The claims which are maintained are not enforced any more than those which are suppressed.

Whole communities come and give notice to the lord of the manor that they will not pay any more rent.

Others, with sword in hand, compel him to give them acquittances.
Others again, to be more secure, break open his safe, and throw his title-deeds into the fire.[2224] Public force is nowhere strong enough to protect him in his legal rights.

Officers dare not serve writs, the courts dare not give judgment, administrative bodies dare not decree in his favor.

He is despoiled through the connivance, the neglect, or the impotence of all the authorities which ought to defend him.