A lawyer argues for France — 225 years later

Participants in the annual French Revolution trial work on their strategy in the Watertown High School lecture hall on Jan. 21, 2016.

You know, as well as I do, that the period of the French Revolution was a time when “justice” was relative to each distinct omnipotent. Laws were created based on the goals of each new faction that usurped power. There was never a chance for real, unbiased justice to be served. As a lawyer, I can attest to this regimen. The only difference with my practices under the leadership of the Girondists and the practices of every other group, is that our measures were perfectly sincere and in the best interest of the people.  

The trial held today, Jan. 21, 2016, at Watertown High School, was a long overdue opportunity to find out who had the best intentions for France, and who would have successfully ruled her. 

You heard the exclamations and the arguments of each group on trial today. You heard many accusations. You heard few solutions. The Monarchy, King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette, were the main causes of the Revolution. Their defense was comprised of useless and cheap attacks on anyone who tried to question their actions as leaders of our country.

These representatives were just trying to understand how two people, with immense power and responsibility, can elicit the biggest revolution in European history, and actively do nothing to aid the people. It is impossible to have a successful nation with absolute monarchs. These monarchs neglect the governing bodies under them, the bodies that will make sure the government will remain uncorrupt. That is why we Girondists advocate for a constitutional monarchy. This was the original goal of the revolution, and I cannot stress that enough. 

When we started out, the entire Jacobin party wanted reform, but as time went on and power became more valuable, the once ideal party split into two. The group known as the Sans-Culottes, or the Mountains, lost sight of our original goals. Their reign consisted of nothing more than threats and unfair executions. What started out as a strong desire for reform, became a desperate fight for power. This group and the Monarchy were equally tyrannical, oppressive, and militant while in power. Even though they represented contrasting ideologies, they created the same results.

I want you to consider the goals of these two groups. Then consider the goals of the Girondists. For France to be a successful, powerful, and prosperous nation, we need to first create a stable foundation for her. We have that foundation.

I would like to thank you as a member of the Girondist party, as a son of France, as a true patriot. You have been blessed with the decision of a lifetime. Choose wisely, and remember who the real winner will be: our motherland.

Yours truly,

Jean Antoine Lafargue de Grangeneuve

–Feb. 4, 2016–

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