CHAPTER I.

THE CONDITION OF FRANCE IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY 5-27

The old Monarchy in France.--Survivals of free institutions. --Centralised despotism of the Crown.--The Intendant's position and powers.--Evils of the system.--The Government sensitive to criticism but all-pervading.--Class divisions.--The nobles and their privileges.--The ruined nobles of the provinces and the rich nobles of the Court.--The Church, and the great varieties of condition in it.--The Middle Class, its privileges and exemptions.--Usurpations and spirit of the guilds.--Position of the poorest class in town and country.--Peasant owners, farmers and métayers.--Feudal oppression from which the peasant suffered.--Exactions of the Government.--Abuses in the system of taxation.--The Custom-house system and its results.--Increase of vagrancy and disorder.--Isolation of the labourer.