On the one hand, at the elections, it sets aside or supports candidates; it alone votes, or, at least, controls the voting.

In short, the club is the elective power, and practically, if not legally, enjoys the privileges of a political aristocracy.

On the other hand, it assumes to be a spontaneous police-board; it prepares and circulates the lists which designate the ill-disposed, suspected, and lukewarm; it lodges information against nobles whose sons have emigrated; against unsworn priests who still reside in their former parishes, and against nuns, "whose conduct is unconstitutional".

It prompts, directs, and rebukes local authorities; it is itself a supplemental, superior, and usurping authority .-- All at once, sensible men realize its character, and protest against it.
"A body thus organized," says a petition,[1229] "exists solely for arming one citizen against another....

Discussions take place there, and denunciations are made under the seal of inviolable secrecy.....