CHAPTER IV.

THE LABOURS OF THE CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY 71-97

Inclination of the Assembly to follow out its theories blindly without regard to consequences.--Hopes of a strong Government frustrated by the decree of the 7th November.--Results of that decree.--Jealousy of the Executive.--New system of local government.--Its defects.--Power concentrated in the new municipalities.--Burdensome nature of the duties imposed on active citizens.--The two decrees imposing qualifications for the franchise and for office.--Judicial reforms.--Military and naval changes.--The Assembly's determination to make everything elective.--Church policy.--Confiscation of Church property.--Civil Constitution of the Clergy.--Criticism of it.--Consequences of the schism in the Church.--Financial policy of the Assembly.--Necker's measures.--Increasing embarrassments of the State.--Origin of the Assignats.--Their subsequent history and depreciation.--Inadequate attempts made by the Assembly to balance its income and expenditure.--Its cowardly finance.--Criticism of its action.