.

The principles impressed on the people are that the King desires equality.

No more bishops or lords, no more distinctions of rank, no tithes, and no seignorial privileges.

Thus, these misguided people fancy that they are exercising their rights, and obeying the will of the King."-- The effect of sonorous phrases is apparent.

The people have been told that the States-General were to bring about the "regeneration of the kingdom" The inference is "that the date of their assembly was to be one of an entire and absolute change of conditions and fortunes." Hence, "the insurrection against the nobles and the clergy is as active as it is widespread." "In many places it was distinctly announced that there was a sort of war declared against landowners and property," and "in the towns as well as in the rural districts the people persist in declaring that they will pay nothing, neither taxes, duties, nor debts."-- Naturally, the first assault is against the piquet, or flour-tax.