[87] The decree which rendered obligatory the service in the marching
companies of the National Guard, and the establishment of
courts-martial, spread terror among the population, and thousands of
people thronged daily to the Prefecture of Police. Sometimes, the
queue extended from the Place Dauphine to beyond the Pont Neuf. But
soon afterwards, stratagems of every kind were put into requisition to
escape from the researches of the Commune, which became more eager and
determined, from day to day, after the publication of the following
decree, the chef-d’oeuvre of the too famous Raoul Rigault:—
“EX-PREFECTURE OF POLICE.
“Delivery of Passports.
“Considering that the civil authority cannot favour the non-execution
of the decrees of the Commune, without failing in its duty, and that it
is highly necessary that all communications with those who carry on
this savage war against us should be prevented,
“The member of the Committee of Public Safety, Delegate at the
Prefecture of Police,
“Decrees:—
“Art. 1. Passports can only be delivered on the production of
satisfactory documents.
“Art. 2. No passport will be delivered to individuals between the
ages of seventeen and thirty-five years, as such fall within the
military law.
“Art. 3. No passport will be issued to any member of the old
police, or who are in relation with Versailles.
“Art. 4. Any persons who come within the conditions of Articles 2
or 3, and apply for passports, will be immediately sent to the
dépôt of the ex-Prefecture of Police.
(Signed) “RAOUL RIGAULT,
“Member of the Committee of Public Safety.”]
[88] Those who decline to join the Commune.