the decree against the emigres, and the decree against the priests who had not taken the oath.

These two _vetos_, the one dictated by his honour, the other by his conscience, were two terrible weapons, placed in his hand by the constitution, yet which he could not wield without wounding himself.

The Girondists revenged themselves for this resistance by compelling him to make war on the princes, who were his brothers, and the emperor, whom they believed to be his accomplice.
The pamphleteers and the Jacobin journalists constantly spoke of these two _vetos_ as acts of treason.

The disturbances in Vendee were attributed to a secret understanding between the king and the rebellious clergy.