This is carried to so great an extent that M.de Montlosier ironically proposes "to give the galleries a voice in the deliberations."[2102] Another member wishes to know whether the representatives are so many actors, whom the nation sends there to endure the hisses of the Paris public.

Interruptions, in fact, take place as in a theater, and, frequently, if the members do not give satisfaction, they are forced to desist.

On the other hand, the deputies who are popular with this energetic audience, on which they keep and eye, are actors before the footlights: they involuntarily yield to its influence, and exaggerate their ideas as well as their words to be in unison with it.

Tumult and violence, under such circumstances, become a matter of course, and the chances of an Assembly acting wisely are diminished by one-half; on becoming a club of agitators, it ceases to be a conclave of legislators.
Let us enter and see how this one proceeds.

Thus encumbered, thus surrounded and agitated, does it take at least those precautions without which no assembly of men can govern itself.