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.