CHAPTER XX.

The Commune.--Murder of French Generals.--The National Guard of Order.--It disbands.--The Reasons.--Flight of the Government to Versailles.--Thiers.--Attempts to reorganize National Guard.--An American arrested by Commune.--Legation intervenes.--His Discharge. --His Treatment.--Reign of King Mob.--"_Démonstrations Pacifiques._" --Absurd Decrees of the Commune.--Destruction of the Vendôme Column 243