CHAPTER III.

THE EARLY DAYS OF THE REVOLUTION 55-70

Meeting of the States-General.--The Commons insist on the separation of the three Orders.--Deadlock for six weeks.--The Commons constitute themselves the National Assembly on the 17th June.--The Tennis Court Oath.--The Royal Sitting of the 23rd June.--Ascendency of the Court party.--Dismissal of Necker.--Rising in Paris and capture of the Bastille.--Grave disorder in France, and the two main causes of it.--Various motives of the risings in the country.--Complete collapse of the regular authorities. --Spontaneous organisation of the electors.--Unfortunate policy of the Assembly.--Its inexperience and susceptibility. --Abstract discussions of July and August.--The 4th August.--Difficulties of Bailly and Lafayette in Paris.--Fresh causes of discontent there.--The outbreak of the 5th October, and its results.