The next day he issued, in the name of the Emperor, an order to the mayor of Lourdes to repeal the decree publicly, and to have Jacomet remove the posts and barriers.
VII.
M. Lacadé did not hesitate like M. Massy. This issue freed him at once from the heavy burden which the mingled desire of pleasing both the prefect and the people, both the heavenly and earthly powers, had imposed upon him. By an illusion very common with undecided people, he imagined that he had always been on the side which now prevailed, and in this spirit he drew up a proclamation to the following effect: "Citizens of Lourdes, the day which we have so earnestly desired has at last come; we have earned it by our wisdom, perseverance, faith, and courage." Such was the sense and style of his proclamation, the text of which is unfortunately not extant.[137]
The proclamation was read through the town, with an accompaniment of drums and trumpets. At the same time the following notice was posted on the walls:
The Mayor of Lourdes,
Acting upon instructions addressed to him,
Orders As Follows:
The order issued on the 8th of June, 1858, is revoked.
Done at Lourdes, at the Mayor's Office, Oct. 5, 1858.
The Mayor, A. Lacadé.
At the same time, Jacomet and the sergents-de-ville repaired to the grotto to take away the barriers and posts.