Recollections by Tocqueville Alexis de; Zunz Olivier; Goldhammer Arthur

Author:Tocqueville, Alexis de; Zunz, Olivier; Goldhammer, Arthur
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: University of Virginia Press

Moreover, since the prospect of revision was dubious, I went further and suggested to him that in the future, if he governed France tranquilly, wisely, and modestly and limited himself to becoming the nation’s chief executive rather than its master or corrupter, he might at the end of his term be reelected by virtually unanimous consent in spite of Article 45, since the monarchist parties might not see his continuation in power for a limited time as incompatible with their hopes, while the republican party might see a government like his as the best way of familiarizing the country with republican rule and even fostering a taste for it. I told him this in sincere tones, because I was sincere when I said it. Then as now, my advice seemed to me in the best interests of the country and perhaps in his best interests as well. As was his wont, he listened to me carefully without giving any hint of the impression my words made on him. Words addressed to him were like stones tossed into a well: one could hear the sound they made, but one never knew what became of them. In any case, his approval of me seemed to increase over time. Of course I tried hard to please him insofar as was compatible with the public good. Whenever he recommended an honest and capable individual for a diplomatic post, I was quick to find a place for him. Even when his protégé was not very capable, I usually acquiesced, as long as the post was unimportant. But the president generally reserved his recommendations for scoundrels who had supported his party in the past out of desperation, not knowing where else to turn, and he felt obligated to reward them. Or else he tried to place what he called his people—men who were for the most part intriguers and rogues—in important embassies. In such cases I would go see him and explain the regulations that stood in the way of his wishes or the moral and political considerations that prevented me from complying. Sometimes I even hinted that I would resign rather than give in. When he saw that my refusal involved no personal grudge against him or systematic wish to resist his whims, he either gave in without lasting rancor or put the decision off until later.

I did not get off so easily with his friends. They were like dogs ripping apart their prey. They assailed me constantly with their demands, so importunately and rudely that I often felt like throwing them out the window. I nevertheless sought to restrain myself. Once, though, one of them, an authentic refugee from the gallows, arrogantly asserted how odd he found it that the prince lacked the power to reward those who had suffered for his cause. “Sir,” I replied, “what would be best for the president of the Republic would be to forget that he was ever a pretender and remember that he is here to take care of France’s business, not yours.

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