CHAPTER X.

THE STRUGGLE OF PARTIES AND THE ASCENDENCY OF ROBESPIERRE 236-260

Ascendency of the party of the Commune.--A second party, that of the Dantonists, arises.--Danton's attitude.--His great services to the Revolution.--His weariness of faction and intrigue.--The third party, represented by the Government of the day.--Revolt against the Hébertists at the Jacobin Club.-Headed by Robespierre and Desmoulins.--The _Vieux Cordelier_.--Collot d'Herbois' return to Paris in December, 1793, strengthens the Hébertists.--End of the struggle.--Triumph of the Government and fall of the two other parties in March, 1794.--Execution of Danton.--Conspicuous position of Robespierre.--Grounds of his popularity.--His intense belief in himself.--His genuine sentiment.--His lack of initiative and disingenuous reserve.--His incompetence as a practical politician.--His morbid suspiciousness.--His strength.--His belief in the Terror and attempts to regulate but not to check it.--The Worship of the Supreme Being.--The Law of the 22nd Prairial.--Robespierre's struggle with his colleagues.--Triumph of the Convention on the 9th Thermidor over Robespierre and the Commune.