Desmoulins
BENOIT CAMILLE (dä-mölan), a French revolutionist; born in Guise, Picardy, March 2, 1760.
He was among the most notable of the pamphleteers and orators who urged the multitude forward in the path of revolution. He, along with others, prepared the plan for the taking of the Bastille (July, 1789), was one of the founders of the club of Cordeliers, and the promoter of the assembly in the Champ de Mars.
In 1793 he gave his vote for the death of the king. Having become closely connected with Danton and the party of opposition to Robespierre, and inveighing against the reign of blood and terror, he was arrested on the order of the latter on March 30, 1794, tried on April 2, and executed on the 5th.
Business Interests. - The city is located in the center of a rich coal mining district. The principal industries, industries,