Part 1

PARIS UNDER THE COMMUNE:

OR,

THE SEVENTY-THREE DAYS OF THE SECOND SIEGE

WITH NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS, SKETCHES TAKEN ON THE SPOT, AND PORTRAITS (FROM THE ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHS).

BY JOHN LEIGHTON, F.S.A.,

&C.

LONDON:

1871.

Socialism, or the Red Republic, is all one; for it would tear down the tricolour and set up the red flag. It would make penny pieces out of the Column Vendôme. It would knock down the statue of Napoleon and raise up that of Marat in its stead. It would suppress the Académie, the École Polytechnique, and the Legion of Honour. To the grand device Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, it would add “Ou la mort.” It would bring about a general bankruptcy. It would ruin the rich without enriching the poor. It would destroy labour, which gives to each one his bread. It would abolish property and family. It would march about with the heads of the proscribed on pikes, fill the prisons with the suspected, and empty them by massacres. It would convert France into the country of gloom. It would strangle liberty, stifle the arts, silence thought, and deny God. It would bring into action these two fatal machines, one of which never works without the other—the assignat press and the guillotine. In a word, it would do in cold blood what the men of 1793 did in fever, and after the grand horrors which our fathers saw, we should have the horrible in all that was low and small.

(VICTOR HUGO, 1848.)

PREFACE.

Early in June of the present year I was making notes and sketches, without the least idea of what I should do with them. I was at the Mont-Parnasse Station of the Western Railway, awaiting a train from Paris to St. Cloud. Our fellow passengers, as we discovered afterwards, were principally prisoners for Versailles; the guards, soldiers; and the line, for two miles at least, appeared desolation and ruin.

The façade of the station, a very large one, was pockmarked all over by Federal bullets, whilst cannon balls had cut holes through the stone wall as if it had been cheese, and gone down the line, towards Cherbourg or Brest! The restaurant below was nearly annihilated, the counters, tables, and chairs being reduced to a confused heap. But there was a book-stall and on that book-stall reposed a little work, entitled the “Bataille des Sept Jours,” a brochure which a friend bought and gave to me, saying, “_Voilà la texte de vos croquis_,” From seven days my ideas naturally wandered to seventy-three—the duration of the reign of the Commune—and then again to two hundred and twenty days—that included the Commune of 1871 and its antecedents. Hence this volume, which I liken to a French château, to which I have added a second storey and wings.

And now that the house is finished, I must render my obligations to M. Mendès and numerous French friends, for their kind assistance and valuable aid, including my confrères of “_The Graphic_,” who have allowed me to enliven the walls with pictures from their stores; and last, and not least, my best thanks are due to an English Peer, who placed at my disposal his unique collection of prints and journals of the period bearing upon the subject—a subject I am pretty familiar with. Powder has done its work, the smell of petroleum has passed away, the house that called me master has vanished from the face of the earth, and my concierge and his wife are reported _fusillés_ by the Versaillais; and to add to the disaster, my rent was paid in advance, having been deposited with a _notaire_ prior to the First Siege.... But my neighbours, where are they? In my immediate neighbourhood six houses were entirely destroyed, and as many more half ruined. I can only speak of one friend, an amiable and able architect, who, alas! remonstrated in person, and received a ball from a revolver through the back of his neck. His head is bowed for life. He has lost his pleasure and his treasure, a valuable museum of art,—happily they could not burn his reputation, or the monument of his life—a range of goodly folio volumes that exist “_pour tous_.”

L.

LONDON, 1871.

Contents

PREFACE LIST OF PLATES AND ILLUSTRATIONS INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER The 30th October, 1870—The Hôtel de Ville invaded—Governor Trochu resigns—A Revolt attempted—Meetings, Place de la Bastille—The Prussians enter Paris—Hostility of the National Guard

I. The Memorable 18th of March—Line and Nationals Fraternise—Discipline at a Discount II. Assassination of Generals Lecomte and Clément Thomas III. Proclamation of M. Picard—The Government retires to Versailles IV. The New Regime Proclaimed—Obscurity of New Masters V. Paris Hesitates—Small Sympathy with Versailles VI. The Buttes Montmartre VII. An Issue Possible—An Approved Proclamation VIII. Demonstration of the Friends of Order IX. The Drama of the Rue de la Paix—Victims to Order X. A Wedding XI. The Bourse and Belleville XII. Watching and Waiting XIII. A Timid but Prudent Person XIV. Some Federal Opinions XV. Proclamation of Admiral Saisset—Paris Satisfied. XVI. A Widow XVII. The Central Committee Triumphs XVIII. Paris Elections XIX. The Commune a Fact—A Motley Assembly XX. Proclamation of the Elections XXI. A Batch of Official Decrees—Landlord, and Tenant XXII. Requisitions and Feasts XXIII. Removals and Retirements XXIV. A General Flight XXV. An Envoy to Garibaldi XXVI. Commencement of Civil War—Beyond the Arc de Triomphe XXVII. Mont Valérien opens on the Federals—Contradictory News XXVIII. Death of General Duval—Able Administration XXIX. Antipathy to the Church—The Archbishop Interrogated XXX. The Accomplices of Versailles XXXI. Death of Colonel Flourens XXXII. The Cross and the Red Flag XXXIII. Colonel Assy of Creuzot—Disgrace of Lullier XXXIV. Fighting goes on XXXV. Federal Funerals XXXVI. Prudent Counsel XXXVII. Suppression of Newspapers XXXVIII. The Second Bombardment—Avenue de la Grande Armée—Reckless Aim of the Versaillais XXXIX. The Plan of Bergeret XL. Another General—Police and Pressgang—A Citizen of the World XLI. Women and Children XLII. Why is Conciliation Impossible? XLIII. The Portable Guillotine XLIV. The Common Grave XLV. Idle Paris XLVI. The Press XLVII. Day follows Day XLVIII. The Condemned Column—Model Decrees XLIX. Thiers and Conciliation—Paris and France L. Communist Caricatures—Political Satire LI. Gustave Courbet—Federation of Art—Courbet, President LII. Camp, Place Vendôme LIII. Elections of the 16th of April LIV. The “Change” under the Commune LV. Elections sans Electors—Farce of Universal Suffrage LVI. À la Mode de Londres LVII. The Little Sisters of the Poor LVIII. Bécon and Asnières taken—Declaration to the French People—Federation of Communes—The Commune or the Deluge LIX. A Court-Martial LX. A Heroic Gamin LXI. Killing the Dead LXII. The Truce at Neuilly—Porte-Maillot destroyed—Neuilly in Ruins LXIII. Masonic Mediation—The Envoy of Peace—Citizens and Brothers—A White Flag on Porte-Maillot LXIV. Prudent Monsieur Pyat LXV. Resources of the Commune—The Royal Road to Riches LXVI. The Prophecy of Proudhon LXVII. Revolutionary Balloons LXVIII. A Confession of Conscience LXIX. Communist Journalism—Sensation Articles LXX. Fort Issy falls LXXI. Cluseret arrested LXXII. The Executive Commission—Committee of Public Safety LXXIII. A Competent Tribunal LXXIV. The Password betrayed LXXV. The Condemned Chapel LXXVI. Restitution is Robbery LXXVII. The Nuns of Picpus LXXVIII. Rossel resigns—The Semblance of a Government LXXIX. Want of Funds—The Sinews of War LXXX. Passwords—The Chariot of Apollo—Refractories LXXXI. Sacrilege—Clubs in the Churches LXXXII. Refractories in Danger LXXXIII. The Home of M. Thiers, Demolition and Removal LXXXIV. Filial Love LXXXV. Communal Secessionists—Save himself who can LXXXVI. The Failing Cause—The Column Vendôme falls LXXXVII. A Concert at the Tuileries LXXXVIII. Cartridge Magazine Explosion LXXXIX. The Advent of Action—Paris ceases to smile XC. The Troops enter—Street Fortifications—Insurgents at home XCI. Arrests and Murders XCII. Fire and Sword XCIII. Barricade at the Place de Clichy XCIV. Rack and Ruin XCV. Bloodshed and Brigandage XCVI. Hôtel de Ville on Fire—A Furnace XCVII. Pétroleurs and Pétroleuses XCVIII. Streets of Paris XCIX. The Expiring Demons—The Hostages—Reprisals—Cemeteries C. Sewers and Catacombs CI. Mourning and Sadness

APPENDIX

Chronology of the Commune Memoir of Rochefort. The 18th of March The Prussians and the Commune Memoir of Gambon Memoir of Lullier Memoir of Protot Translation from Victor Hugo Note of Jourde Last Proclamations of the Commune Note of Férré The Hostages—Gendarmes, &c. President Bonjean Note of Urbain. Devastations of Paris Official Report of General Ladmirault Ammunition expended on Second Siege of Paris List of Monuments and Buildings destroyed Index to Plan—Damage by Fire, &c.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS:

FRONTISPIECE:—THE COLUMN OF JULY (HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF)

PORTRAIT OF M. THIERS, PRESIDENT OF THE FRENCH REPUBLIC

THE STATE OF PARTY—PICTURED By THEMSELVES. ALLEGORICAL PAGE—ROCHEFORT, CLÉMENT THOMAS, &c. (_facsimile_)

COLUMN OF JULY—PLACE DE LA BASTILLE

THE BUTTES MONTMARTRE—FEDERAL ARTILLERY PARKED THERE

MONTMARTRE—FIRST LINE OF SENTINELS

THE RED FLAG OF THE COLUMN OF JULY

PURIFICATION OF THE CHAMPS ÉLYSÉES AFTER THE DEPARTURE OF THE PRUSSIANS—CONSTRUCTION OF THE FIRST BARRICADE, 18TH MARCH

DEFENCE OF THE HOTEL DE VILLE

SENTINELS, BOULEVARD SAINT-MICHEL

BEHIND A BARRICADE—THE DÉJEUNER

PORTRAIT OF GAMBON, MEMBER OF THE COMMUNE

BEHIND A BARRICADE—THE EVENING MEAL

PLACE DE LA CONCORDE—FEDERALS GOING OUT

PORTRAIT OF GENERAL BERGERET

PORTRAIT OF ABBÉ DEGUERRY, CURÉ OF THE MADELEINE

PORTRAIT OF RAOUL RIGAULT, PROCUREUR OF THE COMMUNE

PORTRAIT OF MONSEIGNEUR DARBOY, ARCHBISHOP OF PARIS

PORTRAIT OF COLONEL FLOURENS

PORTRAIT OF COLONEL ASSY, GOVERNOR OF THE HOTEL DE VILLE

THE RED FLAG ON THE PANTHEON

PORTRAIT OF GENERAL CLUSERET

THE ARC DE TRIOMPHE DE L’ÉTOILE

HORSE CHASSEUR ACTING AS COMMUNIST ARTILLERYMAN

MARINE GUNNER AND STREET BOY

THE CORPS LÉGISLATIF—HEAD QUARTERS OF GENERAL BERGERET

PORTRAIT OF GENERAL DOMBROWSKI

BURNING THE GUILLOTINE IN THE PLACE VOLTAIRE

COLONNE VENDÔME

CARICATURE DURING THE COMMUNE—LITTLE PARIS AND HIS PLAYTHINGS (_facsimile_)

THE MODERN “EROSTRATE”—COURBET AND THE DEBRIS OF THE VENDÔME COLUMN

FEDERAL VISIT TO THE LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR

PORTRAIT OF VERMOREL, DELEGATE OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMISSION

FEMALE CURIOSITY AT PORTE MAILLOT

PORTE MAILLOT AND CHAPEL OF ST. FERDINAND

ARMISTICE—INHABITANTS OF NEUILLY ENTERING PARIS

WATCHING FOR THE FIRST SHOT FROM FORT VALERIEN

FEMALE IMPERTURBABILITY AFTER THE ARMISTICE

PORTRAIT OF PROTOT, DELEGATE OF JUSTICE

PORTRAIT OF FÉLIX PYAT, MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC SAFETY

FREEMASONS AT THE RAMPARTS

PORTRAIT OF VERMESCH, EDITOR OF THE “PÈRE DUCHESNE”

PORTRAIT OF PASCHAL CROUSSET, DELEGATE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

PORTRAIT OF DUPONT, COMMISSIONER OF TRADE AND COMMERCE

CHAPELLE EXPIATOIRE (CONDEMNED BY THE COMMUNE)

CARICATURE DURING THE COMMUNE—PARIS EATS A GENERAL A-DAY (_facsimile_)

PORTRAIT OF DELESCLUZE, DELEGATE OF WAR

PORTRAIT OF FONTAINE, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC DOMAINS AND REGISTRATION

RÉFRACTAIRES ESCAPING FROM THE CITY BY NIGHT

PORTRAIT OF GENERAL LA CÉCILIA

CHURCH OF ST. EUSTACHE (EXTERIOR)

INTERIOR OF ST. EUSTACHE, USED AS A RED CLUB

HOUSE OF M. THIERS IN THE PLACE ST. GEORGES

HOUSE DURING DEMOLITION—AFTER ITS SACK

PORTRAIT OF COURNET, PREFECT OF POLICE

PORTRAIT OF ARTHUR ARNOULD, COMMISSIONER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

THE SEINE: FOUNDERED GUN-BOATS—PORTE MAILLOT, DESOLATION AND DESTRUCTION

BARRICADE OF THE RUE CASTIGLIONE FROM THE PLACE VENDÔME

PALACE OF THE TUILERIES

PORTRAIT OF RAZOUA, GOVERNOR OF THE MILITARY SCHOOL

CAFÉ LIFE UNDER THE COMMUNE—A SLIGHT INTERRUPTION—PLAY-BILLS AND BURNT-OFFERINGS—“SPECTACLES DE PARIS”

PLACE DE LA CONCORDE—STATUES OF LILLE AND STRASBOURG

FIRE AND WATER—THE EFFECT OF FIRE ON THE FOUNTAINS OF THE PLACE DE LA CONCORDE AND THE CHÂTEAU D’EAU—HIRONDELLES DE PARIS

PORTRAIT OF JULES VALLÈS, DELEGATE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION

BARRICADE CLOSING THE RUE DE RIVOLI FROM THE PLACE DE LA CONCORDE

BULLET MARKS “EN FACE” AND “EN PROFIL”—THE TREES AND LAMPS

RUE ROYALE, LOOKING FROM THE MADELEINE TO THE PLACE DE LA CONCORDE

A WARM CORNER OF THE TUILERIES

PORTRAIT OF MILLIÈRE, EX-DEPUTY, MEMBER OF THE COMMUNE

PALAIS DE JUSTICE

POLICE OF PARIS—MINISTRY OF FINANCE, RUE DE RIVOLI

PORTRAIT OF FERRÉ, PREFECT OF POLICE

PALACE OF THE LUXEMBOURG (AMBULANCE HOSPITAL OF THE COMMUNE)

PÉTROLEURS AND PÉTROLEUSES

THE THEATRE OF THE PORTE ST-MARTIN—ALL THAT REMAINS OF THE HOME OF SENSATION DRAMA

CELL OF THE ARCHBISHOP OF PARIS IN THE PRISON OF LA ROQUETTE

YARD OF LA ROQUETTE WHERE THE ARCHBISHOP AND HOSTAGES WERE SHOT

MY NEIGHBOUR OPPOSITE, BUSINESS CARRIED ON AS USUAL—MY NEIGHBOUR NEXT DOOR, HE THINKS HIMSELF FORTUNATE

PARIS UNDERGROUND (SEWERS AND CATACOMBS)

THE ENEMIES OF PROGRESS (LES ARISTOCRATES ENCORE)—CORPS DE GARDE DE L’ARMÉE DE VERSAILLES

THE PUBLIC PROMENADES—A CAMP IN THE LUXEMBOURG—THE NEW MASTERS—PROCLAMATION OVER PROCLAMATION

THE LUXEMBOURG (PRESENT TOWN HALL OF PARIS, 1871)

PORTRAIT OF MARSHAL MACMAHON, DUKE OF MAGENTA

LIGHT AND AIR ONCE MORE—THE FOSSE COMMUNE (THE END)

APPENDIX.

MUSÉE OF THE LOUVRE, FROM THE PLACE DU CARROUSEL

PALAIS ROYAL

HOTEL DE VILLE

FOREIGN OFFICE

PALACE OF THE LEGION OF HONOUR

MAP OF PARIS, WITH INDICATIONS OF ALL THE PARTS DAMAGED OR DESTROYED.

PARIS UNDER THE COMMUNE.

INTRODUCTORY.

Liberté Égalité Fraternité Late in the day of the 30th October, 1870, the agitation was great in Paris; the news had spread that the village of Le Bourget had been retaken by the Prussians. The military report had done what it could to render the pill less bitter by saying that “_this village did not form a part of the system of defence_,” but the people though kept in ignorance perceived instinctively that there must be weakness on the part of the chiefs. After so much French blood had been shed in taking the place, men of brave will would not have been wanting to occupy it. We admit that Le Bourget may not have been important from a military point of view, but as regarding its moral effect its loss was much to be regretted.

The irritation felt by the population of Paris was changed into exasperation, when on the following day the news of the reduction of Metz appeared in the _Official Journal_:

“The Government has just been acquainted with the sad intelligence of the capitulation of Metz. Marshal Bazaine and his army were compelled to surrender, after heroic efforts, which the want of food and ammunition alone rendered it impossible to maintain. They have been made prisoners of war.”

And after this the Government talks of an armistice! What! Strasburg, Toul, Metz, and so many other towns have resisted to the last dire extremity, and Paris, who expects succour from the provinces, is to capitulate, while a single effort is left untried? Has she no more bread? No more powder? Have her citizens no more blood in their veins? No, no! No armistice!

In the morning, a deputation, formed of officers of the National Guards, went to the Hôtel de Ville to learn from the Government what were its intentions. They were received by M. Etienne Arago, who promised them that the decision should be made known to them about two o’clock.

The rappel was beaten at the time mentioned; battalions of the National Guards poured into the Place, some armed, many without arms.

Over the sea of heads the eye was attracted by banners, and enormous placards bearing the inscriptions—

“Vive la République!

“No Armistice!”

or else

“Vive la Commune!

“Death to Cowards!”

Rochefort,[1] with several other members of the Government, shows himself at the principal gate, which is guarded by a company of Mobiles. General Trochu appears in undress; he is received with cries of “_Vive la République! La levée en masse!_ No Armistice! The National Guards, who demand the _levée en masse_, would but cause a slaughter. We must have cannon first; we will have them.” Alas! it had been far better to have had none whatever, as what follows will prove. While some cry, “Vive Trochu!” others shout, “Down with Trochu!” Before long the Hôtel de Ville is invaded; the courts, the saloons, the galleries, all are filled. Each one offers his advice, but certain groups insist positively on the resignation of the Government. Lists of names are passed from hand to hand; among the names are those of Dorian (president), Schoelcher, Delescluze, Ledru Rollin, Félix Pyat.

THE STATE OF PARTY PICTURED By THEMSELVES

Cries are raised that if the Government refuse to resign, its members will be arrested.

“Yes! yes! seize them!” And an officer springs forward to make them prisoners as they sit in council.

“Excuse me, Monsieur, but what warrant have you for so doing?” asks one of the members.

“I have nothing to do with warrants. I act in the name of the people!”

“Have you consulted the people? Those assembled here do not constitute the people.”

The officer was disconcerted. Not long afterwards, however, the crowd is informed that the members of the Government are arrested.

The principal scene took place in the cabinet of the ex-prefect. Citizen Blanqui approaches the table; addressing the people, he requests them to evacuate the room so as to allow the commission to deliberate. The commission! What commission? Where does it spring from? No one knew anything of it, so the members must evidently have named themselves. Monsieur Blanqui had seen to that, no doubt. During this time the adjoining room is the theatre of the most extraordinary excitement; the men of the 106th Battalion, who were on guard in the interior of the Hôtel de Ville, are compelled to use their arms to prevent any one else entering. After some tumult and struggling, but without any spilling of blood, some National Guards of this battalion manage to fight their way through to the room in which the members of the Government are prisoners, and succeed in delivering them.

At about two o’clock in the morning, the 106th Battalion had completely cleared the Hôtel de Ville of the crowds. No violence had been done, and General Trochu was reviewing a body of men ranged in battle order, which extended from the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville to the Place de la Concorde. An hour later, quiet was completely restored.

The members of the Government, who had been incarcerated during several hours, now wished to show their authority; they felt that their power had been shaken, and saw the necessity of strengthening it. What can a Government do in such a case? Call for a plébiscite. But this time Paris alone was consulted, and for a good reason. Thus, on the 1st November, the people, of Paris were enjoined to express their wishes by answering yes or no to this simple question:—

“Do the people of Paris recognise the authority of the Government for the National Defence?”

This was clear, positive, and free from all ambiguity.

The partizans of the Commune declared vehemently that those who voted in the affirmative were reactionists. “Give us the Commune of ’93!“ shouted those who thought they knew a little more about the matter than the rest. They were generally rather badly received. It is no use speaking of ’93! Replace your Blanquis, your Félix Pyats, your Flourens by men like those of the grand revolution, and then we shall be glad to hear what you have to say on the subject.

The inhabitants of Montmartre, La-Chapelle, Belleville, behaved like good citizens, keeping a brave heart in the hour of misfortune.

However it came about, the Government was maintained by a majority of 557,995 votes against 62,638.

Well, Messieurs of the Commune, try again, or, still better, remain quiet.

During the night of the 21st of January the members of the National Defence and the chief officers of the army were assembled around the table in the council-room. They were still under the mournful impression left by the fatal day of the nineteenth, on which hundreds of citizens had fallen at Montretout, at Garches, and at Buzenval. Thanks to the want of foresight of the Government, the people of Paris were rationed to 300 grammes of detestable black bread a day for each person. All representations made to them had been in vain. Ration our bread by degrees, had been said, we should thus accustom ourselves to privation, and be prepared insensibly, for greater sufferings, while the duration of our provisions would be lengthened. But the answer always was: “Bread? We shall have enough, and to spare.” When the great crisis was seen approaching, the public feeling showed itself by violent agitation. It was not surprising, therefore, that all the faces of these gentlemen at the council-table bore marks of great depression. The Governor of Paris offered his resignation, as he was in the habit of doing after every rather stormy sitting; but his colleagues refused to accept it, as they had before. What was to be done? Had not the Governor of Paris sworn never to capitulate? After a night spent in discussing the question, the members of Government decided on the following plan of action. You will see that it was as simple as it was innocent! The following announcement was placarded on all the walls:—

“The Government for the National Defence has decided that the chief commandment of the army of Paris shall in future be separate from the presidency of the Government. “General Vinoy is named Commandant-in-Chief of the army of Paris. “The title and functions of the Governor of Paris are suppressed.”

A trick was played: if they capitulate now, it will no longer be the act of the Governor of Paris. How ingenious this would have been, if it had not been pitiful!

“General Trochu retains the presidency of the Government.”

By the side of this placard was the proclamation of General Thomas.

“TO THE NATIONAL GUARD.

“Last night, a handful of insurgents forced open the prison of Mazas, and delivered several of the prisoners, amongst whom was M. Flourens. The same men attempted to occupy the _mairie_ of the 20th arrondissement (Belleville), and to install the chiefs of the insurrection there; your commander-in-chief relies on your patriotism to repress this shameful sedition. “The safety of Paris is at stake. “While the enemy is bombarding our forts, the factions within our walls use all their efforts to paralyse the defence. “In the name of the public good, in the name of law, and of the high and sacred duty that commands you all to unite in the defence of Paris, hold yourselves ready to frustrate this most criminal attempt; at the first call, let the National Guard rise to a man, and the perturbators will be struck powerless. “The Commander-in-Chief of the National Guard,

“CLEMENT THOMAS.

“A true copy.

“Minister of the Interior ad interim, “JULES FAVRE.

“Paris, 22nd January, 1871.”

In the morning, large groups of people assembled from mere curiosity, appeared on the Place of the Hôtel de Ville, which however wore a peaceful aspect.