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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:34:24 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:34:24 -0700 |
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diff --git a/10381-h/10381-h.htm b/10381-h/10381-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c8c0773 --- /dev/null +++ b/10381-h/10381-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,22321 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title>The History of a Crime, by Victor Hugo</title> + <meta content="pg2html (binary v0.17)" /> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .75em; margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; text-align: justify; font-size: 80%; font-style: italic;} + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + .xx-small {font-size: 60%;} + .x-small {font-size: 75%;} + .small {font-size: 85%;} + .large {font-size: 115%;} + .x-large {font-size: 130%;} + .indent5 { margin-left: 5%;} + .indent10 { margin-left: 10%;} + .indent15 { margin-left: 15%;} + .indent20 { margin-left: 20%;} + .indent25 { margin-left: 25%;} + .indent30 { margin-left: 30%;} + .indent35 { margin-left: 35%;} + .indent40 { margin-left: 40%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {position: absolute; right: 1%; font-size: 0.6em; + font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; + text-align: right; background-color: #FFFACD; + border: 1px solid; padding: 0.3em;text-indent: 0em;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 15%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + .head { float: left; font-size: 90%; width: 98%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: center; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + p.pfirst, p.noindent {text-indent: 0} + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 0.8 } + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} +</style> + </head> + <body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10381 ***</div> + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + THE HISTORY OF A CRIME + </h1> + <h3> + THE TESTIMONY OF AN EYE-WITNESS + </h3> + <h2> + By Victor Hugo + </h2> + <h3> + Translated by T.H. JOYCE and ARTHUR LOCKER. + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <b>THE FIRST DAY—THE AMBUSH.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. "SECURITY" </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. PARIS SLEEPS—THE BELL RINGS + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. WHAT HAD HAPPENED DURING THE NIGHT + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. OTHER DOINGS OF THE NIGHT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. THE DARKNESS OF THE CRIME </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. "PLACARDS" </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. NO. 70, RUE BLANCHE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. "VIOLATION OF THE CHAMBER" </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. AN END WORSE THAN DEATH </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. THE BLACK DOOR </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. THE MAIRIE OF THE TENTH + ARRONDISSEMENT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. LOUIS BONAPARTE'S SIDE-FACE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. THE D'ORSAY BARRACKS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. MAZAS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. THE EPISODE OF THE BOULEVARD ST. + MARTIN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. THE REBOUND OF THE 24TH JUNE, 1848, + ON THE 2D DECEMBER, 1851 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. THE REPRESENTATIVES HUNTED DOWN + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. ONE FOOT IN THE TOMB </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. THE BURIAL OF A GREAT ANNIVERSARY + </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0022"> <b>THE SECOND DAY—THE STRUGGLE.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER I. THEY COME TO ARREST ME </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER II. FROM THE BASTILLE TO THE RUE DE COTTE + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER III. THE ST. ANTOINE BARRICADE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER IV. THE WORKMEN'S SOCIETIES ASK US FOR + THE ORDER TO FIGHT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER V. BAUDINS'S CORPSE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER VI. THE DECREES OF THE REPRESENTATIVES + WHO REMAINED FREE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER VII. THE ARCHBISHOP </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER VIII. MOUNT VALERIEN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER IX. THE LIGHTNING BEGINS TO FLASH AMONGST + THE PEOPLE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER X. WHAT FLEURY WENT TO DO AT MAZAS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XI. THE END OF THE SECOND DAY </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0034"> <b>THE THIRD DAY—THE MASSACRE.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER I. THOSE WHO SLEEP AND HE WHO DOES NOT + SLEEP </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER II. THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER III. INSIDE THE ELYSEE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER IV. BONAPARTE'S FAMILIAR SPIRITS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER V. A WAVERING ALLY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER VI. DENIS DUSSOUBS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER VII. ITEMS AND INTERVIEWS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER VIII. THE SITUATION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER IX. THE PORTE SAINT MARTIN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0041"> CHAPTER X. MY VISIT TO THE BARRICADE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0042"> CHAPTER XI. THE BARRICADE OF THE RUE MESLAY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0043"> CHAPTER XII. THE BARRICADE OF THE MAIRIE OF THE + FIFTH ARRONDISSEMENT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0044"> CHAPTER VIII. THE BARRICADE OF THE RUE THEVENOT + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0045"> CHAPTER XIV. OSSIAN AND SCIPIO </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0046"> CHAPTER XV. THE QUESTION PRESENTS ITSELF </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0047"> CHAPTER XVI. THE MASSACRE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0048"> CHAPTER XVII. THE APPOINTMENT MADE WITH THE + WORKMEN'S SOCIETIES </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0049"> CHAPTER XVIII. THE VERIFICATION OF MORAL LAWS + </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0053"> <b>THE FOURTH DAY—THE VICTORY.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0050"> CHAPTER I. WHAT HAPPENED DURING THE NIGHT—THE + RUE TIQUETONNE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0051"> CHAPTER II. WHAT HAPPENED DURING THE NIGHT—THE + MARKET QUARTER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0052"> CHAPTER III. WHAT HAPPENED DURING THE NIGHT.—THE + PETIT CARREAU </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0053"> CHAPTER IV. WHAT WAS DONE DURING THE NIGHT—THE + PASSAGE DU SAUMON </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0054"> CHAPTER V. OTHER DEEDS OF DARKNESS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0055"> CHAPTER VI. THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0056"> CHAPTER VII. THE OTHER LIST </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0057"> CHAPTER VIII. DAVID D'ANGERS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0058"> CHAPTER IX. OUR LAST MEETING </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0059"> CHAPTER X. DUTY CAN HAVE TWO ASPECTS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0060"> CHAPTER XI. THE COMBAT FINISHED, THE ORDEAL + BEGINS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0061"> CHAPTER XII. THE EXILED </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0062"> CHAPTER XIII. THE MILITARY COMMISSIONS AND THE + MIXED COMMISSIONS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0063"> CHAPTER XIV. A RELIGIOUS INCIDENT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0064"> CHAPTER XV. HOW THEY CAME OUT OF HAM </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0065"> CHAPTER XVI. A RETROSPECT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0066"> CHAPTER XVII. CONDUCT OF THE LEFT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0067"> CHAPTER XVIII. PAGE WRITTEN AT BRUSSELS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0068"> CHAPTER XIX. THE INFALLIBLE BENEDICTION </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_CONC"> <b>CONCLUSION—THE FALL.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0069"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0070"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0071"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0072"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0073"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0074"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0075"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0076"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0077"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0078"> CHAPTER X. <br /><br /></a> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE FIRST DAY—THE AMBUSH. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. "SECURITY" + </h2> + <p> + On December 1, 1851, Charras<a href="#linknoteref-1" name="linknote-1" + id="linknote-1"><small>1</small></a> shrugged his shoulder and unloaded + his pistols. In truth, the belief in the possibility of a <i>coup d'état</i> + had become humiliating. The supposition of such illegal violence on the + part of M. Louis Bonaparte vanished upon serious consideration. The great + question of the day was manifestly the Devincq election; it was clear that + the Government was only thinking of that matter. As to a conspiracy + against the Republic and against the People, how could any one premeditate + such a plot? Where was the man capable of entertaining such a dream? For a + tragedy there must be an actor, and here assuredly the actor was wanting. + To outrage Right, to suppress the Assembly, to abolish the Constitution, + to strangle the Republic, to overthrow the Nation, to sully the Flag, to + dishonor the Army, to suborn the Clergy and the Magistracy, to succeed, to + triumph, to govern, to administer, to exile, to banish, to transport, to + ruin, to assassinate, to reign, with such complicities that the law at + last resembles a foul bed of corruption. What! All these enormities were + to be committed! And by whom? By a Colossus? No, by a dwarf. People + laughed at the notion. They no longer said "What a crime!" but "What a + farce!" For after all they reflected; heinous crimes require stature. + Certain crimes are too lofty for certain hands. A man who would achieve an + 18th Brumaire must have Arcola in his past and Austerlitz in his future. + The art of becoming a great scoundrel is not accorded to the first comer. + People said to themselves, Who is this son of Hortense? He has Strasbourg + behind him instead of Arcola, and Boulogne in place of Austerlitz. He is a + Frenchman, born a Dutchman, and naturalized a Swiss; he is a Bonaparte + crossed with a Verhuell; he is only celebrated for the ludicrousness of + his imperial attitude, and he who would pluck a feather from his eagle + would risk finding a goose's quill in his hand. This Bonaparte does not + pass currency in the array, he is a counterfeit image less of gold than of + lead, and assuredly French soldiers will not give us the change for this + false Napoleon in rebellion, in atrocities, in massacres, in outrages, in + treason. If he should attempt roguery it would miscarry. Not a regiment + would stir. Besides, why should he make such an attempt? Doubtless he has + his suspicious side, but why suppose him an absolute villain? Such extreme + outrages are beyond him; he is incapable of them physically, why judge him + capable of them morally? Has he not pledged honor? Has he not said, "No + one in Europe doubts my word?" Let us fear nothing. To this could be + answered, Crimes are committed either on a grand or on a mean scale. In + the first category there is Caesar; in the second there is Mandrin. Caesar + passes the Rubicon, Mandrin bestrides the gutter. But wise men interposed, + "Are we not prejudiced by offensive conjectures? This man has been exiled + and unfortunate. Exile enlightens, misfortune corrects." + </p> + <p> + For his part Louis Bonaparte protested energetically. Facts abounded in + his favor. Why should he not act in good faith? He had made remarkable + promises. Towards the end of October, 1848, then a candidate for the + Presidency, he was calling at No. 37, Rue de la Tour d'Auvergne, on a + certain personage, to whom he remarked, "I wish to have an explanation + with you. They slander me. Do I give you the impression of a madman? They + think that I wish to revivify Napoleon. There are two men whom a great + ambition can take for its models, Napoleon and Washington. The one is a + man of Genius, the other is a man of Virtue. It is ridiculous to say, 'I + will be a man of Genius;' it is honest to say, 'I will be a man of + Virtue.' Which of these depends upon ourselves? Which can we accomplish by + our will? To be Genius? No. To be Probity? Yes. The attainment of Genius + is not possible; the attainment of Probity is a possibility. And what + could I revive of Napoleon? One sole thing—a crime. Truly a worthy + ambition! Why should I be considered man? The Republic being established, + I am not a great man, I shall not copy Napoleon; but I am an honest man. I + shall imitate Washington. My name, the name of Bonaparte, will be + inscribed on two pages of the history of France: on the first there will + be crime and glory, on the second probity and honor. And the second will + perhaps be worth the first. Why? Because if Napoleon is the greater, + Washington is the better man. Between the guilty hero and the good citizen + I choose the good citizen. Such is my ambition." + </p> + <p> + From 1848 to 1851 three years elapsed. People had long suspected Louis + Bonaparte; but long-continued suspicion blunts the intellect and wears + itself out by fruitless alarms. Louis Bonaparte had had dissimulating + ministers such as Magne and Rouher; but he had also had straightforward + ministers such as Léon Faucher and Odilon Barrot; and these last had + affirmed that he was upright and sincere. He had been seen to beat his + breast before the doors of Ham; his foster sister, Madame Hortense Cornu, + wrote to Mieroslawsky, "I am a good Republican, and I can answer for him." + His friend of Ham, Peauger, a loyal man, declared, "Louis Bonaparte is + incapable of treason." Had not Louis Bonaparte written the work entitled + "Pauperism"? In the intimate circles of the Elysée Count Potocki was a + Republican and Count d'Orsay was a Liberal; Louis Bonaparte said to + Potocki, "I am a man of the Democracy," and to D'Orsay, "I am a man of + Liberty." The Marquis du Hallays opposed the <i>coup d'état</i>, while the + Marquise du Hallays was in its favor. Louis Bonaparte said to the Marquis, + "Fear nothing" (it is true that he whispered to the Marquise, "Make your + mind easy"). The Assembly, after having shown here and there some symptoms + of uneasiness, had grown calm. There was General Neumayer, "who was to be + depended upon," and who from his position at Lyons would at need march + upon Paris. Changarnier exclaimed, "Representatives of the people, + deliberate in peace." Even Louis Bonaparte himself had pronounced these + famous words, "I should see an enemy of my country in any one who would + change by force that which has been established by law," and, moreover, + the Army was "force," and the Army possessed leaders, leaders who were + beloved and victorious. Lamoricière, Changarnier, Cavaignac, Leflô, + Bedeau, Charras; how could any one imagine the Army of Africa arresting + the Generals of Africa? On Friday, November 28, 1851, Louis Bonaparte said + to Michel de Bourges, "If I wanted to do wrong, I could not. Yesterday, + Thursday, I invited to my table five Colonels of the garrison of Paris, + and the whim seized me to question each one by himself. All five declared + to me that the Army would never lend itself to a <i>coup de force</i>, nor + attack the inviolability of the Assembly. You can tell your friends this."—"He + smiled," said Michel de Bourges, reassured, "and I also smiled." After + this, Michel de Bourges declared in the Tribune, "this is the man for me." + In that same month of November a satirical journal, charged with + calumniating the President of the Republic, was sentenced to fine and + imprisonment for a caricature depicting a shooting-gallery and Louis + Bonaparte using the Constitution as a target. Morigny, Minister of the + Interior, declared in the Council before the President "that a Guardian of + Public Power ought never to violate the law as otherwise he would be—" + "a dishonest man," interposed the President. All these words and all these + facts were notorious. The material and moral impossibility of the <i>coup + d'état</i> was manifest to all. To outrage the National Assembly! To + arrest the Representatives! What madness! As we have seen, Charras, who + had long remained on his guard, unloaded his pistols. The feeling of + security was complete and unanimous. Nevertheless there were some of us in + the Assembly who still retained a few doubts, and who occasionally shook + our heads, but we were looked upon as fools. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-1" name="linknoteref-1" id="linknoteref-1_"><small>1</small></a> + <i>Colonel Charras was Under-Secretary of State in 1848, and Acting + Secretary of War under the Provisional Government.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. PARIS SLEEPS—THE BELL RINGS + </h2> + <p> + On the 2d December, 1851, Representative Versigny, of the Haute-Saône, who + resided at Paris, at No. 4, Rue Léonie, was asleep. He slept soundly; he + had been working till late at night. Versigny was a young man of + thirty-two, soft-featured and fair-complexioned, of a courageous spirit, + and a mind tending towards social and economical studies. He had passed + the first hours of the night in the perusal of a book by Bastiat, in which + he was making marginal notes, and, leaving the book open on the table, he + had fallen asleep. Suddenly he awoke with a start at the sound of a sharp + ring at the bell. He sprang up in surprise. It was dawn. It was about + seven o'clock in the morning. + </p> + <p> + Never dreaming what could be the motive for so early a visit, and thinking + that someone had mistaken the door, he again lay down, and was about to + resume his slumber, when a second ring at the bell, still louder than the + first, completely aroused him. He got up in his night-shirt and opened the + door. + </p> + <p> + Michel de Bourges and Théodore Bac entered. Michel de Bourges was the + neighbor of Versigny; he lived at No. 16, Rue de Milan. + </p> + <p> + Théodore Bac and Michel were pale, and appeared greatly agitated. + </p> + <p> + "Versigny," said Michel, "dress yourself at once—Baune has just been + arrested." + </p> + <p> + "Bah!" exclaimed Versigny. "Is the Mauguin business beginning again?" + </p> + <p> + "It is more than that," replied Michel. "Baune's wife and daughter came to + me half-an-hour ago. They awoke me. Baune was arrested in bed at six + o'clock this morning." + </p> + <p> + "What does that mean?" asked Versigny. + </p> + <p> + The bell rang again. + </p> + <p> + "This will probably tell us," answered Michel de Bourges. + </p> + <p> + Versigny opened the door. It was the Representative Pierre Lefranc. He + brought, in truth, the solution of the enigma. + </p> + <p> + "Do you know what is happening?" said he. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," answered Michel. "Baune is in prison." + </p> + <p> + "It is the Republic who is a prisoner," said Pierre Lefranc. "Have you + read the placards?" + </p> + <p> + "No." + </p> + <p> + Pierre Lefranc explained to them that the walls at that moment were + covered with placards which the curious crowd were thronging to read, that + he had glanced over one of them at the corner of his street, and that the + blow had fallen. + </p> + <p> + "The blow!" exclaimed Michel. "Say rather the crime." + </p> + <p> + Pierre Lefranc added that there were three placards—one decree and + two proclamations—all three on white paper, and pasted close + together. + </p> + <p> + The decree was printed in large letters. + </p> + <p> + The ex-Constituent Laissac, who lodged, like Michel de Bourges, in the + neighborhood (No. 4, Cité Gaillard), then came in. He brought the same + news, and announced further arrests which had been made during the night. + </p> + <p> + There was not a minute to lose. + </p> + <p> + They went to impart the news to Yvan, the Secretary of the Assembly, who + had been appointed by the Left, and who lived in the Rue de Boursault. + </p> + <p> + An immediate meeting was necessary. Those Republican Representatives who + were still at liberty must be warned and brought together without delay. + </p> + <p> + Versigny said, "I will go and find Victor Hugo." + </p> + <p> + It was eight o'clock in the morning. I was awake and was working in bed. + My servant entered and said, with an air of alarm,— + </p> + <p> + "A Representative of the people is outside who wishes to speak to you, + sir." + </p> + <p> + "Who is it?" + </p> + <p> + "Monsieur Versigny:" + </p> + <p> + "Show him in." + </p> + <p> + Versigny entered, and told me the state of affairs. I sprang out of bed. + </p> + <p> + He told me of the "rendezvous" at the rooms of the ex-Constituent Laissac. + </p> + <p> + "Go at once and inform the other Representatives," said I. + </p> + <p> + He left me. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. WHAT HAD HAPPENED DURING THE NIGHT + </h2> + <p> + Previous to the fatal days of June, 1848, the esplanade of the Invalides + was divided into eight huge grass plots, surrounded by wooden railings and + enclosed between two groves of trees, separated by a street running + perpendicularly to the front of the Invalides. This street was traversed + by three streets running parallel to the Seine. There were large lawns + upon which children were wont to play. The centre of the eight grass plots + was marred by a pedestal which under the Empire had borne the bronze lion + of St. Mark, which had been brought from Venice; under the Restoration a + white marble statue of Louis XVIII.; and under Louis Philippe a plaster + bust of Lafayette. Owing to the Palace of the Constituent Assembly having + been nearly seized by a crowd of insurgents on the 22d of June, 1848, and + there being no barracks in the neighborhood, General Cavaignac had + constructed at three hundred paces from the Legislative Palace, on the + grass plots of the Invalides, several rows of long huts, under which the + grass was hidden. These huts, where three or four thousand men could be + accommodated, lodged the troops specially appointed to keep watch over the + National Assembly. + </p> + <p> + On the 1st December, 1851, the two regiments hutted on the Esplanade were + the 6th and the 42d Regiments of the Line, the 6th commanded by Colonel + Garderens de Boisse, who was famous before the Second of December, the 42d + by Colonel Espinasse, who became famous since that date. + </p> + <p> + The ordinary night-guard of the Palace of the Assembly was composed of a + battalion of Infantry and of thirty artillerymen, with a captain. The + Minister of War, in addition, sent several troopers for orderly service. + Two mortars and six pieces of cannon, with their ammunition wagons, were + ranged in a little square courtyard situated on the right of the Cour + d'Honneur, and which was called the Cour des Canons. The Major, the + military commandant of the Palace, was placed under the immediate control + of the Questors.<a href="#linknoteref-2" name="linknote-2" id="linknote-2"><small>2</small></a> + At nightfall the gratings and the doors were secured, sentinels were + posted, instructions were issued to the sentries, and the Palace was + closed like a fortress. The password was the same as in the Place de + Paris. + </p> + <p> + The special instructions drawn up by the Questors prohibited the entrance + of any armed force other than the regiment on duty. + </p> + <p> + On the night of the 1st and 2d of December the Legislative Palace was + guarded by a battalion of the 42d. + </p> + <p> + The sitting of the 1st of December, which was exceedingly peaceable, and + had been devoted to a discussion on the municipal law, had finished late, + and was terminated by a Tribunal vote. At the moment when M. Baze, one of + the Questors, ascended the Tribune to deposit his vote, a Representative, + belonging to what was called "Les Bancs Elyséens" approached him, and said + in a low tone, "To-night you will be carried off." Such warnings as these + were received every day, and, as we have already explained, people had + ended by paying no heed to them. Nevertheless, immediately after the + sitting the Questors sent for the Special Commissary of Police of the + Assembly, President Dupin being present. When interrogated, the Commissary + declared that the reports of his agents indicated "dead calm"—such + was his expression—and that assuredly there was no danger to be + apprehended for that night. When the Questors pressed him further, + President Dupin, exclaiming "Bah!" left the room. + </p> + <p> + On that same day, the 1st December, about three o'clock in the afternoon, + as General Leflô's father-in-law crossed the boulevard in front of + Tortoni's, some one rapidly passed by him and whispered in his ear these + significant words, "Eleven o'clock—midnight." This incident excited + but little attention at the Questure, and several even laughed at it. It + had become customary with them. Nevertheless General Leflô would not go to + bed until the hour mentioned had passed by, and remained in the Offices of + the Questure until nearly one o'clock in the morning. + </p> + <p> + The shorthand department of the Assembly was done out of doors by four + messengers attached to the <i>Moniteur</i>, who were employed to carry the + copy of the shorthand writers to the printing-office, and to bring back + the proof-sheets to the Palace of the Assembly, where M. Hippolyte Prévost + corrected them. M. Hippolyte Prévost was chief of the stenographic staff, + and in that capacity had apartments in the Legislative Palace. He was at + the same time editor of the musical <i>feuilleton</i> of the <i>Moniteur</i>. + On the 1st December he had gone to the Opéra Comique for the first + representation of a new piece, and did not return till after midnight. The + fourth messenger from the <i>Moniteur</i> was waiting for him with a proof + of the last slip of the sitting; M. Prévost corrected the proof, and the + messenger was sent off. It was then a little after one o'clock, profound + quiet reigned around, and, with the exception of the guard, all in the + Palace slept. Towards this hour of the night, a singular incident + occurred. The Captain-Adjutant-Major of the Guard of the Assembly came to + the Major and said, "The Colonel has sent for me," and he added according + to military etiquette, "Will you permit me to go?" The Commandant was + astonished. "Go," he said with some sharpness, "but the Colonel is wrong + to disturb an officer on duty." One of the soldiers on guard, without + understanding the meaning of the words, heard the Commandant pacing up and + down, and muttering several times, "What the deuce can he want?" + </p> + <p> + Half an hour afterwards the Adjutant-Major returned. "Well," asked the + Commandant, "what did the Colonel want with you?" "Nothing," answered the + Adjutant, "he wished to give me the orders for to-morrow's duties." The + night became further advanced. Towards four o'clock the Adjutant-Major + came again to the Major. "Major," he said, "the Colonel has asked for me." + "Again!" exclaimed the Commandant. "This is becoming strange; + nevertheless, go." + </p> + <p> + The Adjutant-Major had amongst other duties that of giving out the + instructions to the sentries, and consequently had the power of rescinding + them. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the Adjutant-Major had gone out, the Major, becoming uneasy, + thought that it was his duty to communicate with the Military Commandant + of the Palace. He went upstairs to the apartment of the Commandant— + Lieutenant Colonel Niols. Colonel Niols had gone to bed and the attendants + had retired to their rooms in the attics. The Major, new to the Palace, + groped about the corridors, and, knowing little about the various rooms, + rang at a door which seemed to him that of the Military Commandant. Nobody + answered, the door was not opened, and the Major returned downstairs, + without having been able to speak to anybody. + </p> + <p> + On his part the Adjutant-Major re-entered the Palace, but the Major did + not see him again. The Adjutant remained near the grated door of the Place + Bourgogne, shrouded in his cloak, and walking up and down the courtyard as + though expecting some one. + </p> + <p> + At the instant that five o'clock sounded from the great clock of the dome, + the soldiers who slept in the hut-camp before the Invalides were suddenly + awakened. Orders were given in a low voice in the huts to take up arms, in + silence. Shortly afterwards two regiments, knapsack on back were marching + upon the Palace of the Assembly; they were the 6th and the 42d. + </p> + <p> + At this same stroke of five, simultaneously in all the quarters of Paris, + infantry soldiers filed out noiselessly from every barrack, with their + colonels at their head. The <i>aides-de-camp</i> and orderly officers of + Louis Bonaparte, who had been distributed in all the barracks, + superintended this taking up of arms. The cavalry were not set in motion + until three-quarters of an hour after the infantry, for fear that the ring + of the horses' hoofs on the stones should wake slumbering Paris too soon. + </p> + <p> + M. de Persigny, who had brought from the Elysée to the camp of the + Invalides the order to take up arms, marched at the head of the 42d, by + the side of Colonel Espinasse. A story is current in the army, for at the + present day, wearied as people are with dishonorable incidents, these + occurrences are yet told with a species of gloomy indifference—the + story is current that at the moment of setting out with his regiment one + of the colonels who could be named hesitated, and that the emissary from + the Elysée, taking a sealed packet from his pocket, said to him, "Colonel, + I admit that we are running a great risk. Here in this envelope, which I + have been charged to hand to you, are a hundred thousand francs in + banknotes <i>for contingencies</i>." The envelope was accepted, and the + regiment set out. On the evening of the 2d of December the colonel said to + a lady, "This morning I earned a hundred thousand francs and my General's + epaulets." The lady showed him the door. + </p> + <p> + Xavier Durrieu, who tells us this story, had the curiosity later on to see + this lady. She confirmed the story. Yes, certainly! she had shut the door + in the face of this wretch; a soldier, a traitor to his flag who dared + visit her! She receive such a man? No! she could not do that, "and," + states Xavier Durrieu, she added, "And yet I have no character to lose." + </p> + <p> + Another mystery was in progress at the Prefecture of Police. + </p> + <p> + Those belated inhabitants of the Cité who may have returned home at a late + hour of the night might have noticed a large number of street cabs + loitering in scattered groups at different points round about the Rue de + Jerusalem. + </p> + <p> + From eleven o'clock in the evening, under pretext of the arrivals of + refugees at Paris from Genoa and London, the Brigade of Surety and the + eight hundred <i>sergents de ville</i> had been retained in the + Prefecture. At three o'clock in the morning a summons had been sent to the + forty-eight Commissaries of Paris and of the suburbs, and also to the + peace officers. An hour afterwards all of them arrived. They were ushered + into a separate chamber, and isolated from each other as much as possible. + At five o'clock a bell was sounded in the Prefect's cabinet. The Prefect + Maupas called the Commissaries of Police one after another into his + cabinet, revealed the plot to them, and allotted to each his portion of + the crime. None refused; many thanked him. + </p> + <p> + It was a question of arresting at their own homes seventy-eight Democrats + who were influential in their districts, and dreaded by the Elysée as + possible chieftains of barricades. It was necessary, a still more daring + outrage, to arrest at their houses sixteen Representatives of the People. + For this last task were chosen among the Commissaries of Police such of + those magistrates who seemed the most likely to become ruffians. Amongst + these were divided the Representatives. Each had his man. Sieur Courtille + had Charras, Sieur Desgranges had Nadaud, Sieur Hubaut the elder had M. + Thiers, and Sieur Hubaut the younger General Bedeau, General Changarnier + was allotted to Lerat, and General Cavaignac to Colin. Sieur Dourlens took + Representative Valentin, Sieur Benoist Representative Miot, Sieur Allard + Representative Cholat, Sieur Barlet took Roger (Du Nord), General + Lamoricière fell to Commissary Blanchet, Commissary Gronfier had + Representative Greppo, and Commissary Boudrot Representative Lagrange. The + Questors were similarly allotted, Monsieur Baze to the Sieur Primorin, and + General Leflô to Sieur Bertoglio. + </p> + <p> + Warrants with the name of the Representatives had been drawn up in the + Prefect's private Cabinet. Blanks had been only left for the names of the + Commissaries. These were filled in at the moment of leaving. + </p> + <p> + In addition to the armed force which was appointed to assist them, it had + been decided that each Commissary should be accompanied by two escorts, + one composed of <i>sergents de ville</i>, the other of police agents in + plain clothes. As Prefect Maupas had told M. Bonaparte, the Captain of the + Republican Guard, Baudinet, was associated with Commissary Lerat in the + arrest of General Changarnier. + </p> + <p> + Towards half-past five the <i>fiacres</i> which were in waiting were + called up, and all started, each with his instructions. + </p> + <p> + During this time, in another corner of Paris—the old Rue du Temple—in + that ancient Soubise Mansion which had been transformed into a Royal + Printing Office, and is to-day a National Printing Office, another section + of the Crime was being organized. + </p> + <p> + Towards one in the morning a passer-by who had reached the old Rue du + Temple by the Rue de Vieilles-Haudriettes, noticed at the junction of + these two streets several long and high windows brilliantly lighted up, + These were the windows of the work-rooms of the National Printing Office. + He turned to the right and entered the old Rue du Temple, and a moment + afterwards paused before the crescent-shaped entrance of the front of the + printing-office. The principal door was shut, two sentinels guarded the + side door. Through this little door, which was ajar, he glanced into the + courtyard of the printing-office, and saw it filled with soldiers. The + soldiers were silent, no sound could be heard, but the glistening of their + bayonets could be seen. The passer-by surprised, drew nearer. One of the + sentinels thrust him rudely back, crying out, "Be off." + </p> + <p> + Like the <i>sergents de ville</i> at the Prefecture of Police, the workmen + had been retained at the National Printing Office under plea of + night-work. At the same time that M. Hippolyte Prévost returned to the + Legislative Palace, the manager of the National Printing Office re-entered + his office, also returning from the Opéra Comique, where he had been to + see the new piece, which was by his brother, M. de St. Georges. + Immediately on his return the manager, to whom had come an order from the + Elysée during the day, took up a pair of pocket pistols, and went down + into the vestibule, which communicates by means of a few steps with the + courtyard. Shortly afterwards the door leading to the street opened, a <i>fiacre</i> + entered, a man who carried a large portfolio alighted. The manager went up + to the man, and said to him, "Is that you, Monsieur de Béville?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," answered the man. + </p> + <p> + The <i>fiacre</i> was put up, the horses placed in a stable, and the + coachman shut up in a parlor, where they gave him drink, and placed a + purse in his hand. Bottles of wine and louis d'or form the groundwork of + this hind of politics. The coachman drank and then went to sleep. The door + of the parlor was bolted. + </p> + <p> + The large door of the courtyard of the printing-office was hardly shut + than it reopened, gave passage to armed men, who entered in silence, and + then reclosed. The arrivals were a company of the Gendarmerie Mobile, the + fourth of the first battalion, commanded by a captain named La Roche + d'Oisy. As may be remarked by the result, for all delicate expeditions the + men of the <i>coup d'état</i> took care to employ the Gendarmerie Mobile + and the Republican Guard, that it is to say the two corps almost entirely + composed of former Municipal Guards, bearing at heart a revengeful + remembrance of the events of February. + </p> + <p> + Captain La Roche d'Oisy brought a letter from the Minister of War, which + placed himself and his soldiers at the disposition of the manager of the + National Printing Office. The muskets were loaded without a word being + spoken. Sentinels were placed in the workrooms, in the corridors, at the + doors, at the windows, in fact, everywhere, two being stationed at the + door leading into the street. The captain asked what instructions he + should give to the sentries. "Nothing more simple," said the man who had + come in the <i>fiacre</i>. "Whoever attempts to leave or to open a window, + shoot him." + </p> + <p> + This man, who, in fact, was De Béville, orderly officer to M. Bonaparte, + withdrew with the manager into the large cabinet on the first story, a + solitary room which looked out on the garden. There he communicated to the + manager what he had brought with him, the decree of the dissolution of the + Assembly, the appeal to the Army, the appeal to the People, the decree + convoking the electors, and in addition, the proclamation of the Prefect + Maupas and his letter to the Commissaries of Police. The four first + documents were entirely in the handwriting of the President, and here and + there some erasures might be noticed. + </p> + <p> + The compositors were in waiting. Each man was placed between two + gendarmes, and was forbidden to utter a single word, and then the + documents which had to be printed were distributed throughout the room, + being cut up in very small pieces, so that an entire sentence could not be + read by one workman. The manager announced that he would give them an hour + to compose the whole. The different fragments were finally brought to + Colonel Béville, who put them together and corrected the proof sheets. The + machining was conducted with the same precautions, each press being + between two soldiers. Notwithstanding all possible diligence the work + lasted two hours. The gendarmes watched over the workmen. Béville watched + over St. Georges. + </p> + <p> + When the work was finished a suspicious incident occurred, which greatly + resembled a treason within a treason. To a traitor a greater traitor. This + species of crime is subject to such accidents. Béville and St. Georges, + the two trusty confidants in whose hands lay the secret of the <i>coup + d'état</i>, that is to say the head of the President;—that secret, + which ought at no price to be allowed to transpire before the appointed + hour, under risk of causing everything to miscarry, took it into their + heads to confide it at once to two hundred men, in order "to test the + effect," as the ex-Colonel Béville said later on, rather naïvely. They + read the mysterious document which had just been printed to the Gendarmes + Mobiles, who were drawn up in the courtyard. These ex-municipal guards + applauded. If they had hooted, it might be asked what the two + experimentalists in the <i>coup d'état</i> would have done. Perhaps M. + Bonaparte would have waked up from his dream at Vincennes. + </p> + <p> + The coachman was then liberated, the <i>fiacre</i> was horsed, and at four + o'clock in the morning the orderly officer and the manager of the National + Printing Office, henceforward two criminals, arrived at the Prefecture of + Police with the parcels of the decrees. Then began for them the brand of + shame. Prefect Maupas took them by the hand. + </p> + <p> + Bands of bill-stickers, bribed for the occasion, started in every + direction, carrying with them the decrees and proclamations. + </p> + <p> + This was precisely the hour at which the Palace of the National Assembly + was invested. In the Rue de l'Université there is a door of the Palace + which is the old entrance to the Palais Bourbon, and which opened into the + avenue which leads to the house of the President of the Assembly. This + door, termed the Presidency door, was according to custom guarded by a + sentry. For some time past the Adjutant-Major, who had been twice sent for + during the night by Colonel Espinasse, had remained motionless and silent, + close by the sentinel. Five minutes after, having left the huts of the + Invalides, the 42d Regiment of the line, followed at some distance by the + 6th Regiment, which had marched by the Rue de Bourgogne, emerged from the + Rue de l'Université. "The regiment," says an eye-witness, "marched as one + steps in a sickroom." It arrived with a stealthy step before the + Presidency door. This ambuscade came to surprise the law. + </p> + <p> + The sentry, seeing these soldiers arrive, halted, but at the moment when + he was going to challenge them with a <i>qui-vive</i>, the Adjutant-Major + seized his arm, and, in his capacity as the officer empowered to + countermand all instructions, ordered him to give free passage to the 42d, + and at the same time commanded the amazed porter to open the door. The + door turned upon its hinges, the soldiers spread themselves through the + avenue. Persigny entered and said, "It is done." + </p> + <p> + The National Assembly was invaded. + </p> + <p> + At the noise of the footsteps the Commandant Mennier ran up. "Commandant," + Colonel Espinasse cried out to him, "I come to relieve your battalion." + The Commandant turned pale for a moment, and his eyes remained fixed on + the ground. Then suddenly he put his hands to his shoulders, and tore off + his epaulets, he drew his sword, broke it across his knee, threw the two + fragments on the pavement, and, trembling with rage, exclaimed with a + solemn voice, "Colonel, you disgrace the number of your regiment." + </p> + <p> + "All right, all right," said Espinasse. + </p> + <p> + The Presidency door was left open, but all the other entrances remained + closed. All the guards were relieved, all the sentinels changed, and the + battalion of the night guard was sent back to the camp of the Invalides, + the soldiers piled their arms in the avenue, and in the Cour d'Honneur. + The 42d, in profound silence, occupied the doors outside and inside, the + courtyard, the reception-rooms, the galleries, the corridors, the + passages, while every one slept in the Palace. + </p> + <p> + Shortly afterwards arrived two of those little chariots which are called + "forty sons," and two <i>fiacres</i>, escorted by two detachments of the + Republican Guard and of the Chasseurs de Vincennes, and by several squads + of police. The Commissaries Bertoglio and Primorin alighted from the two + chariots. + </p> + <p> + As these carriages drove up a personage, bald, but still young, was seen + to appear at the grated door of the Place de Bourgogne. This personage had + all the air of a man about town, who had just come from the opera, and, in + fact, he had come from thence, after having passed through a den. He came + from the Elysée. It was De Morny. For an instant he watched the soldiers + piling their arms, and then went on to the Presidency door. There he + exchanged a few words with M. de Persigny. A quarter of an hour + afterwards, accompanied by 250 Chasseurs de Vincennes, he took possession + of the ministry of the Interior, startled M. de Thorigny in his bed, and + handed him brusquely a letter of thanks from Monsieur Bonaparte. Some days + previously honest M. De Thorigny, whose ingenuous remarks we have already + cited, said to a group of men near whom M. de Morny was passing, "How + these men of the Mountain calumniate the President! The man who would + break his oath, who would achieve a <i>coup d'état</i> must necessarily be + a worthless wretch." Awakened rudely in the middle of the night, and + relieved of his post as Minister like the sentinels of the Assembly, the + worthy man, astounded, and rubbing his eyes, muttered, "Eh! then the + President <i>is</i> a ——." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Morny, with a burst of laughter. + </p> + <p> + He who writes these lines knew Morny. Morny and Walewsky held in the + quasi-reigning family the positions, one of Royal bastard, the other of + Imperial bastard. Who was Morny? We will say, "A noted wit, an intriguer, + but in no way austere, a friend of Romieu, and a supporter of Guizot + possessing the manners of the world, and the habits of the roulette table, + self-satisfied, clever, combining a certain liberality of ideas with a + readiness to accept useful crimes, finding means to wear a gracious smile + with bad teeth, leading a life of pleasure, dissipated but reserved, ugly, + good-tempered, fierce, well-dressed, intrepid, willingly leaving a brother + prisoner under bolts and bars, and ready to risk his head for a brother + Emperor, having the same mother as Louis Bonaparte, and like Louis + Bonaparte, having some father or other, being able to call himself + Beauharnais, being able to call himself Flahaut, and yet calling himself + Morny, pursuing literature as far as light comedy, and politics, as far as + tragedy, a deadly free liver, possessing all the frivolity consistent with + assassination, capable of being sketched by Marivaux and treated of by + Tacitus, without conscience, irreproachably elegant, infamous, and + amiable, at need a perfect duke. Such was this malefactor." + </p> + <p> + It was not yet six o'clock in the morning. Troops began to mass themselves + on the Place de la Concorde, where Leroy-Saint-Arnaud on horseback held a + review. + </p> + <p> + The Commissaries of Police, Bertoglio and Primorin ranged two companies in + order under the vault of the great staircase of the Questure, but did not + ascend that way. They were accompanied by agents of police, who knew the + most secret recesses of the Palais Bourbon, and who conducted them through + various passages. + </p> + <p> + General Leflô was lodged in the Pavilion inhabited in the time of the Duc + de Bourbon by Monsieur Feuchères. That night General Leflô had staying + with him his sister and her husband, who were visiting Paris, and who + slept in a room, the door of which led into one of the corridors of the + Palace. Commissary Bertoglio knocked at the door, opened it, and together + with his agents abruptly burst into the room, where a woman was in bed. + The general's brother-in-out sprang out of bed, and cried out to the + Questor, who slept in an adjoining room, "Adolphe, the doors are being + forced, the Palace is full of soldiers. Get up!" + </p> + <p> + The General opened his eyes, he saw Commissary Bertoglio standing beside + his bed. + </p> + <p> + He sprang up. + </p> + <p> + "General," said the Commissary, "I have come to fulfil a duty." + </p> + <p> + "I understand," said General Leflô, "you are a traitor." + </p> + <p> + The Commissary stammering out the words, "Plot against the safety of the + State," displayed a warrant. The General, without pronouncing a word, + struck this infamous paper with the back of his hand. + </p> + <p> + Then dressing himself, he put on his full uniform of Constantine and of + Médéah, thinking in his imaginative, soldier-like loyalty that there were + still generals of Africa for the soldiers whom he would find on his way. + All the generals now remaining were brigands. His wife embraced him; his + son, a child of seven years, in his nightshirt, and in tears, said to the + Commissary of Police, "Mercy, Monsieur Bonaparte." + </p> + <p> + The General, while clasping his wife in his arms, whispered in her ear, + "There is artillery in the courtyard, try and fire a cannon." + </p> + <p> + The Commissary and his men led him away. He regarded these policemen with + contempt, and did not speak to them, but when he recognized Colonel + Espinasse, his military and Breton heart swelled with indignation. + </p> + <p> + "Colonel Espinasse," said he, "you are a villain, and I hope to live long + enough to tear the buttons from your uniform." + </p> + <p> + Colonel Espinasse hung his head, and stammered, "I do not know you." + </p> + <p> + A major waved his sword, and cried, "We have had enough of lawyer + generals." Some soldiers crossed their bayonets before the unarmed + prisoner, three <i>sergents de ville</i> pushed him into a <i>fiacre</i>, + and a sub-lieutenant approaching the carriage, and looking in the face of + the man who, if he were a citizen, was his Representative, and if he were + a soldier was his general, flung this abominable word at him, "Canaille!" + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Commissary Primorin had gone by a more roundabout way in order + the more surely to surprise the other Questor, M. Baze. + </p> + <p> + Out of M. Baze's apartment a door led to the lobby communicating with the + chamber of the Assembly. Sieur Primorin knocked at the door. "Who is + there?" asked a servant, who was dressing. "The Commissary of Police," + replied Primorin. The servant, thinking that he was the Commissary of + Police of the Assembly, opened the door. + </p> + <p> + At this moment M. Baze, who had heard the noise, and had just awakened, + put on a dressing-gown, and cried, "Do not open the door." + </p> + <p> + He had scarcely spoken these words when a man in plain clothes and three + <i>sergents de ville</i> in uniform rushed into his chamber. The man, + opening his coat, displayed his scarf of office, asking M. Baze, "Do you + recognize this?" + </p> + <p> + "You are a worthless wretch," answered the Questor. + </p> + <p> + The police agents laid their hands on M. Baze. "You will not take me + away," he said. "You, a Commissary of Police, you, who are a magistrate, + and know what you are doing, you outrage the National Assembly, you + violate the law, you are a criminal!" A hand-to-hand struggle ensued—four + against one. Madame Baze and her two little girls giving vent to screams, + the servant being thrust back with blows by the <i>sergents de ville</i>. + "You are ruffians," cried out Monsieur Baze. They carried him away by main + force in their arms, still struggling, naked, his dressing-gown being torn + to shreds, his body being covered with blows, his wrist torn and bleeding. + </p> + <p> + The stairs, the landing, the courtyard, were full of soldiers with fixed + bayonets and grounded arms. The Questor spoke to them. "Your + Representatives are being arrested, you have not received your arms to + break the laws!" A sergeant was wearing a brand-new cross. "Have you been + given the cross for this?" The sergeant answered, "We only know one + master." "I note your number," continued M. Baze. "You are a dishonored + regiment." The soldiers listened with a stolid air, and seemed still + asleep. Commissary Primorin said to them, "Do not answer, this has nothing + to do with you." They led the Questor across the courtyard to the + guard-house at the Porte Noire. + </p> + <p> + This was the name which was given to a little door contrived under the + vault opposite the treasury of the Assembly, and which opened upon the Rue + de Bourgogne, facing the Rue de Lille. + </p> + <p> + Several sentries were placed at the door of the guard-house, and at the + top of the flight of steps which led thither, M. Baze being left there in + charge of three <i>sergents de ville</i>. Several soldiers, without their + weapons, and in their shirt-sleeves, came in and out. The Questor appealed + to them in the name of military honor. "Do not answer," said the <i>sergent + de ville</i> to the soldiers. + </p> + <p> + M. Baze's two little girls had followed him with terrified eyes, and when + they lost sight of him the youngest burst into tears. "Sister," said the + elder, who was seven years old, "let us say our prayers," and the two + children, clasping their hands, knelt down. + </p> + <p> + Commissary Primorin, with his swarm of agents, burst into the Questor's + study, and laid hands on everything. The first papers which he perceived + on the middle of the table, and which he seized, were the famous decrees + which had been prepared in the event of the Assembly having voted the + proposal of the Questors. All the drawers were opened and searched. This + overhauling of M. Baze's papers, which the Commissary of Police termed a + domiciliary visit, lasted more than an hour. + </p> + <p> + M. Baze's clothes had been taken to him, and he had dressed. When the + "domiciliary visit" was over, he was taken out of the guard-house. There + was a <i>fiacre</i> in the courtyard, into which he entered, together with + the three <i>sergents de ville</i>. The vehicle, in order to reach the + Presidency door, passed by the Cour d'Honneur and then by the Courde + Canonis. Day was breaking. M. Baze looked into the courtyard to see if the + cannon were still there. He saw the ammunition wagons ranged in order with + their shafts raised, but the places of the six cannon and the two mortars + were vacant. + </p> + <p> + In the avenue of the Presidency the <i>fiacre</i> stopped for a moment. + Two lines of soldiers, standing at ease, lined the footpaths of the + avenue. At the foot of a tree were grouped three men: Colonel Espinasse, + whom M. Baze knew and recognized, a species of Lieutenant-Colonel, who + wore a black and orange ribbon round his neck, and a Major of Lancers, all + three sword in hand, consulting together. The windows of the <i>fiacre</i> + were closed; M. Baze wished to lower them to appeal to these men; the <i>sergents + de ville</i> seized his arms. The Commissary Primorin then came up, and + was about to re-enter the little chariot for two persons which had brought + him. + </p> + <p> + "Monsieur Baze," said he, with that villainous kind of courtesy which the + agents of the <i>coup d'état</i> willingly blended with their crime, "you + must be uncomfortable with those three men in the <i>fiacre</i>. You are + cramped; come in with me." + </p> + <p> + "Let me alone," said the prisoner. "With these three men I am cramped; + with you I should be contaminated." + </p> + <p> + An escort of infantry was ranged on both sides of the <i>fiacre</i>. + Colonel Espinasse called to the coachman, "Drive slowly by the Quai + d'Orsay until you meet a cavalry escort. When the cavalry shall have + assumed the charge, the infantry can come back." They set out. + </p> + <p> + As the <i>fiacre</i> turned into the Quai d'Orsay a picket of the 7th + Lancers arrived at full speed. It was the escort: the troopers surrounded + the <i>fiacre</i>, and the whole galloped off. + </p> + <p> + No incident occurred during the journey. Here and there, at the noise of + the horses' hoofs, windows were opened and heads put forth; and the + prisoner, who had at length succeeded in lowering a window heard startled + voices saying, "What is the matter?" + </p> + <p> + The <i>fiacre</i> stopped. "Where are we?" asked M. Baze. + </p> + <p> + "At Mazas," said a <i>sergent de ville</i>. + </p> + <p> + The Questor was taken to the office of the prison. Just as he entered he + saw Baune and Nadaud being brought out. There was a table in the centre, + at which Commissary Primorin, who had followed the <i>fiacre</i> in his + chariot, had just seated himself. While the Commissary was writing, M. + Baze noticed on the table a paper which was evidently a jail register, on + which were these names, written in the following order: Lamoricière, + Charras, Cavaignac, Changarnier, Leflô, Thiers, Bedeau, Roger (du Nord), + Chambolle. This was probably the order in which the Representatives had + arrived at the prison. + </p> + <p> + When Sieur Primorin had finished writing, M. Baze said, "Now, you will be + good enough to receive my protest, and add it to your official report." + "It is not an official report," objected the Commissary, "it is simply an + order for committal." "I intend to write my protest at once," replied M. + Baze. "You will have plenty of time in your cell," remarked a man who + stood by the table. M. Baze turned round. "Who are you?" "I am the + governor of the prison," said the man. "In that case," replied M. Baze, "I + pity you, for you are aware of the crime you are committing." The man + turned pale, and stammered a few unintelligible words. + </p> + <p> + The Commissary rose from his seat; M. Baze briskly took possession of his + chair, seated himself at the table, and said to Sieur Primorin, "You are a + public officer; I request you to add my protest to your official report." + "Very well," said the Commissary, "let it be so." Baze wrote the protest + as follows:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "I, the undersigned, Jean-Didier Baze, Representative of the People, + and Questor of the National Assembly, carried off by violence from my + residence in the Palace of the National Assembly, and conducted to this + prison by an armed force which it was impossible for me to resist, + protest in the name of the National Assembly and in my own name against + the outrage on national representation committed upon my colleagues and + upon myself. + + "Given at Mazas on the 2d December 1851, at eight o'clock in the + morning. + + "BAZE." +</pre> + <p> + While this was taking place at Mazas, the soldiers were laughing and + drinking in the courtyard of the Assembly. They made their coffee in the + saucepans. They had lighted enormous fires in the courtyard; the flames, + fanned by the wind, at times reached the walls of the Chamber. A superior + official of the Questure, an officer of the National Guard, Ramond de la + Croisette, ventured to say to them, "You will set the Palace on fire;" + whereupon a soldier struck him a blow with his fist. + </p> + <p> + Four of the pieces taken from the Cour de Canons were ranged in battery + order against the Assembly; two on the Place de Bourgogne were pointed + towards the grating, and two on the Pont de la Concorde were pointed + towards the grand staircase. + </p> + <p> + As side-note to this instructive tale let us mention a curious fact. The + 42d Regiment of the line was the same which had arrested Louis Bonaparte + at Boulogne. In 1840 this regiment lent its aid to the law against the + conspirator. In 1851 it lent its aid to the conspirator against the law: + such is the beauty of passive obedience. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-2" name="linknoteref-2" id="linknoteref-2_"><small>2</small></a> + <i>The Questors were officers elected by the Assembly, whose special + duties were to keep and audit the accounts, and who controlled all matters + affecting the social economy of the House.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. OTHER DOINGS OF THE NIGHT + </h2> + <p> + During the same night in all parts of Paris acts of brigandage took place. + Unknown men leading armed troops, and themselves armed with hatchets, + mallets, pincers, crow-bars, life-preservers, swords hidden under their + coats, pistols, of which the butts could be distinguished under the folds + of their cloaks, arrived in silence before a house, occupied the street, + encircled the approaches, picked the lock of the door, tied up the porter, + invaded the stairs, and burst through the doors upon a sleeping man, and + when that man, awakening with a start, asked of these bandits, "Who are + you?" their leader answered, "A Commissary of Police." So it happened to + Lamoricière who was seized by Blanchet, who threatened him with the gag; + to Greppo, who was brutally treated and thrown down by Gronfier, assisted + by six men carrying a dark lantern and a pole-axe; to Cavaignac, who was + secured by Colin, a smooth-tongued villain, who affected to be shocked on + hearing him curse and swear; to M. Thiers, who was arrested by Hubaut (the + elder); who professed that he had seen him "tremble and weep," thus adding + falsehood to crime; to Valentin, who was assailed in his bed by Dourlens, + taken by the feet and shoulders, and thrust into a padlocked police van; + to Miot, destined to the tortures of African casemates; to Roger (du + Nord), who with courageous and witty irony offered sherry to the bandits. + Charras and Changarnier were taken unawares. + </p> + <p> + They lived in the Rue St. Honoré, nearly opposite to each other, + Changarnier at No. 3, Charras at No. 14. Ever since the 9th of September + Changarnier had dismissed the fifteen men armed to the teeth by whom he + had hitherto been guarded during the night, and on the 1st December, as we + have said, Charras had unloaded his pistols. These empty pistols were + lying on the table when they came to arrest him. The Commissary of Police + threw himself upon them. "Idiot," said Charras to him, "if they had been + loaded, you would have been a dead man." These pistols, we may note, had + been given to Charras upon the taking of Mascara by General Renaud, who at + the moment of Charras' arrest was on horseback in the street helping to + carry out the <i>coup d'état</i>. If these pistols had remained loaded, + and if General Renaud had had the task of arresting Charras, it would have + been curious if Renaud's pistols had killed Renaud. Charras assuredly + would not have hesitated. We have already mentioned the names of these + police rascals. It is useless to repeat them. It was Courtille who + arrested Charras, Lerat who arrested Changarnier, Desgranges who arrested + Nadaud. The men thus seized in their own houses were Representatives of + the people; they were inviolable, so that to the crime of the violation of + their persons was added this high treason, the violation of the + Constitution. + </p> + <p> + There was no lack of impudence in the perpetration of these outrages. The + police agents made merry. Some of these droll fellows jested. At Mazas the + under-jailors jeered at Thiers, Nadaud reprimanded them severely. The + Sieur Hubaut (the younger) awoke General Bedeau. "General, you are a + prisoner."—"My person is inviolable."—"Unless you are caught + red-handed, in the very act."—"Well," said Bedeau, "I am caught in + the act, the heinous act of being asleep." They took him by the collar and + dragged him to a <i>fiacre</i>. + </p> + <p> + On meeting together at Mazas, Nadaud grasped the hand of Greppo, and + Lagrange grasped the hand of Lamoricière. This made the police gentry + laugh. A colonel, named Thirion, wearing a commander's cross round his + neck, helped to put the Generals and the Representatives into jail. "Look + me in the face," said Charras to him. Thirion moved away. + </p> + <p> + Thus, without counting other arrests which took place later on, there were + imprisoned during the night of the 2d of December, sixteen Representatives + and seventy-eight citizens. The two agents of the crime furnished a report + of it to Louis Bonaparte. Morny wrote "Boxed up;" Maupas wrote "Quadded." + The one in drawing-room slang, the other in the slang of the galleys. + Subtle gradations of language. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. THE DARKNESS OF THE CRIME + </h2> + <h3> + Versigny had just left me. + </h3> + <p> + While I dressed hastily there came in a man in whom I had every + confidence. He was a poor cabinet-maker out of work, named Girard, to whom + I had given shelter in a room of my house, a carver of wood, and not + illiterate. He came in from the street; he was trembling. + </p> + <p> + "Well," I asked, "what do the people say?" + </p> + <p> + Girard answered me,— + </p> + <p> + "People are dazed. The blow has been struck in such a manner that it is + not realized. Workmen read the placards, say nothing, and go to their + work. Only one in a hundred speaks. It is to say, 'Good!' This is how it + appears to them. The law of the 31st May is abrogated—'Well done!' + Universal suffrage is re-established—'Also well done!' The + reactionary majority has been driven away—'Admirable!' Thiers is + arrested—'Capital!' Changarnier is seized—'Bravo!' Round each + placard there are <i>claqueurs</i>. Ratapoil explains his <i>coup d'état</i> + to Jacques Bonhomme, Jacques Bonhomme takes it all in. Briefly, it is my + impression that the people give their consent." + </p> + <p> + "Let it be so," said I. + </p> + <p> + "But," asked Girard of me, "what will you do, Monsieur Victor Hugo?" + </p> + <p> + I took my scarf of office from a cupboard, and showed it to him. + </p> + <p> + He understood. + </p> + <p> + We shook hands. + </p> + <p> + As he went out Carini entered. + </p> + <p> + Colonel Carini is an intrepid man. He had commanded the cavalry under + Mieroslawsky in the Sicilian insurrection. He has, in a few moving and + enthusiastic pages, told the story of that noble revolt. Carini is one of + those Italians who love France as we Frenchmen love Italy. Every + warm-hearted man in this century has two fatherlands—the Rome of + yesterday and the Paris of to-day. + </p> + <p> + "Thank God," said Carini to me, "you are still free," and he added, "The + blow has been struck in a formidable manner. The Assembly is invested. I + have come from thence. The Place de la Révolution, the Quays, the + Tuileries, the boulevards, are crowded with troops. The soldiers have + their knapsacks. The batteries are harnessed. If fighting takes place it + will be desperate work." + </p> + <p> + I answered him, "There will be fighting." + </p> + <p> + And I added, laughing, "You have proved that the colonels write like + poets; now it is the turn of the poets to fight like colonels." + </p> + <p> + I entered my wife's room; she knew nothing, and was quietly reading her + paper in bed. + </p> + <p> + I had taken about me five hundred francs in gold. I put on my wife's bed a + box containing nine hundred francs, all the money which remained to me, + and I told her what had happened. + </p> + <p> + She turned pale, and said to me, "What are you going to do?" + </p> + <p> + "My duty." + </p> + <p> + She embraced me, and only said two words:— + </p> + <p> + "Do it." + </p> + <p> + My breakfast was ready. I ate a cutlet in two mouthfuls. As I finished, my + daughter came in. She was startled by the manner in which I kissed her, + and asked me, "What is the matter?" + </p> + <p> + "Your mother will explain to you." + </p> + <p> + And I left them. + </p> + <p> + The Rue de la Tour d'Auvergne was as quiet and deserted as usual. Four + workmen were, however, chatting near my door; they wished me "Good + morning." + </p> + <p> + I cried out to them, "You know what is going on?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said they. + </p> + <p> + "Well. It is treason! Louis Bonaparte is strangling the Republic. The + people are attacked. The people must defend themselves." + </p> + <p> + "They will defend themselves." + </p> + <p> + "You promise me that?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," they answered. + </p> + <p> + One of them added, "We swear it." + </p> + <p> + They kept their word. Barricades were constructed in my street (Rue de la + Tour d'Auvergne), in the Rue des Martyrs, in the Cité Rodier, in the Rue + Coquenard, and at Notre-Dame de Lorette. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. "PLACARDS" + </h2> + <p> + On leaving these brave men I could read at the corner of the Rue de la + Tour d'Auvergne and the Rue des Martyrs, the three infamous placards which + had been posted on the walls of Paris during the night. + </p> + <p> + Here they are. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "PROCLAMATION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC. + + "<i>Appeal to the People</i>. + + "FRENCHMEN! The present situation can last no longer. Every day which + passes enhances the dangers of the country. The Assembly, which ought + to be the firmest support of order, has become a focus of conspiracies. + The patriotism of three hundred of its members has been unable to check + its fatal tendencies. Instead of making laws in the public interest it + forges arms for civil war; it attacks the power which I hold directly + from the People, it encourages all bad passions, it compromises the + tranquillity of France; I have dissolved it, and I constitute the whole + People a judge between it and me. + + "The Constitution, as you know, was constructed with the object of + weakening beforehand the power which you were about to confide to me. + Six millions of votes formed an emphatic protest against it, and yet + I have faithfully respected it. Provocations, calumnies, outrages, + have found me unmoved. Now, however, that the fundamental compact is + no longer respected by those very men who incessantly invoke it, and + that the men who have ruined two monarchies wish to tie my hands in + order to overthrow the Republic, my duty is to frustrate their + treacherous schemes, to maintain the Republic, and to save the Country + by appealing to the solemn judgment of the only Sovereign whom I + recognize in France—the People. + + "I therefore make a loyal appeal to the whole nation, and I say to + you: If you wish to continue this condition of uneasiness which + degrades us and compromises our future, choose another in my place, + for I will no longer retain a power which is impotent to do good, + which renders me responsible for actions which I cannot prevent, and + which binds me to the helm when I see the vessel driving towards the + abyss. + + "If on the other hand you still place confidence in me, give me the + means of accomplishing the great mission which I hold from you. + + "This mission consists in closing the era of revolutions, by satisfying + the legitimate needs of the People, and by protecting them from + subversive passions. It consists, above all, in creating institutions + which survive men, and which shall in fact form the foundations on + which something durable may be established. + + "Persuaded that the instability of power, that the preponderance of a + single Assembly, are the permanent causes of trouble and discord, I + submit to your suffrage the following fundamental bases of a + Constitution which will be developed by the Assemblies later on:— + + "1. A responsible Chief appointed for ten years. + + "2. Ministers dependent upon the Executive Power alone. + + "3. A Council of State composed of the most distinguished men, who shall + prepare laws and shall support them in debate before the Legislative + Body. + + "4. A Legislative Body which shall discuss and vote the laws, and which + shall be elected by universal suffrage, without <i>scrutin de liste</i>, + which falsifies the elections. + + "5. A Second Assembly composed of the most illustrious men of the + country, a power of equipoise the guardian of the fundamental compact, + and of the public liberties. + + "This system, created by the first Consul at the beginning of the + century, has already given repose and prosperity to France; it would + still insure them to her. + + "Such is my firm conviction. If you share it, declare it by your votes. + If, on the contrary, you prefer a government without strength, + Monarchical or Republican, borrowed I know not from what past, or from + what chimerical future, answer in the negative. + + "Thus for the first time since 1804, you will vote with a full knowledge + of the circumstances, knowing exactly for whom and for what. + + "If I do not obtain the majority of your suffrages I shall call together + a New Assembly and shall place in its hands the commission which I have + received from you. + + "But if you believe that the cause of which my name is the symbol,—that + is to say, France regenerated by the Revolution of '89, and organized by + the Emperor, is to be still your own, proclaim it by sanctioning the + powers which I ask from you. + + "Then France and Europe will be preserved from anarchy, obstacles will + be removed, rivalries will have disappeared, for all will respect, in + the decision of the People, the decree of Providence. + + "Given at the Palace of the Elysée, 2d December, 1851. + + "LOUIS NAPOLEON BONAPARTE." +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + PROCLAMATION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC TO THE ARMY. + + "Soldiers! Be proud of your mission, you will save the country, for I + count upon you not to violate the laws, but to enforce respect for the + first law of the country, the national Sovereignty, of which I am the + Legitimate Representative. + + "For a long time past, like myself, you have suffered from obstacles + which have opposed themselves both to the good that I wished to do and + to the demonstrations of your sympathies in my favor. These obstacles + have been broken down. + + "The Assembly has tried to attack the authority which hold from the + whole Nation. It has ceased to exist. + + "I make a loyal appeal to the People and to the Army, and I say to them: + Either give me the means of insuring your prosperity, or choose another + in my place. + + "In 1830, as in 1848, you were treated as vanquished men. After having + branded your heroic disinterestedness, they disdained to consult your + sympathies and your wishes, and yet you are the flower of the Nation. + To-day, at this solemn moment, I am resolved that the voice of the Army + shall be heard. + + "Vote, therefore, freely as citizens; but, as soldiers do not forget + that passive obedience to the orders of the Chief of the State is the + rigorous duty of the Army, from the general to the private soldier. + + "It is for me, responsible for my actions both to the People and to + posterity, to take those measures which may seem to me indispensable for + the public welfare. + + "As for you, remain immovable within the rules of discipline and of + honor. By your imposing attitude help the country to manifest its will + with calmness and reflection. + + "Be ready to repress every attack upon the free exercise of the + sovereignty of the People. + + "Soldiers, I do not speak to you of the memories which my name recalls. + They are engraven in your hearts. We are united by indissoluble ties. + Your history is mine. There is between us, in the past, a community of + glory and of misfortune. + + "There will be in the future community of sentiment and of resolutions + for the repose and the greatness of France. + + "Given at the Palace of the Elysée, December 2d, 1851. + + "(Signed) L.N. BONAPARTE." +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "IN THE NAME OF THE FRENCH PEOPLE. + + "The President of the Republic decrees:— + + "ARTICLE I. The National Assembly is dissolved. + + "ARTICLE II. Universal suffrage is re-established. The law of May 31 + is abrogated. + + "ARTICLE III. The French People are convoked in their electoral + districts from the 14th December to the 21st December following. + + "ARTICLE IV. The State of Siege is decreed in the district of the + first Military Division. + + "ARTICLE V. The Council of State is dissolved. + + "ARTICLE VI. The Minister of the Interior is charged with the execution + of this decree. + + "Given at the Palace of the Elysée, 2d December, 1851. + + "LOUIS NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. + + "DE MORNY, Minister of the Interior." +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. NO. 70, RUE BLANCHE + </h2> + <p> + The Cité Gaillard is somewhat difficult to find. It is a deserted alley in + that new quarter which separates the Rue des Martyrs from the Rue Blanche. + I found it, however. As I reached No. 4, Yvan came out of the gateway and + said, "I am here to warn you. The police have an eye upon this house, + Michel is waiting for you at No. 70, Rue Blanche, a few steps from here." + </p> + <p> + I knew No. 70, Rue Blanche. Manin, the celebrated President of the + Venetian Republic, lived there. It was not in his rooms, however, that the + meeting was to take place. + </p> + <p> + The porter of No. 70 told me to go up to the first floor. The door was + opened, and a handsome, gray-haired woman of some forty summers, the + Baroness Coppens, whom I recognized as having seen in society and at my + own house, ushered me into a drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + Michel de Bourges and Alexander Rey were there, the latter an + ex-Constituent, an eloquent writer, a brave man. At that time Alexander + Rey edited the <i>National</i>. + </p> + <p> + We shook hands. + </p> + <p> + Michel said to me,— + </p> + <p> + "Hugo, what will you do?" + </p> + <p> + I answered him,— + </p> + <p> + "Everything." + </p> + <p> + "That also is my opinion," said he. + </p> + <p> + Numerous representatives arrived, and amongst others Pierre Lefranc, + Labrousse, Théodore Bac, Noël Parfait, Arnauld (de l'Ariége), Demosthenes + Ollivier, an ex-Constituent, and Charamaule. There was deep and + unutterable indignation, but no useless words were spoken. + </p> + <p> + All were imbued with that manly anger whence issue great resolutions. + </p> + <p> + They talked. They set forth the situation. Each brought forward the news + which he had learnt. + </p> + <p> + Théodore Bac came from Léon Faucher, who lived in the Rue Blanche. It was + he who had awakened Léon Faucher, and had announced the news to him. The + first words of Léon Faucher were, "It is an infamous deed." + </p> + <p> + From the first moment Charamaule displayed a courage which, during the + four days of the struggle, never flagged for a single instant. Charamaule + is a very tall man, possessed of vigorous features and convincing + eloquence; he voted with the Left, but sat with the Right. In the Assembly + he was the neighbor of Montalembert and of Riancey. He sometimes had warm + disputes with them, which we watched from afar off, and which amused us. + </p> + <p> + Charamaule had come to the meeting at No. 70 dressed in a sort of blue + cloth military cloak, and armed, as we found out later on. + </p> + <p> + The situation was grave; sixteen Representatives arrested, all the + generals of the Assembly, and he who was more than a general, Charras. All + the journals suppressed, all the printing offices occupied by soldiers. On + the side of Bonaparte an army of 80,000 men which could be doubled in a + few hours; on our side nothing. The people deceived, and moreover + disarmed. The telegraph at their command. All the walls covered with their + placards, and at our disposal not a single printing case, not one sheet of + paper. No means of raising the protest, no means of beginning the combat. + The <i>coup d'état</i> was clad with mail, the Republic was naked; the <i>coup + d'état</i> had a speaking trumpet, the Republic wore a gag. + </p> + <p> + What was to be done? + </p> + <p> + The raid against the Republic, against the Assembly, against Right, + against Law, against Progress, against Civilization, was commanded by + African generals. These heroes had just proved that they were cowards. + They had taken their precautions well. Fear alone can engender so much + skill. They had arrested all the men of war of the Assembly, and all the + men of action of the Left, Baune, Charles Lagrange, Miot, Valentin, + Nadaud, Cholat. Add to this that all the possible chiefs of the barricades + were in prison. The organizers of the ambuscade had carefully left at + liberty Jules Favre, Michel de Bourges, and myself, judging us to be less + men of action than of the Tribune; wishing to leave the Left men capable + of resistance, but incapable of victory, hoping to dishonor us if we did + not fight, and to shoot us if we did fight. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, no one hesitated. The deliberation began. Other + representatives arrived every minute, Edgar Quinet, Doutre, Pelletier, + Cassal, Bruckner, Baudin, Chauffour. The room was full, some were seated, + most were standing, in confusion, but without tumult. + </p> + <p> + I was the first to speak. + </p> + <p> + I said that the struggle ought to be begun at once. Blow for blow. + </p> + <p> + That it was my opinion that the hundred and fifty Representatives of the + Left should put on their scarves of office, should march in procession + through the streets and the boulevards as far as the Madeleine, and crying + "Vive la République! Vive la Constitution!" should appear before the + troops, and alone, calm and unarmed, should summon Might to obey Right. If + the soldiers yielded, they should go to the Assembly and make an end of + Louis Bonaparte. If the soldiers fired upon their legislators, they should + disperse throughout Paris, cry "To Arms," and resort to barricades. + Resistance should be begun constitutionally, and if that failed, should be + continued revolutionarily. There was no time to be lost. + </p> + <p> + "High treason," said I, "should be seized red-handed, is a great mistake + to suffer such an outrage to be accepted by the hours as they elapse. Each + minute which passes is an accomplice, and endorses the crime. Beware of + that calamity called an 'Accomplished fact.' To arms!" + </p> + <p> + Many warmly supported this advice, among others Edgar Quinet, Pelletier, + and Doutre. + </p> + <p> + Michel de Bourges seriously objected. My instinct was to begin at once, + his advice was to wait and see. According to him there was danger in + hastening the catastrophe. The <i>coup d'état</i> was organized, and the + People were not. They had been taken unawares. We must not indulge in + illusion. The masses could not stir yet. Perfect calm reigned in the + faubourgs; Surprise existed, yes; Anger, no. The people of Paris, although + so intelligent, did not understand. + </p> + <p> + Michel added, "We are not in 1830. Charles X., in turning out the 221, + exposed himself to this blow, the re-election of the 221. We are not in + the same situation. The 221 were popular. The present Assembly is not: a + Chamber which has been insultingly dissolved is always sure to conquer, if + the People support it. Thus the People rose in 1830. To-day they wait. + They are dupes until they shall be victims." Michel de Bourges concluded, + "The People must be given time to understand, to grow angry, to rise. As + for us, Representative, we should be rash to precipitate the situation. If + we were to march immediately straight upon the troops, we should only be + shot to no purpose, and the glorious insurrection for Right would thus be + beforehand deprived of its natural leaders—the Representatives of + the People. We should decapitate the popular army. Temporary delay, on the + contrary, would be beneficial. Too much zeal must be guarded against, + self-restraint is necessary, to give way would be to lose the battle + before having begun it. Thus, for example, we must not attend the meeting + announced by the Right for noon, all those who went there would be + arrested. We must remain free, we must remain in readiness, we must remain + calm, and must act waiting the advent of the People. Four days of this + agitation without fighting would weary the army." Michel, however, advised + a beginning, but simply by placarding Article 68 of the Constitution. But + where should a printer be found? + </p> + <p> + Michel de Bourges spoke with an experience of revolutionary procedure + which was wanting in me. For many years past he had acquired a certain + practical knowledge of the masses. His council was wise. It must be added + that all the information which came to us seconded him, and appeared + conclusive against me. Paris was dejected. + </p> + <p> + The army of the <i>coup d'état</i> invaded her peaceably. Even the + placards were not torn down. Nearly all the Representatives present, even + the most daring, agreed with Michel's counsel, to wait and see what would + happen. "At night," said they, "the agitation will begin," and they + concluded, like Michel de Bourges, that the people must be given time to + understand. There would be a risk of being alone in too hasty a beginning. + We should not carry the people with us in the first moment. Let us leave + the indignation to increase little by little in their hearts. If it were + begun prematurely our manifestation would miscarry. These were the + sentiments of all. For myself, while listening to them, I felt shaken. + Perhaps they were right. It would be a mistake to give the signal for the + combat in vain. What good is the lightning which is not followed by the + thunderbolt? + </p> + <p> + To raise a voice, to give vent to a cry, to find a printer, there was the + first question. But was there still a free Press? + </p> + <p> + The brave old ex-chief of the 6th Legion, Colonel Forestier, came in. He + took Michel de Bourges and myself aside. + </p> + <p> + "Listen," said he to us. "I come to you. I have been dismissed. I no + longer command my legion, but appoint me in the name of the Left, Colonel + of the 6th. Sign me an order and I will go at once and call them to arms. + In an hour the regiment will be on foot." + </p> + <p> + "Colonel," answered I, "I will do more than sign an order, I will + accompany you." + </p> + <p> + And I turned towards Charamaule, who had a carriage in waiting. + </p> + <p> + "Come with us," said I. + </p> + <p> + Forestier was sure of two majors of the 6th. We decided to drive to them + at once, while Michel and the other Representatives should await us at + Bonvalet's, in the Boulevard du Temple, near the Café Turc. There they + could consult together. + </p> + <p> + We started. + </p> + <p> + We traversed Paris, where people were already beginning to swarm in a + threatening manner. The boulevards were thronged with an uneasy crowd. + People walked to and fro, passers-by accosted each other without any + previous acquaintance, a noteworthy sign of public anxiety; and groups + talked in loud voices at the corners of the streets. The shops were being + shut. + </p> + <p> + "Come, this looks better," cried Charamaule. + </p> + <p> + He had been wandering about the town since the morning, and he had noticed + with sadness the apathy of the masses. + </p> + <p> + We found the two majors at home upon whom Colonel Forestier counted. They + were two rich linendrapers, who received us with some embarrassment. The + shopmen had gathered together at the windows, and watched us pass by. It + was mere curiosity. + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile one of the two majors countermanded a journey which he + was going to undertake on that day, and promised us his co-operation. + </p> + <p> + "But," added he, "do not deceive yourselves, one can foresee that we shall + be cut to pieces. Few men will march out." + </p> + <p> + Colonel Forestier said to us, "Watrin, the present colonel of the 6th, + does not care for fighting; perhaps he will resign me the command + amicably. I will go and find him alone, so as to startle him the less, and + will join you at Bonvalet's." + </p> + <p> + Near the Porte St. Martin we left our carriage, and Charamaule and myself + proceeded along the boulevard on foot, in order to observe the groups more + closely, and more easily to judge the aspect of the crowd. + </p> + <p> + The recent levelling of the road had converted the boulevard of the Porte + St. Martin into a deep cutting, commanded by two embankments. On the + summits of these embankments were the footways, furnished with railings. + The carriages drove along the cutting, the foot passengers walked along + the footways. + </p> + <p> + Just as we reached the boulevard, a long column of infantry filed into + this ravine with drummers at their head. The thick waves of bayonets + filled the square of St. Martin, and lost themselves in the depths of the + Boulevard Bonne Nouvelle. + </p> + <p> + An enormous and compact crowd covered the two pavements of the Boulevard + St. Martin. Large numbers of workmen, in their blouses, were there, + leaning upon the railings. + </p> + <p> + At the moment when the head of the column entered the defile before the + Theatre of the Porte St. Martin a tremendous shout of "Vive la + République!" came forth from every mouth as though shouted by one man. The + soldiers continued to advance in silence, but it might have been said that + their pace slackened, and many of them regarded the crowd with an air of + indecision. What did this cry of "Vive la République!" mean? Was it a + token of applause? Was it a shout of defiance? + </p> + <p> + It seemed to me at that moment that the Republic raised its brow, and that + the <i>coup d'état</i> hung its head. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Charamaule said to me, "You are recognized." + </p> + <p> + In fact, near the Château d'Eau the crowd surrounded me. Some young men + cried out, "Vive Victor Hugo!" One of them asked me, "Citizen Victor Hugo, + what ought we to do?" + </p> + <p> + I answered, "Tear down the seditious placards of the <i>coup d'état</i>, + and cry 'Vive la Constitution!'" + </p> + <p> + "And suppose they fire on us?" said a young workman. + </p> + <p> + "You will hasten to arms." + </p> + <p> + "Bravo!" shouted the crowd. + </p> + <p> + I added, "Louis Bonaparte is a rebel, he has steeped himself to-day in + every crime. We, Representatives of the People, declare him an outlaw, but + there is no need for our declaration, since he is an outlaw by the mere + fact of his treason. Citizens, you have two hands; take in one your Right, + and in the other your gun and fall upon Bonaparte." + </p> + <p> + "Bravo! Bravo!" again shouted the people. + </p> + <p> + A tradesman who was shutting up his shop said to me, "Don't speak so loud, + if they heard you talking like that, they would shoot you." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then," I replied, "you would parade my body, and my death would be + a boon if the justice of God could result from it." + </p> + <p> + All shouted "Long live Victor Hugo!" + </p> + <p> + "Shout 'Long live the Constitution,'" said I. + </p> + <p> + A great cry of "Vive la Constitution! Vive la République;" came forth from + every breast. + </p> + <p> + Enthusiasm, indignation, anger flashed in the faces of all. I thought + then, and I still think, that this, perhaps, was the supreme moment. I was + tempted to carry off all that crowd, and to begin the battle. + </p> + <p> + Charamaule restrained me. He whispered to me,— + </p> + <p> + "You will bring about a useless fusillade. Every one is unarmed. The + infantry is only two paces from us, and see, here comes the artillery." + </p> + <p> + I looked round; in truth several pieces of cannon emerged at a quick trot + from the Rue de Bondy, behind the Château d'Eau. + </p> + <p> + The advice to abstain, given by Charamaule, made a deep impression on me. + Coming from such a man, and one so dauntless, it was certainly not to be + distrusted. Besides, I felt myself bound by the deliberation which had + just taken place at the meeting in the Rue Blanche. + </p> + <p> + I shrank before the responsibility which I should have incurred. To have + taken advantage of such a moment might have been victory, it might also + have been a massacre. Was I right? Was I wrong? + </p> + <p> + The crowd thickened around us, and it became difficult to go forward. We + were anxious, however, to reach the <i>rendezvous</i> at Bonvalet's. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly some one touched me on the arm. It was Léopold Duras, of the <i>National</i>. + </p> + <p> + "Go no further," he whispered, "the Restaurant Bonvalet is surrounded. + Michel de Bourges has attempted to harangue the People, but the soldiers + came up. He barely succeeded in making his escape. Numerous + Representatives who came to the meeting have been arrested. Retrace your + steps. We are returning to the old <i>rendezvous</i> in the Rue Blanche. I + have been looking for you to tell you this." + </p> + <p> + A cab was passing; Charamaule hailed the driver. We jumped in, followed by + the crowd, shouting, "Vive la République! Vive Victor Hugo!" + </p> + <p> + It appears that just at that moment a squadron of <i>sergents de ville</i> + arrived on the Boulevard to arrest me. The coachman drove off at full + speed. A quarter of an hour afterwards we reached the Rue Blanche. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. "VIOLATION OF THE CHAMBER" + </h2> + <p> + At seven o'clock in the morning the Pont de la Concorde was still free. + The large grated gate of the Palace of the Assembly was closed; through + the bars might be seen the flight of steps, that flight of steps whence + the Republic had been proclaimed on the 4th May, 1848, covered with + soldiers; and their piled arms might be distinguished upon the platform + behind those high columns, which, during the time of the Constituent + Assembly, after the 15th of May and the 23d June, masked small mountain + mortars, loaded and pointed. + </p> + <p> + A porter with a red collar, wearing the livery of the Assembly, stood by + the little door of the grated gate. From time to time Representatives + arrived. The porter said, "Gentlemen, are you Representatives?" and opened + the door. Sometimes he asked their names. + </p> + <p> + M. Dupin's quarters could be entered without hindrance. In the great + gallery, in the dining-room, in the <i>salon d'honneur</i> of the + Presidency, liveried attendants silently opened the doors as usual. + </p> + <p> + Before daylight, immediately after the arrest of the Questors MM. Baze and + Leflô, M. de Panat, the only Questor who remained free, having been spared + or disdained as a Legitimist, awoke M. Dupin and begged him to summon + immediately the Representatives from their own homes. M. Dupin returned + this unprecedented answer, "I do not see any urgency." + </p> + <p> + Almost at the same time as M. Panat, the Representative Jerôme Bonaparte + had hastened thither. He had summoned M. Dupin to place himself at the + head of the Assembly. M. Dupin had answered, "I cannot, I am guarded." + Jerôme Bonaparte burst out laughing. In fact, no one had deigned to place + a sentinel at M. Dupin's door; they knew that it was guarded by his + meanness. + </p> + <p> + It was only later on, towards noon, that they took pity on him. They felt + that the contempt was too great, and allotted him two sentinels. + </p> + <p> + At half-past seven, fifteen or twenty Representatives, among whom were MM. + Eugène Sue, Joret, de Rességuier, and de Talhouet, met together in M. + Dupin's room. They also had vainly argued with M. Dupin. In the recess of + a window a clever member of the Majority, M. Desmousseaux de Givré, who + was a little deaf and exceedingly exasperated, almost quarrelled with a + Representative of the Right like himself whom he wrongly supposed to be + favorable to the <i>coup d'état</i>. + </p> + <p> + M. Dupin, apart from the group of Representatives, alone dressed in black, + his hands behind his back, his head sunk on his breast, walked up and down + before the fire-place, where a large fire was burning. In his own room, + and in his very presence, they were talking loudly about himself, yet he + seemed not to hear. + </p> + <p> + Two members of the Left came in, Benoît (du Rhône), and Crestin. Crestin + entered the room, went straight up to M. Dupin, and said to him, + "President, you know what is going on? How is it that the Assembly has not + yet been convened?" + </p> + <p> + M. Dupin halted, and answered, with a shrug which was habitual with him,— + </p> + <p> + "There is nothing to be done." + </p> + <p> + And he resumed his walk. + </p> + <p> + "It is enough," said M. de Rességuier. + </p> + <p> + "It is too much," said Eugène Sue. + </p> + <p> + All the Representatives left the room. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime the Pont de la Concorde became covered with troops. Among + them General Vast-Vimeux, lean, old, and little; his lank white hair + plastered over his temples, in full uniform, with his laced hat on his + head. He was laden with two huge epaulets, and displayed his scarf, not + that of a Representative, but of a general, which scarf, being too long, + trailed on the ground. He crossed the bridge on foot, shouting to the + soldiers inarticulate cries of enthusiasm for the Empire and the <i>coup + d'état</i>. Such figures as these were seen in 1814. Only instead of + wearing a large tri-colored, cockade, they wore a large white cockade. In + the main the same phenomenon; old men crying, "Long live the Past!" Almost + at the same moment M. de Larochejaquelein crossed the Place de la + Concorde, surrounded by a hundred men in blouses, who followed him in + silence, and with an air of curiosity. Numerous regiments of cavalry were + drawn up in the grand avenue of the Champs Elysées. + </p> + <p> + At eight o'clock a formidable force invested the Legislative Palace. All + the approaches were guarded, all the doors were shut. Some Representatives + nevertheless succeeded in penetrating into the interior of the Palace, + not, as has been wrongly stated, by the passage of the President's house + on the side of the Esplanade of the Invalides, but by the little door of + the Rue de Bourgogne, called the Black Door. This door, by what omission + or what connivance I do not know, remained open till noon on the 2d + December. The Rue de Bourgogne was nevertheless full of troops. Squads of + soldiers scattered here and there in the Rue de l'Université allowed + passers-by, who were few and far between, to use it as a thoroughfare. + </p> + <p> + The Representatives who entered by the door in Rue de Bourgogne, + penetrated as far as the Salle des Conférences, where they met their + colleagues coming out from M. Dupin. + </p> + <p> + A numerous group of men, representing every shade of opinion in the + Assembly, was speedily assembled in this hall, amongst whom were MM. + Eugène Sue, Richardet, Fayolle, Joret, Marc Dufraisse, Benoît (du Rhône), + Canet, Gambon, d'Adelsward, Créqu, Répellin, Teillard-Latérisse, Rantion, + General Leydet, Paulin Durrieu, Chanay, Brilliez, Collas (de la Gironde), + Monet, Gaston, Favreau, and Albert de Rességuier. + </p> + <p> + Each new-comer accosted M. de Panat. + </p> + <p> + "Where are the vice-Presidents?" + </p> + <p> + "In prison." + </p> + <p> + "And the two other Questors?" + </p> + <p> + "Also in prison. And I beg you to believe, gentlemen," added M. de Panat, + "that I have had nothing to do with the insult which has been offered me, + in not arresting me." + </p> + <p> + Indignation was at its height; every political shade was blended in the + same sentiment of contempt and anger, and M. de Rességuier was no less + energetic than Eugène Sue. For the first time the Assembly seemed only to + have one heart and one voice. Each at length said what he thought of the + man of the Elysée, and it was then seen that for a long time past Louis + Bonaparte had imperceptibly created a profound unanimity in the Assembly—the + unanimity of contempt. + </p> + <p> + M. Collas (of the Gironde) gesticulated and told his story. He came from + the Ministry of the Interior. He had seen M. de Morny, he had spoken to + him; and he, M. Collas, was incensed beyond measure at M. Bonaparte's + crime. Since then, that Crime has made him Councillor of State. + </p> + <p> + M. de Panat went hither and thither among the groups, announcing to the + Representatives that he had convened the Assembly for one o'clock. But it + was impossible to wait until that hour. Time pressed. At the Palais + Bourbon, as in the Rue Blanche, it was the universal feeling that each + hour which passed by helped to accomplish the <i>coup d'état</i>. Every + one felt as a reproach the weight of his silence or of his inaction; the + circle of iron was closing in, the tide of soldiers rose unceasingly, and + silently invaded the Palace; at each instant a sentinel the more was found + at a door, which a moment before had been free. Still, the group of + Representatives assembled together in the Salle des Conférences was as yet + respected. It was necessary to act, to speak, to deliberate, to struggle, + and not to lose a minute. + </p> + <p> + Gambon said, "Let us try Dupin once more; he is our official man, we have + need of him." They went to look for him. They could not find him. He was + no longer there, he had disappeared, he was away, hidden, crouching, + cowering, concealed, he had vanished, he was buried. Where? No one knew. + Cowardice has unknown holes. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a man entered the hall. A man who was a stranger to the Assembly, + in uniform, wearing the epaulet of a superior officer and a sword by his + side. He was a major of the 42d, who came to summon the Representatives to + quit their own House. All, Royalists and Republicans alike, rushed upon + him. Such was the expression of an indignant eye-witness. General Leydet + addressed him in language such as leaves an impression on the cheek rather + than on the ear. + </p> + <p> + "I do my duty, I fulfil my instructions," stammered the officer. + </p> + <p> + "You are an idiot, if you think you are doing your duty," cried Leydet to + him, "and you are a scoundrel if you know that you are committing a crime. + Your name? What do you call yourself? Give me your name." + </p> + <p> + The officer refused to give his name, and replied, "So, gentlemen, you + will not withdraw?" + </p> + <p> + "No." + </p> + <p> + "I shall go and obtain force." + </p> + <p> + "Do so." + </p> + <p> + He left the room, and in actual fact went to obtain orders from the + Ministry of the Interior. + </p> + <p> + The Representatives waited in that kind of indescribable agitation which + might be called the Strangling of Right by Violence. + </p> + <p> + In a short time one of them who had gone out came back hastily, and warned + them that two companies of the <i>Gendarmerie Mobile</i> were coming with + their guns in their hands. + </p> + <p> + Marc Dufraisse cried out, "Let the outrage be thorough. Let the <i>coup + d'état</i> find us on our seats. Let us go to the Salle des Séances," he + added. "Since things have come to such a pass, let us afford the genuine + and living spectacle of an 18th Brumaire." + </p> + <p> + They all repaired to the Hall of Assembly. The passage was free. The Salle + Casimir-Périer was not yet occupied by the soldiers. + </p> + <p> + They numbered about sixty. Several were girded with their scarves of + office. They entered the Hall meditatively. + </p> + <p> + There, M. de Rességuier, undoubtedly with a good purpose, and in order to + form a more compact group, urged that they should all install themselves + on the Right side. + </p> + <p> + "No," said Marc Dufraisse, "every one to his bench." They scattered + themselves about the Hall, each in his usual place. + </p> + <p> + M. Monet, who sat on one of the lower benches of the Left Centre, held in + his hand a copy of the Constitution. + </p> + <p> + Several minutes elapsed. No one spoke. It was the silence of expectation + which precedes decisive deeds and final crises, and during which every one + seems respectfully to listen to the last instructions of his conscience. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly the soldiers of the <i>Gendarmerie Mobile</i>, headed by a + captain with his sword drawn, appeared on the threshold. The Hall of + Assembly was violated. The Representatives rose from their seats + simultaneously, shouting "Vive la République!" + </p> + <p> + The Representative Monet alone remained standing, and in a loud and + indignant voice, which resounded through the empty hall like a trumpet, + ordered the soldiers to halt. + </p> + <p> + The soldiers halted, looking at the Representatives with a bewildered air. + </p> + <p> + The soldiers as yet only blocked up the lobby of the Left, and had not + passed beyond the Tribune. + </p> + <p> + Then the Representative Monet read the Articles 36, 37, and 68 of the + Constitution. + </p> + <p> + Articles 36 and 37 established the inviolability of the Representatives. + Article 68 deposed the President in the event of treason. + </p> + <p> + That moment was a solemn one. The soldiers listened in silence. + </p> + <p> + The Articles having been read, Representative d'Adelsward, who sat on the + first lower bench of the Left, and who was nearest to the soldiers, turned + towards them and said,— + </p> + <p> + "Soldiers, you see that the President of the Republic is a traitor, and + would make traitors of you. You violate the sacred precinct of rational + Representation. In the name of the Constitution, in the name of the Law, + we order you to withdraw." + </p> + <p> + While Adelsward was speaking, the major commanding the <i>Gendarmerie + Mobile</i> had entered. + </p> + <p> + "Gentlemen," said he, "I have orders to request you to retire, and, if you + do not withdraw of your own accord, to expel you." + </p> + <p> + "Orders to expel us!" exclaimed Adelsward; and all the Representatives + added, "Whose orders; Let us see the orders. Who signed the orders?" + </p> + <p> + The major drew forth a paper and unfolded it. Scarcely had he unfolded it + than he attempted to replace it in his pocket, but General Leydet threw + himself upon him and seized his arm. Several Representatives leant + forward, and read the order for the expulsion of the Assembly, signed + "Fortoul, Minister of the Marine." + </p> + <p> + Marc Dufraisse turned towards the <i>Gendarmes Mobiles</i>, and cried out + to them,— + </p> + <p> + "Soldiers, your very presence here is an act of treason. Leave the Hall!" + </p> + <p> + The soldiers seemed undecided. Suddenly a second column emerged from the + door on the right, and at a signal from the commander, the captain + shouted,— + </p> + <p> + "Forward! Turn them all out!" + </p> + <p> + Then began an indescribable hand-to-hand fight between the gendarmes and + the legislators. The soldiers, with their guns in their hands, invaded the + benches of the Senate. Repellin, Chanay, Rantion, were forcibly torn from + their seats. Two gendarmes rushed upon Marc Dufraisse, two upon Gambon. A + long struggle took place on the first bench of the Right, the same place + where MM. Odilon Barrot and Abbatucci were in the habit of sitting. Paulin + Durrieu resisted violence by force, it needed three men to drag him from + his bench. Monet was thrown down upon the benches of the Commissaries. + They seized Adelsward by the throat, and thrust him outside the Hall. + Richardet, a feeble man, was thrown down and brutally treated. Some were + pricked with the points of the bayonets; nearly all had their clothes + torn. + </p> + <p> + The commander shouted to the soldiers, "Rake them out." + </p> + <p> + It was thus that sixty Representatives of the People were taken by the + collar by the <i>coup d'état</i>, and driven from their seats. The manner + in which the deed was executed completed the treason. The physical + performance was worthy of the moral performance. + </p> + <p> + The three last to come out were Fayolle, Teillard-Latérisse, and Paulin + Durrieu. + </p> + <p> + They were allowed to pass by the great door of the Palace, and they found + themselves in the Place Bourgogne. + </p> + <p> + The Place Bourgogne was occupied by the 42d Regiment of the Line, under + the orders of Colonel Garderens. + </p> + <p> + Between the Palace and the statue of the Republic, which occupied the + centre of the square, a piece of artillery was pointed at the Assembly + opposite the great door. + </p> + <p> + By the side of the cannon some Chasseurs de Vincennes were loading their + guns and biting their cartridges. + </p> + <p> + Colonel Garderens was on horseback near a group of soldiers, which + attracted the attention of the Representatives Teillard-Latérisse, + Fayolle, and Paulin Durrieu. + </p> + <p> + In the middle of this group three men, who had been arrested, were + struggling crying, "Long live the Constitution! Vive la République!" + </p> + <p> + Fayolle, Paulin Durrieu, and Teillard-Latérisse approached, and recognized + in the three prisoners three members of the majority, Representatives + Toupet-des-Vignes Radoubt, Lafosse, and Arbey. + </p> + <p> + Representative Arbey was warmly protesting. As he raised his voice, + Colonel Garderens cut him short with these words, which are worthy of + preservation,— + </p> + <p> + "Hold your tongue! One word more, and I will have you thrashed with the + butt-end of a musket." + </p> + <p> + The three Representatives of the Left indignantly called on the Colonel to + release their colleagues. + </p> + <p> + "Colonel," said Fayolle, "You break the law threefold." + </p> + <p> + "I will break it sixfold," answered the Colonel, and he arrested Fayolle, + Durrieu, and Teillard-Latérisse. + </p> + <p> + The soldiery were ordered to conduct them to the guard house of the Palace + then being built for the Minister of Foreign Affairs. + </p> + <p> + On the way the six prisoners, marching between a double file of bayonets, + met three of their colleagues Representatives Eugène Sue, Chanay, and + Benoist (du Rhône). + </p> + <p> + Eugène Sue placed himself before the officer who commanded the detachment, + and said to him,— + </p> + <p> + "We summon you to set our colleagues at liberty." + </p> + <p> + "I cannot do so," answered the officer. + </p> + <p> + "In that case complete your crimes," said Eugène Sue, "We summon you to + arrest us also." + </p> + <p> + The officer arrested them. + </p> + <p> + They were taken to the guard-house of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, + and, later on, to the barracks of the Quai d'Orsay. It was not till night + that two companies of the line came to transfer them to this ultimate + resting-place. + </p> + <p> + While placing them between his soldiers the commanding officer bowed down + to the ground, politely remarking, "Gentlemen, my men's guns are loaded." + </p> + <p> + The clearance of the hall was carried out, as we have said, in a + disorderly fashion, the soldiers pushing the Representatives before them + through all the outlets. + </p> + <p> + Some, and amongst the number those of whom we have just spoken, wens out + by the Rue de Bourgogne, others were dragged through the Salle des Pas + Perdus towards the grated door opposite the Pont de la Concorde.<a + href="#linknoteref-3" name="linknote-3" id="linknote-3"><small>3</small></a> + </p> + <p> + The Salle des Pas Perdus has an ante-chamber, a sort of crossway room, + upon which opened the staircase of the High Tribune, and several doors, + amongst others the great glass door of the gallery which leads to the + apartments of the President of the Assembly. + </p> + <p> + As soon as they had reached this crossway room which adjoins the little + rotunda, where the side door of exit to the Palace is situated, the + soldiers set the Representatives free. + </p> + <p> + There, in a few moments, a group was formed, in which the Representatives + Canet and Favreau began to speak. One universal cry was raised, "Let us + search for Dupin, let us drag him here if it is necessary." + </p> + <p> + They opened the glass door and rushed into the gallery. This time M. Dupin + was at home. M. Dupin, having learnt that the gendarmes had cleared out + the Hall, had come out of his hiding-place. The Assembly being thrown + prostrate, Dupin stood erect. The law being made prisoner, this man felt + himself set free. + </p> + <p> + The group of Representatives, led by MM. Canet and Favreau, found him in + his study. + </p> + <p> + There a dialogue ensued. The Representatives summoned the President to put + himself at their head, and to re-enter the Hall, he, the man of the + Assembly, with them, the men of the Nation. + </p> + <p> + M. Dupin refused point-blank, maintained his ground, was very firm, and + clung bravely to his nonentity. + </p> + <p> + "What do you want me to do?" said he, mingling with his alarmed protests + many law maxims and Latin quotations, an instinct of chattering jays, who + pour forth all their vocabulary when they are frightened. "What do you + want me to do? Who am I? What can I do? I am nothing. No one is any longer + anything. <i>Ubi nihil, nihil</i>. Might is there. Where there is Might + the people lose their Rights. <i>Novus nascitur ordo</i>. Shape your + course accordingly. I am obliged to submit. <i>Dura lex, sed lex</i>. A + law of necessity we admit, but not a law of right. But what is to be done? + I ask to be let alone. I can do nothing. I do what I can. I am not wanting + in good will. If I had a corporal and four men, I would have them killed." + </p> + <p> + "This man only recognizes force," said the Representatives. "Very well, + let us employ force." + </p> + <p> + They used violence towards him, they girded him with a scarf like a cord + round his neck, and, as they had said, they dragged him towards the Hall, + begging for his "liberty," moaning, kicking—I would say wrestling, + if the word were not too exalted. + </p> + <p> + Some minutes after the clearance, this Salle des Pas Perdus, which had + just witnessed Representatives pass by in the clutch of gendarmes, saw M. + Dupin in the clutch of the Representatives. + </p> + <p> + They did not get far. Soldiers barred the great green folding-doors. + Colonel Espinasse hurried thither, the commander of the gendarmerie came + up. The butt-ends of a pair of pistols were seen peeping out of the + commander's pocket. + </p> + <p> + The colonel was pale, the commander was pale, M. Dupin was livid. Both + sides were afraid. M. Dupin was afraid of the colonel; the colonel + assuredly was not afraid of M. Dupin, but behind this laughable and + miserable figure he saw a terrible phantom rise up—his crime, and he + trembled. In Homer there is a scene where Nemesis appears behind + Thersites. + </p> + <p> + M. Dupin remained for some moments stupefied, bewildered and speechless. + </p> + <p> + The Representative Gambon exclaimed to him,— + </p> + <p> + "Now then, speak, M. Dupin, the Left does not interrupt you." + </p> + <p> + Then, with the words of the Representatives at his back, and the bayonets + of the soldiers at his breast, the unhappy man spoke. What his mouth + uttered at this moment, what the President of the Sovereign Assembly of + France stammered to the gendarmes at this intensely critical moment, no + one could gather. + </p> + <p> + Those who heard the last gasps of this moribund cowardice, hastened to + purify their ears. It appears, however, that he stuttered forth something + like this:— + </p> + <p> + "You are Might, you have bayonets; I invoke Right and I leave you. I have + the honor to wish you good day." + </p> + <p> + He went away. + </p> + <p> + They let him go. At the moment of leaving he turned round and let fall a + few more words. We will not gather them up. History has no rag-picker's + basket. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-3" name="linknoteref-3" id="linknoteref-3_"><small>3</small></a> + <i>This grated door was closed on December 2, and was not reopened until + the 12th March, when M. Louis Bonaparte came to inspect the works of the + Hall of the Corps Legislatif.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. AN END WORSE THAN DEATH + </h2> + <p> + We should have been glad to have put aside, never to have spoken of him + again, this man who had borne for three years this most honorable title, + President of the National Assembly of France, and who had only known how + to be lacquey to the majority. He contrived in his last hour to sink even + lower than could have been believed possible even for him. His career in + the Assembly had been that of a valet, his end was that of a scullion. + </p> + <p> + The unprecedented attitude that M. Dupin assumed before the gendarmes when + uttering with a grimace his mockery of a protest, even engendered + suspicion. Gambion exclaimed, "He resists like an accomplice. He knew + all." + </p> + <p> + We believe these suspicions to be unjust. M. Dupin knew nothing. Who + indeed amongst the organizers of the <i>coup d'état</i> would have taken + the trouble to make sure of his joining them? Corrupt M. Dupin? was it + possible? and, further, to what purpose? To pay him? Why? It would be + money wasted when fear alone was enough. Some connivances are secured + before they are sought for. Cowardice is the old fawner upon felony. The + blood of the law is quickly wiped up. Behind the assassin who holds the + poniard comes the trembling wretch who holds the sponge. + </p> + <p> + Dupin took refuge in his study. They followed him. "My God!" he cried, + "can't they understand that I want to be left in peace." + </p> + <p> + In truth they had tortured him ever since the morning, in order to extract + from him an impossible scrap of courage. + </p> + <p> + "You ill-treat me worse than the gendarmes," said he. + </p> + <p> + The Representatives installed themselves in his study, seated themselves + at his table, and, while he groaned and scolded in an arm-chair, they drew + up a formal report of what had just taken place, as they wished to leave + an official record of the outrage in the archives. + </p> + <p> + When the official report was ended Representative Canet read it to the + President, and offered him a pen. + </p> + <p> + "What do you want me to do with this?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "You are the President," answered Canet. "This is our last sitting. It is + your duty to sign the official report." + </p> + <p> + This man refused. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. THE BLACK DOOR + </h2> + <h3> + M. Dupin is a matchless disgrace. + </h3> + <p> + Later on he had his reward. It appears that he became some sort of an + Attorney-General at the Court of Appeal. + </p> + <p> + M. Dupin renders to Louis Bonaparte the service of being in his place the + meanest of men. + </p> + <p> + To continue this dismal history. + </p> + <p> + The Representatives of the Right, in their first bewilderment caused by + the <i>coup d'état</i>, hastened in large numbers to M. Daru, who was + Vice-President of the Assembly, and at the same time one of the Presidents + of the Pyramid Club. This Association had always supported the policy of + the Elysée, but without believing that a <i>coup d'état</i> was + premeditated. M. Daru lived at No. 75, Rue de Lille. + </p> + <p> + Towards ten o'clock in the morning about a hundred of these + Representatives had assembled at M. Daru's home. They resolved to attempt + to penetrate into the Hall where the Assembly held its sittings. The Rue + de Lille opens out into the Rue de Bourgogne, almost opposite the little + door by which the Palace is entered, and which is called the Black Door. + </p> + <p> + They turned their steps towards this door, with M. Daru at their head. + They marched arm in arm and three abreast. Some of them had put on their + scarves of office. They took them off later on. + </p> + <p> + The Black Door, half-open as usual, was only guarded by two sentries. + </p> + <p> + Some of the most indignant, and amongst them M. de Kerdrel, rushed towards + this door and tried to pass. The door, however, was violently shut, and + there ensued between the Representatives and the <i>sergents de ville</i> + who hastened up, a species of struggle, in which a Representative had his + wrist sprained. + </p> + <p> + At the same time a battalion which was drawn up on the Place de Bourgogne + moved on, and came at the double towards the group of Representatives. M. + Daru, stately and firm, signed to the commander to stop; the battalion + halted, and M. Daru, in the name of the Constitution, and in his capacity + as Vice-President of the Assembly, summoned the soldiers to lay down their + arms, and to give free passage to the Representatives of the Sovereign + People. + </p> + <p> + The commander of the battalion replied by an order to clear the street + immediately, declaring that there was no longer an Assembly; that as for + himself, he did not know what the Representatives of the People were, and + that if those persons before him did not retire of their own accord, he + would drive them back by force. + </p> + <p> + "We will only yield to violence," said M. Daru. + </p> + <p> + "You commit high treason," added M. de Kerdrel. + </p> + <p> + The officer gave the order to charge. + </p> + <p> + The soldiers advanced in close order. + </p> + <p> + There was a moment of confusion; almost a collision. The Representatives, + forcibly driven back, ebbed into the Rue de Lille. Some of them fell down. + Several members of the Right were rolled in the mud by the soldiers. One + of them, M. Etienne, received a blow on the shoulder from the butt-end of + a musket. We may here add that a week afterwards M. Etienne was a member + of that concern which they styled the Consultative Committee. He found the + <i>coup d'état</i> to his taste, the blow with the butt-end of a musket + included. + </p> + <p> + They went back to M. Daru's house, and on the way the scattered group + reunited, and was even strengthened by some new-comers. + </p> + <p> + "Gentlemen," said M. Daru, "the President has failed us, the Hall is + closed against us. I am the Vice-President; my house is the Palace of the + Assembly." + </p> + <p> + He opened a large room, and there the Representatives of the Right + installed themselves. At first the discussions were somewhat noisy. M. + Daru, however, observed that the moments were precious, and silence was + restored. + </p> + <p> + The first measure to be taken was evidently the deposition of the + President of the Republic by virtue of Article 68 of the Constitution. + Some Representatives of the party which was called <i>Burgraves</i> sat + round a table and prepared the deed of deposition. + </p> + <p> + As they were about to read it aloud a Representative who came in from out + of doors appeared at the door of the room, and announced to the Assembly + that the Rue de Lille was becoming filled with troops, and that the house + was being surrounded. + </p> + <p> + There was not a moment to lose. + </p> + <p> + M. Benoist-d'Azy said, "Gentlemen, let us go to the Mairie of the tenth + arrondissement; there we shall be able to deliberate under the protection + of the tenth legion, of which our colleague, General Lauriston, is the + colonel." + </p> + <p> + M. Daru's house had a back entrance by a little door which was at the + bottom of the garden. Most of the Representatives went out that way. + </p> + <p> + M. Daru was about to follow them. Only himself, M. Odilon Barrot, and two + or three others remained in the room, when the door opened. A captain + entered, and said to M. Daru,— + </p> + <p> + "Sir, you are my prisoner." + </p> + <p> + "Where am I to follow you?" asked M. Daru. + </p> + <p> + "I have orders to watch over you in your own house." + </p> + <p> + The house, in truth, was militarily occupied, and it was thus that M. Daru + was prevented from taking part in the sitting at the Mairie of the tenth + arrondissement. + </p> + <p> + The officer allowed M. Odilon Barrot to go out. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE + </h2> + <p> + While all this was taking place on the left bank of the river, towards + noon a man was noticed walking up and down the great Salles des Pas Perdus + of the Palace of Justice. This man, carefully buttoned up in an overcoat, + appeared to be attended at a distance by several possible supporters—for + certain police enterprises employ assistants whose dubious appearance + renders the passers-by uneasy, so much so that they wonder whether they + are magistrates or thieves. The man in the buttoned-up overcoat loitered + from door to door, from lobby to lobby, exchanging signs of intelligence + with the myrmidons who followed him; then came back to the great Hall, + stopping on the way the barristers, solicitors, ushers, clerks, and + attendants, and repeating to all in a low voice, so as not to be heard by + the passers-by, the same question. To this question some answered "Yes," + others replied "No." And the man set to work again, prowling about the + Palace of Justice with the appearance of a bloodhound seeking the trail. + </p> + <p> + He was a Commissary of the Arsenal Police. + </p> + <p> + What was he looking for? + </p> + <p> + The High Court of Justice. + </p> + <p> + What was the High Court of Justice doing? + </p> + <p> + It was hiding. + </p> + <p> + Why? To sit in Judgment? + </p> + <p> + Yes and no. + </p> + <p> + The Commissary of the Arsenal Police had that morning received from the + Prefect Maupas the order to search everywhere for the place where the High + Court of Justice might be sitting, if perchance it thought it its duty to + meet. Confusing the High Court with the Council of State, the Commissary + of Police had first gone to the Quai d'Orsay. Having found nothing, not + even the Council of State, he had come away empty-handed, at all events + had turned his steps towards the Palace of Justice, thinking that as he + had to search for justice he would perhaps find it there. + </p> + <p> + Not finding it, he went away. + </p> + <p> + The High Court, however, had nevertheless met together. + </p> + <p> + Where, and how? We shall see. + </p> + <p> + At the period whose annals we are now chronicling, before the present + reconstruction of the old buildings of Paris, when the Palace of Justice + was reached by the Cour de Harlay, a staircase the reverse of majestic led + thither by turning out into a long corridor called the Gallerie Mercière. + Towards the middle of this corridor there were two doors; one on the + right, which led to the Court of Appeal, the other on the left, which led + to the Court of Cassation. The folding-doors to the left opened upon an + old gallery called St. Louis, recently restored, and which serves at the + present time for a Salle des Pas Perdus to the barristers of the Court of + Cassation. A wooden statue of St. Louis stood opposite the entrance door. + An entrance contrived in a niche to the right of this statue led into a + winding lobby ending in a sort of blind passage, which apparently was + closed by two double doors. On the door to the right might be read "First + President's Room;" on the door to the left, "Council Chamber." Between + these two doors, for the convenience of the barristers going from the Hall + to the Civil Chamber, which formerly was the Great Chamber of Parliament, + had been formed a narrow and dark passage, in which, as one of them + remarked, "every crime could be committed with impunity." + </p> + <p> + Leaving on one side the First President's Room and opening the door which + bore the inscription "Council Chamber," a large room was crossed, + furnished with a huge horse-shoe table, surrounded by green chairs. At the + end of this room, which in 1793 had served as a deliberating hall for the + juries of the Revolutionary Tribunal, there was a door placed in the + wainscoting, which led into a little lobby where were two doors, on the + right the door of the room appertaining to the President of the Criminal + Chamber, on the left the door of the Refreshment Room. "Sentenced to + death!—Now let us go and dine!" These two ideas, Death and Dinner, + have jostled against each other for centuries. A third door closed the + extremity of this lobby. This door was, so to speak, the last of the + Palace of Justice, the farthest off, the least known, the most hidden; it + opened into what was called the Library of the Court of Cassation, a large + square room lighted by two windows overlooking the great inner yard of the + Concièrgerie, furnished with a few leather chairs, a large table covered + with green cloth, and with law books lining the walls from the floor to + the ceiling. + </p> + <p> + This room, as may be seen, is the most secluded and the best hidden of any + in the Palace. + </p> + <p> + It was here,—in this room, that there arrived successively on the 2d + December, towards eleven o'clock in the morning, numerous men dressed in + black, without robes, without badges of office, affrighted, bewildered, + shaking their heads, and whispering together. These trembling men were the + High Court of Justice. + </p> + <p> + The High Court of Justice, according to the terms of the Constitution, was + composed of seven magistrates; a President, four Judges, and two + Assistants, chosen by the Court of Cassation from among its own members + and renewed every year. + </p> + <p> + In December, 1851, these seven judges were named Hardouin, Pataille, + Moreau, Delapalme, Cauchy, Grandet, and Quesnault, the two last-named + being Assistants. + </p> + <p> + These men, almost unknown, had nevertheless some antecedents. M. Cauchy, a + few years previously President of the Chamber of the Royal Court of Paris, + an amiable man and easily frightened, was the brother of the + mathematician, member of the Institute, to whom we owe the computation of + waves of sound, and of the ex-Registrar Archivist of the Chamber of Peers. + M. Delapalme had been Advocate-General, and had taken a prominent part in + the Press trials under the Restoration; M. Pataille had been Deputy of the + Centre under the Monarchy of July; M. Moreau (de la Seine) was noteworthy, + inasmuch he had been nicknamed "de la Seine" to distinguish him from M. + Moreau (de la Meurthe), who on his side was noteworthy, inasmuch as he had + been nicknamed "de la Meurthe" to distinguish him from M. Moreau (de la + Seine). The first Assistant, M. Grandet, had been President of the Chamber + at Paris. I have read this panegyric of him: "He is known to possess no + individuality or opinion of his own whatsoever." The second Assistant, M. + Quesnault, a Liberal, a Deputy, a Public Functionary, Advocate-General, a + Conservative, learned, obedient, had attained by making a stepping-stone + of each of these attributes, to the Criminal Chamber of the Court of + Cassation, where he was known as one of the most severe members. 1848 had + shocked his notion of Right, he had resigned after the 24th of February; + he did not resign after the 2d December. + </p> + <p> + M. Hardouin, who presided over the High Court, was an ex-President of + Assizes, a religious man, a rigid Jansenist, noted amongst his colleagues + as a "scrupulous magistrate," living in Port Royal, a diligent reader of + Nicolle, belonging to the race of the old Parliamentarians of the Marais, + who used to go to the Palais de Justice mounted on a mule; the mule had + now gone out of fashion, and whoever visited President Hardouin would have + found no more obstinacy in his stable than in his conscience. + </p> + <p> + On the morning of the 2d December, at nine o'clock, two men mounted the + stairs of M. Hardouin's house, No. 10, Rue de Condé, and met together at + his door. One was M. Pataille; the other, one of the most prominent + members of the bar of the Court of Cassation, was the ex-Constituent + Martin (of Strasbourg). M. Pataille had just placed himself at M. + Hardouin's disposal. + </p> + <p> + Martin's first thought, while reading the placards of the <i>coup d'état</i>, + had been for the High Court. M. Hardouin ushered M. Pataille into a room + adjoining his study, and received Martin (of Strasbourg) as a man to whom + he did not wish to speak before witnesses. Being formally requested by + Martin (of Strasbourg) to convene the High Court, he begged that he would + leave him alone, declared that the High Court would "do its duty," but + that first he must "confer with his colleagues," concluding with this + expression, "It shall be done to-day or to-morrow." "To-day or to-morrow!" + exclaimed Martin (of Strasbourg); "Mr. President, the safety of the + Republic, the safety of the country, perhaps, depends on what the High + Court will or will not do. Your responsibility is great; bear that in + mind. The High Court of Justice does not do its duty to-day or to-morrow; + it does it at once, at the moment, without losing a minute, without an + instant's hesitation." + </p> + <p> + Martin (of Strasbourg) was right, Justice always belongs to To-day. + </p> + <p> + Martin (of Strasbourg) added, "If you want a man for active work, I am at + your service." M. Hardouin declined the offer; declared that he would not + lose a moment, and begged Martin (of Strasbourg) to leave him to "confer" + with his colleague, M. Pataille. + </p> + <p> + In fact, he called together the High Court for eleven o'clock, and it was + settled that the meeting should take place in the Hall of the Library. + </p> + <p> + The Judges were punctual. At a quarter-past eleven they were all + assembled. M. Pataille arrived the last. + </p> + <p> + They sat at the end of the great green table. They were alone in the + Library. + </p> + <p> + There was no ceremonial. President Hardouin thus opened the debate: + "Gentlemen, there is no need to explain the situation, we all know what it + is." + </p> + <p> + Article 68 of the Constitution was imperative. It was necessary that the + High Court should meet <i>under penalty of high treason</i>. They gained + time, they swore themselves in, they appointed as Recorder of the High + Court M. Bernard, Recorder of the Court of Cassation, and they sent to + fetch him, and while waiting requested the librarian, M. Denevers, to hold + his pen in readiness. They settled the time and place for an evening + meeting. They talked of the conduct of the Constituent Martin (of + Strasbourg), with which they were offended, regarding it almost as a nudge + of the elbow given by Politics to Justice. They spoke a little of + Socialism, of the Mountain, and of the Red Republic, and a little also of + the judgment which they had to pronounce. They chatted, they told stories, + they found fault, they speculated, they spun out the time. + </p> + <p> + What were they waiting for? + </p> + <p> + We have related what the Commissary of police was doing for his part in + his department. + </p> + <p> + And, in reference to this design, when the accomplices of the <i>coup + d'état</i> considered that the people in order to summon the High Court to + do its duty, could invade the Palace of Justice, and that they would never + look for it where it was assembled, they felt that this room had been + excellently chosen. When, however, they considered that the police would + also doubtless come to expel the High Court, and that perhaps they would + not succeed in finding it, each one regretted to himself the choice of the + room. They wished to hide the High Court, they had succeeded too well. It + was grievous to think that perhaps when the police and the armed force + should arrive, matters would have gone too far, and the High Court would + be too deeply compromised. + </p> + <p> + They had appointed a Recorder, now they must organize a Court. A second + step, more serious than the first. + </p> + <p> + The judges delayed, hoping that fortune would end by deciding on one side + or the other, either for the Assembly or for the President, either against + the <i>coup d'état</i> or for it, and that there might thus be a + vanquished party, so that the High Court could then with all safety lay + its hands upon somebody. + </p> + <p> + They lengthily argued the question, whether they should immediately decree + the accusation of the President, or whether they should draw up a simple + order of inquiry. The latter course was adopted. + </p> + <p> + They drew up a judgment, not the honest and outspoken judgment which was + placarded by the efforts of the Representatives of the Left and published, + in which are found these words of bad taste, <i>Crime</i> and <i>High + Treason</i>; this judgment, a weapon of war, has never existed otherwise + than as a projectile. Wisdom in a judge sometimes consists in drawing up a + judgment which is not one, one of those judgments which has no binding + force, in which everything is conditional; in which no one is + incriminated, and nothing, is called by its right name. There are species + of intermediate courses which allow of waiting and seeing; in delicate + crises men who are in earnest must not inconsiderately mingle with + possible events that bluntness which is called Justice. The High Court + took advantage of this, it drew up a prudent judgment; this judgment is + not known; it is published here for the first time. Here it is. It is a + masterpiece of equivocal style:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + EXTRACT FROM THE REGISTRY OF THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE. + + "The High Court of Justice. + + "According to Article 68 of the Constitution, considering that + printed placards beginning with these words, 'The President of the + Republic' and ending with the signatures, 'Louis Napoléon Bonaparte' + and 'De Morny, Minister of the Interior,' the said placards ordaining + amongst other measures the dissolution of the National Assembly, have + been posted to-day on the walls of Paris, that this fact of the + dissolution of the National Assembly by the President of the Republic + would be of the nature to constitute the case provided for by Article + 68 of the Constitution, and renders, in the terms of the aforesaid + article, the meeting of the High Court indispensable. + + "It is declared that the High Court of Justice is organized, that it + appoints<a href="#linknoteref-4" name="linknote-4" id="linknote-4">4</a> ... to fulfil with it the functions of the Public + Ministry; that M. Bernard, the Recorder of the Court of Cassation, + should fulfil the duties of Recorder, and in order to proceed + further, according to the terms of the aforesaid Article 68 of the + Constitution, the Court will adjourn until to-morrow, the 3d of + December, at noon. + + "Drawn up and discussed in the Council Chamber, where were sitting + MM. Hardouin, president, Pataille, Moreau, Delapalme, and Cauchy, + judges, December 2, 1851." +</pre> + <p> + The two Assistants, MM. Grandet and Quesnault, offered to sign the decree, + but the President ruled that it would be more correct only to accept the + signatures of the titular judges, the Assistants not being qualified when + the Court was complete. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime it was one o'clock, the news began to spread through the + palace that a decree of deposition against Louis Bonaparte had been drawn + up by a part of the Assembly; one of the judges who had gone out during + the debate, brought back this rumor to his colleagues. This coincided with + an outburst of energy. The President observed that it would be to the + purpose to appoint a Procureur-General. + </p> + <p> + There was a difficulty. Whom should they appoint? In all preceding trials + they had always chosen for a Procureur-General at the High Court the + Procureur-General at the Court of Appeal of Paris. Why should they + introduce an innovation? They determined upon this Procureur-General of + the Court of Appeal. This Procureur-General was at the time M. de Royer, + who had been keeper of the Seals for M. Bonaparte. Thence a new difficulty + and a long debate. + </p> + <p> + Would M. de Royer consent? M. Hardouin undertook to go and make the offer + to him. He had only to cross the Mercière Gallery. + </p> + <p> + M. de Royer was in his study. The proposal greatly embarrassed him. He + remained speechless from the shock. To accept was serious, to refuse was + still more serious. + </p> + <p> + There was risk of treason. On the 2d December, an hour after noon, the <i>coup + d'état</i> was still a crime. M. de Royer, not knowing whether the high + treason would succeed, ventured to stigmatize the deed as such in private, + and cast down his eyes with a noble shame before this violation of the + laws which, three months later, numerous purple robes, including his own, + endorsed with their oaths. But his indignation did not go to the extent of + supporting the indictment. An indictment speaks aloud. M. de Royer as yet + only murmured. He was perplexed. + </p> + <p> + M. Hardouin understood this state of conscience. Persistence would have + been unreasonable. He withdrew. + </p> + <p> + He returned to the room where his colleagues were awaiting him. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime the Commissary of the Arsenal Police had come back. + </p> + <p> + He had ended by succeeding in "unearthing"—such was his expression—the + High Court. He penetrated as far as the Council Chamber of the Civil + Chamber; at that moment he had still no other escort than the few police + agents of the morning. A boy was passing by. The Commissary asked him the + whereabouts of the High Court. "The High Court?" answered the boy; "what + is that?" Nevertheless the boy told the Librarian, who came up. A few + words were exchanged between M. Denevers and the Commissary. + </p> + <p> + "What are you asking for?" + </p> + <p> + "The High Court." + </p> + <p> + "Who are you?" + </p> + <p> + "I want the high Court." + </p> + <p> + "It is in session." + </p> + <p> + "Where is it sitting?" + </p> + <p> + "Here." + </p> + <p> + And the Librarian pointed to the door. + </p> + <p> + "Very well," said the Commissary. + </p> + <p> + He did not add another word, and returned into the Mercière Gallery. + </p> + <p> + We have just said that he was only accompanied at that time by a few + police agents. + </p> + <p> + The High Court was, in truth, in session. The President was relating to + the judges his visit to the Procureur General. Suddenly a tumultuous sound + of footsteps is heard in the lobby which leads from the Council Chamber to + the room where they were deliberating. The door opens abruptly. Bayonets + appear, and in the midst of the bayonets a man in a buttoned-up overcoat, + with a tricolored sash upon his coat. + </p> + <p> + The magistrates stare, stupefied. + </p> + <p> + "Gentlemen," said the man, "dissolve your meeting immediately." + </p> + <p> + President Hardouin rises. + </p> + <p> + "What does this mean? Who are you? Are you aware to whom you are + speaking?" + </p> + <p> + "I am aware. You are the High Court, and I am the Commissary of the + Police." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then?" + </p> + <p> + "Be off." + </p> + <p> + There were there thirty-five municipal guards, commanded by a lieutenant, + and with a drum at their head. + </p> + <p> + "But——" said the President. + </p> + <p> + The Commissary interrupted him with these words, which are literally + given,— + </p> + <p> + "Mr. President, I am not going to enter upon an oratorical combat with + you. I have my orders, and I transmit them to you. Obey." + </p> + <p> + "Whom?" + </p> + <p> + "The Prefect of Police." + </p> + <p> + The President asked this strange question, which implied the acceptance of + an order,— + </p> + <p> + "Have you a warrant?" + </p> + <p> + The Commissary answered,— + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + And he handed a paper to the President. + </p> + <p> + The judges turned pale. + </p> + <p> + The President unfolded the paper; M. Cauchy put his head over M. + Hardouin's shoulder. The President read but,— + </p> + <p> + "You are ordered to dissolve the High Court, and, in case of refusal, to + arrest MM. Béranger, Rocher, De Boissieux, Pataille, and Hello." + </p> + <p> + And, turning towards the judges, the President added,— + </p> + <p> + "Signed, Maupas." + </p> + <p> + Then, addressing himself to the Commissary, he resumed,— + </p> + <p> + "There is some mistake, these are not our names. MM. Béranger, Rocher, and + De Boissieux have served their time and are no longer judges of the High + Court; as for M. Hello, he is dead." + </p> + <p> + The High Court, in reality, was temporary and renewable; the <i>coup + d'état</i> overthrew the Constitution, but did not understand it. The + warrant signed "Maupas" was applicable to the preceding High Court. The <i>coup + d'état</i> had been misled by an old list. Such is the heedlessness of + assassins. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Commissary of Police," continued the President, "you see that these + names are not ours." + </p> + <p> + "That does not matter to me," replied the Commissary. "Whether this + warrant does or does not apply to you, disperse, or I shall arrest all of + you." + </p> + <p> + And he added,— + </p> + <p> + "At once." + </p> + <p> + The judges were silenced; one of them picked up from the table a loose + sheet of paper, which was the judgment they had drawn up, and put the + paper in his pocket. + </p> + <p> + Then they went away. + </p> + <p> + The Commissary pointed to the door where the bayonets were, and said,— + </p> + <p> + "That way." + </p> + <p> + They went out by the lobby between two ranks of soldiers. The detachment + of Republican Guards escorted them as far as the St. Louis Gallery. + </p> + <p> + There they set them free; their heads bowed down. + </p> + <p> + It was about three o'clock. + </p> + <p> + While these events were taking place in the Library, close by, in the + former great Chamber of the Parliament, the Court of Cassation was sitting + in judgment as usual, without noticing what was happening so near at hand. + It would appear, then, that the police exhaled no odor. + </p> + <p> + Let us at once have done with this High Court. + </p> + <p> + In the evening at half-past seven the seven judges met together at the + house of one of their number, he who had taken away the decree; they + framed an official report, drew up a protest, and recognizing the + necessity of filling in the line left blank in their decree, on the + proposition of M. Quesnault, appointed as Procureur-General M. Renouard, + their colleague at the Court of Cessation. M. Renouard, who was + immediately informed, consented. + </p> + <p> + They met together for the last time on the next day, the 3d, at eleven + o'clock in the morning, an hour before the time mentioned in the judgment + which we have read above,—again in the Library of the Court of + Cassation. M. Renouard was present. An official minute was given to him, + recording his appointment, as well as certain details with which he asked + to be supplied. The judgment which had been drawn up was taken by M. + Quesnault to the Recorder's Office, and immediately entered upon the + Register of the Secret Deliberations of the Court of Cassation, the High + Court not having a Special Register, and having decided, from its + creation, to use the Register of the Court of Cassation. After the decree + they also transcribed the two documents described as follows on the + Register:— + </p> + <p> + I. An official report recording the interference of the police during the + discussion upon the preceding decree. + </p> + <p> + II. A minute of the appointment of M. Renouard to the office of + Procureur-General. + </p> + <p> + In addition seven copies of these different documents drawn up by the + hands of the judges themselves, and signed by them all, were put in a + place of safety, as also, it is said, a note-book, in which were written + five other secret decisions relating to the <i>coup d'état</i>. + </p> + <p> + Does this page of the Register of the Court of Cassation exist at the + present time? Is it true, as has been stated, that the prefect Maupas sent + for the Register and tore out the leaf containing the decree? We have not + been able to clear up this point. The Register now is shown to no one, and + those employed at the Recorder's Office are dumb. + </p> + <p> + Such are the facts, let us summarize them. If this Court so called "High," + had been of a character to conceive such an idea as that of doing its duty—when + it had once met together the mere organization of itself was a matter of a + few minutes—it would have proceeded resolutely and rapidly, it would + have appointed as Procureur-General some energetic man belonging to the + Court of Cassation, either from the body of magistrates, such as Freslon, + or from the bar, like Martin (of Strasbourg). By virtue of Article 68, and + without waiting the initiative of the Assembly, it would have drawn up a + judgment stigmatizing the crime, it would have launched an order of arrest + against the President and his accomplices and have ordered the removal of + the person of Louis Bonaparte to jail. As for the Procureur-General he + would have issued a warrant of arrest. All this could have been done by + half-past eleven, and at that time no attempt had been made to dissolve + the High Court. These preliminary proceedings concluded, the High Court, + by going out through a nailed-up door leading into the Salle des Pas + Perdus, could have descended into the street, and there have proclaimed + its judgment to the people. At this time it would have met with no + hindrance. Finally, and this in any case, it should have sat robed on the + Judges' Bench, with all magisterial state, and when the police agent and + his soldiers appeared should have ordered the soldiers, who perhaps would + have obeyed them, to arrest the agent, and if the soldiers had disobeyed, + should have allowed themselves to be formally dragged to prison, so that + the people could see, under their own eyes, out in the open street, the + filthy hoof of the <i>coup d'état</i> trampling upon the robe of Justice. + </p> + <p> + Instead of this, what steps did the High Court take? We have just seen. + </p> + <p> + "Be off with you!" + </p> + <p> + "We are going." + </p> + <p> + We can imagine, after a very different fashion, the dialogue between + Mathieu Molé and Vidocq. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-4" name="linknoteref-4" id="linknoteref-4_"><small>4</small></a> + This line was left blank. It was filled in later on with the name of M. + Renouard, Councillor of the Court of Cassation. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. THE MAIRIE OF THE TENTH ARRONDISSEMENT + </h2> + <p> + The Representatives, having come out from M. Daru, rejoined each other and + assembled in the street. There they consulted briefly, from group to + group. There were a large number of them. In less than an hour, by sending + notices to the houses on the left bank of the Seine alone, on account of + the extreme urgency, more than three hundred members could be called + together. But where should they meet? At Lemardelay's? The Rue Richelieu + was guarded. At the Salle Martel? It was a long way off. They relied upon + the Tenth Legion, of which General Lauriston was colonel. They showed a + preference for the Mairie of the Tenth Arrondissement. Besides, the + distance was short, and there was no need to cross any bridges. + </p> + <p> + They formed themselves into column, and set forth. + </p> + <p> + M. Daru, as we have said, lived in the Rue de Lille, close by the + Assembly. The section of the Rue de Lille lying between his house and the + Palais Bourbon was occupied by infantry. The last detachment barred his + door, but it only barred it on the right, not on the left. The + Representatives, on quitting M. Daru, bent their steps on the side of the + Rue des Saints-Pères, and left the soldiers behind them. At that moment + the soldiers had only been instructed to prevent their meeting in the + Palace of the Assembly; they could quietly form themselves into a column + in the street, and set forth. If they had turned to the right instead of + to the left, they would have been opposed. But there were no orders for + the other alternative; they passed through a gap in the instructions. + </p> + <p> + An hour afterwards this threw St. Arnaud into a fit of fury. + </p> + <p> + On their way fresh Representatives came up and swelled the column. As the + members of the Right lived for the most part in the Faubourg St. Germain, + the column was composed almost entirely of men belonging to the majority. + </p> + <p> + At the corner of the Quai d'Orsay they met a group of members of the Left, + who had reunited after their exit from the Palace of the Assembly, and who + were consulting together. There were the Representatives Esquiros, Marc + Dufraisse, Victor Hennequin, Colfavru, and Chamiot. + </p> + <p> + Those who were marching at the head of the column left their places, went + up to the group, and said, "Come with us." + </p> + <p> + "Where are you going?" asked Marc Dufraisse. + </p> + <p> + To the Mairie of the Tenth Arrondissement." + </p> + <p> + "What do you intend to do there?" + </p> + <p> + "To decree the deposition of Louis Bonaparte." + </p> + <p> + "And afterwards?" + </p> + <p> + "Afterwards we shall go in a body to the Palace of the Assembly; we will + force our way in spite of all resistance, and from the top of the steps we + will read out the decree of deposition to the soldiers." + </p> + <p> + "Very good, we will join you," said Mare Dufraisse. + </p> + <p> + The five members of the Left marched at some distance from the column. + Several of their friends who were mingled with the members of the Right + rejoined them; and we may here mention a fact without giving it more + importance than it possesses, namely, that the two fractions of the + Assembly represented in this unpremeditated gathering marched towards the + Mairie without being mingled together; one on each side of the street. It + chanced that the men of the majority kept on the right side of the street, + and the men of the minority on the left. + </p> + <p> + No one had a scarf of office. No outward token caused them to be + recognized. The passers-by stared at them with surprise, and did not + understand what was the meaning of this procession of silent men through + the solitary streets of the Faubourg St. Germain. One district of Paris + was as yet unaware of the <i>coup d'état</i>. + </p> + <p> + Strategically speaking, from a defensive point of view, the Mairie of the + tenth Arrondissement was badly chosen. Situated in a narrow street in that + short section of the Rue de Grenelle-St.-Germain which lies between the + Rue des Saints-Pères and the Rue du Sépulcre, close by the cross-roads of + the Croix-Rouge, where the troops could arrive from so many different + points, the Mairie of the Tenth Arrondissement, confined, commanded, and + blockaded on every side, was a pitiful citadel for the assailed National + Representation. It is true that they no longer had the choice of a + citadel, any more than later on they had the choice of a general. + </p> + <p> + Their arrival at the Mairie might have seemed a good omen. The great gate + which leads into a square courtyard was shut; it opened. The post of the + National Guards, composed of some twenty men, took up their arms and + rendered military honors to the Assembly. The Representatives entered, a + Deputy Mayor received them with respect on the threshold of the Mairie. + "The Palace of the Assembly is closed by the troops," said the + Representatives, "we have come to deliberate here." The Deputy Mayor led + them to the first story, and admitted them to the Great Municipal Hall. + The National Guard cried, "Long live the National Assembly!" + </p> + <p> + The Representatives having entered, the door was shut. A crowd began to + gather in the street and shouted "Long live the Assembly!" A certain + number of strangers to the Assembly entered the Mairie at the same time as + the Representatives. Overcrowding was feared, and two sentries were placed + at a little side-door, which was left open, with orders only to allow + members of the Assembly who might come afterwards to enter. M. Howyn + Tranchère stationed himself at this door, and undertook to identify them. + </p> + <p> + On their arrival at the Mairie, the Representatives numbered somewhat + under three hundred. They exceeded this number later on. It was about + eleven o'clock in the morning. All did not go up at once into the hall + where the meeting was to take place. Several, those of the Left in + particular, remained in the courtyard, mingling with the National Guards + and citizens. + </p> + <p> + They talked of what they were going to do. + </p> + <p> + This was the first difficulty. + </p> + <p> + The Father of the meeting was M. de Kératry. + </p> + <p> + Was he going to preside? + </p> + <p> + The Representatives who were assembled in the Great Hall were in his + favor. + </p> + <p> + The Representatives remaining in the courtyard hesitated. + </p> + <p> + Marc Dufraisse went up to MM. Jules de Lasteyrie and Léon de Maleville, + who had stayed behind with the Representatives of the Left, and said to + them, "What are they thinking of upstairs? To make Kératry President? The + name of Kératry would frighten the people as thoroughly as mine would + frighten the middle classes." + </p> + <p> + A member of the Right, M. de Keranflech, came up, and intending to support + the objection, added, "And then, think of Kératry's age. It is madness to + pit a man of eighty against this hour of danger." + </p> + <p> + But Esquiros exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + "That is a bad reason! Eighty years! They constitute a force." + </p> + <p> + "Yes; where they are well borne," said Colfavru. "Kératry bears them + badly." + </p> + <p> + "Nothing is greater," resumed Esquiros, "than great octogenarians." + </p> + <p> + "It is glorious," added Chamiot, "to be presided over by Nestor." + </p> + <p> + "No, by Gerontes,"<a href="#linknoteref-5" name="linknote-5" + id="linknote-5"><small>5</small></a> said Victor Hennequin. + </p> + <p> + These words put an end to the debate. Kératry was thrown out. MM. Léon de + Maleville and Jules de Lasteyrie, two men respected by all parties, + undertook to make the members of the Right listen to reason. It was + decided that the "bureau"<a href="#linknoteref-6" name="linknote-6" + id="linknote-6"><small>6</small></a> should preside. Five members of the + "bureau" were present; two Vice-Presidents, MM. Benoist d'Azy and Vitet, + and three Secretaries, MM. Griumult, Chapot, and Moulin. Of the two other + Vice-Presidents, one, General Bedrau, was at Mazas; the other, M. Daru, + was under guard in his own house. Of the three other Secretaries, two, MM. + Peapin and Lacaze, men of the Elysée, were absentees; the other, M. Yvan, + a member of the Left, was at the meeting of the Left, in the Rue Blanche, + which was taking place almost at the same moment. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime an usher appeared on the steps of the Mairie, and cried + out, as on the most peaceful days of the Assembly, "Representatives, to + the sitting!" + </p> + <p> + This usher, who belonged to the Assembly, and who had followed it, shared + its fortunes throughout this day, the sequestration on the Quai d'Orsay + included. + </p> + <p> + At the summons of the usher all the Representatives in the courtyard, and + amongst whom was one of the Vice-Presidents, M. Vitei, went upstairs to + the Hall, and the sitting was opened. + </p> + <p> + This sitting was the last which the Assembly held under regular + conditions. The Left, which, as we have seen, had on its side boldly + recaptured the Legislative power, and had added to it that which + circumstances required—as was the duty of Revolutionists; the Left, + without a "bureau," without an usher, and without secretaries, held + sittings in which the accurate and passionless record of shorthand was + wanting, but which live in our memories and which History will gather up. + </p> + <p> + Two shorthand writers of the Assembly, MM. Grosselet and Lagache, were + present at the sitting at the Mairie of the Tenth Arrondissement. They + have been able to record it. The censorship of the victorious <i>coup + d'état</i> has mutilated their report and has published through its + historians this mangled version as the true version. One lie more. That + does not matter. This shorthand recital belongs to the brief of the 2d + December, it is one of the leading documents in the trial which the future + will institute. In the notes of this book will be found this document + complete. The passages in inverted commas are those which the censorship + of M. Bonaparte has suppressed. This suppression is a proof of their + significance and importance. + </p> + <p> + Shorthand reproduces everything except life. Stenography is an ear. It + hears and sees not. It is therefore necessary to fill in here the + inevitable blanks of the shorthand account. + </p> + <p> + In order to obtain a complete idea of this sitting of the Tenth + Arrondissement, we must picture the great Hall of the Mairie, a sort of + parallelogram, lighted on the right by four or five windows overlooking + the courtyard; on the left, along the wall, furnished with several rows of + benches which had been hastily brought thither, on which were piled up the + three hundred Representatives, assembled together by chance. No one was + sitting down, those in front were standing, those behind were mounted on + the benches. Here and there were a few small tables. In the centre people + walked to and fro. At the bottom, at the end opposite the door, was a long + table furnished with benches, which occupied the whole width of the wall, + behind which sat the "bureau." "Sitting" is merely the conventional term. + The "bureau" did not "sit;" like the rest of the Assembly it was on its + feet. The secretaries, M.M. Chapot, Moulin, and Grimault wrote standing. + At certain moments the two Vice-Presidents mounted on the benches so as to + be better seen from all points of the room. The table was covered by an + old green tablecloth, stained with ink, three or four inkstands had been + brought in, and a quire of paper was scattered about. There the decrees + were written as soon as they were drawn up. They multiplied the copies, + some Representatives became secretaries on the spur of the moment, and + helped the official secretaries. + </p> + <p> + This great hall was on a level with the landing. It was situated, as we + have said, on the first floor; it was reached by a very narrow staircase. + </p> + <p> + We must recollect that nearly the whole of the members present were + members of the Right. + </p> + <p> + The first moment was a serious one. Berryer came out to advantage. + Berryer, like all those extemporizers without style, will only be + remembered as a name, and a much disputed name, Berryer having been rather + a special pleader than an orator who believed what he said. On that day + Berryer was to the point, logical and earnest. They began by this cry, + "What shall we do?" "Draw up a declaration," said M. de Falloux. "A + protest," said M. de Flavigny. "A decree," said Berryer. + </p> + <p> + In truth a declaration was empty air, a protest was noise, a decree was + action. They cried out, "What decree?" "Deposition," said Berryer. + Deposition was the extreme limit of the energy of the Right. Beyond + deposition, there was outlawry; deposition was practicable for the Right, + outlawry was only possible for the Left. In fact it was the Left who + outlawed Louis Bonaparte. They did it at their first meeting in the Rue + Blanche. We shall see this later on. At deposition, Legality came to an + end; at outlawry, the Revolution began. The recurrence of Revolutions are + the logical consequences of <i>coups d'état</i>. The deposition having + been voted, a man who later on turned traitor, Quentin Bauchart, + exclaimed, "Let us all sign it." All signed it. Odilon Barrot came in and + signed it. Antony Thouret came in and signed it. Suddenly M. Piscatory + announced that the Mayor was refusing to allow Representatives who had + arrived to enter the Hall. "Order him to do so by decree," said Berryer. + And the decree was voted. Thanks to this decree, MM. Favreau and Monet + entered; they came from the Legislative Palace; they related the cowardice + of Dupin. M. Dahirel, one of the leaders of the Right, was exasperated, + and said, "We have received bayonet thrusts." Voices were raised, "Let us + summon the Tenth Legion. Let the call to arms be beaten. Lauriston + hesitates. Let us order him to protect the Assembly." "Let us order him by + decree," said Berryer. This decree was drawn up, which, however, did not + prevent Lauriston from refusing. Another decree, again proposed by + Berryer, pronounced any one who had outraged the Parliamentary + inviolability to be a traitor, and ordered the immediate release of those + Representatives who had been wrongfully made prisoners. All this was voted + at once without debate, in a sort of great unanimous confusion, and in the + midst of a storm of fierce conversations. From time to time Berryer + imposed silence. Then the angry outcries broke forth again. "The <i>coup + d'état</i> will not dare to come here." "We are masters here." "We are at + home." "It would be impossible to attack us here." "These wretches will + not dare to do so." If the uproar had been less violent, the + Representatives might have heard through the open windows close at hand, + the sound of soldiers loading their guns. + </p> + <p> + A regiment of Chasseurs of Vincennes had just entered silently into the + garden of the Mairie, and, while waiting for orders, were loading their + guns. + </p> + <p> + Little by little the sitting, at first disorderly and tumultuous, had + assumed an ordinary aspect. The uproar had relapsed into a murmur. The + voice of the usher, crying "Silence, gentlemen," had succeeded in + overcoming the hubbub. Every moment fresh Representatives came in, and + hastened to sign the decree of deposition at the "bureau." As there was a + great crowd round the "bureau" waiting to sign, a dozen loose sheets of + paper to which the Representatives affixed their signatures were + circulated in the great Hall and the two adjoining rooms. + </p> + <p> + The first to sign the decree of deposition was M. Dufaure, the last was M. + Betting de Lancastel. Of the two Presidents, one, M. Benoist d'Azy, was + addressing the Assembly; the other, M. Vitet, pale, but calm and resolute, + distributed instructions and orders. M. Benoist d'Azy maintained a + decorous countenance, but a certain hesitation in his speech revealed an + inner agitation. Divisions, even in the Right, had not disappeared at this + critical moment. A Legitimist member was overheard saying in a low voice, + while speaking of one of the Vice-Presidents, "This great Vitet looks like + a whited sepulchre." Vitet was an Orleanist. + </p> + <p> + Given this adventurer with whom they had to deal, this Louis Bonaparte, + capable of everything, the hour and the man being wrapt in mystery, some + Legitimist personages of a candid mind were seriously but comically + frightened. The Marquis of ——, who acted the fly on the + coach-wheel to the Right, went hither and thither, harangued, shouted, + declaimed, remonstrated, proclaimed, and trembled. Another, M. A—— + N——, perspiring, red-faced, out of breath, rushed about + distractedly. "Where is the guard? How many men are there? Who commands + them? The officer! send me the officer! Long live the Republic! National + Guard, stand firm! Long live the Republic!" All the Right shouted this + cry. "You wish then to kill it," said Esquiros. Some of them were + dejected; Bourbousson maintained the silence of a vanquished placeman. + Another, the Viscount of ——, a relative of the Duke of Escars, + was so alarmed that every moment he adjourned to a corner of the + courtyard. In the crowd which filled the courtyard there was a <i>gamin</i> + of Paris, a child of Athens, who has since become am elegant and charming + poet, Albert Glatigny. Albert Glatigny cried out to this frightened + Viscount, "Hulloa there! Do you think that <i>coups d'état</i> are + extinguished in the way Gulliver put out the fire?" + </p> + <p> + Oh, Laughter, how gloomy you are when attended with Tragedy! + </p> + <p> + The Orleanists were quieter, and maintained a more becoming attitude. This + arose from the fact that they ran greater danger. + </p> + <p> + Pascal Duprat replaced at the top of the decrees the words, "République + Française," which had been forgotten. + </p> + <p> + From time to time men who were not speaking on the subject of the moment + mentioned this strange word, "Dupin," open which there ensued shouts of + derision and bursts of laughter. "Utter the name of that coward no more," + cried Antony Thouret. + </p> + <p> + There were motions and counter-motions; it was a continual uproar + interrupted by deep and solemn silences. Alarmist phrases circulated from + group to group. "We are in a blind alley." "We are caught here as in a rat + trap;" and then on each motion voices were raised: "That is it!" "It is + right!" "It is settled!" They agreed in a low voice upon a rendezvous at + No. 19, Rue de la Chaussée-d'Antin, in case they should be expelled from + the Mairie. M. Bixio carried off the decree of deposition to get it + printed. Esquiros, Marc Dufraisse, Pascal Duprat, Rigal, Lherbette, + Chamiot, Latrade, Colfavru, Antony Thouret, threw in here and there + energetic words of advice. M. Dufaure, resolute and indignant, protested + with authority. M. Odilon Barrot, motionless in a corner, maintained the + silence of stupefied silliness. + </p> + <p> + MM. Passy and de Tocqueville, in the midst of the groups, described that + when they were Ministers they had always entertained an uneasy suspicion + of a <i>coup d'état</i>, and that they clearly perceived this fixed idea + in the brain of Louis Bonaparte. M. de Tocqueville added, "I said to + myself every night, 'I lie down to sleep a Minister; what if I should + awake a prisoner?'" Some of those men who were termed "men of order," + muttered while signing the degree of deposition, "Beware of the Red + Republic!" and seemed to entertain an equal fear of failure and of + success. M. de Vatimesnil pressed the hands of the men of the Left, and + thanked them for their presence. "You make us popular," said he. And + Antony Thouret answered him, "I know neither Right nor Left to-day; I only + see the Assembly." + </p> + <p> + The younger of the two shorthand writers handed their written sheets to + the Representatives who had spoken, and, asked them to revise them at + once, saying, "We shall not have the time to read them over." Some + Representatives went down into the street, and showed the people copies of + the decree of deposition, signed by the members of the "bureau." One of + the populace took one of these copies, and cried out, "Citizens! the ink + is still quite wet! Long live the Republic!" + </p> + <p> + The Deputy-Mayor stood at the door of the Hall; the staircase was crowded + with National Guards and spectators. In the Assembly several had + penetrated into the Hall, and amongst them the ex-Constituent Beslay, a + man of uncommon courage. It was at first wished to turn them out, but they + resisted, crying, "This is our business. You are the Assembly, but we are + the People." "They are right," said M. Berryer. + </p> + <p> + M. de Falloux, accompanied by M. de Kéranflech, came up the Constituent + Beslay, and leaned by his side on the stove, saying to him, "Good-day, + colleague;" and reminded him that they both had formed part of the + Committee of the National Workshops, and that they had together visited + the Workmen at the Parc Monceaux. The Right felt themselves falling; they + became affectionate towards Republicans. The Republic is called To-morrow. + </p> + <p> + Each spoke from his place; this member upon a bench, that member on a + chair, a few on the tables. All contradictory opinions burst forth at + once. In a corner some ex-leaders of "order" were scared at the possible + triumph of the "Reds." In another the men of the Right surrounded the men + of the Left, and asked them: "Are not the faubourgs going to rise?" + </p> + <p> + The narrator has but one duty, to tell his story; he relates everything, + the bad as well as the good. Whatever may have taken place, however, and + notwithstanding all these details of which it was our duty to speak, apart + from the exceptions which we had mentioned, the attitude of the men of the + Right who composed the large majority of this meeting was in many respects + honorable and worthy. Some of them, as we have just mentioned, even prided + themselves upon their resolution and their energy, almost as though they + had wished to rival the members of the Left. + </p> + <p> + We may here remark—for in the course of this narrative we shall more + than once see the gaze of some members of the Right turned towards the + people, and in this no mistake should be made—that these monarchical + men who talked of popular insurrection and who invoked the faubourgs were + a minority in the majority,—an imperceptible minority. Antony + Thouret proposed to those who were leaders there to go in a body through + the working-class neighborhoods with the decree of deposition in their + hands. Brought to bay, they refused. They declared that they would only + protect themselves by organized powers, not by the people. It is a strange + thing to say, but it must be noted, that with their habits of political + shortsightedness, the popular armed resistance, even in the name of the + Law, seemed sedition to them. The utmost appearance of revolution which + they could endure was a regiment of the National Guard, with their drums + at their head; they shrank from the barricade; Right in a blouse was no + longer Right, Truth armed with a pike was no longer Truth, Law unpaving a + street gave them the impression of a Fury. In the main, however, and + taking them for what they were, and considering their position as + politicians, these members of the Right were well-advised. What would they + have done with the people? And what would the people have done with them? + How would they have proceeded to set fire to the masses? Imagine Falloux + as a tribune, fanning the Faubourg St. Antoine into a flame! + </p> + <p> + Alas! in the midst of this dense gloom, in these fatal complications of + circumstances by which the <i>coup d'état</i> profited so odiously and so + perfidiously, in that mighty misunderstanding which comprised the whole + situation, for kindling the revolutionary spark in the heart of the + people, Danton himself would not have sufficed. + </p> + <p> + The <i>coup d'état</i> entered into this meeting impudently, with its + convict's cap on its head. It possessed an infamous assurance there, as + well as everywhere else. There were in this majority three hundred + Representatives of the People. Louis Napoleon sent a sergeant to drive + them away. The Assembly, having resisted the sergeant, he sent an officer, + the temporary commander of the sixth battalion of the Chasseurs de + Vincennes. This officer, young, fair-haired, a scoffer, half laughing, + half threatening, pointed with his finger to the stairs filled with + bayonets, and defied the Assembly. "Who is this young spark?" asked a + member of the Right. A National Guard who was there said, "Throw him out + of the window!" "Kick him downstairs!" cried one of the people. + </p> + <p> + This Assembly, grievous as were its offences against the principles of the + Revolution—and with these wrongs Democracy alone had the right to + reproach it—this Assembly, I repeat, was the National Assembly, that + is to say, the Republic incarnate, the living Universal Suffrage, the + Majesty of the Nation, upright and visible. Louis Bonaparte assassinated + this Assembly, and moreover insulted it. A slap on the face is worse than + a poniard thrust. + </p> + <p> + The gardens of the neighborhood occupied by the troops were full of broken + bottles. They had plied the soldiers with drink. They obeyed the + "epaulettes" unconditionally, and according to the expression of + eyewitnesses, appeared "dazed-drunk." The Representatives appealed to + them, and said to them, "It is a crime!" They answered, "We are not aware + of it." + </p> + <p> + One soldier was heard to say to another, "What have you done with your ten + francs of this morning?" + </p> + <p> + The sergeants hustled the officers. With the exception of the commander, + who probably earned his cross of honor, the officers were respectful, the + sergeants brutal. + </p> + <p> + A lieutenant showing signs of flinching, a sergeant cried out to him, "You + are not the only one who commands here! Come, therefore, march!" + </p> + <p> + M. de Vatimesnil asked a soldier, "Will you dare to arrest us—us, + the Representatives of the People?" + </p> + <p> + "Assuredly!" said the soldier. + </p> + <p> + Several soldiers hearing some Representatives say that they had eaten + nothing since the morning, offered them their ration bread. Some + Representatives accepted. M. de Tocqueville, who was unwell, and who was + noticed to be pale and leaning on the sill of a window, received from a + soldier a piece of this bread, which he shared with M. Chambolle. + </p> + <p> + Two Commissaries of Police appeared in "full dress," in black coats girded + with their sash-girdles and their black corded hats. One was an old man, + the other a young man. The first was named Lemoine-Tacherat, and not + Bacherel, as has been wrongly printed: the second was named Barlet. These + names should be noted. The unprecedented assurance of this Barlet was + remarked. Nothing was wanting in him,—cynical speech, provoking + gesture, sardonic intonation. It was with an inexpressible air of + insolence that Barlet, when summoning the meeting to dissolve itself, + added, "Rightly or Wrongly." They murmured on the benches of the Assembly, + "Who is this scoundrel?" The other, compared to him, seemed moderate and + inoffensive. Emile Péan exclaimed, "The old man is simply working in his + profession, but the young man is working out his promotion." + </p> + <p> + Before this Tacherat and this Barlet entered, before the butts of the + muskets had been heard ringing on the stones of the staircase, this + Assembly had talked of resistance. Of what kind of resistance? We have + just stated. The majority could only listen to a regular organized + resistance, a military resistance in uniform and in epaulets. Such a + resistance was easy to decree, but it was difficult to organize. The + Generals on whom the Assembly were accustomed to rely having been + arrested, there only remained two possible Generals, Oudinot and + Lauriston. General Marquis de Lauriston, ex-peer of France, and at the + same time Colonel of the Tenth Legion and Representative of the People, + drew a distinction between his duty as Representative and his duty as + Colonel. Summoned by some of his friends of the Right to beat to arms and + call together the Tenth Legion, he answered, "As Representative of the + People I ought to indict the Executive Power, but as Colonel I ought to + obey it." It appears that he obstinately shut himself up in this singular + reasoning, and that it was impossible to draw him out of it. + </p> + <p> + "How stupid he is!" said Piscatory. + </p> + <p> + "How sharp he is!" said Falloux. + </p> + <p> + The first officer of the National Guard who appeared in uniform, seemed to + be recognized by two members of the Right, who said, "It is M. de + Perigord!" They made a mistake, it was M. Guilbot, major of the third + battalion of the Tenth Legion. He declared that he was ready to march on + the first order from his Colonel, General Lauriston. General Lauriston + went down into the courtyard, and came up a moment afterwards, saying, + "They do not recognize my authority. I have just resigned," Moreover, the + name of Lauriston was not familiar to the soldiers. Oudinot was better + known in the army. But how? + </p> + <p> + At the moment when the name of Oudinot was pronounced, a shudder ran + through this meeting, almost exclusively composed of members of the Right. + In fact at this critical time, at this fatal name of Oudinot, reflections + crowded upon each other in every mind. + </p> + <p> + What was the <i>coup d'état</i>? + </p> + <p> + It was the "Roman expedition at home." Which was undertaken against whom? + Against those who had undertaken the "Roman expedition abroad." The + National Assembly of France, dissolved by violence, could find only one + single General to defend it in its dying hour. And whom? Precisely he, who + in the name of the National Assembly of France had dissolved by violence + the National Assembly of Rome. What power could Oudinot, the strangler of + a Republic, possess to save a Republic? Was it not evident that his own + soldiers would answer him, "What do you want with us? That which we have + done at Rome we now do at Paris." What a story is this story of treason! + The French Legislature had written the first chapter with the blood of the + Roman Constituent Assembly: Providence wrote the second chapter with the + blood of the French Legislature, Louis Bonaparte holding the pen. + </p> + <p> + In 1849, Louis Bonaparte had assassinated the sovereignty of the People in + the person of its Roman Representatives; in 1851 he assassinated it in the + person of its French Representatives. It was logical, and although it was + infamous, it was just. The Legislative Assembly bore at the same time the + weight of two crimes; it was the accomplice of the first, the victim of + the second. All these men of the majority felt this, and were humbled. Or + rather it was the same crime, the crime of the Second of July, 1849, ever + erect, ever alive, which had only changed its name, which now called + itself the Second of December, and which, the offspring of this Assembly, + stabbed it to the heart. Nearly all crimes are parricidal. On a certain + day they recoil upon those who have committed them, and slay them. + </p> + <p> + At this moment, so full of anxiety, M. de Falloux must have glanced round + for M. de Montalembert. M. de Montalembert was at the Elysée. + </p> + <p> + When Tamisier rose and pronounced this terrifying word, "The Roman + Question?" distracted M. de Dampierre shouted to him, "Silence! You kill + us!" + </p> + <p> + It was not Tamisier who was killing them—it was Oudinot. + </p> + <p> + M. de Dampierre did not perceive that he cried "Silence!" to history. + </p> + <p> + And then without even reckoning the fatal remembrance which at such a + moment would have crushed a man endowed in the highest degree with great + military qualities, General Oudinot, in other respects an excellent + officer, and a worthy son of his brave father, possessed none of those + striking qualities which in the critical hour of revolution stir the + soldier and carry with them the people. At that instant to win back an + army of a hundred thousand men, to withdraw the balls from the cannons' + mouths, to find beneath the wine poured out to the Praetorians the true + soul of the French soldier half drowned and nearly dead, to tear the flag + from the <i>coup d'état</i> and restore it to the Law, to surround the + Assembly with thunders and lightnings, it would have needed one of those + men who exist no longer; it would have needed the firm hand, the calm + oratory, the cold and searching glance of Desaix, that French Phocion; it + would have needed the huge shoulders, the commanding stature, the + thundering voice, the abusive, insolent, cynical, gay, and sublime + eloquence of Kléber, that military Mirabeau. Desaix, the countenance of a + just man, or Kléber, the face of the lion! General Oudinot, little, + awkward, embarrassed, with an indecisive and dull gaze, red cheeks, low + forehead, with grizzled and lank hair, polite tone of voice, a humble + smile, without oratory, without gesture, without power, brave before the + enemy, timid before the first comer, having assuredly the bearing of a + soldier, but having also the bearing of a priest; he caused the mind to + hesitate between the sword and the taper; he had in his eyes a sort of + "Amen!" + </p> + <p> + He had the best intentions in the world, but what could he do? Alone, + without prestige, without true glory, without personal authority, and + dragging Rome after him! He felt all this himself, and he was as it were + paralyzed by it. As soon as they had appointed him he got upon a chair and + thanked the Assembly, doubtless with a firm heart, but with hesitating + speech. When the little fair-haired officer dared to look him in the face + and insult him, he, holding the sword of the people, he, General of the + sovereign Assembly, he only knew how to stammer out such wretched phrases + as these, "I have just declared to you that we are unable, 'unless + compelled and constrained,' to obey the order which prohibits us from + remaining assembled together." He spoke of obeying, he who ought to + command. They had girded him with his scarf, and it seemed to make him + uncomfortable. He inclined his head alternately first to one shoulder and + then to the other; he held his hat and cane in his hand, he had a + benevolent aspect. A Legitimist member muttered in a low voice to his + neighbor, "One might imagine he was a bailiff speechifying at a wedding." + And his neighbor, a Legitimist also, replied, "He reminds me of the Duc + d'Angoulême." + </p> + <p> + What a contrast to Tamisier! Tamisier, frank, earnest confident, although + a mere Captain of Artillery, had the bearing of a General. Had Tamisier, + with his grave and gentle countenance, high intelligence, and dauntless + heart, a species of soldier-philosopher, been better known, he could have + rendered decisive services. No one can tell what would have happened if + Providence had given the soul of Tamisier to Oudinot, or the epaulets of + Oudinot to Tamisier. + </p> + <p> + In this bloody enterprise of December we failed to find a General's + uniform becomingly worn. A book might be written on the part which gold + lace plays in the destiny of nations. + </p> + <p> + Tamisier, appointed Chief of the Staff some instants before the invasion + of the hall, placed himself at the disposal of the Assembly. He was + standing on a table. He spoke with a resonant and hearty voice. The most + downcast became reassured by this modest, honest, devoted attitude. + Suddenly he drew himself up, and looking all that Royalist majority in the + face, exclaimed, "Yes, I accept the charge you offer me. I accept the + charge of defending the Republic! Nothing but the Republic! Do you + perfectly understand?" + </p> + <p> + A unanimous shout answered him. "Long live the Republic!" + </p> + <p> + "Ah!" said Beslay, "the voice comes back to you as on the Fourth of May." + </p> + <p> + "Long live the Republic! Nothing but the Republic!" repeated the men of + the Right, Oudinot louder than the others. All arms were stretched towards + Tamisier, every hand pressed his. Oh Danger! irresistible converter! In + his last hour the Atheist invokes God, and the Royalist the Republic. They + cling to that which they have repudiated. + </p> + <p> + The official historians of the <i>coup d'état</i> have stated that at the + beginning of the sitting two Representatives had been sent by the Assembly + to the Ministry of the Interior to "negotiate." What is certain is that + these two Representatives had no authority. They presented themselves, not + on behalf of the Assembly, but in their own name. They offered themselves + as intermediaries to procure a peaceable termination of the catastrophe + which had begun. With an honesty which bordered on simplicity they + summoned Morny to yield himself a prisoner, and to return within the law, + declaring that in case of refusal the Assembly would do its duty, and call + the people to the defence of the Constitution and of the Republic. Marny + answered them with a smile, accompanied by these plain words, "If you + appeal to arms, and if I find any Representatives on the barricades, I + will have them all shot to the last man." + </p> + <p> + The meeting in the Tenth Arrondissement yielded to force. President Vitet + insisted that they should forcibly arrest him. A police agent who seized + him turned pale and trembled. In certain circumstances, to lay violent + hands upon a man is to lay them upon Right, and those who dare to do so + are made to tremble by outraged Law. The exodus from the Mairie was long + and beset with obstructions. Half-an-hour elapsed while the soldiers were + forming a line, and while the Commissaries of Police, all the time + appearing solely occupied with the care of driving back the crowd in the + street, sent for orders to the Ministry of the Interior. During that time + some of the Representatives, seated round a table in the great Hall, wrote + to their families, to their wives, to their friends. They snatched up the + last leaves of paper; the pens failed; M. de Luynes wrote to his wife a + letter in pencil. There were no wafers; they were forced to send the + letters unsealed; some soldiers offered to post them. M. Chambolle's son, + who had accompanied his father thus far, undertook to take the letters + addressed to Mesdames de Luynes, de Lasteyrie, and Duvergier de Hauranne. + General Forey—the same who had refused a battalion to the President + of the Constituent Assembly, Marrast, who had promoted him from a colonel + to a general—General Forey, in the centre of the courtyard of the + Mairie, his face inflamed, half drunk, coming out, they said, from + breakfast at the Elysée, superintended the outrage. A member, whose name + we regret we do not know, dipped his boot into the gutter and wiped it + along the gold stripe of the regimental trousers of General Forey. + Representative Lherbette came up to General Forey, and said to him, + "General, you are a coward." Then turning to his colleagues, he exclaimed, + "Do you hear? I tell this general that he is a coward." General Forey did + not stir. He kept the mud on his uniform and the epithet on his cheek. + </p> + <p> + The meeting did not call the people to arms. We have just explained that + it was not strong enough to do so; nevertheless, at the last moment, a + member of the Left, Latrade, made a fresh effort. He took M. Berryer + aside, and said to him, "Our official measures of resistance have come to + an end; let us not allow ourselves now to be arrested. Let us disperse + throughout the streets crying, 'To arms!'" M. Berryer consulted a few + seconds on the matter with the Vice-President, M. Benoist d'Azy, who + refused. + </p> + <p> + The Deputy Mayor, hat in hand, reconducted the members of the Assembly as + far as the gate of the Mairie. As soon as they appeared in the courtyard + ready to go out between two lines of soldiers, the post of National Guards + presented arms, acid shouted, "Long live the Assembly! Long live the + Representatives of the People!" The National Guards were at once disarmed, + almost forcibly, by the Chasseurs de Vincennes. + </p> + <p> + There was a wine-shop opposite the Mairie. As soon as the great folding + gates of the Mairie opened, and the Assembly appeared in the street, led + by General Forey on horseback, and having at its head the Vice-President + Vitet, grasped by the necktie by a police agent, a few men in white + blouses, gathered at the windows of this wine-shop, clapped their hands + and shouted, "Well done! down with the 'twenty-five francs!'"<a + href="#linknoteref-7" name="linknote-7" id="linknote-7"><small>7</small></a> + </p> + <p> + They set forth. + </p> + <p> + The Chasseurs de Vincennes, who marched in a double line on each side of + the prisoners, cast at them looks of hatred. General Oudinot said in a + whisper, "These little infantry soldiers are terrible fellows. At the + siege of Rome they flung themselves at the assault like madmen. These lads + are very devils." The officers avoided the gaze of the Representatives. On + leaving the Mairie, M. de Coislin passed by an officer and exclaimed, + "What a disgrace for the uniform!" the officer retaliated with angry + words, and incensed M. de Coislin. Shortly afterwards, during the march, + he came up to M. de Coislin and said to him, "Sir, I have reflected; it is + I who am wrong." + </p> + <p> + They proceeded on the way slowly. At a few steps from the Mairie the + precession met M. Chegaray. The Representatives called out to him, "Come!" + He answered, while making an expressive gesture with his hands and his + shoulders, "Oh! I dare say! As they have not arrested me...." and he + feigned as though he would pass on. He was ashamed, however, and went with + them. His name is found in the list of the roll-call at the barracks. + </p> + <p> + A little further on M. de Lespérut passed them. They cried out to him. + "Lespérut! Lespérut!" "I am with you," answered he. The soldiers pushed + him back. He seized the butt-ends of the muskets, and forced his way into + the column. + </p> + <p> + In one of the streets through which they went a window was opened. + Suddenly a woman appeared with a child; the child, recognizing its father + amongst the prisoners, held out its arms and called to him, the mother + wept in the background. + </p> + <p> + It was at first intended to take the Assembly in a body straight to Mazas, + but this was counter-ordered by the Ministry of the Interior. It was + feared that this long walk, in broad daylight, through populous and easily + aroused streets, might prove dangerous; the D'Orsay barracks were close at + hand. They selected these as a temporary prison. + </p> + <p> + One of the commanders insolently pointed out with his sword the arrested + Representatives to the passers-by, and said in a fond voice, "These are + the Whites, we have orders to spare them. Now it is the turn of the Red + Representatives, let them look out for themselves!" + </p> + <p> + Wherever the procession passed, the populace shouted from the pavements, + at the doors, at the windows, "Long live the National Assembly!" When they + perceived a few Representatives of the Left sprinkled in the column they + cried, "Vive la République!" "Vive la Constitution!" and "Vive la Loi!" + The shops were not shut, and passers-by went to and fro. Some people said, + "Wait until the evening; this is not the end of it." + </p> + <p> + A staff-officer on horseback, in full uniform, met the procession, + recognized M. de Vatimesnil, and came up to greet him. In the Rue de + Beaune, as they passed the house of the <i>Démocratic Pacifique</i> a + group shouted, "Down with the Traitor of the Elysée!" + </p> + <p> + On the Quai d'Orsay, the shouting was redoubled. There was a great crowd + there. On either side of the quay a file of soldiers of the Line, elbow to + elbow, kept back the spectators. In the middle of the space left vacant, + the members of the Assembly slowly advanced between a double file of + soldiers, the one stationary, which threatened the people, the other on + the march, which threatened tire Representatives. + </p> + <p> + Serious reflections arise in the presence of all the details of the great + crime which this book is designed to relate. Every honest man who sets + himself face to face with the <i>coup d'état</i> of Louis Bonaparte hears + nothing but a tumult of indignant thoughts in his conscience. Whoever + reads our work to the end will assuredly not credit us with the intention + of extenuating this monstrous deed. Nevertheless, as the deep logic of + actions ought always to be italicized by the historian, it is necessary + here to call to mind and to repeat, even to satiety, that apart from the + members of the Left, of whom a very small number were present, and whom we + have mentioned by name, the three hundred Representatives who thus defiled + before the eyes of the crowd, constituted the old Royalists and + reactionary majority of the Assembly. If it were possible to forget, that—whatever + were their errors, whatever were their faults, and, we venture to add, + whatever were their illusions—these persons thus treated were the + Representatives of the leading civilized nation, were sovereign + Legislators, senators of the people, inviolable Deputies, and sacred by + the great law of Democracy, and that in the same manner as each man bears + in himself something of the mind of God, so each of these nominees of + universal suffrage bore something of the soul of France; if it were + possible to forget this for a moment, it assuredly would be a spectacle + perhaps more laughable than sad, and certainly more philosophical than + lamentable to see, on this December morning, after so many laws of + repression, after so many exceptional measures, after so many votes of + censure and of the state of siege, after so many refusals of amnesty, + after so many affronts to equity, to justice, to the human conscience, to + the public good faith, to right, after so many favors to the police, after + so many smiles bestowed on absolution, the entire Party of Order arrested + in a body and taken to prison by the <i>sergents de ville</i>! + </p> + <p> + One day, or rather, one night, the moment having come to save society, the + <i>coup d'état</i> abruptly seizes the Demagogues, and finds that it holds + by the collar, Whom? the Royalists. + </p> + <p> + They arrived at the barracks, formerly the barracks of the Royal Guard, + and on the pediment of which is a carved escutcheon, whereon are still + visible the traces of the three <i>fleurs de lis</i> effaced in 1830. They + halted. The door was opened. "Why!" said M. de Broglie, "here we are." + </p> + <p> + At that moment a great placard posted on the barrack wall by the side of + the door bore in big letters— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "REVISION OF THE CONSTITUTION." +</pre> + <p> + It was the advertisement of a pamphlet, published two or three days + previous to the <i>coup d'état</i>, without any author's name, demanding + the Empire, and was attributed to the President of the Republic. + </p> + <p> + The Representatives entered and the doors were closed upon them. The + shouts ceased; the crowd, which occasionally has its meditative moments, + remained for some time on the quay, dumb, motionless, gazing alternately + at the closed gate of the Barracks, and at the silent front of the Palace + of the Assembly, dimly visible in the misty December twilight, two hundred + paces distant. + </p> + <p> + The two Commissaries of Police went to report their "success" to M. de + Morny. M. de Morny said, "Now the struggle has begun. Excellent! These are + the last Representatives who will be made prisoners." + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-5" name="linknoteref-5" id="linknoteref-5_"><small>5</small></a> + <i>The Gerontes, or Gerontia, were the Elders of Sparta, who constituted + the Senate.</i> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-6" name="linknoteref-6" id="linknoteref-6_"><small>6</small></a> + <i>The "bureau" of the Assembly consists of the President, for the time + being of the Assembly, assisted by six secretaries, whose duties mainly + lie in deciding in what sense the Deputies have voted. The "bureau" of the + Assembly should not be confounded with the fifteen "bureaux" of the + Deputies, which answer to our Select Committees of the House of Commons, + and are presided over by self-chosen Presidents.</i> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-7" name="linknoteref-7" id="linknoteref-7_"><small>7</small></a> + <i>An allusion to the twenty-five francs a day officially payable to the + members of the Assembly.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. LOUIS BONAPARTE'S SIDE-FACE + </h2> + <h3> + The minds of all these men, we repeat, were very differently affected. + </h3> + <p> + The extreme Legitimist party, which represents the White of the flag, was + not, it must be said, highly exasperated at the <i>coup d'état</i>. Upon + many faces might be read the saying of M. de Falloux: "I am so satisfied + that I have considerable difficulty in affecting to be only resigned." The + ingenuous spirits cast down their eyes—that is becoming to purity; + more daring spirits raised their heads. They felt an impartial indignation + which permitted a little admiration. How cleverly these generals have been + ensnared! The Country assassinated,—it is a horrible crime; but they + were enraptured at the jugglery blended with the parricide. One of the + leaders said, with a sigh of envy and regret, "We do not possess a man of + such talent." Another muttered, "It is Order." And he added, "Alas!" + Another exclaimed, "It is a frightful crime, but well carried out." Some + wavered, attracted on one side by the lawful power which rested in the + Assembly, and on the other by the abomination which was in Bonaparte; + honest souls poised between duty and infamy. There was a M. Thomines + Desmazures who went as far as the door of the Great Hall of the Mairie, + halted, looked inside, looked outside, and did not enter. It would be + unjust not to record that others amongst the pure Royalists, and above all + M. de Vatimesnil, had the sincere intonation and the upright wrath of + justice. + </p> + <p> + Be it as it may, the Legitimist party, taken as a whole, entertained no + horror of the <i>coup d'état</i>. It feared nothing. In truth, should the + Royalists fear Louis Bonaparte? Why? + </p> + <p> + Indifference does not inspire fear. Louis Bonaparte was indifferent. He + only recognized one thing, his object. To break through the road in order + to reach it, that was quite plain; the rest might be left alone. There lay + the whole of his policy, to crush the Republicans, to disdain the + Royalists. + </p> + <p> + Louis Bonaparte had no passion. He who writes these lines, talking one day + about Louis Bonaparte with the ex-king of Westphalia, remarked, "In him + the Dutchman tones down the Corsican."—"If there be any Corsican," + answered Jérome. + </p> + <p> + Louis Bonaparte has never been other than a man who has lain wait for + fortune, a spy trying to dupe God. He had that livid dreaminess of the + gambler who cheats. Cheating admits audacity, but excludes anger. In his + prison at Ham he only read one book, "The Prince." He belonged to no + family, as he could hesitate between Bonaparte and Verhuell; he had no + country, as he could hesitate between France and Holland. + </p> + <p> + This Napoleon had taken St. Helena in good part. He admired England. + Resentment! To what purpose? For him on earth there only existed his + interests. He pardoned, because he speculated; he forgot everything, + because he calculated upon everything. What did his uncle matter to him? + He did not serve him; he made use of him. He rested his shabby enterprise + upon Austerlitz. He stuffed the eagle. + </p> + <p> + Malice is an unproductive outlay. Louis Bonaparte only possessed as much + memory as is useful. Hudson Lowe did not prevent him from smiling upon + Englishmen; the Marquis of Montchenu did not prevent him from smiling upon + the Royalists. + </p> + <p> + He was a man of earnest politics, of good company, wrapped in his own + scheming, not impulsive, doing nothing beyond that which he intended, + without abruptness, without hard words, discreet, accurate, learned, + talking smoothly of a necessary massacre, a slaughterer, because it served + his purpose. + </p> + <p> + All this, we repeat, without passion, and without anger. Louis Bonaparte + was one of those men who had been influenced by the profound iciness of + Machiavelli. + </p> + <p> + It was through being a man of that nature that he succeeded in submerging + the name of Napoleon by superadding December upon Brumaire. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. THE D'ORSAY BARRACKS + </h2> + <h3> + It was half-past three. + </h3> + <p> + The arrested Representatives entered into the courtyard of the barracks, a + huge parallelogram closed in and commanded by high walls. These walls are + pierced by three tiers of windows, and posses that dismal appearance which + distinguishes barracks, schools, and prisons. + </p> + <p> + This courtyard is entered by an arched portal which extends through all + the breadth of the front of the main building. This archway, under which + the guard-house has been made, is close on the side of the quay by large + solid folding doors, and on one side of the courtyard by an iron grated + gateway. They closed the door and the grated gateway upon the + Representatives. They "set them at liberty" in the bolted and guarded + courtyard. + </p> + <p> + "Let them stroll about," said an officer. + </p> + <p> + The air was cold, the sky was gray. Some soldiers, in their shirt-sleeves + and wearing foraging caps, busy with fatigue duty, went hither and thither + amongst the prisoners. + </p> + <p> + First M. Grimault and then M. Antony Thouret instituted a roll-call. The + Representatives made a ring around them. Lherbette said laughingly, "This + just suits the barracks. We look like sergeant-majors who have come to + report." They called over the seven hundred and fifty names of the + Representatives. To each name they answered "Absent" or "Present," and the + secretary jotted down with a pencil those who were present. When the name + of Morny was reached, some one cried out, "At Clichy!" At the name of + Persigny, the same voice exclaimed, "At Poissy!" The inventor of these two + jokes, which by the way are very poor, has since allied himself to the + Second of December, to Morny and Persigny; he has covered his cowardice + with the embroidery of a senator. + </p> + <p> + The roll-call verified the presence of two hundred and twenty + Representatives, whose names were as follows:— + </p> + <p> + Le Duc de Luynes, d'Andigné de la Chasse, Antony Thouret, Arène, Audren de + Kerdrel (Ille-et-Vilaine), Audren de Kerdrel (Morbihan), de Balzac, + Barchou de Penhoen, Barillon, O. Barrot, Barthélemy Saint-Hilaire, Quentin + Bauchard, G. deBeaumont, Béchard, Behaghel, de Belèvze, Benoist-d'Azy, de + Benardy, Berryer, de Berset, Basse, Betting de Lancastel, Blavoyer, + Bocher, Boissié, de Botmillan, Bouvatier, le Duc de Broglie, de la Broise, + de Bryas, Buffet, Caillet du Tertre, Callet, Camus de la Guibourgère, + Canet, de Castillon, de Cazalis, Admiral Cécile, Chambolle, Chamiot, + Champannet, Chaper, Chapot, de Charencey, Chasseigne, Chauvin, Chazant, de + Chazelles, Chegaray, Comte de Coislin, Colfavru, Colas de la Motte, + Coquerel, de Corcelles, Cordier, Corne, Creton, Daguilhon, Pujol, Dahirel, + Vicomte Dambray, Marquis de Dampierre, de Brotonne, de Fontaine, de + Fontenay, Vicomte de Sèze, Desmars, de la Devansaye, Didier, Dieuleveult, + Druet-Desvaux, A. Dubois, Dufaure, Dufougerais, Dufour, Dufournel, Marc + Dufraisse, P. Duprat, Duvergier de Hauranne, Étienne, Vicomte de Falloux, + de Faultrier, Faure (Rhône), Favreau, Ferre, des Ferrès, Vicomte de + Flavigny, de Foblant, Frichon, Gain, Gasselin, Germonière, de Gicquiau, de + Goulard, de Gouyon, de Grandville, de Grasset, Grelier-Dufougerais, Grévy, + Grillon, Grimault, Gros, Guislier de la Tousche, Harscouët de + Saint-Georges, Marquis d'Havrincourt, Hennequin, d'Hespel, Houel, + Hovyn-Tranchère, Huot, Joret, Jouannet, de Kéranflech, de Kératry, de + Kéridec, de Kermazec, de Kersauron Penendreff, Lèo de Laborde, Laboulie, + Lacave, Oscar Lafayette, Lafosse, Lagarde, Lagrenée Laimé, Lainé, Comte + Lanjuinais, Larabit, de Larcy, J. de Lasteyrie, Latrade, Laureau, + Laurenceau, General Marquis de Lauriston, de Laussat, Lefebvre de + Grosriez, Legrand, Legros-Desvaux, Lemaire, Emile Leroux, Lespérut, de + l'Espinoy, Lherbette, de Linsaval, de Luppé, Maréchal, Martin de Villers, + Maze-Saunay, Mèze, Arnauld de Melun, Anatole de Melun, Merentié, Michaud, + Mispoulet, Monet, Duc de Montebello, de Montigny, Moulin, Murat-Sistrière, + Alfred Nettement, d'Olivier, General Oudinot, Duc de Reggio, Paillat, + Duparc, Passy, Emile Péan, Pécoul, Casimir Perier, Pidoux, Pigeon, de + Piogé, Piscatory, Proa, Prudhomme, Querhoent, Randoing, Raudot, Raulin, de + Ravinel, de Rémusat, Renaud, Rezal, Comte de Rességuier, Henri de Riancey, + Rigal, de la Rochette, Rodat, de Roquefeuille des Rotours de Chaulieu, + Rouget-Lafosse, Rouillé, Roux-Carbonel, Saint-Beuve, de Saint-Germain, + General Comte de Saint-Priest, Salmon (Meuse), Marquis + Sauvaire-Barthélemy, de Serré, Comte de Sesmaisons, Simonot, de Staplande, + de Surville, Marquis de Talhouet, Talon, Tamisier, Thuriot de la Rosière, + de Tinguy, Comte de Tocqueville, de la Tourette, Comte de Tréveneue, + Mortimer-Ternaux, de Vatimesnil, Baron de Vandoeuvre, Vernhette (Hérault), + Vernhette (Aveyron), Vézin, Vitet, Comte de Vogué. + </p> + <p> + After this list of names may be read as follows in the shorthand report:— + </p> + <p> + "The roll-call having been completed, General Oudinot asked the + Representatives who were scattered about in the courtyard to come round + him, and made the following announcement to them,— + </p> + <p> + "'The Captain-Adjutant-Major, who has remained here to command the + barracks, has just received an order to have rooms prepared for us, where + we are to withdraw, as we are considered to be in custody. (Hear! hear!) + Do you wish me to bring the Adjutant-Major here! (No, no; it is useless.) + I will tell him that he had better execute his orders.' (Yes, yes, that is + right.)" + </p> + <p> + The Representatives remained "penned" and "strolling" about in this yard + for two long hours. They walked about arm in arm. They walked quickly, so + as to warm themselves. The men of the Right said to the men of the Left, + "Ah! if you had only voted the proposals of the Questors!" They also + exclaimed: "Well, how about the <i>invisible sentry</i>!"<a + href="#linknoteref-8" name="linknote-8" id="linknote-8"><small>8</small></a> + And they laughed. Then Marc Dufraisse answered, "Deputies of the People! + deliberate in peace!" It was then the turn of the Left to laugh. + Nevertheless, there was no bitterness. The cordiality of a common + misfortune reigned amongst them. + </p> + <p> + They questioned his ex-ministers about Louis Bonaparte. They asked Admiral + Cécile, "Now, really, what does this mean?" The Admiral answered by this + definition: "It is a small matter." M. Vézin added, "He wishes History to + call him 'Sire.'" "Poor Sire, then," said M. de Camas de la Guibourgère. + M. Odilon Barrot exclaimed, "What a fatality, that we should have been + condemned to employ this man!" + </p> + <p> + This said, these heights attained, political philosophy was exhausted, and + they ceased talking. + </p> + <p> + On the right, by the side of the door, there was a canteen elevated a few + steps above the courtyard. "Let us promote this canteen to the dignity of + a refreshment room," said the ex-ambassador to China, M. de Lagrenée. They + entered, some went up to the stove, others asked for a basin of soup. MM. + Favreau, Piscatory, Larabit, and Vatimesnil took refuge in a corner. In + the opposite corner drunken soldiers chatted with the maids of the + barracks. M. de Kératry, bent with his eighty years, was seated near the + stove on an old worm-eaten chair; the chair tottered; the old man + shivered. + </p> + <p> + Towards four o'clock a regiment of Chasseurs de Vincennes arrived in the + courtyard with their platters, and began to eat, singing, with loud bursts + of merriment. M. de Broglie looked at them and said to M. Piscatory, "It + is a strange spectacle to see the porringers of the Janissaries vanished + from Constantinople reappearing at Paris!" + </p> + <p> + Almost at the same moment a staff officer informed the Representatives on + behalf of General Forey that the apartments assigned to them were ready, + and requested them to follow him. They were taken into the eastern + building, which is the wing of the barracks farthest from the Palace of + the Council of State; they were conducted to the third floor. They + expected chambers and beds. They found long rooms, vast garrets with + filthy walls and low ceilings, furnished with wooden tables and benches. + These were the "apartments." These garrets, which adjoin each other, all + open on the same corridor, a narrow passage, which runs the length of the + main building. In one of these rooms they saw, thrown into a corner, + side-drums, a big drum, and various instruments of military music. The + Representatives scattered themselves about in these rooms. M. de + Tocqueville, who was ill, threw his overcoat on the floor in the recess of + a window, and lay down. He remained thus stretched upon the ground for + several hours. + </p> + <p> + These rooms were warmed very badly by cast-iron stoves, shaped like hives. + A Representative wishing to poke the fire, upset one, and nearly set fire + to the wooden flooring. + </p> + <p> + The last of these rooms looked out on the quay. Antony Thouret opened a + window and leaned out. Several Representatives joined him. The soldiers + who were bivouacking below on the pavement, caught sight of them and began + to shout, "Ah! there they are, those rascals at 'twenty-five francs a + day,' who wish to cut down our pay!" In fact, on the preceding evening, + the police had spread this calumny through the barracks that a proposition + had been placed on the Tribune to lessen the pay of the troops. They had + even gone so far as to name the author of this proposition. Antony Thouret + attempted to undeceive the soldiers. An officer cried out to him, "It is + one of your party who made the proposal. It is Lamennais!" + </p> + <p> + In about an hour and a half there were ushered into these rooms MM. + Vallette, Bixio, and Victor Lefranc, who had come to join their colleagues + and constitute themselves prisoners. + </p> + <p> + Night came. They were hungry. Several had not eaten since the morning. M. + Howyn de Tranchère, a man of considerable kindness and devotion, who had + acted as porter at the Mairie, acted as forager at the barracks. He + collected five francs from each Representative, and they sent and ordered + a dinner for two hundred and twenty from the Café d'Orsay, at the corner + of the Quay, and the Rue du Bac. They dined badly, but merrily. Cookshop + mutton, bad wine, and cheese. There was no bread. They ate as they best + could, one standing, another on a chair, one at a table, another astride + on his bench, with his plate before him, "as at a ball-room supper," a + dandy of the Right said laughingly, Thuriot de la Rosière, son of the + regicide Thuriot. M. de Rémusat buried his head in his hands. Emile Péan + said to him, "We shall get over it." And Gustave de Beaumont cried out, + addressing himself to the Republicans, "And your friends of the Left! Will + they preserve their honor? Will there be an insurrection at least?" They + passed each other the dishes and plates, the Right showing marked + attention to the Left. "Here is the opportunity to bring about a fusion," + said a young Legitimist. Troopers and canteen men waited upon them. Two or + three tallow candles burnt and smoked on each table. There were few + glasses. Right and Left drank from the same. "Equality, fraternity," + exclaimed the Marquis Sauvaire-Barthélemy, of the Right. And Victor + Hannequin answered him, "But not Liberty." + </p> + <p> + Colonel Feray, the son-in-law of Marshal Bugeaud, was in command at the + barracks; he offered the use of his drawing-room to M. de Broglie and to + M. Odilon Barrot, who accepted it. The barrack doors were opened to M. de + Kératry, on account of his great age, to M. Dufaure, as his wife had just + been confined, and to M. Etienne, on account of the wound which he had + received that morning in the Rue de Bourgogne. At the same time there were + added to the two hundred and twenty MM. Eugène Sue, Benoist (du Rhône), + Fayolle, Chanay, Toupet des Vignes, Radoubt-Lafosse, Arbey, and + Teillard-Latérisse, who up to that time had been detained in the new + Palace of Foreign Affairs. + </p> + <p> + Towards eight o'clock in the evening, when dinner was over, the + restrictions were a little relaxed, and the intermediate space between the + door and the barred gate of the barracks began to be littered with carpet + bags and articles of toilet sent by the families of the imprisoned + Representatives. + </p> + <p> + The Representatives were summoned by their names. Each went down in turn, + and briskly remounted with his cloak, his coverlet, or his foot-warmer. A + few ladies succeeded in making their way to their husbands. M.M. Chambolle + was able to press his son's hand through the bars. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a voice called out, "Oho! We are going to spend the night here." + Mattresses were brought in, which were thrown on the tables, on the floor, + anywhere. + </p> + <p> + Fifty or sixty Representatives found resting-places on them. The greater + number remained on their benches. Marc Dufraisse settled himself to pass + the night on a footstool, leaning on a table. Happy was the man who had a + chair. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, cordiality and gaiety did not cease to prevail. "Make room + for the 'Burgraves!'" said smilingly a venerable veteran of the Right. A + young Republican Representative rose, and offered him his mattress. They + pressed on each offers of overcoats, cloaks, and coverlets. + </p> + <p> + "Reconciliation," said Chamiot, while offering the half of his mattress to + the Duc de Luynes. The Duc de Luynes, who had 80,000 francs a year, + smiled, and replied to Chamiot, "You are St. Martin, and I am the beggar." + </p> + <p> + M. Paillet, the well-known barrister, who belonged to the "Third Estate," + used to say, "I passed the night on a Bonapartist straw mattress, wrapped + in a burnouse of the Mountain, my feet in a Democratic and Socialist + sheepskin, and my head in a Legitimist cotton nightcap." The + Representatives, although prisoners in the barracks, could stroll about + freely. They were allowed to go down into the courtyard. M. Cordier (of + Calvados) came upstairs again, saying, "I have just spoken to the + soldiers. They did not know that their generals had been arrested. They + appeared surprised and discontented." This incident raised the prisoners' + hopes. + </p> + <p> + Representative Michel Renaud of the Basses-Pyrénees, found several of his + compatriots of the Basque country amongst the Chasseurs de Vincennes who + occupied the courtyard. Some had voted for him, and reminded him of the + fact. They added, "Ah! We would again vote for the 'Red' list." One of + them, quite a young man, took him aside, and said to him. "Do you want any + money, sir? I have a forty-sous piece in my pocket." + </p> + <p> + Towards ten o'clock in the evening a great hubbub arose in the courtyard. + The doors and the barred gate turned noisily upon their hinges. Something + entered which rumbled like thunder. They leaned out of window, and saw at + the foot of the steps a sort of big, oblong chest, painted black, yellow, + red, and green, on four wheels, drawn by post-horses, and surrounded by + men in long overcoats, and with fierce-looking faces, holding torches. In + the gloom, and with the help of imagination, this vehicle appeared + completely black. A door could be seen, but no other opening. It resembled + a great coffin on wheels. "What is that? Is it a hearse?" "No, it is a + police-van." "And those people, are they undertakers?" "No, they are + jailers." "And for whom has this come?" + </p> + <p> + "For you, gentlemen!" cried out a voice. + </p> + <p> + It was the voice of an officer; and the vehicle which had just entered was + in truth a police-van. + </p> + <p> + At the same time a word of command was heard: "First squadron to horse." + And five minutes afterwards the Lancers who were to escort the vehicle + formed in line in the courtyard. + </p> + <p> + Then arose in the barracks the buzz of a hive of angry bees. The + Representatives ran up and down the stairs, and went to look at the + police-van close at hand. Some of them touched it, and could not believe + their eyes. M. Piscatory met M. Chambolle, and cried out to him, "I am + leaving in it!" M. Berryer met Eugène Sue, and they exchanged these words: + "Where are you going?" "To Mount Valérien. And you?" "I do not know." + </p> + <p> + At half-past ten the roll-call of those who were to leave began. Police + agents stationed themselves at a table between two candles in a parlor at + the foot of the stairs, and the Representatives were summoned two by two. + The Representatives agreed not to answer to their names, and to reply to + each name which should be called out, "He is not here." But those + "Burgraves" who had accepted the hospitality of Colonel Feray considered + such petty resistance unworthy of them, and answered to the calling out of + their names. This drew the others after them. Everybody answered. Amongst + the Legitimists some serio-comic scenes were enacted. They who alone were + not threatened insisted on believing that they were in danger. They would + not let one of their orators go. They embraced him, and held him back, + almost with tears, crying out, "Do not go away! Do you know where they are + taking you? Think of the trenches of Vincennes!" + </p> + <p> + The Representatives, having been summoned two by two, as we have just + said, filed in the parlor before the police agents, and then they were + ordered to get into the "robbers' box." The stowage was apparently made at + haphazard and promiscuously; nevertheless, later, by the difference of the + treatment accorded to the Representatives in the various prisons, it was + apparent that this promiscuous loading had perhaps been somewhat + prearranged. When the first vehicle was full, a second, of a similar + construction drew up. The police agents, pencil and pocket-book in hand, + noted down the contents of each vehicle. These men knew the + Representatives. When Marc Dufraisse, called in his turn, entered the + parlor, he was accompanied by Benoist (du Rhône). "Ah! here is Marc + Dufraisse," said the attendant who held the pencil. When asked for his + name, Benoist replied "Benoist." "Du Rhône," added the police agent; and + he continued, "for there are also Benoist d'Azy and Benoist-Champy." + </p> + <p> + The loading of each vehicle occupied nearly half an hour. The successive + arrivals had raised the number of imprisoned Representatives to two + hundred and thirty-two Their embarkation, or, to use the expression of M. + de Vatimesnil, their "barrelling up," which began a little after ten in + the evening, was not finished until nearly seven o'clock in the morning. + When there were no more police-vans available omnibuses were brought in. + These various vehicles were portioned off into three detachments, each + escorted by Lancers. The first detachment left towards one o'clock in the + morning, and was driven to Mont Valérien; the second towards five o'clock, + and was driven to Mazas; the third towards half-past six, to Vincennes. + </p> + <p> + As this business occupied a long time, those who had not yet been called + benefited by the mattresses and tried to sleep. Thus, from time to time, + silence reigned in the upper rooms. In the midst of one of these pauses M. + Bixio sat upright, and raising his voice, cried out, "Gentlemen, what do + you think of 'passive obedience'?" An unanimous burst of laughter was the + reply. Again, during one of these pauses another voice exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + "Romieu will be a senator." + </p> + <p> + Emile Péan asked,— + </p> + <p> + "What will become of the Red Spectre?" + </p> + <p> + "He will enter the priesthood," answered Antony Thouret, "and will turn + into the Black Spectre." + </p> + <p> + Other exclamations which the historians of the Second of December have + spread abroad were not uttered. Thus, Marc Dufraisse never made the remark + with which the men of Louis Bonaparte have wished to excuse their crimes: + "If the President does not shoot all those among us who resist, he does + not understand his business." + </p> + <p> + For the <i>coup d'état</i> such a remark might be convenient; but for + History it is false. + </p> + <p> + The interior of the police-vans was lighted while the Representatives were + entering. The air-holes of each compartment were not closed. In this + manner Marc Dufraisse through the aperture could see M. du Rémusat in the + opposite cell to his own. M. du Rémusat had entered the van coupled with + M. Duvergier de Hauranne. + </p> + <p> + "Upon my word, Monsieur Marc Dufraisse," exclaimed Duvergier de Hauranne + when they jostled each other in the gangway of the vehicle, "upon my word, + if any one had said to me, 'You will go to Marzas in a police-van,' I + should have said, 'It is improbable;' but if they had added, 'You will go + with Marc Dufraisse,' I should have said, 'It is impossible!'" + </p> + <p> + As soon as the vehicle was full, five or six policemen entered and stood + in the gangway. The door was shut, the steps were thrown up, and they + drove off. + </p> + <p> + When all the police-vans had been filled, there were still some + Representatives left. As we have said, omnibuses were brought into + requisition. Into these Representatives were thrust, one upon the other, + rudely, without deference for either age or name. Colonel Feray, on + horseback, superintended and directed operations. As he mounted the steps + of the last vehicle but one, the Duc de Montebello cried out to him, + "To-day is the anniversary of the battle of Austerlitz, and the son-in-law + of Marshal Bugeaud compels the son of Marshal Lannes to enter a convict's + van." + </p> + <p> + When the last omnibus was reached, there were only seventeen places for + eighteen Representatives. The most active mounted first. Antony Thouret, + who himself alone equalled the whole of the Right, for he had as much mind + as Thiers and as much stomach as Murat; Antony Thouret, corpulent and + lethargic, was the last. When he appeared on the threshold of the omnibus + in all his hugeness, a cry of alarm arose;—Where was he going to + sit? + </p> + <p> + Antony Thouret, noticing Berryer at the bottom of the omnibus, went + straight up to him, sat down on his knees, and quietly said to him, "You + wanted 'compression,' Monsieur Berryer. Now you have it." + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-8" name="linknoteref-8" id="linknoteref-8_"><small>8</small></a> + <i> Michel de Bourges had thus characterized Louis Bonaparte as the + guardian of the Republic against the Monarchical parties.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. MAZAS + </h2> + <p> + The police-vans, escorted as far as Mazas by Lancers, found another + squadron of Lancers ready to receive them at Mazas. The Representatives + descended from the vehicle one by one. The officer commanding the Lancers + stood by the door, and watched them pass with a dull curiosity. + </p> + <p> + Mazas, which had taken the place of the prison of La Force, now pulled + down, is a lofty reddish building, close to the terminus of the Lyons + Railway, and stands on the waste land of the Faubourg St. Antoine. From a + distance the building appears as though built of bricks, but on closer + examination it is seen to be constructed of flints set in cement. Six + large detached buildings, three stories high, all radiating from a rotunda + which serves as the common centre, and touching each other at the + starting-point, separated by courtyards which grow broader in proportion + as the buildings spread out, pierced with a thousand little dormer windows + which give light to the cells, surrounded by a high wall, and presenting + from a bird's-eye point of view the drape of a fan—such is Mazas. + From the rotunda which forms the centre, springs a sort of minaret, which + is the alarm-tower. The ground floor is a round room, which serves as the + registrar's office. On the first story is a chapel where a single priest + says mass for all; and the observatory, where a single attendant keeps + watch over all the doors of all the galleries at the same time. Each + building is termed a "division." The courtyards are intersected by high + walls into a multitude of little oblong walks. + </p> + <p> + As each Representative descended from the vehicle he was conducted into + the rotunda where the registry office was situated. There his name was + taken down, and in exchange for his name he was assigned a number. Whether + the prisoner be a thief or a legislator, such is always the rule in this + prison; the <i>coup d'état</i> reduced all to a footing of equality. As + soon as a Representative was registered and numbered, he was ordered to + "file off." They said to him, "Go upstairs," or "Go on;" and they + announced him at the end of the corridor to which he was allotted by + calling out, "Receive number So-and-So." The jailer in that particular + corridor answered, "Send him on." The prisoner mounted alone, went + straight on, and on his arrival found the jailer standing near an open + door. The jailer said, "Here it is, sir." The prisoner entered, the jailer + shut the door, and they passed on to another. + </p> + <p> + The <i>coup d'état</i> acted in a very different manner towards the + various Representatives. Those whom it desired to conciliate, the men of + the Bight, were placed in Vincennes; those whom it detested, the men of + the Left, were placed in Mazas. Those at Vincennes had the quarters of M. + Montpensier, which were expressly reopened for them; an excellent dinner, + eaten in company; wax candles, fire, and the smiles and bows of the + governor, General Courtigis. + </p> + <p> + This is how it treated those at Mazas. + </p> + <p> + A police-van deposited them at the prison. They were transferred from one + box to another. At Mazas a clerk registered them, weighed them, measured + them, and entered them into the jail book as convicts. Having passed + through the office, each of them was conducted along a gallery shrouded in + darkness, through a long damp vault to a narrow door which was suddenly + opened. This reached, a jailer pushed the Representative in by the + shoulders, and the door was shut. + </p> + <p> + The Representative, thus immured, found himself in a little, long, narrow, + dark room. It is this which the prudent language of modern legislation + terms a "cell." Here the full daylight of a December noon only produced a + dusky twilight. At one end there was a door, with a little grating; at the + other, close to the ceiling, at a height of ten or twelve feet, there was + a loophole with a fluted glass window. This window dimmed the eye, and + prevented it from seeing the blue or gray of the sky, or from + distinguishing the cloud from the sun's ray, and invested the wan daylight + of winter with an indescribable uncertainty. It was even less than a dim + light, it was a turbid light. The inventors of this fluted window + succeeded in making the heavens squint. + </p> + <p> + After a few moments the prisoner began to distinguish objects confusedly, + and this is what he found: White-washed walls here and there turned green + by various exhalations; in one corner a round hole guarded by iron bars, + and exhaling a disgusting smell; in another corner a slab turning upon a + hinge like the bracket seat of a <i>fiacre</i>, and thus capable of being + used as a table; no bed; a straw-bottomed chair; under foot a brick floor. + Gloom was the first impression; cold was the second. There, then, the + prisoner found himself, alone, chilled, in this semi-darkness, being able + to walk up and down the space of eight square feet like a caged wolf, or + to remain seated on his chair like an idiot at Bicêtre. + </p> + <p> + In this situation an ex-Republican of the Eve, who had become a member of + the majority, and on occasions sided somewhat with the Bonapartists, M. + Emile Leroux, who had, moreover, been thrown into Mazas by mistake, having + doubtless been taken for some other Leroux, began to weep with rage. + Three, four, five hours thus passed away. In the meanwhile they had not + eaten since the morning; some of them, in the excitement caused by the <i>coup + d'état</i> had not even breakfasted. Hunger came upon them. Were they to + be forgotten there? No; a bell rang in the prison, the grating of the door + opened, and an arm held out to the prisoner a pewter porringer and a piece + of bread. + </p> + <p> + The prisoner greedily seized the bread and the porringer. The bread was + black and sticky; the porringer contained a sort of thick water, warm and + reddish. Nothing can be compared to the smell of this "soup." As for the + bread, it only smelt of mouldiness. + </p> + <p> + However great their hunger, most of the prisoners during the first moment + threw down their bread on the floor, and emptied the porringer down the + hole with the iron bars. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless the stomach craved, the hours passed by, they picked up the + bread, and ended by eating it. One prisoner went so far as to pick up the + porringer and to attempt to wipe out the bottom with his bread, which he + afterwards devoured. Subsequently, this prisoner, a Representative set at + liberty in exile, described to me this dietary, and said to me, "A hungry + stomach has no nose." + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile there was absolute solitude and profound silence. However, in + the course of a few hours, M. Emile Leroux—he himself has told the + fact to M. Versigny—heard on the other side of the wall on his right + a sort of curious knocking, spaced out and intermittent at irregular + intervals. He listened, and almost at the same moment on the other side of + the wall to his left a similar rapping responded. M. Emile Leroux, + enraptured—what a pleasure it was to hear a noise of some kind!—thought + of his colleagues, prisoners like himself, and cried out in a tremendous + voice, "Oh, oh! you are there also, you fellows!" He had scarcely uttered + this sentence when the door of his cell was opened with a creaking of + hinges and bolts; a man—the jailer—appeared in a great rage, + and said to him,— + </p> + <p> + "Hold your tongue!" + </p> + <p> + The Representative of the People, somewhat bewildered, asked for an + explanation. + </p> + <p> + "Hold your tongue," replied the jailer, "or I will pitch you into a + dungeon." + </p> + <p> + This jailer spoke to the prisoner as the <i>coup d'état</i> spoke to the + nation. + </p> + <p> + M. Emile Leroux, with his persistent parliamentary habits, nevertheless + attempted to insist. + </p> + <p> + "What!" said he, "can I not answer the signals which two of my colleagues + are making to me?" + </p> + <p> + "Two of your colleagues, indeed," answered the jailer, "they are two + thieves." And he shut the door, shouting with laughter. + </p> + <p> + They were, in fact, two thieves, between whom M. Emile Leroux was, not + crucified, but locked up. + </p> + <p> + The Mazas prison is so ingeniously built that the least word can be heard + from one cell to another. Consequently there is no isolation, + notwithstanding the cellular system. Thence this rigorous silence imposed + by the perfect and cruel logic of the rules. What do the thieves do? They + have invented a telegraphic system of raps, and the rules gain nothing by + their stringency. M. Emile Leroux had simply interrupted a conversation + which had been begun. + </p> + <p> + "Don't interfere with our friendly patter," cried out his thief neighbor, + who for this exclamation was thrown into the dungeon. + </p> + <p> + Such was the life of the Representatives at Mazas. Moreover, as they were + in secret confinement, not a book, not a sheet of paper, not a pen, not + even an hour's exercise in the courtyard was allowed to them. + </p> + <p> + The thieves also go to Mazas, as we have seen. + </p> + <p> + But those who know a trade are permitted to work; those who know how to + read are supplied with books; those who know how to write are granted a + desk and paper; all are permitted the hour's exercise required by the laws + of health and authorized by the rules. + </p> + <p> + The Representatives were allowed nothing whatever. Isolation, close + confinement, silence, darkness, cold, "the amount of <i>ennui</i> which + engenders madness," as Linguet has said when speaking of the Bastille. + </p> + <p> + To remain seated on a chair all day long, with arms and legs crossed: such + was the situation. But the bed! Could they lie down? + </p> + <p> + No. + </p> + <p> + There was no bed. + </p> + <p> + At eight o'clock in the evening the jailer came into the cell, and reached + down, and removed something which was rolled up on a plank near the + ceiling. This "something" was a hammock. + </p> + <p> + The hammock having been fixed, hooked up, and spread out, the jailer + wished his prisoner "Good-night." + </p> + <p> + There was a blanket on the hammock, sometimes a mattress some two inches + thick. The prisoner, wrapt in this covering, tried to sleep, and only + succeeded in shivering. + </p> + <p> + But on the morrow he could at least remain lying down all day in his + hammock? + </p> + <p> + Not at all. + </p> + <p> + At seven o'clock in the morning the jailer came in, wished the + Representative "Good-morning," made him get up, and rolled up the hammock + on its shelf near the ceiling. + </p> + <p> + But in this case could not the prisoner take down the authorized hammock, + unroll it, hook it up, and lie down again? + </p> + <p> + Yes, he could. But then there was the dungeon. + </p> + <p> + This was the routine. The hammock for the night, the chair for the day. + </p> + <p> + Let us be just, however. Some obtained beds, amongst others MM. Thiers and + Roger (du Nord). M. Grévy did not have one. + </p> + <p> + Mazas is a model prison of progress; it is certain that Mazas is + preferable to the <i>piombi</i> of Venice, and to the under-water dungeon + of the Châtelet. Theoretical philanthropy has built Mazas. Nevertheless, + as has been seen, Mazas leaves plenty to be desired. Let us acknowledge + that from a certain point of view the temporary solitary confinement of + the law-makers at Mazas does not displease us. There was perhaps something + of Providence in the <i>coup d'état</i>. Providence, in placing the + Legislators at Mazas, has performed an act of good education. Eat of your + own cooking; it is not a bad thing that those who own prisons should try + them. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. THE EPISODE OF THE BOULEVARD ST. MARTIN + </h2> + <p> + When Charamaule and I reached No. 70, Rue Blanche, a steep lonely street, + a man in a sort of naval sub-officer's uniform, was walking up and down + before the door. The portress, who recognized us, called our attention to + him. "Nonsense," said Charamaule, "a man walking about in that manner, and + dressed after that fashion, is assuredly not a police spy." + </p> + <p> + "My dear colleague," said I, "Bedeau has proved that the police are + blockheads." + </p> + <p> + We went upstairs. The drawing-room and a little ante-chamber which led to + it were full of Representatives, with whom were mingled a good many + persons who did not belong to the Assembly. Some ex-members of the + Constituent Assembly were there, amongst others, Bastide and several + Democratic journalists. The <i>Nationale</i> was represented by Alexander + Rey and Léopold Duras, the <i>Révolution</i> by Xavier Durrieu, Vasbenter, + and Watripon, the <i>Avénement du Peuple</i> by H. Coste, nearly all the + other editors of the <i>Avénement</i> being in prison. About sixty members + of the Left were there, and among others Edgar Quinet, Schoelcher, Madier + de Montjau, Carnot, Noël Parfait, Pierre Lefranc, Bancel, de Flotte, + Bruckner, Chaix, Cassal, Esquiros, Durand-Savoyat, Yvan, Carlos Forel, + Etchegoyen, Labrousse, Barthélemy (Eure-et-Loire), Huguenin, Aubrey (du + Nord), Malardier, Victor Chauffour, Belin, Renaud, Bac, Versigny, Sain, + Joigneaux, Brives, Guilgot, Pelletier, Doutre, Gindrier, Arnauld (de + l'Ariége), Raymond (de l'Isère), Brillier, Maigne, Sartin, Raynaud, Léon + Vidal, Lafon, Lamargue, Bourzat, and General Rey. + </p> + <p> + All were standing. They were talking without order. Léopold Duras had just + described the investment of the Café Bonvalet. Jules Favre and Baudin, + seated at a little table between the two windows, were writing. Baudin had + a copy of the Constitution open before him, and was copying Article 68. + </p> + <p> + When we entered there was silence, and they asked us, "Well, what news?" + </p> + <p> + Charamaule told them what had just taken place on the Boulevard du Temple, + and the advice which he had thought right to give me. They approved his + action. + </p> + <p> + "What is to be done?" was asked on every side. I began to speak. + </p> + <p> + "Let us go straight to the fact and to the point," said I. "Louis + Bonaparte is gaining ground, and we are losing ground, or rather, we + should say, he has as yet everything, and we have as yet nothing. + Charamaule and I have been obliged to separate ourselves from Colonel + Forestier. I doubt if he will succeed. Louis Bonaparte is doing all he can + to suppress us, we must no longer keep in the background. We must make our + presence felt. We must fan this beginning of the flame of which we have + seen the spark on the Boulevard du Temple. A proclamation must be made, no + matter by whom it is printed, or how it is placarded, but it is absolutely + necessary, and that immediately. Something brief, rapid, and energetic. No + set phrases. Ten lines—an appeal to arms! We are the Law, and there + are occasions when the Law should utter a war-cry. The Law, outlawing the + traitor, is a great and terrible thing. Let us do it." + </p> + <p> + They interrupted me with "Yes, that is right, a proclamation!" + </p> + <p> + "Dictate! dictate!" + </p> + <p> + "Dictate," said Baudin to me, "I will write." + </p> + <p> + I dictated:- + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "TO THE PEOPLE. + + "Louis Napoléon Bonaparte is a traitor. + + "He has violated the Constitution. + + "He is forsworn. + + "He is an outlaw—" +</pre> + <p> + They cried out to me on every side,— + </p> + <p> + "That is right! Outlaw him." + </p> + <p> + "Go on." + </p> + <p> + I resumed the dictation. Baudin wrote,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "The Republican Representatives refer the People and the Army to Article + 68—" +</pre> + <p> + They interrupted me: "Quote it in full." + </p> + <p> + "No," said I, "it would be too long. Something is needed which can be + placarded on a card, stuck with a wafer, and which can be read in a + minute. I will quote Article 110. It is short and contains the appeal to + arms." + </p> + <p> + I resumed,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "The Republican Representatives refer the People and the Army to Article + 68 and to Article 110, which runs thus—'The Constituent Assembly + confides the existing Constitution and the Laws which it consecrates to + the keeping and the patriotism of all Frenchmen.' + + "The People henceforward and for ever in possession of universal + suffrages and who need no Prince for its restitution, will know how to + chastise the rebel. + + "Let the People do its duty. The Republican Representatives are marching + at its head. + + "Vive la République! To Arms!" +</pre> + <p> + They applauded. + </p> + <p> + "Let us all sign," said Pelletier. + </p> + <p> + "Let us try to find a printing-office without delay," said Schoelcher, + "and let the proclamation be posted up immediately." + </p> + <p> + "Before nightfall—the days are short," added Joigneaux. + </p> + <p> + "Immediately, immediately, several copies!" called out the + Representatives. + </p> + <p> + Baudin, silent and rapid, had already made a second copy of the + proclamation. + </p> + <p> + A young man, editor of the provincial Republican journal, came out of the + crowd, and declared that, if they would give him a copy at once, before + two hours should elapse the Proclamation should be posted at all the + street corners in Paris. + </p> + <p> + I asked him,— + </p> + <p> + "What is your name?" + </p> + <p> + He answered me,— + </p> + <p> + "Millière." + </p> + <p> + Millière. It is in this manner that this name made its first appearance in + the gloomy days of our History. I can still see that pale young man, that + eye at the same time piercing and half closed, that gentle and forbidding + profile. Assassination and the Pantheon awaited him. He was too obscure to + enter into the Temple, he was sufficiently deserving to die on its + threshold. Baudin showed him the copy which he had just made. + </p> + <p> + Millière went up to him. + </p> + <p> + "You do not know me," said he; "my name is Millière; but I know you, you + are Baudin." + </p> + <p> + Baudin held out his hand to him. + </p> + <p> + I was present at the handshaking between these two spectres. + </p> + <p> + Xavier Durrieu, who was editor of the <i>Révolution</i> made the same + offer as Millière. + </p> + <p> + A dozen Representatives took their pens and sat down, some around a table, + others with a sheet of paper on their knees, and called out to me,— + </p> + <p> + "Dictate the Proclamation to us." + </p> + <p> + I had dictated to Baudin, "Louis Napoléon Bonaparte is a traitor." Jules + Favre requested the erasure of the word Napoléon, that name of glory + fatally powerful with the People and with the Army, and that there should + be written, "Louis Bonaparte is a traitor." + </p> + <p> + "You are right," said I to him. + </p> + <p> + A discussion followed. Some wished to strike out the word "Prince." But + the Assembly was impatient. "Quick! quick!" they cried out. "We are in + December, the days are short," repeated Joigneaux. + </p> + <p> + Twelve copies were made at the same time in a few minutes. Schoelcher, + Rey, Xavier Durrieu, and Millière each took one, and set out in search of + a printing office. + </p> + <p> + As they went out a man whom I did not know, but who was greeted by several + Representatives, entered and said, "Citizens, this house is marked. Troops + are on the way to surround you. You have not a second to lose." + </p> + <p> + Numerous voices were raised,— + </p> + <p> + "Very well! Let them arrest us!" + </p> + <p> + "What does it matter to us?" + </p> + <p> + "Let them complete their crime." + </p> + <p> + "Colleagues," said I, "let us not allow ourselves to be arrested. After + the struggle, as God pleases; but before the combat,—No! It is from + us that the people are awaiting the initiative. If we are taken, all is at + an end. Our duty is to bring on the battle, our right is to cross swords + with the <i>coup d'état</i>. It must not be allowed to capture us, it must + seek us and not find us. We must deceive the arm which it stretches out + against us, we must remain concealed from Bonaparte, we must harass him, + weary him, astonish him, exhaust him, disappear and reappear unceasingly, + change our hiding-place, and always fight him, be always before him, and + never beneath his hand. Let us not leave the field. We have not numbers, + let us have daring." + </p> + <p> + They approved of this. "It is right," said they, "but where shall we go?" + </p> + <p> + Labrousse said,— + </p> + <p> + "Our former colleague of the Constituent Assembly, Beslay, offers us his + house." + </p> + <p> + "Where does he live?" + </p> + <p> + "No. 33, Rue de la Cérisaie, in the Marais." + </p> + <p> + "Very well," answered I, "let us separate. We will meet again in two hours + at Beslay's, No. 33, Rue de la Cérisaie." + </p> + <p> + All left; one after another, and in different directions. I begged + Charamaule to go to my house and wait for me there, and I walked out with + Noël Parfait and Lafon. + </p> + <p> + We reached the then still uninhabited district which skirts the ramparts. + As we came to the corner of the Rue Pigalle, we saw at a hundred paces + from us, in the deserted streets which cross it, soldiers gliding all + along the houses, bending their steps towards the Rue Blanche. + </p> + <p> + At three o'clock the members of the Left rejoined each other in the Rue de + la Cérisaie. But the alarm had been given, and the inhabitants of these + lonely streets stationed themselves at the windows to see the + Representatives pass. The place of meeting, situated and hemmed in at the + bottom of a back yard, was badly chosen in the event of being surrounded: + all these disadvantages were at once perceived, and the meeting only + lasted a few seconds. It was presided over by Joly; Xavier Durrieu and + Jules Gouache, who were editors of the <i>Révolution</i>, also took part, + as well as several Italian exiles, amongst others Colonel Carini and + Montanelli, ex-Minister of the Grand Duke of Tuscany. I liked Montanelli, + a gentle and dauntless spirit. + </p> + <p> + Madier de Montjau brought news from the outskirts. Colonel Forestier, + without losing and without taking away hope, told them of the obstacles + which he had encountered in his attempts to call together the 6th Legion. + He pressed me to sign his appointment as Colonel, as well as Michel de + Bourges; but Michel de Bourges was absent, and besides, neither Michel de + Bourges nor I had yet at drat time the authority from the Left. + Nevertheless, under this reservation I signed his appointment. The + perplexities were becoming more and more numerous. The Proclamation was + not yet printed, and the evening was closing in. Schoelcher explained the + difficulties: all the printing offices closed and guarded; an order + placarded that whoever should print an appeal to arms world be immediately + shot; the workmen terrified; no money. A hat was sent round, and each + threw into it what money he had about him. They collected in this manner a + few hundred francs. + </p> + <p> + Xavier Durrieu, whose fiery courage never flagged for a single moment, + reiterated that he would undertake the printing, and promised that by + eight o'clock that evening there should be 40,000 copies of the + Proclamation. Time pressed. They separated, after fixing as a rendezvous + the premises of the Society of Cabinet-makers in the Rue de Charonne, at + eight o'clock in the evening, so as to allow time for the situation to + reveal itself. As we went out and crossed the Rue Beautreillis I saw + Pierre Leroux coming up to me. He had taken no part in our meetings. He + said to me,— + </p> + <p> + "I believe this struggle to be useless. Although my point of view is + different from yours, I am your friend. Beware. There is yet time to stop. + You are entering into the catacombs. The catacombs are Death." + </p> + <p> + "They are also Life," answered I. + </p> + <p> + All the same, I thought with joy that my two sons were in prison, and that + this gloomy duty of street fighting was imposed upon me alone. + </p> + <p> + There yet remained five hours until the time fixed for the rendezvous. I + wished to go home, and once more embrace my wife and daughter before + precipitating myself into that abyss of the "unknown" which was there, + yawning and gloomy, and which several of us were about to enter, never to + return. + </p> + <p> + Arnauld (de l'Ariége) gave me his arm. The two Italian exiles, Carini aril + Montanelli, accompanied me. + </p> + <p> + Montanelli took my hands and said to me, "Right will conquer. You will + conquer. Oh! that this time France may not be selfish as in 1848, and that + she may deliver Italy." I answered him, "She will deliver Europe." + </p> + <p> + Those were our illusions at that moment, but this, however, does not + prevent them from being our hopes to-day. Faith is thus constituted; + shadows demonstrate to it the light. + </p> + <p> + There is a cabstand before the front gate of St. Paul. We went there. The + Rue St. Antoine was alive with that indescribable uneasy swarming which + precedes those strange battles of ideas against deeds which are called + Revolutions. I seemed to catch, in this great working-class district, a + glimpse of a gleam of light which, alas, died out speedily. The cabstand + before St. Paul was deserted. The drivers had foreseen the possibility of + barricades, and had fled. + </p> + <p> + Three miles separated Arnauld and myself from our houses. It was + impossible to walk there through the middle of Paris, without being + recognized at each step. Two passers-by extricated us from our difficulty. + One of them said to the other, "The omnibuses are still running on the + Boulevards." + </p> + <p> + We profited by this information, and went to look for a Bastille omnibus. + All four of us got in. + </p> + <p> + I entertained at heart, I repeat, wrongly or rightly, a bitter reproach + for the opportunity lost during the morning. I said to myself that on + critical days such moments come, but do not return. There are two theories + of Revolution: to arouse the people, or to let them come of themselves. + The first theory was mine, but, through force of discipline, I had obeyed + the second. I reproached myself with this. I said to myself, "The People + offered themselves, and we did not accept them. It is for us now not to + offer ourselves, but to do more, to give ourselves." + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the omnibus had started. It was full. I had taken my place at + the bottom on the left; Arnauld (de l'Ariége) sat next to me, Carini + opposite, Montanelli next to Arnauld. We did not speak; Arnauld and myself + silently exchanged that pressure of hands which is a means of exchanging + thoughts. + </p> + <p> + As the omnibus proceeded towards the centre of Paris the crowd became + denser on the Boulevard. As the omnibus entered into the cutting of the + Porte St. Martin a regiment of heavy cavalry arrived in the opposite + direction. In a few seconds this regiment passed by the side of us. They + were cuirassiers. They filed by at a sharp trot and with drawn swords. The + people leaned over from the height of the pavements to see them pass. Not + a single cry. On the one side the people dejected, on the other the + soldiers triumphant. All this stirred me. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly the regiment halted. I do not know what obstruction momentarily + impeded its advance in this narrow cutting of the Boulevard in which we + were hemmed in. By its halt it stopped the omnibus. There were the + soldiers. We had them under our eyes, before us, at two paces distance, + their horses touching the horses of our vehicle, these Frenchmen who had + become Mamelukes, these citizen soldiers of the Great Republic transformed + into supporters of the degraded Empire. From the place where I sat I + almost touched them; I could no longer restrain myself. + </p> + <p> + I lowered the window of the omnibus. I put out my head, and, looking + fixedly at the dense line of soldiers which faced me, I called out, "Down + with Louis Bonaparte. Those who serve traitors are traitors!" + </p> + <p> + Those nearest to me turned their heads towards me and looked at me with a + tipsy air; the others did not stir, and remained at "shoulder arms," the + peaks of their helmets over their eyes, their eyes fixed upon the ears of + their horses. + </p> + <p> + In great affairs there is the immobility of statues; in petty mean affairs + there is the immobility of puppets. + </p> + <p> + At the shout which I raised Arnauld turned sharply round. He also had + lowered his window, and he was leaning half out of the omnibus, with his + arms extended towards the soldiers, and he shouted, "Down with the + traitors!" + </p> + <p> + To see him thus with his dauntless gesture, his handsome head, pale and + calm, his fervent expression, his beard and his long chestnut hair, one + seemed to behold the radiant and fulminating face of an angry Christ. + </p> + <p> + The example was contagious and electrical. + </p> + <p> + "Down with the traitors!" shouted Carini and Montanelli. + </p> + <p> + "Down with the Dictator! Down with the traitors!" repeated a gallant young + man with whom we were not acquainted, and who was sitting next to Carini. + </p> + <p> + With the exception of this young man, the whole omnibus seemed seized with + terror! + </p> + <p> + "Hold your tongues!" exclaimed these poor frightened people; "you will + cause us all to be massacred." One, still more terrified, lowered the + window, and began to shout to the soldiers, "Long live Prince Napoléon! + Long live the Emperor!" + </p> + <p> + There were five of us, and we overpowered this cry by our persistent + protest, "Down with Louis Bonaparte! Down with the traitors!" + </p> + <p> + The soldiers listened in gloomy silence. A corporal turned with a + threatening air towards us, and shook his sword. The crowd looked on in + bewilderment. + </p> + <p> + What passed within me at that moment? I cannot tell! I was in a whirlwind. + I had at the same time yielded to a calculation, finding the opportunity + good, and to a burst of rage, finding the encounter insolent. + </p> + <p> + A woman cried out to us from the pavement, "You will get yourselves cut to + pieces." I vaguely imagined that some collision was about to ensue, and + that, either from the crowd or from the Army, the spark would fly out. I + hoped for a sword-cut from the soldiers or a shout of anger from the + people. In short I had obeyed rather an instinct than an idea. + </p> + <p> + But nothing came of it, neither the sword-cut nor the shout of anger. The + soldiers did not bestir themselves and the people maintained silence. Was + it too late? Was it too soon? + </p> + <p> + The mysterious man of the Elysée had not foreseen the event of an insult + to his name being thrown in the very face of the soldiers. The soldiers + had no orders. They received them that evening. This was seen on the + morrow. + </p> + <p> + In another moment the regiment broke into a gallop, and the omnibus + resumed its journey. As the cuirassiers filed past us Arnauld (de + l'Ariége), still leaning out of the vehicle, continued to shout in their + ears, for as I have just said, their horses touched us, "Down with the + Dictator! Down with the traitors!" + </p> + <p> + We alighted in the Rue Lafitte. Carini, Montanelli, and Arnauld left me, + and I went on alone towards the Rue de la Tour d'Auvergne. Night was + coming on. As I turned the corner of the street a man passed close by me. + By the light of a street lamp I recognized a workman at a neighboring + tannery, and he said to me in a low tone, and quickly, "Do not return + home. The police surround your house." + </p> + <p> + I went back again towards the Boulevard, through the streets laid out, but + not then built, which make a Y under my windows behind my house. Not being + able to embrace my wife and daughter, I thought over what I could do + during the moments which remained to me. A remembrance came into my mind. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. THE REBOUND OF THE 24TH JUNE, 1848, ON THE 2D DECEMBER, 1851 + </h2> + <p> + On Sunday, 26th June, 1848, that four days' combat, that gigantic combat + so formidable and so heroic on both sides, still continued, but the + insurrection had been overcome nearly everywhere, and was restricted to + the Faubourg St. Antoine. Four men who had been amongst the most dauntless + defenders of the barricades of the Rue Pont-aux-Choux, of the Rue St. + Claude, and of the Rue St. Louis in the Marais, escaped after the + barricades had been taken, and found safe refuge in a house, No. 12, Rue + St. Anastase. They were concealed in an attic. The National Guards and the + Mobile Guards were hunting for them, in order to shoot them. I was told of + this. I was one of the sixty Representatives sent by the Constituent + Assembly into the middle of the conflict, charged with the task of + everywhere preceding the attacking column, of carrying, even at the peril + of their lives, words of peace to the barricades, to prevent the shedding + of blood, and to stop the civil war. I went into the Rue St. Anastase, and + I saved the lives of those four men. + </p> + <p> + Amongst those men there was a poor workman of the Rue de Charonne, whose + wife was being confined at that very moment, and who was weeping. One + could understand, when hearing his sobs and seeing his rags, how he had + cleared with a single bound these three steps—poverty, despair, + rebellion. Their chief was a young man, pale and fair, with high cheek + bones, intelligent brow, and an earnest and resolute countenance. As soon + as I set him free, and told him my name, he also wept. He said to me, + "When I think that an hour ago I knew that you were facing us, and that I + wished that the barrel of my gun had eyes to see and kill you!" He added, + "In the times in which we live we do not know what may happen. If ever you + need me, for whatever purpose, come." His name was Auguste, and he was a + wine-seller in the Rue de la Roquette. + </p> + <p> + Since that time I had only seen him once, on the 26th August, 1819, on the + day when I held the corner of Balzac's pall. The funeral possession was + going to Père la Chaise. Auguste's shop was on the way. All the streets + through which the procession passed were crowded. Auguste was at his door + with his young wife and two or three workmen. As I passed he greeted me. + </p> + <p> + It was this remembrance which came back to my mind as I descended the + lonely streets behind my house; in the presence of the 2d of December I + thought of him. I thought that he might give me information about the + Faubourg St. Antoine, and help us in rousing the people. This young man + had at once given me the impression of a soldier and a leader. I + remembered the words which he had spoken to me, and I considered it might + be useful to see him. I began by going to find in the Rue St. Anastase the + courageous woman who had hidden Auguste and his three companions, to whom + she had several times since rendered assistance. I begged her to accompany + me. She consented. + </p> + <p> + On the way I dined upon a cake of chocolate which Charamaule had given me. + </p> + <p> + The aspects of the boulevards, in coming down the Italiens towards the + Marais, had impressed rue. The shops were open everywhere as usual. There + was little military display. In the wealthy quarters there was much + agitation and concentration of troops; but on advancing towards the + working-class neighborhoods solitude reigned paramount. Before the Café + Turc a regiment was drawn up. A band of young men in blouses passed before + the regiment singing the "Marseillaise." I answered them by crying out "To + Arms!" The regiment did not stir. The light shone upon the playbills on an + adjacent wall; the theatres were open. I looked at the trees as I passed. + They were playing <i>Hernani</i> at the Theatre des Italiens, with a new + tenor named Guasco. + </p> + <p> + The Place de la Bastille was frequented, as usual, by goers and comers, + the most peaceable folk in the world. A few workmen grouped round the July + Column, and, chatting in a low voice, were scarcely noticeable. Through + the windows of a wine shop could be seen two men who were disputing for + and against the <i>coup d'état</i>. He who favored it wore a blouse, he + who attacked it wore a cloth coat. A few steps further on a juggler had + placed between four candles his X-shaped table, and was displaying his + conjuring tricks in the midst of a crowd, who were evidently thinking only + of the juggler. On looking towards the gloomy loneliness of the Quai Mazas + several harnessed artillery batteries were dimly visible in the darkness. + Some lighted torches here and there showed up the black outline of the + cannons. + </p> + <p> + I had some trouble in finding Auguste's door in the Rue de la Roquette. + Nearly all the shops were shut, thus making the street very dark. At + length, through a glass shop-front I noticed a light which gleamed on a + pewter counter. Beyond the counter, through a partition also of glass and + ornamented with white curtains, another light, and the shadows of two or + three men at table could be vaguely distinguished. This was the place. + </p> + <p> + I entered. The door on opening rang a bell. At the sound, the door of the + glazed partition which separated the shop from the parlor opened, and + Auguste appeared. + </p> + <p> + He knew me at once, and came up to me. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, Sir," said he, "it is you!" + </p> + <p> + "Do you know what is going on?" I asked him. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, sir." + </p> + <p> + This "Yes, sir," uttered with calmness, and even with a certain + embarrassment, told me all. Where I expected an indignant outcry I found + this peaceable answer. It seemed to me that I was speaking to the Faubourg + St. Antoine itself. I understood that all was at an end in this district, + and that we had nothing to expect from it. The people, this wonderful + people, had resigned themselves. Nevertheless, I made an effort. + </p> + <p> + "Louis Bonaparte betrays the Republic," said I, without noticing that I + raised my voice. + </p> + <p> + He touched my arm, and pointing with his finger to the shadows which were + pictured on the glazed partition of the parlor, "Take care, sir; do not + talk so loudly." + </p> + <p> + "What!" I exclaimed, "you have come to this—you dare not speak, you + dare not utter the name of 'Bonaparte' aloud; you barely mumble a few + words in a whisper here, in this street, in the Faubourg St. Antoine, + where, from all the doors, from all the windows, from all the pavements, + from all the very stones, ought to be heard the cry, 'To arms.'" + </p> + <p> + Auguste demonstrated to me what I already saw too clearly, and what Girard + had shadowed forth in the morning—the moral situation of the + Faubourg—that the people were "dazed"—that it seemed to all of + them that universal suffrage was restored; that the downfall of the law of + the 31st of May was a good thing. + </p> + <p> + Here I interrupted him. + </p> + <p> + "But this law of the 31st of May, it was Louis Bonaparte who instigated + it, it was Rouher who made it, it was Baroche who proposed it, and the + Bonapartists who voted it. You are dazzled by a thief who has taken your + purse, and who restores it to you!" + </p> + <p> + "Not I," said Auguste, "but the others." + </p> + <p> + And he continued, "To tell the whole truth, people did not care much for + the Constitution, they liked the Republic, but the Republic was maintained + too much by force for their taste. In all this they could only see one + thing clearly, the cannons ready to slaughter them—they remembered + June, 1848—there were some poor people who had suffered greatly—Cavaignac + had done much evil—women clung to the men's blouses to prevent them + from going to the barricades—nevertheless, with all this, when + seeing men like ourselves at their head, they would perhaps fight, but + this hindered them, they did not know for what." He concluded by saying, + "The upper part of the Faubourg is doing nothing, the lower end will do + better. Round about here they will fight. The Rue de la Roquette is good, + the Rue de Charonne is good; but on the side of Père la Chaise they ask, + 'What good will that do us?' They only recognize the forty sous of their + day's work. They will not bestir themselves; do not reckon upon the + masons." He added, with a smile, "Here we do not say 'cold as a stone,' + but 'cold as a mason'"—and he resumed, "As for me, if I am alive, it + is to you that I owe my life. Dispose of me. I will lay down my life, and + will do what you wish." + </p> + <p> + While he was speaking I saw the white curtain of the glazed partition + behind him move a little. His young wife, uneasy, was peeping through at + us. + </p> + <p> + "Ah! my God," said I to him, "what we want is not the life of one man but + the efforts of all." + </p> + <p> + He was silent. I continued,— + </p> + <p> + "Listen to me, Auguste, you who are good and intelligent. So, then, the + Faubourgs of Paris—which are heroes even when they err—the + Faubourgs of Paris, for a misunderstanding, for a question of salary + wrongly construed, for a bad definition of socialism, rose in June, 1848, + against the Assembly elected by themselves, against universal suffrage, + against their own vote; and yet they will not rise in December, 1851, for + Right, for the Law, for the People, for Liberty, for the Republic. You say + that there is perplexity, and that you do not understand; but, on the + contrary, it was in June that all was obscure, and it is to-day that + everything is clear!" + </p> + <p> + While I was saying these last words the door of the parlor was softly + opened, and some one came in. It was a young man, fair as Auguste, in an + overcoat, and wearing a workman's cap. I started. Auguste turned round and + said to me, "You can trust him." + </p> + <p> + The young man took off his cap, came close up to me, carefully turning his + back on the glazed partition, and said to me in a low voice, "I know you + well. I was on the Boulevard du Temple to-day. We asked you what we were + to do; you said, 'We must take up arms.' Well, here they are!" + </p> + <p> + He thrust his hands into the pockets of his overcoat and drew out two + pistols. + </p> + <p> + Almost at the same moment the bell of the street door sounded. He + hurriedly put his pistols back into his pockets. A man in a blouse came + in, a workman of some fifty years. This man, without looking at any one, + without saying anything, threw down a piece of money on the counter. + Auguste took a small glass and filled it with brandy, the man drank it + off, put down the glass upon the counter and went away. + </p> + <p> + When the door was shut: "You see," said Auguste to me, "they drink, they + eat, they sleep, they think of nothing. Such are they all!" + </p> + <p> + The other interrupted him impetuously: "One man is not the People!" + </p> + <p> + And turning towards me,— + </p> + <p> + "Citizen Victor Hugo, they will march forward. If all do not march, some + will march. To tell the truth, it is perhaps not here that a beginning + should be made, it is on the other side of the water." + </p> + <p> + And suddenly checking himself,—"After all, you probably do not know + my name." + </p> + <p> + He took a little pocket-book from his pocket, tore out a piece of paper, + wrote on it his name, and gave it to me. I regret having forgotten that + name. He was a working engineer. In order not to compromise him, I burnt + this paper with many others on the Saturday morning, when I was on the + point of being arrested. + </p> + <p> + "It is true, sir," said Auguste, "you must not judge badly of the + Faubourg. As my friend has said, it will perhaps not be the first to + begin; but if there is a rising it will rise." + </p> + <p> + I exclaimed, "And who would you have erect if the Faubourg St. Antoine be + prostrate! Who will be alive if the people be dead!" + </p> + <p> + The engineer went to the street door, made certain that it was well shut, + then came back, and said,— + </p> + <p> + "There are many men ready and willing. It is the leaders who are wanting. + Listen, Citizen Victor Hugo, I can say this to you, and," he added, + lowering his voice, "I hope for a movement to-night." + </p> + <p> + "Where?" + </p> + <p> + "On the Faubourg St. Marceau." + </p> + <p> + "At what time?" + </p> + <p> + "At one o'clock." + </p> + <p> + "How do you know it?" + </p> + <p> + "Because I shall be there." + </p> + <p> + He continued: "Now, Citizen Victor Hugo, if a movement takes place + to-night in the Faubourg St. Marceau, will you head it? Do you consent?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "Have you your scarf of office?" + </p> + <p> + I half drew it out of my pocket. His eyes glistened with joy. + </p> + <p> + "Excellent," said he. "The Citizen has his pistols, the Representative his + scarf. All are armed." + </p> + <p> + I questioned him. "Are you sure of your movement for to-night?" + </p> + <p> + He answered me, "We have prepared it, and we reckon to be there." + </p> + <p> + "In that case," said I, "as soon as the first barricade is constructed I + will be behind it. Come and fetch me." + </p> + <p> + "Where?" + </p> + <p> + "Wherever I may be." + </p> + <p> + He assured me that if the movement should take place during the night he + would know it at half-past ten that evening at the latest, and that I + should be informed of it before eleven o'clock. We settled that in + whatever place I might be at that hour I would send word to Auguste, who + undertook to let him know. + </p> + <p> + The young woman continued to peep out at us. The conversation was growing + prolonged, and might seem singular to the people in the parlor. "I am + going," said I to Auguste. + </p> + <p> + I had opened the door, he took my hand, pressed it as a woman might have + done, and said to me in a deeply-moved tone, "You are going: will you come + back?" + </p> + <p> + "I do not know." + </p> + <p> + "It is true," said he. "No one knows what is going to happen. Well, you + are perhaps going to be hunted and sought for as I have been. It will + perhaps be your turn to be shot, and mine to save you. You know the mouse + may sometimes prove useful to the lion. Monsieur Victor Hugo, if you need + a refuge, this house is yours. Come here. You will find a bed where you + can sleep, and a man who will lay down his life for you." + </p> + <p> + I thanked him by a hearty shake of the hand, and I left. Eight o'clock + struck. I hastened towards the Rue de Charonne. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. THE REPRESENTATIVES HUNTED DOWN + </h2> + <p> + At the corner of the Rue de Faubourg St. Antoine before the shop of the + grocer Pepin, on the same spot where the immense barricade of June, 1848, + was erected as high as the second story, the decrees of the morning had + been placarded. Some men were inspecting them, although it was pitch dark, + and they could not read them, and an old woman said, "The 'Twenty-five + francs' are crushed—so much the better!" + </p> + <p> + A few steps further I heard my name pronounced. I turned round. It was + Jules Favre, Bourzat, Lafon, Madier de Montjau, and Michel de Bourges, who + were passing by. I took leave of the brave and devoted woman who had + insisted upon accompanying me. A <i>fiacre</i> was passing. I put her in + it, and then rejoined the five Representatives. They had come from the Rue + de Charonne. They had found the premises of the Society of Cabinet Makers + closed. "There was no one there," said Madier de Montjau. "These worthy + people are beginning to get together a little capital, they do not wish to + compromise it, they are afraid of us. They say, '<i>coups d'état</i> are + nothing to us, we shall leave them alone!'" + </p> + <p> + "That does not surprise me," answered I, "a society is shopkeeper." + </p> + <p> + "Where are we going?" asked Jules Favre. + </p> + <p> + Lafon lived two steps from there, at No. 2, Quai Jemmapes. He offered us + the use of his rooms. We accepted, and took the necessary measures to + inform the members of the Left that we had gone there. + </p> + <p> + A few minutes afterwards we were installed in Lafon's rooms, on the fourth + floor of an old and lofty house. This house had seen the taking of the + Bastille. + </p> + <p> + This house was entered by a side-door opening from the Quai Jemmapes upon + a narrow courtyard a few steps lower than the Quai itself. Bourzat + remained at this door to warn us in case of any accident, and to point out + the house to those Representatives who might come up. + </p> + <p> + In a few moments a large number of us had assembled, and we again met—all + those of the morning, with a few added. Lafon gave up his drawing-room to + us, the windows of which overlooked the back yard. We organized a sort of + "bureau," and we took our places, Jules Favre, Carnot, Michel, and myself, + at a large table, lighted by two candles, and placed before the fire. The + Representatives and the other people present sat around on chairs and + sofas. A group stood before the door. + </p> + <p> + Michel de Bourges, on entering, exclaimed, "We have come to seek out the + people of the Faubourg St. Antoine. Here we are. Here we must remain." + </p> + <p> + These words were applauded. + </p> + <p> + They set forth the situation—the torpor of the Faubourgs, no one at + the Society of Cabinet Makers, the doors closed nearly everywhere. I told + them what I had seen and heard in the Rue de la Roquette, the remarks of + the wine-seller, Auguste, on the indifference of the people, the hopes of + the engineer, and the possibility of a movement during the night in the + Faubourg St. Marceau. It was settled that on the first notice that might + be given I should go there. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless nothing was yet known of what had taken place during the day. + It was announced that M. Havin, Lieutenant-Colonel of the 5th Legion of + the National Guard, had ordered the officers of his Legion to attend a + meeting. + </p> + <p> + Some Democratic writers came in, amongst whom were Alexander Rey and + Xavier Durrieu, with Kesler, Villiers, and Amable Lemaître of the <i>Révolution</i>; + one of these writers was Millière. + </p> + <p> + Millière had a large bleeding wound above his eye-brow; that same morning + on leaving us, as he was carrying away one of the copies of the + Proclamation which I had dictated, a man had thrown himself upon him to + snatch it from him. The police had evidently already been informed of the + Proclamation, and lay in wait for it; Millière had a hand-to-hand struggle + with the police agent, and had overthrown him, not without bearing away + this gash. However, the Proclamation was not yet printed. It was nearly + nine o'clock in the evening and nothing had come. Xavier Durrieu asserted + that before another hour elapsed they should have the promised forty + thousand copies. It was hoped to cover the walls of Paris with them during + the night. Each of those present was to serve as a bill-poster. + </p> + <p> + There were amongst us—an inevitable circumstance in the stormy + confusion of the first moments—a good many men whom we did not know. + One of these men brought in ten or twelve copies of the appeal to arms. He + asked me to sign them with my own hand, in order, he said, that he might + be able to show my signature to the people—"Or to the police," + whispered Baudin to me smiling. We were not in a position to take such + precautions as these. I gave this man all the signatures that he wanted. + </p> + <p> + Madier de Montjau began to speak. It was of consequence to organize the + action of the Left, to impress the unity of impulse upon the movement + which was being prepared; to create a centre for it, to give a pivot to + the insurrection, to the Left a direction, and to the People a support. He + proposed the immediate formation of a committee representing the entire + Left in all its shades, and charged with organizing and directing the + insurrection. + </p> + <p> + All the Representatives cheered this eloquent and courageous man. Seven + members were proposed. They named at once Carnot, De Flotte, Jules Favre, + Madier de Montjau, Michel de Bourges, and myself; and thus was unanimously + formed this Committee of Insurrection, which at my request was called a + Committee of Resistance; for it was Louis Bonaparte who was tire + insurgent. For ourselves, the were the Republic. It was desired that one + workman-Representative should be admitted into the committee. Faure (du + Rhône) was nominated. But Faure, we learned later on, had been arrested + that morning. The committee then was, it fact, composed of six members. + </p> + <p> + The committee organized itself during the sitting. A Committee of + Permanency was formed from amongst it, and invested with the authority of + decreeing "urgency" in the name of all the Left, of concentrating all + news, information, directions, instructions, resources, orders. This + Committee of Permanency was composed of four members, who were Carnot, + Michel de Bourges, Jules Favre, and myself. De Flotte and Madier de + Montjau were specially delegated, De Flotte for the left bank of the river + and the district of the schools, Madier for the Boulevards and the + outskirts. + </p> + <p> + These preliminary operations being terminated, Lafon took aside Michel de + Bourges and myself, and told us that the ex-Constituent Proudhon had + inquired for one of us two, that he had remained downstairs nearly a + quarter of an hour, and that he had gone away, saying that he would wait + for us in the Place de la Bastille. + </p> + <p> + Proudhon, who was at that time undergoing a term of three years' + imprisonment at St. Pélagie for an offence against Louis Bonaparte, was + granted leave of absence from tine to time. Chance willed it that one of + these liberty days had fallen on the 2d of December. + </p> + <p> + This is an incident which one cannot help noting. On the 2d of December + Proudhon was a prisoner by virtue of a lawful sentence, and at the same + moment at which they illegally imprisoned the inviolable Representatives, + Proudhon, whom they could have legitimately detained, was allowed to go + out. Proudhon had profited by his liberty to come and find us. + </p> + <p> + I knew Proudhon from having seen him at the Concièrgerie, where my two + sons were shut up, and my two illustrious friends, Auguste Vacquérie and + Paul Meurice, and those gallant writers, Louis Jourdan, Erdan, and Suchet. + I could not help thinking that on that day they would assuredly not have + given leave of absence to these men. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Xavier Durrieu whispered to me, "I have just left Proudhon. He + wishes to see you. He is waiting for you down below, close by, at the + entrance to the Place. You will find him leaning on the parapet of the + canal." + </p> + <p> + "I am going," said I. + </p> + <p> + I went downstairs. + </p> + <p> + I found in truth, at the spot mentioned, Proudhon, thoughtful, leaning + with his two elbows on the parapet. He wore that broad-brimmed hat in + which I had often seen him striding alone up and down the courtyard of the + Concièrgerie. + </p> + <p> + I went up to him. + </p> + <p> + "You wish to speak to me." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," and he shook me by the hand. + </p> + <p> + The corner where we were standing was lonely. On the left there was the + Place de la Bastille, dark and gloomy; one could see nothing there, but + one could feel a crowd; regiments were there in battle array; they did not + bivouac, they were ready to march; the muffled sound of breathing could be + heard; the square was full of that glistening shower of pale sparks which + bayonets give forth at night time. Above this abyss of shadows rose up + black and stark the Column of July. + </p> + <p> + Proudhon resumed,— + </p> + <p> + "Listen. I come to give you a friendly warning. You are entertaining + illusions. The People are ensnared in this affair. They will not stir. + Bonaparte will carry them with him. This rubbish, the restitution of + universal suffrage, entraps the simpletons. Bonaparte passes for a + Socialist. He has said, 'I will be the Emperor of the Rabble.' It is a + piece of insolence. But insolence has a chance of success when it has this + at its service." + </p> + <p> + And Proudhon pointed with his finger to the sinister gleam of the + bayonets. He continued,— + </p> + <p> + "Bonaparte has an object in view. The Republic has made the People. He + wishes to restore the Populace. He will succeed and you will fail. He has + on his side force, cannons, the mistake of the people, and the folly of + the Assembly. The few of the Left to which you belong will not succeed in + overthrowing the <i>coup d'état</i>. You are honest, and he has this + advantage over you—that he is a rogue. You have scruples, and he has + this advantage over you—that he has none. Believe me. Resist no + longer. The situation is without resources. We must wait; but at this + moment fighting would be madness. What do you hope for?" + </p> + <p> + "Nothing," said I. + </p> + <p> + "And what are you going to do?" + </p> + <p> + "Everything." + </p> + <p> + By the tone of my voice he understood that further persistence was + useless. + </p> + <p> + "Good-bye," he said. + </p> + <p> + We parted. He disappeared in the darkness. I have never seen him since. + </p> + <p> + I went up again to Lafon's rooms. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime the copies of the appeal to arms did not come to hand. The + Representatives, becoming uneasy, went up and downstairs. Some of them + went out on the Quai Jemmapes, to wait there and gain information about + them. In the room there was a sound of confused talking the members of the + Committee, Madier de Montjau, Jules Favre, and Carnot, withdrew, and sent + word to me by Charamaule that they were going to No. 10, Rue des Moulins, + to the house of the ex-Constituent Landrin, in the division of the 5th + Legion, to deliberate more at their ease, and they begged me to join them. + But I thought I should do better to remain. I had placed myself at the + disposal of the probable movement of the Faubourg St. Marceau. I awaited + the notice of it through Auguste. It was most important that I should not + go too far away; besides, it was possible that if I went away, the + Representatives of the Left, no longing seeing a member of the committee + amongst them, would disperse without taking any resolution, and I saw in + this more than one disadvantage. + </p> + <p> + Time passed, no Proclamations. We learned the next day that the packages + had been seized by the police. Cournet, an ex-Republican naval officer who + was present, began to speak. We shall see presently what sort of a man + Cournet was, and of what an energetic and determined nature he was + composed. He represented to us that as we had been there nearly two hours + the police would certainly end by being informed of our whereabouts, that + the members of the Left had an imperative duty—to keep themselves at + all costs at the head of the People, that the necessity itself of their + situation imposed upon them the precaution of frequently changing their + place of retreat, and he ended by offering us, for our deliberation, his + house and his workshops, No. 82, Rue Popincourt, at the bottom of a blind + alley, and also in the neighborhood of the Faubourg St. Antoine. + </p> + <p> + This offer was accepted. I sent to inform Auguste of our change of abode, + and of Cournet's address. Lafon remained on the Quai Jemmapes in order to + forward on the Proclamations as soon as they arrived, and we set out at + once. + </p> + <p> + Charamaule undertook to send to the Rue des Moulins to tell the other + members of the committee that we would wait for them at No. 82, Rue + Popincourt. + </p> + <p> + We walked, as in the morning, in little separate groups. The Quai Jemmapes + skirts the left bank of the St. Martin Canal; we went up it. We only met a + few solitary workmen, who looked back when we had passed, and stopped + behind us with an air of astonishment. The night was dark. A few drops of + rain were falling. + </p> + <p> + A little beyond the Rue de Chemin Vert we turned to the right and reached + the Rue Popincourt. There all was deserted, extinguished, closed, and + silent, as in the Faubourg St. Antoine. This street is of great length. We + walked for a long time; we passed by the barracks. Cournet was no longer + with us; he had remained behind to inform some of his friends, and we were + told to take defensive measures in case his house was attacked. We looked + for No. 82. The darkness was such that we could not distinguish the + numbers on the houses. At length, at the end of the street, on the right, + we saw a light; it was a grocer's shop, the only one open throughout the + street. One of us entered, and asked the grocer, who was sitting behind + his counter, to show us M. Cournet's house. "Opposite," said the grocer, + pointing to an old and low carriage entrance which could be seen on the + other side of the street, almost facing his shop. + </p> + <p> + We knocked at this door. It was opened. Baudin entered first, tapped at + the window of the porter's lodge, and asked "Monsieur Cournet?"—An + old woman's voice answered, "Here." + </p> + <p> + The portress was in bed; all in the house sleeping. We went in. + </p> + <p> + Having entered, and the gate being shut behind us, we found ourselves in a + little square courtyard which formed the centre of a sort of a two-storied + ruin; the silence of a convent prevailed, not a light was to be seen at + the windows; near a shed was seen a low entrance to a narrow, dark, and + winding staircase. "We have made some mistake," said Charamaule; "it is + impossible that it can be here." + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the portress, hearing all these trampling steps beneath her + doorway, had become wide awake, had lighted her lamp, and we could see her + in her lodge, her face pressed against the window, gazing with alarm at + sixty dark phantoms, motionless, and standing in her courtyard. + </p> + <p> + Esquiros addressed her: "Is this really M. Cournet's house?" said he. + </p> + <p> + "M. Cornet, without doubt," answered the good woman. + </p> + <p> + All was explained. We had asked for Cournet, the grocer had understood + Cornet, the portress had understood Cornet. It chanced that M. Cornet + lived there. + </p> + <p> + We shall see by and by what an extraordinary service chance had rendered + us. + </p> + <p> + We went out, to the great relief of the poor portress, and we resumed our + search. Xavier Durrieu succeeded in ascertaining our whereabouts, and + extricated us from our difficulty. + </p> + <p> + A few moments afterwards we turned to the left, and we entered into a + blind alley of considerable length and dimly lighted by an old oil lamp—one + of those with which Paris was formerly lighted—then again to the + left, and we entered through a narrow passage into a large courtyard + encumbered with sheds and building materials. This time we had reached + Cournet's. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. ONE FOOT IN THE TOMB + </h2> + <p> + Cournet was waiting for us. He received us on the ground floor, in a + parlor where there was a fire, a table, and some chairs; but the room was + so small that a quarter of us filled it to overflowing, and the others + remained in the courtyard. "It is impossible to deliberate here," said + Bancel. "I have a larger room on the first floor," answered Cournet, "but + it is a building in course of construction, which is not yet furnished, + and where there is no fire."—"What does it matter?" they answered + him. "Let us go up to the first floor." + </p> + <p> + We went up to the first floor by a steep and narrow wooden staircase, and + we took possession of two rooms with very low ceilings, but of which one + was sufficiently large. The walls were whitewashed, and a few + straw-covered stools formed the whole of its furniture. + </p> + <p> + They called out to me, "Preside." + </p> + <p> + I sat down on one of the stools in the corner of the first room, with the + fire place on my right and on my left the door opening upon the staircase. + Baudin said to me, "I have a pencil and paper. I will act as secretary to + you." He sat down on a stool next to me. + </p> + <p> + The Representatives and those present, amongst whom were several men in + blouses, remained standing, forming in front of Baudin and myself a sort + of square, backed by the two walls of the room opposite to us. This crowd + extended as far as the staircase. A lighted candle was placed on the + chimney-piece. + </p> + <p> + A common spirit animated this meeting. The faces were pale, but in every + eye could be seen the same firm resolution. In all these shadows glistened + the same flame. Several simultaneously asked permission to speak. I + requested them to give their names to Baudin, who wrote them down, and + then passed me the list. + </p> + <p> + The first speaker was a workman. He began by apologizing for mingling with + the Representatives, he a stranger to the Assembly. The Representatives + interrupted him. "No, no," they said, "the People and Representatives are + all one! Speak—!" He declared that if he spoke it was in order to + clear from all suspicion the honor of his brethren, the workmen of Paris; + that he had heard some Representatives express doubt about them. He + asserted that this was unjust, that the workmen realized the whole crime + of M. Bonaparte and the whole duty of the People, that they would not be + deaf to the appeal of the Republican Representatives, and that this would + be clearly shown. He said all this, simply, with a sort of proud shyness + and of honest bluntness. He kept his word. I found him the next day + fighting on the Rambuteau barricade. + </p> + <p> + Mathieu (de la Drôme) came in as the workman concluded. "I bring news," he + exclaimed. A profound silence ensued. + </p> + <p> + As I have already said, we vaguely knew since the morning that the Right + were to have assembled, and that a certain number of our friends had + probably taken part in the meeting, and that was all. Mathieu (de la + Drôme) brought us the events of the day, the details of the arrests at + their own houses carried out without any obstacle, of the meeting which + had taken place at M. Daru's house and its rough treatment in the Rue de + Bourgogne, of the Representatives expelled from the Hall of the Assembly, + of the meanness of President Dupin, of the melting away of the High Court, + of the total inaction of the Council of State, of the sad sitting held at + the Mairie of the Tenth Arrondissement, of the Oudinot, <i>fiasco</i>, of + the decree of the deposition of the President, and of the two hundred and + twenty forcibly arrested and taken to the Quai d'Orsay. He concluded in a + manly style: "The duty of the Left was increasing hourly. The morrow would + probably prove decisive." He implored the meeting to take this into + consideration. + </p> + <p> + A workman added a fact. He had happened in the morning to be in the Rue de + Grenelle during the passage of the arrested members of the Assembly; he + was there at the moment when one of the commanders of the Chasseurs de + Vincennes had uttered these words, "Now it is the turn of those gentlemen—the + Red Representatives. Let them look out for themselves!" + </p> + <p> + One of the editors of the <i>Révolution</i>, Hennett de Kesler, who + afterwards became an intrepid exile, completed the information of Mathieu + (de la Drôme). He recounted the action taken by two members of the + Assembly with regard to the so-called Minister of the Interior, Morny, and + the answer of the said Morny: "If I find any of the Representatives behind + the barricades, I will have them shot to the last man," and that other + saying of the same witty vagabond respecting the members taken to the Quai + d'Orsay, "These are the last Representatives who will be made prisoners." + He told us that a placard was at that very moment being printed which + declared that "Any one who should be found at a secret meeting would be + immediately shot." The placard, in truth, appeared the next morning. + </p> + <p> + Baudin rose up. "The <i>coup d'état</i> redoubles its rage," exclaimed he. + "Citizens, let us redouble our energy!" + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a man in a blouse entered. He was out of breath. He had run hard. + He told us that he had just seen, and he repeated, had seen with "his own + eyes," in the Rue Popincourt, a regiment marching in silence, and wending + its way towards the blind alley of No. 82, that we were surrounded, and + that we were about to be attacked. He begged us to disperse immediately. + </p> + <p> + "Citizen Representatives," called out Cournet, "I have placed scouts in + the blind alley who will fall back and warn us if the regiment penetrates + thither. The door is narrow and will be barricaded in the twinkling of an + eye. We are here, with you, fifty armed and resolute men, and at the first + shot we shall be two hundred. We are provided with ammunition. You can + deliberate calmly." + </p> + <p> + And as he concluded he raised his right arm, and from his sleeve fell a + large poniard, which he had concealed, and with the other hand he rattled + in his pocket the butts of a pair of pistols. + </p> + <p> + "Very well," said I, "let us continue." + </p> + <p> + Three of the youngest and most eloquent orators of the Left, Bancel, + Arnauld (de l'Ariége) and Victor Chauffour delivered their opinions in + succession. All three were imbued with this notion, that our appeal to + arms not having yet been placarded, the different incidents of the + Boulevarde du Temple and of the Café Bonvalet having brought about no + results, none of our decrees, owing to the repressive measures of + Bonaparte, having yet succeeded in appearing, while the events at the + Mairie of the Tenth Arrondissement began to be spread abroad through + Paris, it seemed as though the Right had commenced active resistance + before the Left. A generous rivalry for the public safety spurred them on. + It was delightful to them to know that a regiment ready to attack was + close by, within a few steps, and that perhaps in a few moments their + blood would flow. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, advice abounded, and with advice, uncertainty. Some illusions + were still entertained. A workman, leaning close to me against the + fireplace, said in a low voice to one of his comrades that the People must + not be reckoned upon, and that if we fought "We should perpetrate a + madness." + </p> + <p> + The incidents and events of the day had in some degree modified my opinion + as to the course to be followed in this grave crisis. The silence of the + crowd at the moment when Arnauld (de l'Ariége) and I had apostrophized the + troops, had destroyed the impression which a few hours before the + enthusiasm of the people on the Boulevard du Temple had left with me. The + hesitation of Auguste had impressed me, the Society of Cabinet Makers + appeared to shun us, the torpor of the Faubourg St. Antoine was manifest, + the inertness of the Faubourg St. Marceau was not less so. I ought to have + received notice from the engineer before eleven o'clock, and eleven + o'clock was past. Our hopes died away one after another. Nevertheless, all + the more reason, in my opinion, to astonish and awaken Paris by an + extraordinary spectacle, by a daring act of life and collective power on + the part of the Representatives of the Left, by the daring of an immense + devotion. + </p> + <p> + It will be seen later on what a combination of accidental circumstances + prevented this idea from being realized as I then purposed. The + Representatives have done their whole duty. Providence perhaps has not + done all on its side. Be it as it may, supposing that we were not at once + carried off by some nocturnal and immediate combat, and that at the hour + at which I was speaking we had still a "to-morrow," I felt the necessity + of fixing every eye upon the course which should be adopted on the day + which was about to follow.—I spoke. + </p> + <p> + I began by completely unveiling the situation. I painted the picture in + four words: the Constitution thrown into the gutter; the Assembly driven + to prison with the butt-end of a musket, the Council of State dispersed; + the High Court expelled by a galley-sergeant, a manifest beginning of + victory for Louis Bonaparte, Paris ensnared in the army as though in a + net; bewilderment everywhere, all authority overthrown; all compacts + annulled; two things only remained standing, the <i>coup d'état</i> and + ourselves. + </p> + <p> + "Ourselves! and who are we?" + </p> + <p> + "We are," said I, "we are Truth and Justice! We are the supreme and + sovereign power, the People incarnate—Right!" + </p> + <p> + I continued,— + </p> + <p> + "Louis Bonaparte at every minute which elapses advances a step further in + his crime. For him nothing is inviolable, nothing is sacred; this morning + he violated the Palace of the Representatives of the Nation, a few hours + later he laid violent hands on their persons; to-morrow, perhaps in a few + moments, he will shed their blood. Well then! he marches upon us, let us + march upon him. The danger grows greater, let us grow greater with the + danger." + </p> + <p> + A movement of assent passed through the Assembly. I continued,— + </p> + <p> + "I repeat and insist. Let us show no mercy to this wretched Bonaparte for + any of the enormities which his outrage contains. As he has drawn the wine—I + should say the blood—he must drink it up. We are not individuals, we + are the Nation. Each of us walks forth clothed with the Sovereignty of the + people. He cannot strike our persons without rending that. Let us compel + his volleys to pierce our sashes as well as our breasts. This man is on a + road where logic grasps him and leads him to parricide. What he is killing + in this moment is the country! Well, then! when the ball of Executive + Power pierces the sash of Legislative Power, it is visible parricide! It + is this that must be understood!" + </p> + <p> + "We are quite ready!" they cried out. "What measures would you advise us + to adopt?" + </p> + <p> + "No half measures," answered I; "a deed of grandeur! To-morrow—if we + leave here this night—let us all meet in the Faubourg St. Antoine." + </p> + <p> + They interposed, "Why the Faubourg St. Antoine?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," resumed I, "the Faubourg St. Antoine! I cannot believe that the + heart of the People has ceased to beat there. Let us all meet to-morrow in + the Faubourg St. Antoine. Opposite the Lenoir Market there is a hall which + was used by a club in 1848." + </p> + <p> + They cried out to me, "The Salle Roysin." + </p> + <p> + "That is it," said I, "The Salle Roysin. We who remain free number a + hundred and twenty Republican Representatives. Let us install ourselves in + this hall. Let us install ourselves in the fulness and majesty of the + Legislative Power. Henceforward we are the Assembly, the whole of the + Assembly! Let us sit there, deliberate there, in our official sashes, in + the midst of the People. Let us summon the Faubourg St. Antoine to its + duty, let us shelter there the National Representation, let us shelter + there the popular sovereignty. Let us intrust the People to the keeping of + the People. Let us adjure them to protect themselves. If necessary, let us + order them!" + </p> + <p> + A voice interrupted me: "You cannot give orders to the People!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes!" I cried, "When it is a question of public safety, of the universal + safety, when it is a question of the future of every European nationality, + when it is a question of defending the Republic, Liberty, Civilization, + the Revolution, we have the right—we, the Representatives of the + entire nation—to give, in the name of the French people, orders to + the people of Paris! Let us, therefore, meet to-morrow at this Salle + Roysin; but at what time? Not too early in the morning. In broad day. It + is necessary that the shops should be open, that people should be coming + and going, that the population should be moving about, that there should + be plenty of people in the streets, that they should see us, that they + should recognize us, that the grandeur of our example should strike every + eye and stir every heart. Let us all be there between nine and ten o'clock + in the morning. If we cannot obtain the Salle Roysin we will take the + first church at hand, a stable, a shed, some enclosure where we can + deliberate; at need, as Michel de Bourges has said, we will hold our + sittings in a square bounded by four barricades. But provisionally I + suggest the Salle Roysin. Do not forget that in such a crisis there must + be no vacuum before the nation. That alarms it. There must be a government + somewhere, and it must be known. The rebellion at the Elysée, the + Government at the Faubourg St. Antoine; the Left the Government, the + Faubourg St. Antoine the citadel; such are the ideas which from to-morrow + we must impress upon the mind of Paris. To the Salle Roysin, then! Thence + in the midst of the dauntless throng of workmen of that great district of + Paris, enclosed in the Faubourg as in a fortress, being both Legislators + and Generals, multiplying and inventing means of defence and of attack, + launching Proclamations and unearthing the pavements, employing the women + in writing out placards while the men are fighting, we will issue a + warrant against Louis Bonaparte, we will issue warrants against his + accomplices, we will declare the military chiefs traitors, we will outlaw + in a body all the crime and all the criminals, we will summon the citizens + to arms, we will recall the army to duty, we will rise up before Louis + Bonaparte, terrible as the living Republic, we will fight on the one hand + with the power of the Law, and on the other with the power of the People, + we will overwhelm this miserable rebel, and will rise up above his head + both as a great Lawful Power and a great Revolutionary Power!" + </p> + <p> + While speaking I became intoxicated with my own ideas. My enthusiasm + communicated itself to the meeting. They cheered me. I saw that I was + becoming somewhat too hopeful, that I allowed myself to be carried away, + and that I carried them away, that I presented to them success as + possible, as even easy, at a moment when it was important that no one + should entertain an illusion. The truth was gloomy, and it was my duty to + tell it. I let silence be re-established, and I signed with my hand that I + had a last word to say. I then resumed, lowering my voice,— + </p> + <p> + "Listen, calculate carefully what you are doing. On one side a hundred + thousand men, seventeen harnessed batteries, six thousand cannon-mouths in + the forts, magazines, arsenals, ammunition sufficient to carry out a + Russian campaign; on the other a hundred and twenty Representatives, a + thousand or twelve hundred patriots, six hundred muskets, two cartridges + per man, not a drum to beat to arms, not a bell to sound the tocsin, not a + printing office to print a Proclamation; barely here and there a + lithographic press, and a cellar where a hand-bill can be hurriedly and + furtively printed with the brush; the penalty of death against any one who + unearths a paving stone, penalty of death against any one who would enlist + in our ranks, penalty of death against any one who is found in a secret + meeting, penalty of death against any one who shall post up an appeal to + arms; if you are taken during the combat, death; if you are taken after + the combat, transportation or exile; on the one side an army and a Crime; + on the other a handful of men and Right. Such is this struggle. Do you + accept it?" + </p> + <p> + A unanimous shout answered me, "Yes! yes!" + </p> + <p> + This shout did not come from the mouths, it came from the souls. Baudin, + still seated next to me, pressed my hand in silence. + </p> + <p> + It was settled therefore at once that they should meet again on the next + day, Wednesday, between nine and ten in the morning, at the Salle Roysin, + that they should arrive singly or by little separate groups, and that they + should let those who were absent know of this rendezvous. This done, there + remained nothing more but to separate. It was about midnight. + </p> + <p> + One of Cournet's scouts entered. "Citizen Representatives," he said, "the + regiment is no longer there. The street is free." + </p> + <p> + The regiment, which had probably come from the Popincourt barracks close + at hand, had occupied the street opposite the blind alley for more than + half an hour, and then had returned to the barracks. Had they judged the + attack inopportune or dangerous at night in that narrow blind alley, and + in the centre of this formidable Popincourt district, where the + insurrection had so long held its own in June, 1848? It appeared certain + that the soldiers had searched several houses in the neighborhood. + According to details which we learned subsequently, we were followed after + leaving No. 2, Quai Jemmapes, by an agent of police, who saw us enter the + house where a M. Cornet was lodging, and who at once proceeded to the + Prefecture to denounce our place of refuge to his chiefs. The regiment + sent to arrest us surrounded the house, ransacked it from attic to cellar, + found nothing, and went away. + </p> + <p> + This quasi-synonym of Cornet and Cournet lead misled the bloodhounds of + the <i>coup d'état</i>. Chance, we see, had interposed usefully in our + affairs. + </p> + <p> + I was talking at the door with Baudin, and we were making some last + arrangements, when a young man with a chestnut beard, dressed like a man + of fashion, and possessing all the manners of one, and whom I had noticed + while speaking, came up to me. + </p> + <p> + "Monsieur Victor Hugo," said he, "where are you going to sleep?" + </p> + <p> + Up to that moment I had not thought of this. + </p> + <p> + It was far from prudent to go home. + </p> + <p> + "In truth," I answered, "I have not the least idea." + </p> + <p> + "Will you come to my house?" + </p> + <p> + "I shall be very happy." + </p> + <p> + He told me his mane. It was M. de la R——. He knew my brother + Abel's wife and family, the Montferriers, relations of the Chambacères, + and he lived in the Rue Caumartin. He had been a Prefect under the + Provisional Government. There was a carriage in waiting. We got in, and as + Baudin told me that he would pass the night at Cournet's, I gave him the + address of M. do la R——, so that he could send for me if any + notice of the movement came from the Faubourg St. Marceau or elsewhere. + But I hoped for nothing more that night, and I was right. + </p> + <p> + About a quarter of an hour after the separation of the Representatives, + and after we had left the Rue Popincourt, Jules Favre, Madier de Montajau, + de Flotte, and Carnot, to whom we had sent word to the Rue des Moulins, + arrived at Cournet's, accompanied by Schoelcher, by Charamaule, by Aubry + (du Nord), and by Bastide. Some Representatives were still remaining at + Cournet's. Several, like Baudin, were going to pass the night there. They + told our colleagues what had been settled respecting my proposition, and + of the rendezvous at the Salle Roysin; only it appears that there was some + doubt regarding the hour agreed upon, and that Baudin in particular did + not exactly remember it, and that our colleagues believed that the + rendezvous, which had been fixed for nine o'clock in the morning, was + fixed for eight. + </p> + <p> + This alteration in the hour, due to the treachery of memory for which no + one can be blamed, prevented the realization of the plan which I had + conceived of an Assembly holding its sittings in the Faubourg, and giving + battle to Louis Bonaparte, but gave us as a compensation the heroic + exploits of the Ste. Marguerite barricade. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. THE BURIAL OF A GREAT ANNIVERSARY + </h2> + <p> + Such was the first day. Let us look at it steadfastly. It deserves it. It + is the anniversary of Austerlitz; the Nephew commemorates the Uncle. + Austerlitz is the most brilliant battle of history; the Nephew set himself + this problem—how to commit a baseness equal to this magnificence. He + succeeded. + </p> + <p> + This first day, which will be followed by others, is already complete. + Everything is there. It is the most terrible attempt at a thrust backwards + that has ever been essayed. Never has such a crumbling of civilization + been seen. All that formed the edifice is now in ruin; the soil is strewn + with the fragments. In one night the inviolability of the Law, the Right + of the Citizen, the Dignity of the Judge, and the Honor of the Soldier + have disappeared. Terrible substitutions have taken place; there was the + oath, there is pergury; there was the flag, there is a rag; there was the + Army, there is a band of brigands; there was Justice, there is treason; + there was a code of laws, there is the sabre; there was a Government, + there is a crew of swindlers; there was France, there is a den of thieves. + This called itself Society Saved. + </p> + <p> + It is the rescue of the traveller by the highwayman. + </p> + <p> + France was passing by, Bonaparte cried, "Stand and deliver!" + </p> + <p> + The hypocrisy which has preceded the Crime, equals in deformity the + impudence which has followed it. The nation was trustful and calm. There + was a sudden and cynical shock. History has recorded nothing equal to the + Second of December. Here there was no glory, nothing but meanness. No + deceptive picture. He could have declared himself honest; He declares + himself infamous; nothing more simple. This day, almost unintelligible in + its success, has proved that Politics possess their obscene side. Louis + Bonaparte has shown himself unmasked. + </p> + <p> + Yesterday President of the Republic, to-day a scavenger. He has sworn, he + still swears: but the tone has changed. The oath has become an + imprecation. Yesterday he called himself a maiden, to-day he becomes a + brazen woman, and laughs at his dupes. Picture to yourself Joan of Arc + confessing herself to be Messalina. Such is the Second of December. + </p> + <p> + Women are mixed up in this treason. It is an outrage which savors both of + the boudoir and of the galleys. There wafts across the fetidness of blood + an undefined scent of patchouli. The accomplices of this act of brigandage + are most agreeable men—Romieu, Morny. Getting into debt leads one to + commit crimes. + </p> + <p> + Europe was astounded. It was a thunder bolt from a thief. It must be + acknowledged that thunder can fall into bad hands, Palmerston, that + traitor, approved of it. Old Metternich, a dreamer in his villa at + Rennweg, shook his head. As to Soult, the man of Austerlitz after + Napoleon, he did what he ought to do, on the very day of the Crime he + died, Alas! and Austerlitz also. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0022" id="link2H_4_0022"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE SECOND DAY—THE STRUGGLE. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. THEY COME TO ARREST ME + </h2> + <p> + In order to reach the Rue Caumartin from the Rue Popincourt, all Paris has + to be crossed. We found a great apparent calm everywhere. It was one + o'clock in the morning when we reached M. de la R——'s house. + The <i>fiacre</i> stopped near a grated door, which M. de la R—— + opened with a latch-key; on the right, under the archway, a staircase + ascended to the first floor of a solitary detached building which M. de la + R—— inhabited, and into which he led me. + </p> + <p> + We entered a little drawing-room very richly furnished, lighted with a + night-lamp, and separated from the bedroom by a tapestry curtain + two-thirds drown. M. de la R—— went into the bedroom, and a + few minutes afterwards came back again, accompanied by a charming woman, + pale and fair, in a dressing-gown, her hair down, handsome, fresh, + bewildered, gentle nevertheless, and looking at me with that alarm which + in a young face confers an additional grace. Madame de la R—— + had just been awakened by her husband. She remained a moment on the + threshold of her chamber, smiling, half asleep, greatly astonished, + somewhat frightened, looking by turns at her husband and at me, never + having dreamed perhaps what civil war really meant, and seeing it enter + abruptly into her rooms in the middle of the night under this disquieting + form of an unknown person who asks for a refuge. + </p> + <p> + I made Madame de la R—— a thousand apologies, which she + received with perfect kindness, and the charming woman profited by the + incident to go and caress a pretty little girl of two years old who was + sleeping at the end of the room in her cot, and the child whom she kissed + caused her to forgive the refugee who had awakened her. + </p> + <p> + While chatting M. de la R—— lighted a capital fire in the + grate, and his wife, with a pillow and cushions, a hooded cloak belonging + to him, and a pelisse belonging to herself, improvised opposite the fire a + bed on a sofa, somewhat short, and which we lengthened by means of an + arm-chair. + </p> + <p> + During the deliberation in the Rue Popincourt, at which I had just + presided, Baudin had lent me his pencil to jot down some names. I still + had this pencil with me. I made use of it to write a letter to my wife, + which Madame de la R—— undertook to convey herself to Madame + Victor Hugo the next day. While emptying my pockets I found a box for the + "Italiens," which I offered to Madame de la R——. On that + evening (Tuesday, December 2d) they were to play <i>Hernani</i>. + </p> + <p> + I looked at that cot, these two handsome, happy young people, and at + myself, my disordered hair and clothes, my boots covered with mud, gloomy + thoughts in my mind, and I felt like an owl in a nest of nightingales. + </p> + <p> + A few moments afterwards M. and Madame de la R—— had + disappeared into their bedroom, and the half-opened curtain was closed. I + stretched myself, fully dressed as I was, upon the sofa, and this gentle + nest disturbed by me subsided into its graceful silence. + </p> + <p> + One can sleep on the eve of a battle between two armies, but on the eve of + a battle between citizens there can be no sleep. I counted each hour as it + sounded from a neighboring church; throughout the night there passed down + the street, which was beneath the windows of the room where I was lying, + carriages which were fleeing from Paris. They succeeded each other rapidly + and hurriedly, one might have imagined it was the exit from a ball. Not + being able to sleep, I got up. I had slightly parted the muslin curtains + of a window, and I tried to look outside; the darkness was complete. No + stars, clouds were flying by with the turbulent violence of a winter + night. A melancholy wind howled. This wind of clouds resembled the wind of + events. + </p> + <p> + I watched the sleeping baby. I waited for dawn. It came. M. de la R—— + had explained at my request in what manner I could go out without + disturbing any one. I kissed the child's forehead, and left the room. I + went downstairs, closing the doors behind me as gently as I could, so not + to wake Madame de la R——. I opened the iron door and went out + into the street. It was deserted, the shops were still shut, and a + milkwoman, with her donkey by her side, was quietly arranging her cans on + the pavement. + </p> + <p> + I have not seen M. de la R—— again. I learned since that he + wrote to me in my exile, and that his letter was intercepted. He has, I + believe, quitted France. May this touching page convey to him my kind + remembrances. + </p> + <p> + The Rue Caumartin leads into the Rue St. Lazare. I went towards it. It was + broad daylight. At every moment I was overtaken and passed by <i>fiacres</i> + laden with trunks and packages, which were hastening towards the Havre + railway station. Passers-by began to appear. Some baggage trains were + mounting the Rue St. Lazare at the same time as myself. Opposite No. 42, + formerly inhabited by Mdlle. Mars, I saw a new bill posted on the wall. I + went up to it, I recognized the type of the National Printing Office, and + I read, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "COMPOSITION OF THE NEW MINISTRY. + + "<i>Interior</i> —M. de Morny. + "<i>War</i> —The General of Division St. Arnaud. + "<i>Foreign Affairs</i> —M. de Turgot. + "<i>Justice</i> —M. Rouher. + "<i>Finance</i> —M. Fould. + "<i>Marine</i> —M. Ducos. + "<i>Public Works</i> —M. Magne. + "<i>Public Instruction</i> —M.H. Fortuol. + "<i>Commerce</i> —M. Lefebre-Duruflé." +</pre> + <p> + I tore down the bill, and threw it into the gutter! The soldiers of the + party who were leading the wagons watched me do it, and went their way. + </p> + <p> + In the Rue St. Georges, near a side-door, there was another bill. It was + the "Appeal to the People." Some persons were reading it. I tore it down, + notwithstanding the resistance of the porter, who appeared to me to be + entrusted with the duty of protecting it. + </p> + <p> + As I passed by the Place Bréda some <i>fiacres</i> had already arrived + there. I took one. I was near home, the temptation was too great, I went + there. On seeing me cross the courtyard the porter looked at me with a + stupefied air. I rang the bell. My servant, Isidore, opened the door, and + exclaimed with a great cry, "Ah! it is you, sir! They came during the + night to arrest you." I went into my wife's room. She was in bed, but not + asleep, and she told me what had happened. + </p> + <p> + She had gone to bed at eleven o'clock. Towards half-past twelve, during + that species of drowsiness which resembles sleeplessness, she heard men's + voices. It seemed to her that Isidore was speaking to some one in the + antechamber. At first she did not take any notice, and tried to go to + sleep again, but the noise of voices continued. She sat up, and rang the + bell. + </p> + <p> + Isidore came in. She asked him, + </p> + <p> + "Is any one there?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, madame." + </p> + <p> + "Who is it?" + </p> + <p> + "A man who wishes to speak to master." + </p> + <p> + "Your master is out." + </p> + <p> + "That is what I have told him, madame." + </p> + <p> + "Well, is not the gentleman going?" + </p> + <p> + "No, madame, he says that he urgently needs to speak to Monsieur Victor + Hugo, and that he will wait for him." + </p> + <p> + Isidore had stopped on the threshold of the bedroom. While he spoke a fat, + fresh-looking man in an overcoat, under which could be seen a black coat, + appeared at the door behind him. + </p> + <p> + Madame Victor Hugo noticed this man, who was silently listening. + </p> + <p> + "Is it you, sir, who wish to speak to Monsieur Victor Hugo?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, madame." + </p> + <p> + "But what is it about? Is it regarding politics?" + </p> + <p> + The man did not answer. + </p> + <p> + "As to politics," continued my wife, "what is happening?" + </p> + <p> + "I believe, madame, that all is at an end." + </p> + <p> + "In what sense?" + </p> + <p> + "In the sense of the President." + </p> + <p> + My wife looked fixedly at the man, and said to him,— + </p> + <p> + "You have come to arrest my husband, sir." + </p> + <p> + "It is true, madame," answered the man, opening his overcoat, which + revealed the sash of a Commissary of Police. + </p> + <p> + He added after a pause, "I am a Commissary of Police, and I am the bearer + of a warrant to arrest M. Victor Hugo. I must institute a search and look + through the house." + </p> + <p> + "What is your name, sir?" asked Madame Victor Hugo. + </p> + <p> + "My name is Hivert." + </p> + <p> + "You know the terms of the Constitution?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, madam." + </p> + <p> + "You know that the Representatives of the People are inviolable!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, madame." + </p> + <p> + "Very well, sir," she said coldly, "you know that you are committing a + crime. Days like this have a to-morrow; proceed." + </p> + <p> + The Sieur Hivert attempted a few words of explanation, or we should rather + say justification; he muttered the word "conscience," he stammered the + word "honor." Madame Victor Hugo, who had been calm until then, could not + help interrupting him with some abruptness. + </p> + <p> + "Do your business, sir, and do not argue; you know that every official who + lays a hand on a Representative of the People commits an act of treason. + You know that in presence of the Representatives the President is only an + official like the others, the chief charged with carrying out their + orders. You dare to come to arrest a Representative in his own home like a + criminal! There is in truth a criminal here who ought to be arrested—yourself!" + </p> + <p> + The Sieur Hivert looked sheepish and left the room, and through the + half-open door my wife could see, behind the well-fed, well-clothed, and + bald Commissary, seven or eight poor raw-boned devils, wearing dirty coats + which reached to their feet, and shocking old hats jammed down over their + eyes—wolves led by a dog. They examined the room, opened here and + there a few cupboards, and went away—with a sorrowful air—as + Isidore said to me. + </p> + <p> + The Commissary Hivert, above all, hung his head; he raised it, however, + for one moment. Isidore, indignant at seeing these men thus hunt for his + master in every corner, ventured to defy them. He opened a drawer and + said, "Look and see if he is not in here!" The Commissary of Police darted + a furious glance at him: "Lackey, take care!" The lackey was himself. + </p> + <p> + These men having gone, it was noticed that several of my papers were + missing. Fragments of manuscripts had been stolen, amongst others one + dated July, 1848, and directed against the military dictatorship of + Cavaignac, and in which there were verses written respecting the + Censorship, the councils of war, and the suppression of the newspapers, + and in particular respecting the imprisonment of a great journalist—Emile + de Girardin:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "... O honte, un lansquenet + Gauche, et parodiant César dont il hérite, + Gouverne les esprits du fond de sa guérite!" +</pre> + <p> + These manuscripts are lost. + </p> + <p> + The police might come back at any moment, in fact they did come back a few + minutes after I had left. I kissed my wife; I would not wake my daughter, + who had just fallen asleep, and I went downstairs again. Some affrighted + neighbors were waiting for me in the courtyard. I cried out to them + laughingly, "Not caught yet!" + </p> + <p> + A quarter of an hour afterwards I reached No. 10, Rue des Moulins. It was + not then eight o'clock in the morning, and thinking that my colleagues of + the Committee of Insurrection had passed the night there, I thought it + might be useful to go and fetch them, so that we might proceed all + together to the Salle Roysin. + </p> + <p> + I found only Madame Landrin in the Rue des Moulins. It was thought that + the house was denounced and watched, and my colleagues had changed their + quarters to No. 7, Rue Villedo, the house of the ex-Constituent Leblond, + legal adviser to the Workmen's Association. Jules Favre had passed the + night there. Madame Landrin was breakfasting. She offered me a place by + her side, but time pressed. I carried off a morsel of bread, and left. + </p> + <p> + At No. 7, Rue Villedo, the maid-servant who opened the door to me ushered + me into a room where were Carnot, Michel de Bourges, Jules Favre, and the + master of the house, our former colleague, Constituent Leblond. + </p> + <p> + "I have a carriage downstairs," I said to them; "the rendezvous is at the + Salle Roysin in the Faubourg St. Antoine; let us go." + </p> + <p> + This, however, was not their opinion. According to them the attempts made + on the previous evening in the Faubourg St. Antoine had revealed this + portion of the situation; they sufficed; it was useless to persist; it was + obvious that the working-class districts would not rise; we must turn to + the side of the tradesmen's districts, renounce our attempt to rouse the + extremities of the city, and agitate the centre. We were the Committee of + Resistance, the soul of the insurrection; if we were to go to the Faubourg + St. Antoine, which was occupied by a considerable force, we should give + ourselves up to Louis Bonaparte. They reminded me of what I myself had + said on the subject the previous evening in the Rue Blanche. We must + immediately organize the insurrection against the <i>coup d'état</i> and + organize it in practicable districts, that is to say, in the old + labyrinths of the streets St. Denis and St. Martin; we must draw up + proclamations, prepare decrees, create some method of publicity; they were + waiting for important communications from Workmen's Associations and + Secret Societies. The great blow which I wished to strike by our solemn + meeting at the Salle Roysin would prove a failure; they thought it their + duty to remain where they were; and the Committee being few in number, and + the work to be done being enormous, they begged me not to leave them. + </p> + <p> + They were men of great hearts and great courage who spoke to me; they were + evidently right; but for myself I could not fail to go to the rendezvous + which I myself had fixed. All the reasons which they had given me were + good, nevertheless I could have opposed some doubts, but the discussion + would have taken too much time, and the hour drew nigh. I did not make any + objections, and I went out of the room, making some excuse. My hat was in + the antechamber, my <i>fiacre</i> was waiting for me, and I drove off to + the Faubourg St. Antoine. + </p> + <p> + The centre of Paris seemed to have retained its everyday appearance. + People came and went, bought and sold, chatted and laughed as usual. In + the Rue Montorgueil I heard a street organ. Only on nearing the Faubourg + St. Antoine the phenomenon which I had already noticed on the previous + evening became more and more apparent; solitude reigned, and a certain + dreary peacefulness. + </p> + <p> + We reached the Place de la Bastille. + </p> + <p> + My driver stopped. + </p> + <p> + "Go on," I said to him. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. FROM THE BASTILLE TO THE RUE DE COTTE + </h2> + <p> + The Place de la Bastille was at the same time empty and filled. Three + regiments in battle array were there; not one passer-by. + </p> + <p> + Four harnessed batteries were drawn up at the foot of the column. Here and + there knots of officers talked together in a low voice,—sinister + men. + </p> + <p> + One of these groups, the principal, attracted my attention. That one was + silent, there was no talking. There were several men on horseback; one in + front of the others, in a general's uniform, with a hat surmounted with + black feathers, behind this man were two colonels, and behind the colonels + a party of <i>aides-de-camp</i> and staff officers. This lace-trimmed + company remained immovable, and as though pointing like a dog between the + column and the entrance to the Faubourg. At a short distance from this + group, spread out, and occupying the whole of the square, were the + regiments drawn up and the cannon in their batteries. + </p> + <p> + "My driver again stopped. + </p> + <p> + "Go on," I said; "drive into the Faubourg." + </p> + <p> + "But they will prevent us, sir." + </p> + <p> + "We shall see." + </p> + <p> + The truth was that they did not prevent us. + </p> + <p> + The driver continued on his way, but hesitatingly, and at a walking pace. + The appearance of a <i>fiacre</i> in the square had caused some surprise, + and the inhabitants began to come out of their houses. Several came up to + my carriage. + </p> + <p> + We passed by a group of men with huge epaulets. These men, whose tactics + we understood later on, did not even appear to see us. + </p> + <p> + The emotion which I had felt on the previous day before a regiment of + cuirassiers again seized me. To see before me the assassins of the + country, at a few steps, standing upright, in the insolence of a peaceful + triumph, was beyond my strength: I could not contain myself. I drew out my + sash. I held it in my hand, and putting my arm and head out of the window + of the <i>fiacre</i>, and shaking the sash, I shouted,— + </p> + <p> + "Soldiers! Look at this sash. It is the symbol of Law, it is the National + Assembly visible. Where there this sash is there is Right. Well, then, + this is what Right commands you. You are being deceived. Go back to your + duty. It is a Representative of the People who is speaking to you, and he + who represents the People represents the army. Soldiers, before becoming + soldiers you have been peasants, you have been workmen, you have been and + you are still citizens. Citizens, listen to me when I speak to you. The + Law alone has the right to command you. Well, to-day the law is violated. + By whom? By you. Louis Bonaparte draws you into a crime. Soldiers, you who + are Honor, listen to me, for I am Duty. Soldiers, Louis Bonaparte + assassinates the Republic. Defend it. Louis Bonaparte is a bandit; all his + accomplices will follow him to the galleys. They are there already. He who + is worthy of the galleys is in the galleys. To merit fetters is to wear + them. Look at that man who is at your head, and who dares to command you. + You take him for a general, he is a convict." + </p> + <p> + The soldiers seemed petrified. + </p> + <p> + Some one who was there (I thank his generous, devoted spirit) touched my + arm, and whispered in my ear, "You will get yourself shot." + </p> + <p> + But I did not heed, and I listened to nothing. I continued, still waving + my sash,—"You, who are there, dressed up like a general, it is you + to whom I speak, sir. You know who I am, I am a Representative of the + People, and I know who you are. I have told you you are a criminal. Now, + do you wish to know my name? This is it." + </p> + <p> + And I called out my name to him. + </p> + <p> + And I added,— + </p> + <p> + "Now tell me yours." + </p> + <p> + He did not answer. + </p> + <p> + I continued,— + </p> + <p> + "Very well, I do not want to know your name as a general, I shall know + your number as a galley slave." + </p> + <p> + The man in the general's uniform hung his head, the others were silent. I + could read all their looks, however, although they did not raise their + eyes. I saw them cast down, and I felt that they were furious. I had an + overwhelming contempt for them, and I passed on. + </p> + <p> + What was the name of this general? I did not know then, and I do not know + now. + </p> + <p> + One of the apologies for the <i>coup d'état</i> in relating this incident, + and characterizing it as "an insensate and culpable provocation," states + that "the moderation shown by the military leaders on this occasion did + honor to General ——:" We leave to the author of this panegyric + the responsibility of that name and of this eulogium. + </p> + <p> + I entered the Rue de Faubourg St. Antoine. + </p> + <p> + My driver, who now knew my name, hesitated no longer, and whipped up his + horse. These Paris coachmen are a brave and intelligent race. + </p> + <p> + As I passed the first shops of the main street nine o'clock sounded from + the Church St. Paul. + </p> + <p> + "Good," I said to myself, "I am in time." + </p> + <p> + The Faubourg presented an extraordinary aspect. The entrance was guarded, + but not closed, by two companies of infantry. Two other companies were + drawn up in echelons farther on, at short distances, occupying the street, + but leaving a free passage. The shops, which were open at the end of the + Faubourg, were half closed a hundred yards farther up. The inhabitants, + amongst whom I noticed numerous workmen in blouses, were talking together + at their doors, and watching the proceedings. I noticed at each step the + placards of the <i>coup d'état</i> untouched. + </p> + <p> + Beyond the fountain which stands at the corner of the Rue de Charonne the + shops were closed. Two lines of soldiers extended on either side of the + street of the Faubourg on the kerb of the pavement; the soldiers were + stationed at every five paces, with the butts of their muskets resting on + their hips, their chests drawn in, their right hand on the trigger, ready + to bring to the present, keeping silence in the attitude of expectation. + From that point a piece of cannon was stationed at the mouth of each of + the side streets which open out of the main road of the Faubourg. + Occasionally there was a mortar. To obtain a clear idea of this military + arrangement one must imagine two rosaries, extending along the two sides + of the Faubourg St. Antoine, of which the soldiers should form the links + and the cannon the beads. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile my driver became uneasy. He turned round to me and said, "It + looks as though we should find barricades out there, sir; shall we turn + back?" + </p> + <p> + "Keep on," I replied. + </p> + <p> + He continued to drive straight on. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly it became impossible to do so. A company of infantry ranged three + deep occupied the whole of the street from one pavement to the other. On + the right there was a small street. I said to the driver,— + </p> + <p> + "Take that turning." + </p> + <p> + He turned to the right and then to the left. We turned into a labyrinth of + streets. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly I heard a shot. + </p> + <p> + The driver asked me,— + </p> + <p> + "Which way are we to go, sir?" + </p> + <p> + "In the direction in which you hear the shots." + </p> + <p> + We were in a narrow street; on my left I saw the inscription above a door, + "Grand Lavoir," and on my right a square with a central building, which + looked like a market. The square and the street were deserted. I asked the + driver,— + </p> + <p> + "What street are we in?" + </p> + <p> + "In the Rue de Cotte." + </p> + <p> + "Where is the Café Roysin?" + </p> + <p> + "Straight before us." + </p> + <p> + "Drive there." + </p> + <p> + He drove on, but slowly. There was another explosion, this time close by + us, the end of the street became filled with smoke; at the moment we were + passing No. 22, which has a side-door above which I read, "Petit Lavoir." + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a voice called out to the driver, "Stop!" + </p> + <p> + The driver pulled up, and the window of the <i>fiacre</i> being down, a + hand was stretched towards mine. I recognized Alexander Rey. + </p> + <p> + This daring man was pale. + </p> + <p> + "Go no further," said he; "all is at an end." + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean, all at an end?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, they must have anticipated the time appointed; the barricade is + taken: I have just come from it. It is a few steps from here straight + before us." + </p> + <p> + And he added,— + </p> + <p> + "Baudin is killed." + </p> + <p> + The smoke rolled away from the end of the street. + </p> + <p> + "Look," said Alexander Rey to me. + </p> + <p> + I saw, a hundred steps before us, at the junction of the Rue de Cotte and + the Rue Ste. Marguerite, a low barricade which the soldiers were pulling + down. A corpse was being borne away. + </p> + <p> + It was Baudin. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. THE ST. ANTOINE BARRICADE + </h2> + <h3> + This is what had happened. + </h3> + <p> + During that same night, and as early as four o'clock in the morning, De + Flotte was in the Faubourg St. Antoine. He was anxious, in case any + movement took place before daylight, that a Representative of the People + should be present, and he was one of those who, when the glorious + insurrection of Right should burst forth, wished to unearth the + paving-stones for the first barricade. + </p> + <p> + But nothing was stirring. De Flotte, alone in the midst of this deserted + and sleeping Faubourg, wandered from street to street throughout the + night. + </p> + <p> + Day breaks late in December. Before the first streaks of dawn De Flotte + was at the rendezvous opposite the Lenoir Market. + </p> + <p> + This spot was only weakly guarded. The only troops in the neighborhood + were the post itself of the Lenoir Market, and another post at a short + distance which occupied the guard-house at the corner of the Faubourg and + the Rue de Montreuil, close to the old Tree of Liberty planted in 1793 by + Santerre. Neither of these posts were commanded by officers. + </p> + <p> + De Flotte reconnoitred the position. He walked some time up and down the + pavement, and then seeing no one coming as yet, and fearing to excite + attention, he went away, and returned to the side-streets of the Faubourg. + </p> + <p> + For his part Aubry (du Nord) got up at five o'clock. Having gone home in + the middle of the night, on his return from the Rue Popincourt, he had + only taken three hours' rest. His porter told him that some suspicious + persons had inquired for him during the evening of the 2d, and that they + had been to the house opposite, No. 12 of the same street, Rue Racine, to + arrest Huguenin. This determined Aubry to leave his house before daylight. + </p> + <p> + He walked to the Faubourg St. Antoine. As he reached the place of + rendezvous he met Cournet and the others from the Rue Popincourt. They + were almost immediately joined by Malardier. + </p> + <p> + It was dawn. The Faubourg was solitary. They walked along wrapt in thought + and speaking in a low voice. Suddenly an impetuous and singular procession + passed them. + </p> + <p> + They looked round. It was a detachment of Lancers which surrounded + something which in the dim light they recognized to be a police-van. The + vehicle rolled noiselessly along the macadamized road. + </p> + <p> + They were debating what this could mean, when a second and similar group + appeared, then a third, and then a fourth. Ten police vans passed in this + manner, following each other very closely, and almost touching. + </p> + <p> + "Those are our colleagues!" exclaimed Aubry (du Nord). + </p> + <p> + In truth the last batch of the Representatives, prisoners of the Quai + d'Orsay, the batch destined for Vincennes, was passing through the + Faubourg. It was about seven o'clock in the morning. Some shops were being + opened and were lighted inside, and a few passers-by came out of the + houses. + </p> + <p> + Three carriages defiled one after the other, closed, guarded, dreary, + dumb; no voice came out, no cry, no whisper. They were carrying off in the + midst of swords, of sabres, and of lances, with the rapidity and fury of + the whirlwind, something which kept silence; and that something which they + were carrying off, and which maintained this sinister silence, was the + broken Tribune, the Sovereignty of the Assemblies, the supreme initiative + whence all civilization is derived; it was the word which contains the + future of the world, it was the speech of France! + </p> + <p> + A last carriage arrived, which by some chance had been delayed. It was + about two or three hundred yards behind the principal convoy, and was only + escorted by three Lancers. It was not a police-van, it was an omnibus, the + only one in the convoy. Behind the conductor, who was a police agent, + there could distinctly be seen the Representatives heaped up in the + interior. It seemed easy to rescue them. + </p> + <p> + Cournet appealed to the passers-by; "Citizens," he cried, "these are your + Representatives, who are being carried off! You have just seen them pass + in the vans of convicts! Bonaparte arrests them contrary to every law. Let + us rescue them! To arms!" + </p> + <p> + A knot formed of men in blouses and of workmen going to work. A shout came + from the knot, "Long live the Republic!" and some men rushed towards the + vehicle. The carriage and the Lancers broke into a gallop. + </p> + <p> + "To arms!" repeated Cournet. + </p> + <p> + "To arms!" repeated the men of the people. + </p> + <p> + There was a moment of impulse. Who knows what might have happened? It + would have been a singular accident if the first barricade against the <i>coup + d'état</i> had been made with this omnibus, which, after having aided in + the crime, would this have aided in the punishment. But at the moment when + the people threw themselves on the vehicle they saw several of the + Representative-prisoners which it contained sign to them with both hands + to refrain. "Eh!" said a workman, "they do not wish it!" + </p> + <p> + A second repeated, "They do not wish for liberty!" + </p> + <p> + Another added, "They did not wish us to have it, they do not wish it for + themselves." + </p> + <p> + All was said, and the omnibus was allowed to pass on. A moment afterwards + the rear-guard of the escort came up and passed by at a sharp trots and + the group which surrounded Aubry (du Nord), Malardier, and Cournet + dispersed. + </p> + <p> + The Café Roysin had just opened. It may be remembered that the large hall + of this <i>café</i> had served for the meeting of a famous club in 1848. + It was there, it may also be remembered, that the rendezvous had been + settled. + </p> + <p> + The Café Roysin is entered by a passage opening out upon the street, a + lobby of some yards in length is next crossed, and then comes a large + hall, with high windows, and looking-glasses on the walls, containing in + the centre several billiard-tables, some small marble-topped tables, + chairs, and velvet-covered benches. It was this hall, badly arranged, + however, for a meeting where we could have deliberated, which had been the + hall of the Roysin Club. Cournet, Aubry, and Malardier installed + themselves there. On entering they did not disguise who they were; they + were welcomed, and shown an exit through the garden in case of necessity. + </p> + <p> + De Flotte had just joined them. + </p> + <p> + Eight o'clock was striking when the Representatives began to arrive. + Bruckner, Maigne, and Brillier first, and then successively Charamaule, + Cassal, Dulac, Bourzat, Madier de Montjau, and Baudin. Bourzat, on account + of the mud, as was his custom, wore wooden shoes. Whoever thought Bourzat + a peasant would be mistaken. He rather resembled a Benedictine monk. + Bourzat, with his southern imagination, his quick intelligence, keen, + lettered, refined, possesses an encyclopedia in his head, and wooden shoes + on his feet. Why not? He is Mind and People. The ex-Constituent Bastide + came in with Madier de Montjau. Baudin shook the hands of all with warmth, + but he did not speak. He was pensive. "What is the matter with you, + Baudin?" asked Aubry (du Nord). "Are you mournful?" "I?" said Baudin, + raising his head, "I have never been more happy." + </p> + <p> + Did he feel himself already chosen? When we are so near death, all radiant + with glory, which smiles upon us through the gloom, perhaps we are + conscious of it. + </p> + <p> + A certain number of men, strangers to the Assembly, all as determined as + the Representatives themselves, accompanied them and surrounded them. + </p> + <p> + Cournet was the leader. Amongst them there were workmen, but no blouses. + In order not to alarm the middle classes the workmen had been requested, + notably those employed by Derosne and Cail, to come in coats. + </p> + <p> + Baudin had with him a copy of the Proclamation which I had dictated to him + on the previous day. Cournet unfolded it and read it. "Let us at once post + it up in the Faubourg," said he. "The People must know that Louis + Bonaparte is outlawed." A lithographic workman who was there offered to + print it without delay. All the Representatives present signed it, and + they added my name to their signatures. Aubry (du Nord) headed it with + these words, "National Assembly." The workman carried off the + Proclamation, and kept his word. Some hours afterwards Aubry (du Nord), + and later on a friend of Cournet's named Gay, met him in the Faubourg du + Temple paste-pot in hand, posting the Proclamation at every street corner, + even next to the Maupas placard, which threatened the penalty of death to + any one who should be found posting an appeal to arms. Groups read the two + bills at the same time. We may mention an incident which ought to be + noted, a sergeant of the line, in uniform, in red trousers, accompanied + him and protected him. He was doubtless a soldier who had lately left the + service. + </p> + <p> + The time fixed on the preceding evening for the general rendezvous was + from nine to ten in the morning. This hour had been chosen so that there + should be time to give notice to all the members of the Left; it was + expedient to wait until the Representatives should arrive, so that the + group should the more resemble an Assembly, and that its manifestation + should have more authority on the Faubourg. + </p> + <p> + Several of the Representatives who had already arrived had no sash of + office. Some were made hastily in a neighboring house with strips of red, + white, and blue calico, and were brought to them. Baudin and De Flotte + were amongst those who girded on these improvised sashes. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile it was not yet nine o'clock, when impatience already began to be + manifested around them.<a href="#linknoteref-9" name="linknote-9" + id="linknote-9"><small>9</small></a> + </p> + <p> + Many shared this glorious impatience. + </p> + <p> + Baudin wished to wait. + </p> + <p> + "Do not anticipate the hour," said he; "let us allow our colleagues time + to arrive." + </p> + <p> + But they murmured round Baudin, "No, begin, give the signal, go outside. + The Faubourg only waits to see your sashes to rise. You are few in number, + but they know that your friends will rejoin you. That is sufficient. + Begin." + </p> + <p> + The result proved that this undue haste could only produce a failure. + Meanwhile they considered that the first example which the Representatives + of the People ought to set was personal courage. The spark must not be + allowed to die out. To march the first, to march at the head, such was + their duty. The semblance of any hesitation would have been in truth more + disastrous than any degree of rashness. + </p> + <p> + Schoelcher is of an heroic nature, he has the grand impatience of danger. + </p> + <p> + "Let us go," he cried; "our friends will join us, let us go outside." + </p> + <p> + They had no arms. + </p> + <p> + "Let us disarm the post which is over there," said Schoelcher. + </p> + <p> + They left the Salle Roysin in order, two by two, arm in arm. Fifteen or + twenty men of the people escorted them. They went before them, crying, + "Long live the Republic! To arms!" + </p> + <p> + Some children preceded and followed them, shouting, "Long live the + Mountain!" + </p> + <p> + The entrances of the closed shops were half opened. A few men appeared at + the doors, a few women showed themselves at the windows. Knots of workmen + going to their work watched them pass. They cried, "Long live our + Representatives! Long live the Republic!" + </p> + <p> + Sympathy was everywhere, but insurrection nowhere. The procession gathered + few adherents on the way. + </p> + <p> + A man who was leading a saddled horse joined them. They did not know this + man, nor whence this horse came. It seemed as if the man offered his + services to any one who wished to fly. Representative Dulac ordered this + man to be off. + </p> + <p> + In this manner they reached the guard-house of the Rue de Montrenil. At + their approach the sentry gave the alarm, and the soldiers came out of the + guard-house in disorder. + </p> + <p> + Schoelcher, calm, impassive, in ruffles and a white tie, clothed, as + usual, in black, buttoned to the neck in his tight frock coat, with the + intrepid and brotherly air of a Quaker, walked straight up to them. + </p> + <p> + "Comrades," he said to them, "we are the Representatives of the People, + and come in the name of the people to demand your arms for the defence of + the Constitution and of the Laws!" + </p> + <p> + The post allowed itself to be disarmed. The sergeant alone made any show + of resistance, but they said to him, "You are alone," and he yielded. The + Representatives distributed the guns and the cartridges to the resolute + band which surrounded them. + </p> + <p> + Some soldiers exclaimed, "Why do you take away our muskets! We would fight + for you and with you!" + </p> + <p> + The Representatives consulted whether they should accept this offer. + Schoelcher was inclined to do so. But one of them remarked that some + Mobile Guards had made the same overtures to the insurgents of June, and + had turned against the Insurrection the arms which the Insurrection had + left them. + </p> + <p> + The muskets therefore were not restored. + </p> + <p> + The disarming having been accomplished, the muskets were counted; there + were fifteen of them. + </p> + <p> + "We are a hundred and fifty," said Cournet, "we have not enough muskets." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then," said Schoelcher, "where is there a post?" + </p> + <p> + "At the Lenoir Market." + </p> + <p> + "Let us disarm it." + </p> + <p> + With Schoelcher at their head and escorted by fifteen armed men the + Representatives proceeded to the Lenoir Market. The post of the Lenoir + Market allowed themselves to be disarmed even more willingly than the post + in the Rue de Montreuil. The soldiers turned themselves round so that the + cartridges might be taken from their pouches. + </p> + <p> + The muskets were immediately loaded. + </p> + <p> + "Now," exclaimed De Flotte, "we have thirty guns, let us look for a street + corner, and raise a barricade." + </p> + <p> + There were at that time about two hundred combatants. + </p> + <p> + They went up the Rue de Montreuil. + </p> + <p> + After some fifty steps Schoelcher said, "Where are we going? We are + turning our backs on the Bastille. We are turning our backs upon the + conflict." + </p> + <p> + They returned towards the Faubourg. + </p> + <p> + They shouted, "To arms!" They Where answered by "Long live our + Representatives!" But only a few young men joined them. It was evident + that the breeze of insurrection was not blowing. + </p> + <p> + "Never mind," said De Flotte, "let us begin the battle. Let us achieve the + glory of being the first killed." + </p> + <p> + As they reached the point where the Streets Ste. Marguerite and de Cotte + open out and divide the Faubourg, a peasant's cart laden with dung entered + the Rue Ste. Marguerite. + </p> + <p> + "Here," exclaimed De Flotte. + </p> + <p> + They stopped the dung-cart, and overturned it in the middle of the + Faubourg St. Antoine. + </p> + <p> + A milkwoman came up. + </p> + <p> + They overturned the milk-cart. + </p> + <p> + A baker was passing in his bread-cart. He saw what was being done, + attempted to escape, and urged his horse to a gallop. Two or three street + Arabs—those children of Paris brave as lions and agile as cats—sped + after the baker, ran past his horse, which was still galloping, stopped + it, and brought back the cart to the barricade which had been begun. + </p> + <p> + They overturned the bread-cart. + </p> + <p> + An omnibus came up on the road from the Bastille. + </p> + <p> + "Very well!" said the conductor, "I see what is going on." + </p> + <p> + He descended with a good grace, and told his passengers to get down, while + the coachman unharnessed his horses and went away shaking his cloak. + </p> + <p> + They overturned the omnibus. + </p> + <p> + The four vehicles placed end to end barely barred the street of the + Faubourg, which in this part is very wide. While putting them in line the + men of the barricade said,— + </p> + <p> + "Let us not injure the carts more than we can help." + </p> + <p> + This formed an indifferent barricade, very low, too short, and which left + the pavements free on either side. + </p> + <p> + At this moment a staff officer passed by followed by an orderly, saw the + barricade, and fled at a gallop. + </p> + <p> + Schoelcher calmly inspected the overturned vehicles. When he reached the + peasant's cart, which made a higher heap than the others, he said, "that + is the only good one." + </p> + <p> + The barricade grew larger. They threw a few empty baskets upon it, which + made it thicker and larger without strengthening it. + </p> + <p> + They were still working when a child came up to them shouting, "The + soldiers!" + </p> + <p> + In truth two companies arrived from the Bastille, at the double, through + the Faubourg, told off in squads at short distances apart, and barring the + whole of the street. + </p> + <p> + The doors and the windows were hastily closed. + </p> + <p> + During this time, at a corner of the barricade, Bastide, impassive, was + gravely telling a story to Madier de Montjau. "Madier," said he, "nearly + two hundred years ago the Prince de Condé, ready to give battle in this + very Faubourg St. Antoine, where we now are, asked an officer who was + accompanying him, 'Have you ever seen a battle lost?'—'No, sire.' + 'Well, then, you will see one now.'—Madier, I tell you to-day,—you + will speedily see a barricade taken." + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile those who were armed had assumed their places for the + conflict behind the barricade. + </p> + <p> + The critical moment drew nigh. + </p> + <p> + "Citizens," cried Schoelcher, "do not fire a shot. When the Army and the + Faubourgs fight, the blood of the People is shed on both sides. Let us + speak to the soldiers first." + </p> + <p> + He mounted on one of the baskets which heightened the barricade. The other + Representatives arranged themselves near him on the omnibus. Malardier and + Dulac were on his right. Dulac said to him, "You scarcely know me, Citizen + Schoelcher, but I love you. Let me have the charge of remaining by your + side. I only belong to the second rank in the Assembly, but I want to be + in the first rank of the battle." + </p> + <p> + At this moment some men in blouses, those whom the Second of December had + enlisted, appeared at the corner of the Rue Ste. Marguerite, close to the + barricade, and shouted, "Down with the 'Twenty-five francs!'" + </p> + <p> + Baudin who had already selected his post for the combat, and who was + standing on the barricade, looked fixedly at these men, and said to them,— + </p> + <p> + "You shall see how one can die for 'twenty-five francs!'" + </p> + <p> + There was a noise in the street. Some few doors which had remained half + opened were closed. The two attacking columns had arrived in sight of the + barricade. Further on could be seen confusedly other lines of bayonets. + They were those which had barred my passage. + </p> + <p> + Schoelcher, raising his arm with authority, signed to the captain, who + commanded the first squad, to halt. + </p> + <p> + The captain made a negative sign with his sword. The whole of the Second + of December was in these two gestures. The Law said, "Halt!" The Sabre + answered, "No!" + </p> + <p> + The two companies continued to advance, but slowly, and keeping at the + same distance from each other. + </p> + <p> + Schoelcher came down from the barricade into the street. De Flotte, Dulac, + Malardier, Brillier, Maigne, and Bruckner followed him. + </p> + <p> + Then was seen a grand spectacle. + </p> + <p> + Seven Representatives of the People, armed only with their sashes, that is + to say, majestically clothed with Law and Right, advanced in the street + beyond the barricade, and marched straight to the soldiers, who awaited + them with their guns pointed at them. + </p> + <p> + The other Representatives who had remained at the barricade made their + last preparations for resistance. The combatants maintained an intrepid + bearing. The Naval Lieutenant Cournet towered above them all with his tall + stature. Baudin, still standing on the overturned omnibus, leaned half + over the barricade. + </p> + <p> + On seeing the Representatives approach, the soldiers and their officers + were for the moment bewildered. Meanwhile the captain signed to the + Representatives to stop. + </p> + <p> + They stopped, and Schoelcher said in an impressive voice,— + </p> + <p> + "Soldiers! we are the Representatives of the Sovereign People, we are your + Representatives, we are the Elect of Universal Suffrage. In the name of + the Constitution, in the name of Universal Suffrage, in the name of the + Republic, we, who are the National Assembly, we, who are the Law, order + you to join us, we summon you to obey. We ourselves are your leaders. The + Army belongs to the People, and the Representatives of the People are the + Chiefs of the Army. Soldiers! Louis Bonaparte violates the Constitution, + we have outlawed him. Obey us." + </p> + <p> + The officer who was in command, a captain named Petit, did not allow him + to finish. + </p> + <p> + "Gentlemen," he said, "I have my orders. I belong to the People. I am a + Republican as you are, but I am only an instrument." + </p> + <p> + "You know the Constitution?" said Schoelcher. + </p> + <p> + "I only know my instructions." + </p> + <p> + "There is an instruction above all other instructions," continued + Schoelcher, "obligatory upon the Soldier as upon the Citizen—the + Law." + </p> + <p> + He turned again towards the soldiers to harangue them, but the captain + cried out to him,— + </p> + <p> + "Not another word! You shall not go on! If you add one word, I shall give + the order to fire." + </p> + <p> + "What does that matter to us?" said Schoelcher. + </p> + <p> + At this moment an officer arrived on horseback. It was the major of the + regiment. He whispered for a moment to the captain. + </p> + <p> + "Gentlemen! Representatives!" continued the captain, waving his sword, + "withdraw, or I shall fire." + </p> + <p> + "Fire!" shouted De Flotte. + </p> + <p> + The Representatives—strange and heroic copy of Fontenoy—took + off their hats, and faced the muskets. + </p> + <p> + Schoelcher alone kept his hat on his head, and waited with his arms + crossed. + </p> + <p> + "Fix bayonets," said the captain. And turning towards the squads, + "Charge!" + </p> + <p> + "Vive la République!" cried out the Representatives. + </p> + <p> + The bayonets were lowered, the companies moved forward, the soldiers came + on at the double upon the motionless Representatives. + </p> + <p> + It was a terrible and superb moment. + </p> + <p> + The seven Representatives saw the bayonets at their breasts without a + word, without a gesture, without one step backwards. But the hesitation + which was not in their soul was in the heart of the soldiers. + </p> + <p> + The soldiers felt distinctly that this was a double stain upon their + uniform—the outrage upon the Representatives of the People—which + was treason, and the slaughter of unarmed men, which was cowardice. Now + treason and cowardice are two epaulets to which a general sometimes + becomes reconciled, the soldier—never. + </p> + <p> + When the bayonets were so close to the Representatives that they touched + their breasts, they turned aside of their own accord, and the soldier's by + an unanimous movement passed between the Representatives without doing + them any harm. Schoelcher alone had his coat pierced in two places, and in + his opinion this was awkwardness instead of intention. One of the soldiers + who faced him wished to push him away from the captain, and touched him + with his bayonet. The point encountered the book of the addresses of the + Representatives, which Schoelcher had in his pocket, and only pierced his + clothing. + </p> + <p> + A soldier said to De Flotte, "Citizen, we do not wish to hurt you." + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless a soldier came up to Bruckner and pointed his gun at him. + </p> + <p> + "Well," said Bruckner, "fire." + </p> + <p> + The soldier, touched, lowered his arm, and shook Bruckner's hand. + </p> + <p> + It was singular that, notwithstanding the order given by the officers, the + two companies successively came up to the Representatives, charged with + the bayonet, and turned aside. Instructions may order, but instinct + prevails; instructions may be crime, but instinct is honor. Major P—— + said afterwards, "They had told us that we should have to deal with + brigands, we had to deal with heroes." + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile those on the barricade were growing uneasy, and seeing their + colleagues surrounded, and wishing to succor them, they fired a musket + shot. This unfortunate shot killed a soldier between De Flotte and + Schoelcher. + </p> + <p> + The officer who commanded the second attacking squad passed close to + Schoelcher as the poor soldier fell. Schoelcher pointed out the fallen man + to the officer, and said to him, "Lieutenant, look!" + </p> + <p> + The officer answered by a gesture of despair,— + </p> + <p> + "What would you have us do?" + </p> + <p> + The two companies replied to the shot by a general volley, and rushed to + the assault of the barricade, leaving behind them the seven + Representatives astounded at being still alive. + </p> + <p> + The barricade replied by a volley, but it could not hold out. It was + carried. + </p> + <p> + Baudin was killed. + </p> + <p> + He had remained standing in his position on the omnibus. Three balls + reached him. One struck him in the right eye and penetrated into the + brain. He fell. He never regained consciousness. Half-an-hour afterwards + he was dead. His body was taken to the Ste. Marguerite Hospital. + </p> + <p> + Bourzat, who was close to Baudin, with Aubry (du Nord), had his coat + pierced by a ball. + </p> + <p> + We must again remark a curious incident,—the soldiers made no + prisoner on this barricade. Those who defended it dispersed through the + streets of the Faubourg, or took refuge in the neighboring houses. + Representative Maigne, pushed by some affrighted women behind a door, was + shut in with one of the soldiers who had just taken the barricade. A + moment afterwards the soldier and the Representative went out together. + The Representatives could freely leave this first field of battle. + </p> + <p> + At this solemn moment of the struggle a last glimmer of Justice and of + Right still flickered, and military honesty recoiled with a sort of dread + anxiety before the outrage upon which they were entering. There is the + intoxication of good, and there is an intoxication of evil: this + intoxication later on drowned the conscience of the Army. + </p> + <p> + The French Army is not made to commit crimes. When the struggle became + prolonged, and ferocious orders of the day had to be executed, the + soldiers must have been maddened. They obeyed not coldly, which would have + been monstrous, but with anger, and this History will invoke as their + excuse; and with many, perhaps, despair was at the root of their anger. + </p> + <p> + The fallen soldier had remained on the ground. It was Schoelcher who + raised him. A few women, weeping, but brave, came out of a house. Some + soldiers came up. They carried him, Schoelcher holding his head, first to + a fruiterer's shop, then to the Ste. Marguerite Hospital, where they had + already taken Baudin. + </p> + <p> + He was a conscript. The ball had entered his side. Through his gray + overcoat buttoned to the collar, could be seen a hole stained with blood. + His head had sunk on his shoulder, his pale countenance, encircled by the + chinstrap of his shako, had no longer any expression, the blood oozed out + of his mouth. He seemed barely eighteen years old. Already a soldier and + still a boy. He was dead. + </p> + <p> + This poor soldier was the first victim of the <i>coup d'état</i>. Baudin + was the second. + </p> + <p> + Before being a Republican Baudin had been a tutor. He came from that + intelligent and brave race of schoolmasters ever persecuted, who have + fallen from the Guizot Law into the Falloux Law, and from the Falloux Law + into the Dupanloup Law. The crime of the schoolmaster is to hold a book + open; that suffices, the Church condemns him. There is now, in France, in + each village, a lighted torch—the schoolmaster—and a mouth + which blows upon it—the curé. The schoolmasters of France, who knew + how to die of hunger for Truth and for Science, were worthy that one of + their race should be killed for Liberty. + </p> + <p> + The first time that I saw Baudin was at the Assembly on January 13, 1850. + I wished to speak against the Law of Instruction. I had not put my name + down; Baudin's name stood second. He offered me his turn. I accepted, and + I was able to speak two days afterwards, on the 15th. + </p> + <p> + Baudin was one of the targets of Sieur Dupin, for calls to order and + official annoyances. He shared this honor with the Representatives Miot + and Valentin. + </p> + <p> + Baudin ascended the Tribune several times. His mode of speaking, outwardly + hesitating, was energetic in the main. He sat on the crest of the + Mountain. He had a firm spirit and timid manners. Thence there was in his + constitution an indescribable embarrassment, mingled with decision. He was + a man of middle height. His face ruddy and full, his broad chest, his wide + shoulders announced the robust man, the laborer-schoolmaster, the + peasant-thinker. In this he resembled Bourzat. Baudin leaned his head on + his shoulder, listened with intelligence, and spoke with a gentle and + grave voice. He had the melancholy air and the bitter smile of the doomed. + </p> + <p> + On the evening of the Second of December I had asked him, "How old are + you?" He had answered me, "Not quite thirty-three years." + </p> + <p> + "And you?" said he. + </p> + <p> + "Forty-nine." + </p> + <p> + And he replied,— + </p> + <p> + "To-day we are of the same age." + </p> + <p> + He thought in truth of that to-morrow which awaited us, and in which was + hidden that "perhaps" which is the great leveller. + </p> + <p> + The first shots had been fired, a Representative had fallen, and the + people did not rise! What bandage had they on their eyes, what weight had + they on their hearts? Alas! the gloom which Louis Bonaparte had known how + to cast over his crime, far from lifting, grew denser. For the first time + in the sixty years, that the Providential era of Revolutions had been + open, Paris, the city of intelligence, seemed not to understand! + </p> + <p> + On leaving the barricade of the Rue Ste. Marguerite, De Flotte went to the + Faubourg St. Marceau, Madier de Montjau went to Belleville, Charamaule and + Maigne proceeded to the Boulevards. Schoelcher, Dulac, Malardier, and + Brillier again went up the Faubourg St. Antoine by the side streets which + the soldiers had not yet occupied. They shouted, "Vive la République!" + They harangued the people on the doorsteps: "Is it the Empire that you + want?" exclaimed Schoelcher. They even went as far as to sing the + "Marseillaise." People took off their hats as they passed and shouted + "Long live the Representatives!" But that was all. + </p> + <p> + They were thirsty and weary. In the Rue de Reuilly a man came out of a + door with a bottle in his hand, and offered them drink. + </p> + <p> + Sartin joined them on the way. In the Rue de Charonne they entered the + meeting-place of the Association of Cabinet Makers, hoping to find there + the committee of the association in session. There was no one there. But + nothing discouraged them. + </p> + <p> + As they reached the Place de la Bastille, Dulac said to Schoelcher, "I + will ask permission to leave you for an hour or two, for this reason: I am + alone in Paris with my little daughter, who is seven years old. For the + past week she has had scarlet fever. Yesterday, when the <i>coup d'état</i> + burst forth, she was at death's door. I have no one but this child in the + world. I left her this morning to come with you, and she said to me, + 'Papa, where are you going?' As I am not killed, I will go and see if she + is not dead." + </p> + <p> + Two hours afterwards the child was still living, and we were holding a + permanent sitting at No. 15, Rue Richelieu, Jules Favre, Carnot, Michel de + Bourges, and myself, when Dulac entered, and said to us, "I have come to + place myself at your disposal." + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-9" name="linknoteref-9" id="linknoteref-9_"><small>9</small></a> + <i>"There was also a misunderstanding respecting the appointed time. Some + made a mistake, and thought it was nine o'clock. The first arrivals + impatiently awaited their colleagues. They were, as we have said, some + twelve or fifteen in number at half-past eight. 'Time is being lost,' + exclaimed one of them who had hardly entered; 'let us gird on our sashes; + let us show the Representatives to the People, let us join it in raising + barricades.' We shall perhaps save the country, at all events we shall + save the honor of our party. 'Come, let us to the barricades!' This advice + was immediately and unanimously acclaimed: one alone, Citizen Baudin, + interposed the forcible objection, 'we are not sufficiently numerous to + adopt such a resolution.' But he spiritedly joined in the general + enthusiasm, and with a calm conscience, after having reserved the + principle, he was not the last to gird on his sash."—SCHOELCHER, <i>Histoire + des Crimes du 2d Decembre</i>, pp. 130-131.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. THE WORKMEN'S SOCIETIES ASK US FOR THE ORDER TO FIGHT + </h2> + <p> + In presence of the fact of the barricade of the Faubourg St. Antoine so + heroically constructed by the Representatives, so sadly neglected by the + populace, the last illusions, even mine, should have been dispersed. + Baudin killed, the Faubourg cold. Such things spoke aloud. It was a + supreme, manifest, absolute demonstration of that fact, the inaction of + the people, to which I could not resign myself—a deplorable + inaction, if they understood, a self-treason, if they did not understand, + a fatal neutrality in every case, a calamity of which all the + responsibility, we repeat, recoiled not upon the people but upon those who + in June, 1848, after having promised them amnesty, had refused it, and who + had unhinged the great soul of the people of Paris by breaking faith with + them. What the Constituent Assembly had sown the Legislative Assembly + harvested. We, innocent of the fault, had to submit to the consequence. + </p> + <p> + The spark which we had seen flash for an instant through the crowd—Michel + de Bourges from the height of Bonvalet's balcony, myself from the + Boulevard du Temple—this spark seemed extinguished. Maigne firstly, + then Brillier, then Bruckner, later on Charmaule, Madier de Montjau, + Bastide, and Dulac came to report to us what had passed at the barricade + of St. Antoine, the motives which had decided the Representatives present + not to await the hour appointed for the rendezvous, and Baudin's death. + The report which I made myself of what I had seen, and which Cassal and + Alexander Rey completed by adding new circumstances, enabled us to + ascertain the situation. The Committee could no longer hesitate: I myself + renounced the hopes which I had based upon a grand manifestation, upon a + powerful reply to the <i>coup d'état</i>, upon a sort of pitched battle + waged by the guardians of the Republic against the banditti of the Elysée. + The Faubourgs failed us; we possessed the lever—Right, but the mass + to be raised, the People, we did not possess. There was nothing more to + hope for, as those two great orators, Michel de Bourges and Jules Favre, + with their keen political perception, had declared from the first, save a + slow long struggle, avoiding decisive engagements, changing quarters, + keeping Paris on the alert, saying to each, It is not at an end; leaving + time for the departments to prepare their resistance, wearying the troops + out, and in which struggle the Parisian people, who do not long smell + powder with impunity, would perhaps ultimately take fire. Barricades + raised everywhere, barely defended, re-made immediately, disappearing and + multiplying themselves at the same time, such was the strategy indicated + by the situation. The Committee adopted it, and sent orders in every + direction to this effect. At that moment we were sitting at No. 15, Rue + Richelieu, at the house of our colleague Grévy, who had been arrested in + the Tenth Arrondissement on the preceding day, who was at Mazas. His + brother had offered us his house for our deliberations. The + Representatives, our natural emissaries, flocked around us, and scattered + themselves throughout Paris, with our instructions to organize resistance + at every point. They were the arms and the Committee was the soul. A + certain number of ex-Constituents, intrepid men, Garnier-Pagès, Marie, + Martin (de Strasbourg), Senart, formerly President of the Constituent + Assembly, Bastide, Laissac, Landrin, had joined the Representatives on the + preceding day. They established, therefore, in all the districts where it + was possible Committees of Permanence in connection with us, the Central + Committee, and composed either of Representatives or of faithful citizens. + For our watchword we chose "Baudin." + </p> + <p> + Towards noon the centre of Paris began to grow agitated. + </p> + <p> + Our appeal to arms was first seen placarded on the Place de la Bourse and + the Rue Montmartre. Groups pressed round to read it, and battled with the + police, who endeavored to tear down the bills. Other lithographic placards + contained in two parallel columns the decree of deposition drawn up by the + Right at the Mairie of the Tenth Arrondissement, and the decree of + outlawry voted by the Left. There were distributed, printed on gray paper + in large type, the judgment of the High Court of Justice, declaring Louis + Bonaparte attainted with the Crime of High Treason, and signed "Hardouin" + (President), "Delapalme," "Moreau" (of the Seine), "Cauchy," "Bataille" + (Judges). This last name was thus mis-spelt by mistake, it should read + "Pataille." + </p> + <p> + At that moment people generally believed, and we ourselves believed, in + this judgment, which, as we have seen, was not the genuine judgment. + </p> + <p> + At the same time they posted in the populous quarters, at the corner of + every street, two Proclamations. The first ran thus:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "TO THE PEOPLE. + + "ARTICLE III.<a href="#linknoteref-10" name="linknote-10" id="linknote-10">10</a> + + "The Constitution is confided to the keeping and to the patriotism of + French citizens. Louis NAPOLEON is outlawed. + + "The State of Siege is abolished. + + "Universal suffrage is re-established. + + "LONG LIVE THE REPUBLIC. + + "To ARMS! + + "For the United Mountain. + + "The Delegate, VICTOR HUGO." +</pre> + <p> + The second ran thus:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "INHABITANTS OF PARIS. + + "The National Guards and the People of the Departments are marching on + Paris to aid you in seizing the TRAITOR, Louis Napoléon BONAPARTE. + + "For the Representatives of the People, + + "VICTOR HUGO, President. + + "SCHOELCHER, Secretary." +</pre> + <p> + This last placard, printed on little squares of paper, was distributed + abroad, says an historian of the <i>coup d'état</i>, by thousands of + copies. + </p> + <p> + For their part the criminals installed in the Government offices replied + by threats: the great white placards, that is to say, the official bills, + were largely multiplied. On one could be read:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "WE, PREFECT OF THE POLICE, + + "Decree as follows:— + + "ARTICLE I. All meetings are rigorously prohibited. They will be + immediately dispersed by force. + + "ARTICLE II. All seditious shouts, all reading in public, all posting + of political documents not emanating from a regularly constituted + authority, are equally prohibited. + + "ARTICLE III. The agents of the Public Police will enforce the execution + of the present decree. + + "Given at the Prefecture of Police, December 3, 1851. + + "DE MAUPAS, Prefect of Police. + + "Seen and approved, + + "DE MORNY, Minister of the Interior." +</pre> + <p> + On another could be read,— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "THE MINISTER OF WAR, + + "By virtue of the Law on the State of Siege, + + "Decrees:— + + "Every person taken constructing or defending a barricade, or carrying + arms, WILL BE SHOT. + + "General of Division, + + "Minister of war, + + "DE SAINT-ARNAUD." +</pre> + <p> + We reproduce this Proclamation exactly, even to the punctuation. The words + "Will be shot" were in capital letters in the placards signed "De + Saint-Arnaud." + </p> + <p> + The Boulevards were thronged with an excited crowd. The agitation + increasing in the centre reached three Arrondissements, the 6th, 7th, and + the 12th. The district of the schools began to disorderly. The Students of + Law and of Medicine cheered De Flotte on the Place de Panthéon. Madier de + Montjau, ardent and eloquent, went through and aroused Belleville. The + troops, growing more numerous every moment, took possession of all the + strategical points of Paris. + </p> + <p> + At one o'clock, a young man was brought to us by the legal adviser of the + Workmen's Societies, the ex-Constituent Leblond, at whose house the + Committee had deliberated that morning. We were sitting in permanence, + Carnot, Jules Favre, Michel de Bourges, and myself. This young man, who + had an earnest mode of speaking and an intelligent countenance, was named + King. He had been sent to us by the Committee of the Workmen's Society, + from whom he was delegated. "The Workmen's Societies," he said to us, + "place themselves at the disposal of the Committee of Legal Insurrection + appointed by the Left. They can throw into the struggle five or six + thousand resolute men. They will manufacture powder; as for guns, they + will be found." The Workmen's Society requested from us an order to fight + signed by us. Jules Favre took a pen and wrote,—"The undersigned + Representatives authorize Citizen King and his friends to defend with + them, and with arms in their hands, Universal Suffrage, the Republic, the + Laws." He dated it, and we all four signed it. "That is enough," said the + delegate to us, "you will hear of us." + </p> + <p> + Two hours afterwards it was reported to us that the conflict had begun. + They were fighting in the Rue Aumaire. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-10" name="linknoteref-10" id="linknoteref-10_"><small>10</small></a> + A typographical error—it should read "Article LXVIII." On the + subject of this placard the author of this book received the following + letter. It does honor to those who wrote it:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "CITIZEN VICTOR HUGO,—We know that you have made an appeal to arms. We + have not been able to obtain it. We replace it by these bills which we + sign with your name. You will not disown us. When France is in danger + your name belongs to all; your name is a Public Power. + + "FELIX BONY. + + "DABAT." +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. BAUDINS'S CORPSE + </h2> + <p> + With regard to the Faubourg St. Antoine, we had, as I said, lost nearly + all hope, but the men of the <i>coup d'état</i> had not lost all + uneasiness. Since the attempts at rising and the barricades of the morning + a rigorous supervision had been organized. Any one who entered the + Faubourg ran the risk of being examined, followed, and upon the slightest + suspicion, arrested. The supervision was nevertheless sometimes at fault. + About two o'clock a short man, with an earnest and attentive air, crossed + the Faubourg. A <i>sergent de ville</i> and a police agent in plain + clothes barred his passage. "Who are you?" "You seem a passenger." "Where + are you going?" "Over there, close by, to Bartholomé's, the overseer of + the sugar manufactory.—" They search him. He himself opened his + pocket-book; the police agents turned out the pockets of his waistcoat and + unbuttoned his shirt over his breast; finally the <i>sergent de ville</i> + said gruffly, "Yet I seem to have seen you here before this morning. Be + off!" It was the Representative Gindrier. If they had not stopped at the + pockets of his waistcoat—and if they had searched his great-coat, + they would have found his sash there—Gindrier would have been shot. + </p> + <p> + Not to allow themselves to be arrested, to keep their freedom for the + combat—such was the watchword of the members of the Left. That is + why we had our sashes upon us, but not outwardly visible. + </p> + <p> + Gindrier had had no food that day; he thought he would go home, and + returned to the new district of the Havre Railway Station, where he + resided. In the Rue de Calais, which is a lonely street running from Rue + Blanche to the Rue de Clichy, a <i>fiacre</i> passed him. Gindrier heard + his name called out. He turned round and saw two persons in a <i>fiacre</i>, + relations of Baudin, and a man whom he did not know. One of the relations + of Baudin, Madame L——, said to him, "Baudin is wounded!" She + added, "They have taken him to the St. Antoine Hospital. We are going to + fetch him. Come with us." Gindrier got into the <i>fiacre</i>. The + stranger, however, was an emissary of the Commissary of Police of the Rue + Ste. Marguerite St. Antoine. He had been charged by the commissary of + Police to go to Baudin's house, No, 88, Rue de Clichy, to inform the + family. Having only found the women at home he had confined himself to + telling them that Representative Baudin was wounded. He offered to + accompany them, and went with them in the <i>fiacre</i>. They had uttered + the name of Gindrier before him. This might have been imprudent. They + spoke to him; he declared that he would not betray the Representative, and + it was settled that before the Commissary of Police Gindrier should assume + to be a relation, and be called Baudin. + </p> + <p> + The poor women still hoped. Perhaps the wound was serious, but Baudin was + young, and had a good constitution. "They will save him," said they. + Gindrier was silent. At the office of the Commissary of Police the truth + was revealed.—"How is he?" asked Madame L—— on entering. + "Why?" said the Commissary, "he is dead." "What do you mean? Dead!" "Yes; + killed on the spot." + </p> + <p> + This was a painful moment. The despair of these two women who had been so + abruptly struck to the heart burst forth in sobs. "Ah, infamous + Bonaparte!" cried Madame L——. "He has killed Baudin. Well, + then, I will kill him. I will be the Charlotte Corday of this Marat." + </p> + <p> + Gindrier claimed the body of Baudin. The Commissary of Police only + consented to restore it to the family on exacting a promise that they + would bury it at once, and without any ostentation, and that they would + not exhibit it to the people. "You understand," he said, "that the sight + of a Representative killed and bleeding might raise Paris." The <i>coup + d'état</i> made corpses, but did not wish that they should be utilized. + </p> + <p> + On these conditions the Commissary of Police gave Gindrier two men and a + safe conduct to fetch the body of Baudin from the hospital where he had + been carried. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Baudin's brother, a young man of four-and-twenty, a medical + student, came up. This young man has since been arrested and imprisoned. + His crime is his brother. Let us continue. They proceeded to the hospital. + At the sight of the safe conduct the director ushered Gindrier and young + Baudin into the parlor. There were three pallets there covered with white + sheets, under which could be traced the motionless forms of three human + bodies. The one which occupied the centre bed was Baudin. On his right lay + the young soldier killed a minute before him by the side of Schoelcher, + and on the left an old woman who had been struck down by a spent ball in + the Rue de Cotte, and whom the executioners of the <i>coup d'état</i> had + gathered up later on; in the first moment one cannot find out all one's + riches. + </p> + <p> + The three corpses were naked under their winding sheets. + </p> + <p> + They had left to Baudin alone his shirt and his flannel vest. They had + found on him seven francs, his gold watch and chain, his Representative's + medal, and a gold pencil-case which he had used in the Rue de Popincourt, + after having passed me the other pencil, which I still preserve. Gindrier + and young Baudin, bare-headed, approached the centre bed. They raised the + shroud, and Baudin's dead face became visible. He was calm, and seemed + asleep. No feature appeared contracted. A livid tint began to mottle his + face. + </p> + <p> + They drew up an official report. It is customary. It is not sufficient to + kill people. An official report must also be drawn up. Young Baudin had to + sign it, upon which, on the demand of the Commissary of Police, they "made + over" to him the body of his brother. During these signatures, Gindrier in + the courtyard of the hospital, attempted if not to console, at least to + calm the two despairing women. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a man who had entered the courtyard, and who had attentively + watched him for some moments, came abruptly up to him,— + </p> + <p> + "What are you doing there?" + </p> + <p> + "What is that to you?" said Gindrier. + </p> + <p> + "You have come to fetch Baudin's body?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "Is this your carriage?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "Get in at once, and pull down the blinds." + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean?" + </p> + <p> + "You are the Representative Gindrier. I know you. You were this morning on + the barricade. If any other than myself should see you, you are lost." + </p> + <p> + Gindrier followed his advice and got into the <i>fiacre</i>. While getting + in he asked the man: + </p> + <p> + "Do you belong to the Police?" + </p> + <p> + The man did not answer. A moment after he came and said in a low voice, + near the door of the <i>fiacre</i> in which Gindrier was enclosed,— + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I eat the bread, but I do not do the work." + </p> + <p> + The two men sent by the Commissary of Police took Baudin on his wooden bed + and carried him to the <i>fiacre</i>. They placed him at the bottom of the + <i>fiacre</i> with his face covered, and enveloped from head to foot in a + shroud. A workman who was there lent his cloak, which was thrown over the + corpse in order not to attract the notice of passers-by. Madame L—— + took her place by the side of the body, Gindrier opposite, young Baudin + next to Gindrier. A <i>fiacre</i> followed, in which were the other + relative of Baudin and a medical student named Dutèche. They set off. + During the journey the head of the corpse, shaken by the carriage, rolled + from shoulder to shoulder; the blood began to flow from the wound and + appeared in large red patches through the white sheet. Gindrier with his + arms stretched out and his hand placed on its breast, prevented it from + falling forwards; Madame L—— held it up by the side. + </p> + <p> + They had told the coachman to drive slowly; the journey lasted more than + an hour. + </p> + <p> + When they reached No. 88, Rue de Clichy, the bringing out of the body + attracted a curious crowd before the door. The neighbors flocked thither. + Baudin's brother, assisted by Gindrier and Dutèche, carried up the corpse + to the fourth floor, where Baudin resided. It was a new house, and he had + only lived there a few months. + </p> + <p> + They carried him into his room, which was in order, and just as he had + left it on the morning of the 2d. The bed, on which he had not slept the + preceding night, had not been disturbed. A book which he had been reading + had remained on the table, open at the page where he had left off. They + unrolled the shroud, and Gindrier cut off his shirt and his flannel vest + with a pair of scissors. They washed the body. The ball had entered + through the corner of the arch of the right eye, and had gone out at the + back of the head. The wound of the eye had not bled. A sort of swelling + had formed there; the blood had flowed copiously through the hole at the + back of the head. They put clean linen on him, and clean sheets on the + bed, and laid him down with his head on the pillow, and his face + uncovered. The women were weeping in the next room. + </p> + <p> + Gindrier had already rendered the same service to the ex-Constituent James + Demontry. In 1850 James Demontry died in exile at Cologne. Gindrier + started for Cologne, went to the cemetery, and had James Demontry exhumed. + He had the heart extracted, embalmed it, and enclosed it in a silver vase, + which he took to Paris. The party of the Mountain delegated him, with + Chollet and Joigneux, to convey this heart to Dijon, Demontry's native + place, and to give him a solemn funeral. This funeral was prohibited by an + order of Louis Bonaparte, then President of the Republic. The burial of + brave and faithful men was unpleasing to Louis Bonaparte—not so + their death. + </p> + <p> + When Baudin had been laid out on the bed, the women came in, and all this + family, seated round the corpse, wept. Gindrier, whom other duties called + elsewhere, went downstairs with Dutèche. A crowd had formed before the + door. + </p> + <p> + A man in a blouse, with his hat on his head, mounted on a kerbstone, was + speechifying and glorifying the <i>coup d'état</i>. Universal Suffrage + re-established, the Law of the 31st May abolished, the "Twenty-five + francs" suppressed; Louis Bonaparte has done well, etc.—Gindrier, + standing on the threshold of the door, raised his voice: "Citizens! above + lies Baudin, a Representative of the People, killed while defending the + People; Baudin the Representative of you all, mark that well! You are + before his house; he is there bleeding on his bed, and here is a man who + dares in this place to applaud his assassin! Citizens! shall I tell you + the name of this man? He is called the Police! Shame and infamy to + traitors and to cowards! Respect to the corpse of him who has died for + you!" + </p> + <p> + And pushing aside the crowd, Gindrier took the man who had been speaking + by the collar, and knocking his hat on to the ground with the back of his + hand, he cried, "Hats off!" + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. THE DECREES OF THE REPRESENTATIVES WHO REMAINED FREE + </h2> + <p> + The text of the judgment which was believed to have been dawn up by the + High Court of Justice had been brought to us by the ex-Constituent Martin + (of Strasbourg), a lawyer at the Court of Cassation. At the same time we + learned what was happening in the Rue Aumaire. The battle was beginning, + it was important to sustain it, and to feed it; it was important ever to + place the legal resistance by the side of the armed resistance. The + members who had met together on the preceding day at the Mairie of the + Tenth Arrondissement had decreed the deposition of Louis Bonaparte; but + this decree, drawn up by a meeting almost exclusively composed of the + unpopular members of the majority, might have no effect on the masses; it + was necessary that the Left should take it up, should adopt it, should + imprint upon it a more energetic and more revolutionary accent, and also + take possession of the judgment of the High Court, which was believed to + be genuine, to lend assistance to this judgment, and put it into + execution. + </p> + <p> + In our appeal to arms we had outlawed Louis Bonaparte. The decree of + deposition taken up and counter-signed by us added weight to this + outlawry, and completed the revolutionary act by the legal act. + </p> + <p> + The Committee of Resistance called together the Republican + Representatives. + </p> + <p> + The apartments of M. Grévy, where we had been sitting, being too small, we + appointed for our meeting-place No. 10. Rue des Moulins, although warned + that the police had already made a raid upon this house. But we had no + choice; in time of Revolution prudence is impossible, and it is speedily + seen that it is useless. Confidence, always confidence; such is the law of + those grand actions which at times determine great events. The perpetual + improvisation of means, of policy, of expedients, of resources, nothing + step by step, everything on the impulse of the moment, the ground never + sounded, all risks taken as a whole, the good with the bad, everything + chanced on all sides at the same time, the hour, the place, the + opportunity, friends, family, liberty, fortune, life,—such is the + revolutionary conflict. + </p> + <p> + Towards three o'clock about sixty Representatives were meeting at No. 10, + Rue des Moulins, in the large drawing-room, out of which opened a little + room where the Committee of Resistance was in session. + </p> + <p> + It was a gloomy December day, and darkness seemed already to have almost + set in. The publisher Hetzel, who might also be called the poet Hetzel, is + of a noble mind and of great courage. He has, as is known, shown unusual + political qualities as Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign + Affairs under Bastide; he came to offer himself to us, as the brave and + patriotic Hingray had already done in the morning. Hetzel knew that we + needed a printing-office above everything; we had not the faculty of + speech, and Louis Bonaparte spoke alone. Hetzel had found a printer who + had said to him, "<i>Force me, put a pistol to my throat, and I will print + whatever you wish</i>." It was only a question, therefore, of getting a + few friends together, of seizing this printing-office by main force, of + barricading it, and, if necessary, of sustaining a siege, while our + Proclamations and our decrees were being printed. Hetzel offered this to + us. One incident of his arrival at our meeting-place deserves to be noted. + As he drew near the doorway he saw in the twilight of this dreary December + day a man standing motionless at a short distance, and who seemed to be + lying in wait. He went up to this man, and recognized M. Yon, the former + Commissary of Police of the Assembly. + </p> + <p> + "What are you doing there?" said Hetzel abruptly. "Are you there to arrest + us? In that case, here is what I have got for you," and he took out two + pistols from his pocket. + </p> + <p> + M. Yon answered smiling,— + </p> + <p> + "I am in truth watching, not against you, but for you; I am guarding you." + </p> + <p> + M. Yon, aware of our meeting at Landrin's house and fearing that we should + be arrested, was, of his own accord, acting as police for us. + </p> + <p> + Hetzel had already revealed his scheme to Representative Labrousse, who + was to accompany him and give him the moral support of the Assembly in his + perilous expedition. A first rendezvous which had been agreed upon between + them at the Café Cardinal having failed, Labrousse had left with the owner + of the <i>café</i> for Hetzel a note couched in these terms:— + </p> + <p> + "Madame Elizabeth awaits M. Hetzel at No. 10, Rue des Moulins." + </p> + <p> + In accordance with this note Hetzel had come. + </p> + <p> + We accepted Hetzel's offer, and it was agreed that at nightfall + Representative Versigny, who performed the duties of Secretary to the + Committee, should take him our decrees, our Proclamation, such items of + news as may have reached us, and all that we should judge proper to + publish. It was settled that Hetzel should await Versigny on the pavement + at the end of the Rue de Richelieu which runs alongside the Café Cardinal. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Jules Favre, Michel de Bourges and myself had drawn up a final + decree, which was to combine the deposition voted by the Right with the + outlawry voted by us. We came back into the large room to read it to the + assembled Representatives, and for them to sign it. + </p> + <p> + At this moment the door opened, and Emile de Girardin appeared. We had not + seen him since the previous evening. + </p> + <p> + Emile de Girardin—after dispersing from around him that mist which + envelopes every combatant in party warfare, and which at a distance + changes or obscures the appearance of a man—Emile de Girardin is an + extraordinary thinker, an accurate writer, energetic, logical, skilful, + hearty; a journalist in whom, as in all great journalists, can be seen the + statesman. We owe to Emile de Girardin this great work of progress, the + cheap Press. Emile de Girardin has this great gift, a clearheaded + stubbornness. Emile de Girardin is a public watchman; his journal is his + sentry-box; he waits, he watches, he spies out, he enlightens, he lies in + wait, he cries "Who goes there?" at the slightest alarm, he fires volleys + with his pen. He is ready for every form of combat, a sentinel to-day, a + General to-morrow. Like all earnest minds he understands, he sees, he + recognizes, he handles, so to speak, the great and magnificent identity + embraced under these three words, "Revolution, Progress, Liberty;" he + wishes for the Revolution, but above all through Progress; he wishes for + progress, but solely through Liberty. One can, and according to our + opinion sometimes rightly, differ from him as to the road to be taken, as + to the attitude to be assumed, and the position to be maintained, but no + one can deny his courage, which he has proved in every form, nor reject + his object, which is the moral and physical amelioration of the lot of + all. Emile de Girardin is more Democratic than Republican, more Socialist + than Democratic; on the day when these three ideas, Democracy, + Republicanism, Socialism, that is to say, the principle, the form, and the + application, are balanced in his mind the oscillations which still exist + in him will cease. He has already Power, he will have Stability. + </p> + <p> + In the course of this sitting, as we shall see, I did not always agree + with Emile de Girardin. All the more reason that I should record here how + greatly I appreciate the mind formed of light and of courage. Emile de + Girardin, whatever his failings may be, is one of those men who do honor + to the Press of to-day; he unites in the highest degree the dexterity of + the combatant with the serenity of the thinker. + </p> + <p> + I went up to him, and I asked him,— + </p> + <p> + "Have you any workmen of the <i>Presse</i> still remaining?" + </p> + <p> + He answered me,— + </p> + <p> + "Our presses are under seal, and guarded by the <i>Gendarmerie Mobile</i>, + but I have five or six willing workmen, they can produce a few placards + with the brush." + </p> + <p> + "Well then," said I, "print our decrees and our Proclamation." "I will + print anything," answered he, "as long as it is not an appeal to arms." + </p> + <p> + He added, addressing himself to me, "I know your Proclamation. It is a + war-cry, I cannot print that." + </p> + <p> + They remonstrated at this. He then declared that he for his part made + Proclamations, but in a different sense from ours. That according to him + Louis Bonaparte should not be combated by force of arms, but by creating a + vacuum. By an armed conflict he would be the conqueror, by a vacuum he + would be conquered. He urged us to aid him in isolating the "deposed of + the Second December." "Let us bring about a vacuum around him!" cried + Emile de Girardin, "let us proclaim an universal strike. Let the merchant + cease to sell, let the consumer cease from buying, let the workman cease + from working, let the butcher cease from killing, let the baker cease from + baking, let everything keep holiday, even to the National Printing Office, + so that Louis Bonaparte may not find a compositor to compose the <i>Moniteur</i>, + not a pressman to machine it, not a bill-sticker to placard it! Isolation, + solitude, a void space round this man! Let the nation withdraw from him. + Every power from which the nation withdraws falls like a tree from which + the roots are divided. Louis Bonaparte abandoned by all in his crime will + vanish away. By simply folding our arms as we stand around him he will + fall. On the other hand, fire on him and you will consolidate him. The + army is intoxicated, the people are dazed and do not interfere, the middle + classes are afraid of the President, of the people, of you, of every one! + No victory is possible. You will go straight before you, like brave men, + you risk your heads, very good; you will carry with you two or three + thousand daring men, whose blood mingled with yours, already flows. It is + heroic, I grant you. It is not politic. As for me, I will not print an + appeal to arms, and I reject the combat. Let us organize an universal + strike." + </p> + <p> + This point of view was haughty and superb, but unfortunately I felt it to + be unattainable. Two aspects of the truth seized Girardin, the logical + side and the practical side. Here, in my opinion, the practical side was + wanting. + </p> + <p> + Michel de Bourges answered him. Michel de Bourges with his sound logic and + quick reasoning put his finger on what was for us the immediate question; + the crime of Louis Bonaparte, the necessity to rise up erect before this + crime. It was rather a conversation than a debate, but Michel de Bourges + and Jules Favre, who spoke next, raised it to the highest eloquence. Jules + Favre, worthy to understand the powerful mind of Girardin would willingly + have adopted this idea, if it had seemed practicable, of the universal + strike, of the void around the man; he found it great, but impossible. A + nation does not pull up short. Even when struck to the heart, it still + moves on. Social movement, which is the animal life of society, survives + all political movement. Whatever Emile de Girardin might hope, there would + always be a butcher who would kill, a baker who would bake, men must eat! + "To make universal labor fold its arms is a chimera!" said Jules Favre, "a + dream! The People fight for three days, for four days, for a week; society + will not wait indefinitely." As to the situation, it was doubtless + terrible, it was doubtless tragical, and blood flowed, but who had brought + about this situation? Louis Bonaparte. For ourselves we would accept it, + such as it was, and nothing more. + </p> + <p> + Emile de Girardin, steadfast, logical, absolute in his idea, persisted. + Some might be shaken. Arguments, which were so abundant in this vigorous + and inexhaustible mind, crowded upon him. As for me, I saw Duty before me + like a torch. + </p> + <p> + I interrupted him. I cried out, "It is too late to deliberate what we are + to do. We have not got to do it. It is done. The gauntlet of the <i>coup + d'état</i> is thrown down, the Left takes it up. The matter is as simple + as this. The outrage of the Second December is an infamous, insolent, + unprecedented defiance to Democracy, to Civilization, to Liberty, to the + People, to France. I repeat that we have taken up this gauntlet, we are + the Law, but the living Law which at need can arm itself and fight. A gun + in our hands is a protest. I do not know whether we shall conquer, but it + is our duty to protest. To protest first in Parliament; when Parliament is + closed, to protest in the street; when the street is closed, to protest in + exile; when exile is fulfilled, to protest in the tomb. Such is our part, + our office, our mission. The authority of the Representatives is elastic; + the People bestow it, events extend it." + </p> + <p> + While we were deliberating, our colleague, Napoleon Bonaparte, son of the + ex-King of Westphalia, came in. He listened. He spoke. He energetically + blamed, in a tone of sincere and generous indignation, his cousin's crime, + but he declared that in his opinion a written protest would suffice. A + protest of the Representatives, a protest of the Council of State, a + protest of the Magistracy, a protest of the Press, that this protest would + be unanimous and would enlighten France, but that no other form of + resistance would obtain unanimity. That as for himself, having always + considered the Constitution worthless, having contended against it from + the first in the Constituent Assembly, he would not defend it at the last, + that he assuredly would not give one drop of blood for it. That the + Constitution was dead, but that the Republic was living, and that we must + save, not the Constitution, a corpse, but the Republic, the principle! + </p> + <p> + Remonstrances burst forth. Bancel, young, glowing, eloquent, impetuous, + overflowing with self-confidence, cried out that we ought not to look at + the shortcomings of the Constitution, but at the enormity of the crime + which had been committed, the flagrant treason, the violated oath; he + declared that we might have voted against the Constitution in the + Constituent Assembly, and yet defend it to-day in the presence of an + usurper; that this was logical, and that many amongst us were in this + position. He cited me as an example. Victor Hugo, said he, is a proof of + this. He concluded thus: "You have been present at the construction of a + vessel, you have considered it badly built, you have given advice which + has not been listened to. Nevertheless, you have been obliged to embark on + board this vessel, your children and your brothers are there with you, + your mother is on board. A pirate ranges up, axe in one hand, to scuttle + the vessel, a torch in the other to fire it. The crew are resolved to + defend themselves and run to arms. Would you say to this crew, 'For my + part I consider this vessel badly built, and I will let it be destroyed'?" + </p> + <p> + "In such a case," added Edgar Quinet, "whoever is not on the side of the + vessel is on the side of the pirates." + </p> + <p> + They shouted on all sides, "The decree! Read the decree!" + </p> + <p> + I was standing leaning against the fire place. Napoleon Bonaparte came up + to me, and whispered in my ear,— + </p> + <p> + "You are undertaking," said he, "a battle which is lost beforehand." + </p> + <p> + I answered him, "I do not look at success, I look at duty." + </p> + <p> + He replied, "You are a politician, consequently you ought to look forward + to success. I repeat, before you go any further, that the battle is lost + beforehand." + </p> + <p> + I resumed, "If we enter upon the conflict the battle is lost. You say so, + I believe it; but if we do not enter upon it, honor is lost. I would + rather lose the battle than honor." + </p> + <p> + He remained silent for a moment, then he took my hand. + </p> + <p> + "Be it so," continued he, "but listen to me. You run, you yourself + personally, great dancer. Of all the men in the Assembly you are the one + whom the President hates the most. You have from the height of the Tribune + nicknamed him, 'Napoleon the Little.' You understand that will never be + forgotten. Besides, it was you who dictated the appeal to arms, and that + is known. If you are taken, you are lost. You will be shot on the spot, or + at least transported. Have you a safe place where you can sleep to-night?" + </p> + <p> + I had not as yet thought of this. "In truth, no," answered I. + </p> + <p> + He continued, "Well, then, come to my house. There is perhaps only one + house in Paris where you would be in safety. That is mine. They will not + come to look for you there. Come, day or night, at what hour you please, I + will await you, and I will open the door to you myself. I live at No. 5, + Rue d'Alger." + </p> + <p> + I thanked him. It was a noble and cordial offer. I was touched by it. I + did not make use of it, but I have not forgotten it. + </p> + <p> + They cried out anew, "Read the decree! Sit down! sit down!" + </p> + <p> + There was a round table before the fire place; a lamp, pens, + blotting-books, and paper were brought there; the members of the Committee + sat down at this table, the Representatives took their places around them + on sofas, on arm-chairs, and on all the chairs which could be found in the + adjoining rooms. Some looked about for Napoleon Bonaparte. He had + withdrawn. + </p> + <p> + A member requested that in the first place the meeting should declare + itself to be the National Assembly, and constitute itself by immediately + appointing a President and Secretaries. I remarked that there was no need + to declare ourselves the Assembly, that we were the Assembly by right as + well as in fact, and the whole Assembly, our absent colleagues being + detained by force; that the National Assembly, although mutilated by the + <i>coup d'état</i>, ought to preserve its entity and remain constituted + afterwards in the same manner as before; that to appoint another President + and another staff of Secretaries would be to give Louis Bonaparte an + advantage over us, and to acknowledge in some manner the Dissolution; that + we ought to do nothing of the sort; that our decrees should be published, + not with the signature of a President, whoever he might be, but with the + signature of all the members of the Left who had not been arrested, that + they would thus carry with them full authority over the People, and full + effect. They relinquished the idea of appointing a President. Noël Parfait + proposed that our decrees and our resolutions should be drawn up, not with + the formula: "The National Assembly decrees," etc.; but with the formula: + "The Representatives of the People remaining at liberty decree," etc. In + this manner we should preserve all the authority attached to the office of + the Representatives of the People without associating the arrested + Representatives with the responsibility of our actions. This formula had + the additional advantage of separating us from the Right. The people knew + that the only Representatives remaining free were the members of the Left. + They adopted Noël Parfait's advice. + </p> + <p> + I read aloud the decree of deposition. It was couched in these words:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "DECLARATION. + + "The Representatives of the people remaining at liberty, by virtue of + Article 68 of the Constitution, which runs as follows:— + + "'Article 68.—Every measure by which the President of the Republic + dissolves the Assembly, prorogues it, or obstructs the exercise of + its authority, is a crime of High Treason. + + "'By this action alone the President is deposed from his office; the + citizens are bound to refuse him obedience; the executive power + passes by right to the National Assembly; the judges of the High + Court of Justice should meet together immediately under penalty of + treason, and convoke the juries in a place which they shall appoint + to proceed to the judgment of the President and his accomplices.' + + "Decree:— + + "ARTICLE I.—Louis Bonaparte is deposed from his office of President + of the Republic. + + "ARTICLE II.—All citizens and public officials are bound to refuse + him obedience under penalty of complicity. + + "ARTICLE III.—The judgment drawn up on December 2d by the High Court + of Justice, and which declares Louis Bonaparte attainted with the + Crime of High Treason, shall be published and executed. Consequently + the civil and military authorities are summoned under penalty of + Treason to lend their active assistance to the execution of the said + judgment. + + "Given at Paris, in permanent session, December 3d, 1851." +</pre> + <p> + The decree having been read, and voted unanimously, we signed it, and the + Representatives crowded round the table to add their signatures to ours. + Sain remarked that this signing took time, that in addition we numbered + barely more than sixty, a large number of the members of the Left being at + work in the streets in insurrection. He asked if the Committee, who had + full powers from the whole of the Left, had any objection to attach to the + decree the names of all the Republican Representatives remaining at + liberty, the absent as well as those present. We answered that the decree + signed by all would assuredly better answer its purpose. Besides, it was + the counsel which I had already given. Bancel had in his pocket on old + number of the <i>Moniteur</i> containing the result of a division. + </p> + <p> + They cut out a list of the names of the members of the Left, the names of + those who were arrested were erased, and the list was added to the decree.<a + href="#linknoteref-11" name="linknote-11" id="linknote-11"><small>11</small></a> + </p> + <p> + The name of Emile de Girardin upon this list caught my eye. He was still + present. + </p> + <p> + "Do you sign this decree?" I asked him. + </p> + <p> + "Unhesitatingly." + </p> + <p> + "In that case will you consent to print it?" + </p> + <p> + "Immediately." + </p> + <p> + He continued,— + </p> + <p> + "Having no longer any presses, as I have told you, I can only print it as + a handbill, and with the brush. It takes a long time, but by eight o'clock + this evening you shall have five hundred copies." + </p> + <p> + "And," continued I, "you persist in refusing to print the appeal to arms?" + </p> + <p> + "I do persist." + </p> + <p> + A second copy was made of the decree, which Emile de Girardin took away + with him. The deliberation was resumed. At each moment Representatives + came in and brought items of news: Amiens in insurrection—Rheims and + Rouen in motion, and marching on Paris—General Canrobert resisting + the <i>coup d'état</i>—General Castellane hesitating—the + Minister of the United States demanding his passports. We placed little + faith in these rumors, and facts proved that we were right. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Jules Favre had drawn up the following decree, which he + proposed, and which was immediately adopted:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "DECREE. + + "FRENCH REPUBLIC. + + "Liberty,—Equality,—Fraternity. + + "The undersigned Representatives remaining at liberty, assembled in + Permanent Session,— + + "Considering the arrest of the majority of our colleagues, and the + urgency of the moment: + + "Considering that for the accomplishment of his crime Louis Bonaparte + has not contented himself with multiplying the most formidable means of + destruction against the lives and property of the citizens of Paris, + that he has trampled under foot every law, that he has annihilated all + the guarantees of civilized nations: + + "Considering that these criminal madnesses only serve to augment the + violent denunciation of every conscience and to hasten the hour of + national vengeance, but that it is important to proclaim the Right: + + "Decree: + + "ARTICLE I.—The State of Siege is raised in all Departments where it + has been established, the ordinary laws resume their authority. + + "ARTICLE II.—It is enjoined upon all military leaders under penalty + of Treason immediately to lay down the extraordinary powers which + have been conferred upon them. + + "ARTICLE III.—Officials and agents of the public force are charged + under penalty of treason to put this present decree into execution. + + "Given in Permanent Session, 3d December, 1851." +</pre> + <p> + Madier de Montjau and De Flotte entered. They came from outside. They had + been in all the districts where the conflict was proceeding, they had seen + with their own eyes the hesitation of a part of the population in the + presence of these words, "The Law of the 31st May is abolished, Universal + Suffrage is re-established." The placards of Louis Bonaparte were + manifestly working mischief. It was necessary to oppose effort to effort, + and to neglect nothing which could open the eyes of the people. I dictated + the following Proclamation:- + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "PROCLAMATION. + + "People! you are being deceived. + + "Louis Bonaparte says that he has re-established you in your rights, + and that he restores to you Universal Suffrage. + + "Louis Bonaparte has lied. + + "Read his placards. He grants you—what infamous mockery!—the right + of conferring on him, on him <i>alone</i>, the Constituent power; that is + to say, the Supreme power, which belongs to you. He grants you the + right to appoint him Dictator <i>for ten years</i>. In other words, he + grants you the right of abdicating and of crowning him. A right which + even you do not possess, O People! for one generation cannot dispose + of the sovereignty of the generation which shall follow it. + + "Yes, he grants to you, Sovereign, the right of giving yourself a + master, and that master himself. + + "Hypocrisy and treason! + + "People! we unmask the hypocrite. It is for you to punish the traitor! + + "The Committee of Resistance: + + "Jules Favre, De Flotte, Carnot, Madier de Montjau, Mathieu (de la + Drôme), Michel de Bourges, Victor Hugo." +</pre> + <p> + Baudin had fallen heroically. It was necessary to let the People know of + his death, and to honor his memory. The decree below was voted on the + proposition of Michel de Bourges:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "DECREE. + + "The Representatives of the People remaining at liberty considering + that the Representative Baudin has died on the barricade of the + Faubourg St. Antoine for the Republic and for the laws, and that he + has deserved well of his country, decree: + + "That the honors of the Panthéon are adjudged to Representative Baudin. + + "Given in Permanent Session, 3d December, 1851." +</pre> + <p> + After honor to the dead and the needs of the conflict it was necessary in + my opinion to enunciate immediately and dictatorially some great popular + benefit. I proposed the abolition of the <i>octroi</i> duties and of the + duty on liquors. This objection was raised, "No caresses to the people! + After victory, we will see. In the meantime let them fight! If they do not + fight, if they do not rise, if they do not understand that it is for them, + for their rights that we the Representatives, that we risk our heads at + this moment—if they leave us alone at the breach, in the presence of + the <i>coup d'état</i>—it is because they are not worthy of + Liberty!" + </p> + <p> + Bancel remarked that the abolition of the <i>octroi</i> duties and the + duty on liquors were not caresses to the People, but succor to the poor, a + great economical and reparatory measure, a satisfaction to the public + demand—a satisfaction which the Right had always obstinately + refused, and that the Left, master of the situation, ought hasten to + accord. They voted, with the reservation that it should not be published + until after victory, the two decrees in one; in this form:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "DECREE. + + "The Representatives remaining at liberty decree: + + "The <i>Octroi</i> Duties are abolished throughout the extent of the + territory of the Republic. + + "Given in permanent Session, 3d December, 1851." +</pre> + <p> + Versigny, with a copy of the Proclamations and of the Decree, left in + search of Hetzel. Labrousse also left with the same object. They settled + to meet at eight o'clock in the evening at the house of the former member + of the Provisional Government Marie, Rue Neuve des Petits Champs. + </p> + <p> + As the members of the Committee and the Representatives withdrew I was + told that some one had asked to speak to me. I went into a sort of little + room attached to the large meeting-room, and I found there a man in a + blouse, with an intelligent and sympathetic air. This man had a roll of + paper in his hand. + </p> + <p> + "Citizen Victor Hugo," said he to me, "you have no printing office. Here + are the means which will enable you to dispense with one." + </p> + <p> + He unfolded on the mantel-piece the roll which he had in his hand. It was + a species of blotting-book made of very thin blue paper, and which seemed + to be slightly oiled. Between each leaf of blue paper there was a sheet of + white paper. He took out of his pocket a sort of blunt bodkin, saying, + "The first thing to hand will serve your purpose, a nail or a match," and + he traced with his bodkin on the first leaf of the book the word + "Republic." Then turning over the leaves, he said, "Look at this." + </p> + <p> + The word "Republic" was reproduced upon the fifteen or twenty white leaves + which the book contained. + </p> + <p> + He added, "This paper is usually used to trace the designs of manufactured + fabrics. I thought that it might be useful at a moment like this. I have + at home a hundred books like this on which I can make a hundred copies of + what you want—a Proclamation, for instance—in the same space + of time that it takes to write four or five. Write something, whatever you + may think useful at the present moment, and to-morrow morning five hundred + copies shall be posted throughout Paris." + </p> + <p> + I had none of the documents with me which we had just drawn up. Versigny + had gone away with the copies. I took a sheet of paper, and, leaning on + the corner of the chimney-piece, I wrote the following Proclamation:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "TO THE ARMY. + + "Soldiers! + + "A man has just broken the Constitution. He tears up the oath which + he has sworn to the people; he suppresses the law, stifles Right, + stains Paris with blood, chokes France, betrays the Republic! + + "Soldiers, this man involves you in his crime. + + "There are two things holy; the flag which represents military honor + and the law which represents the National Right. Soldiers, the + greatest of outrages is the flag raised against the Law! Follow no + longer the wretched man who misleads you. Of such a crime French + soldiers should be the avengers, not the accomplices. + + "This man says he is named Bonaparte. He lies, for Bonaparte is a + word which means glory. This man says that he is named Napoléon. He + lies, for Napoléon is a word which means genius. As for him, he is + obscure and insignificant. Give this wretch up to the law. Soldiers, + he is a false Napoléon. A true Napoléon would once more give you a + Marengo; he will once more give you a Transnonain. + + "Look towards the true function of the French army; to protect the + country, to propagate the Revolution, to free the people, to sustain + the nationalities, to emancipate the Continent, to break chains + everywhere, to protect Right everywhere, this is your part amongst + the armies of Europe. You are worthy of great battle-fields. + + "Soldiers, the French Army is the advanced guard of humanity. + + "Become yourselves again, reflect; acknowledge your faults; rise up! + Think of your Generals arrested, taken by the collar by galley + sergeants and thrown handcuffed into robbers' cells! The malefactor, + who is at the Elysée, thinks that the Army of France is a band of + mercenaries; that if they are paid and intoxicated they will obey. + He sets you an infamous task, he causes you to strangle, in this + nineteenth century, and in Paris itself, Liberty, Progress, and + Civilization. He makes you—you, the children of France—destroy all + that France has so gloriously and laboriously built up during the + three centuries of light and in sixty years of Revolution! Soldiers! + you are the 'Grand Army!' respect the 'Grand Nation!' + + "We, citizens; we, Representatives of the People and of yourselves; + we, your friends, your brothers; we, who are Law and Right; we, who + rise up before you, holding out our arms to you, and whom you strike + blindly with your swords—do you know what drives us to despair? It + is not to see our blood which flows; it is to see your honor which + vanishes. + + "Soldiers! one step more in the outrage, one day more with Louis + Bonaparte, and you are lost before universal conscience. The men who + command you are outlaws. They are not generals—they are criminals. + The garb of the galley slave awaits them; see it already on their + shoulders. Soldiers! there is yet time—Stop! Come back to the + country! Come back to the Republic! If you continue, do you know + what History will say of you? It will say, They have trampled under + the feet of their horses and crushed beneath the wheels of their + cannon all the laws of their country; they, French soldiers, they + have dishonored the anniversary of Austerlitz, and by their fault, + by their crime, the name of Napoléon sprinkles as much shame to-day + upon France as in other times it has showered glory! + + "French soldiers! cease to render assistance to crime!" +</pre> + <p> + My colleagues of the Committee having left, I could not consult them—time + pressed—I signed: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "For the Representatives of the People remaining at liberty, the + Representative member of the Committee of Resistance, + + "VICTOR HUGO." +</pre> + <p> + The man in the blouse took away the Proclamation saying, "You will see it + again to-morrow morning." He kept his word. I found it the nest day + placarded in the Rue Rambuteau, at the corner of the Rue de l'Homme-Armé + and the Chapelle-Saint-Denis. To those who were not in the secret of the + process it seemed to be written by hand in blue ink. + </p> + <p> + I thought of going home. When I reached the Rue de la Tour d'Auvergne, + opposite my door, it happened curiously and by some chance to be half + open. I pushed it, and entered. I crossed the courtyard, and went upstairs + without meeting any one. + </p> + <p> + My wife and my daughter were in the drawing-room round the fire with + Madame Paul Meurice. I entered noiselessly; they were conversing in a low + tone. They were talking of Pierre Dupont, the popular song-writer, who had + come to me to ask for arms. Isidore, who had been a soldier, had some + pistols by him, and had lent three to Pierre Dupont for the conflict. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly these ladies turned their heads and saw me close to them. My + daughter screamed. "Oh, go away," cried my wife, throwing her arms round + my neck, "you are lost if you remain here a moment. You will be arrested + here!" Madame Paul Meurice added, "They are looking for you. The police + were here a quarter of an hour ago." I could not succeed in reassuring + them. They gave me a packet of letters offering me places of refuge for + the night, some of them signed with names unknown to me. After some + moments, seeing them more and more frightened, I went away. My wife said + to me, "What you are doing, you are doing for justice. Go, continue!" I + embraced my wife and my daughter; five months have elapsed at the time + when I am writing these lines. When I went into exile they remained near + my son Victor in prison; I have not seen them since that day. + </p> + <p> + I left as I had entered. In the porter's lodge there were only two or + three little children seated round a lamp, laughing and looking at + pictures in a book. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-11" name="linknoteref-11" id="linknoteref-11_"><small>11</small></a> + <i>This list, which belongs to History, having served as the base of the + proscription list, will be found complete in the sequel to this book to be + published hereafter.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. THE ARCHBISHOP + </h2> + <h3> + On this gloomy and tragical day an idea struck one of the people. + </h3> + <p> + He was a workman belonging to the honest but almost imperceptible minority + of Catholic Democrats. The double exaltation of his mind, revolutionary on + one side, mystical on the other, caused him to be somewhat distrusted by + the people, even by his comrades and his friends. Sufficiently devout to + be called a Jesuit by the Socialists, sufficiently Republican to be called + a Red by the Reactionists, he formed an exception in the workshops of the + Faubourg. Now, what is needed in these supreme crises to seize and govern + the masses are men of exceptional genius, not men of exceptional opinion. + There is no revolutionary originality. In order to be something, in the + time of regeneration and in the days of social combat, one must bathe + fully in those powerful homogeneous mediums which are called parties. + Great currents of men follow great currents of ideas, and the true + revolutionary leader is he who knows how best to drive the former in + accordance with the latter. + </p> + <p> + Now the Gospel is in accordance with the Revolution, but Catholicism is + not. This is due to the fact that in the main the Papacy is not in + accordance with the Gospel. One can easily understand a Christian + Republican, one cannot understand a Catholic Democrat. It is a combination + of two opposites. It is a mind in which the negative bars the way to the + affirmative. It is a neuter. + </p> + <p> + Now in time revolution, whoever is neuter of is impotent. Nevertheless, + during the first hours of resistance against the <i>coup d'état</i> the + democratic Catholic workman, whose noble effort we are here relating, + threw himself so resolutely into the cause of Justice and of Truth, that + in a few moments he transformed distrust into confidence, and was hailed + by the people. He showed such gallantry at the rising of the barricade of + the Rue Aumaire that with an unanimous voice they appointed him their + leader. At the moment of the attack he defended it as he had built it, + with ardor. That was a sad but glorious battle-field; most of his + companions were killed, and he escaped only by a miracle. + </p> + <p> + However, he succeeded in returning home, saying to himself bitterly, "All + is lost." + </p> + <p> + It seemed evident to him that the great masses of the people would not + rise. Thenceforward it appeared impossible to conquer the <i>coup d'état</i> + by a revolution; it could be only combated by legality. What had been the + risk at the beginning became the hope at the end, for he believed the end + to be fatal, and at hand. In his opinion it was necessary, as the people + were defaulters, to try now to arouse the middle classes. Let one legion + of National Guards go out in arms, and the Elysée was lost. For this a + decisive blow must be struck—the heart of the middle classes must be + reached—the "bourgeois" must be inspired by a grand spectacle which + should not be a terrifying spectacle. + </p> + <p> + It was then that this thought came to this workman, "Write to the + Archbishop of Paris." + </p> + <p> + The workman took a pen, and from his humble garret he wrote to the + Archbishop of Paris an enthusiastic and earnest letter in which he, a man + of the people and a believer, said this to his Bishop; we give the + substance of his letter:— + </p> + <p> + "This is a solemn hour, Civil War sets by the ears the Army and People, + blood is being shed. When blood flows the Bishop goes forth. M. Sibour + should follow in the path of M. Affre. The example is great, the + opportunity is still greater. + </p> + <p> + "Let the Archbishop of Paris, followed by all his clergy, the Pontifical + cross before him, his mitre on his head, go forth in procession through + the streets. Let him summon to him the National Assembly and the High + Court, the Legislators in their sashes, the Judges in their scarlet robes; + let him summon to him the citizens, let him summon to him the soldiers, + let him go straight to the Elysée. Let him raise his hand in the name of + Justice against the man who is violating the laws, and in the name of + Jesus against the man who is shedding blood. Simply with his raised hand + he will crush the <i>coup d'état</i>. + </p> + <p> + "And he will place his statue by the side of M. Affre, and it will be said + that twice two Archbishops of Paris have trampled Civil War beneath their + feet." + </p> + <p> + "The Church is holy, but the Country is sacred. There are times when the + Church should succor the Country." + </p> + <p> + The letter being finished, he signed it with his workman's signature. + </p> + <p> + But now a difficulty arose; how should it be conveyed to its destination? + </p> + <p> + Take it himself! + </p> + <p> + But would he, a mere workman in a blouse, be allowed to penetrate to the + Archbishop! + </p> + <p> + And then, in order to reach the Archiepiscopal Palace, he would have to + cross those very quarters in insurrection, and where, perhaps, the + resistance was still active. He would have to pass through streets + obstructed by troops, he would be arrested and searched; his hands smelt + of powder, he would be shot; and the letter would not reach its + destination. + </p> + <p> + What was to be done? + </p> + <p> + At the moment when he had almost despaired of a solution, the name of + Arnauld de l'Ariége came to his mind. + </p> + <p> + Arnauld de l'Ariége was a Representative after his own heart. Arnauld de + l'Ariége was a noble character. He was a Catholic Democrat like the + workman. At the Assembly he raised aloft, but he bore nearly alone, that + banner so little followed which aspires to ally the Democracy with the + Church. Arnauld de l'Ariége, young, handsome, eloquent, enthusiastic, + gentle, and firm, combined the attributes of the Tribune with the faith of + the knight. His open nature, without wishing to detach itself from Rome, + worshipped Liberty. He had two principles, but he had not two faces. On + the whole the democratic spirit preponderated in him. He said to me one + day, "I give my hand to Victor Hugo. I do not give it to Montalembert." + </p> + <p> + The workman knew him. He had often written to him, and had sometimes seen + him. + </p> + <p> + Arnauld de l'Ariége lived in a district which had remained almost free. + </p> + <p> + The workman went there without delay. + </p> + <p> + Like the rest of us, as has been seen, Arnauld de l'Ariége had taken part + in the conflict. Like most of the Representatives of the Left, he had not + returned home since the morning of the 2d. Nevertheless, on the second + day, he thought of his young wife whom he had left without knowing if he + should see her again, of his baby of six months old which she was + suckling, and which he had not kissed for so many hours, of that beloved + hearth, of which at certain moments one feels an absolute need to obtain a + fleeting glimpse, he could no longer resist; arrest, Mazas, the cell, the + hulks, the firing party, all vanished, the idea of danger was obliterated, + he went home. + </p> + <p> + It was precisely at that moment that the workman arrived there. + </p> + <p> + Arnauld de l'Ariége received him, read his letter, and approved of it. + </p> + <p> + Arnauld de l'Ariége knew the Archbishop of Paris personally. + </p> + <p> + M. Sibour, a Republican priest appointed Archbishop of Paris by General + Cavaignac, was the true chief of the Church dreamed of by the liberal + Catholicism of Arnauld de l'Ariége. On behalf of the Archbishop, Arnauld + de l'Ariége represented in the Assembly that Catholicism which M. de + Montalembert perverted. The democratic Representative and the Republic + Archbishop had at times frequent conferences, in which acted as + intermediatory the Abbé Maret, an intelligent priest, a friend of the + people and of progress, Vicar-General of Paris, who has since been Bishop + <i>in partibus</i> of Surat. Some days previously Arnauld had seen the + Archbishop, and had received his complaints of the encroachment of the + Clerical party upon the episcopal authority, and he even proposed shortly + to interpellate the Ministry on this subject and to take the question into + the Tribune. + </p> + <p> + Arnauld added to the workman's letter a letter of introduction, signed by + himself, and enclosed the two letters in the same envelope. + </p> + <p> + But here the same question arose. + </p> + <p> + How was the letter to be delivered? + </p> + <p> + Arnauld, for still weightier reasons than those of the workman, could not + take it himself. + </p> + <p> + And time pressed! + </p> + <p> + His wife saw his difficulty and quietly said,— + </p> + <p> + "I will take charge of it." + </p> + <p> + Madame Arnauld de l'Ariége, handsome and quite young, married scarcely two + years, was the daughter of the Republican ex-Constituent Guichard, worthy + daughter of such a father, and worthy wife of such a husband. + </p> + <p> + They were fighting in Paris; it was necessary to face the dangers of the + streets, to pass among musket-balls, to risk her life. + </p> + <p> + Arnauld de l'Ariége hesitated. + </p> + <p> + "What do you want to do?" he asked. + </p> + <p> + "I will take this letter." + </p> + <p> + "You yourself?" + </p> + <p> + "I myself." + </p> + <p> + "But there is danger." + </p> + <p> + She raised her eyes, and answered,— + </p> + <p> + "Did I make that objection to you when you left me the day before + yesterday?" + </p> + <p> + He kissed her with tears in his eyes, and answered, "Go." + </p> + <p> + But the police of the <i>coup d'état</i> were suspicious, many women were + searched while going through the streets; this letter might be found on + Madame Arnauld. Where could this letter be hidden? + </p> + <p> + "I will take my baby with me," said Madame Arnauld. + </p> + <p> + She undid the linen of her little girl, hid the letter there, and + refastened the swaddling band. + </p> + <p> + When this was finished the father kissed his child on the forehead, and + the mother exclaimed laughingly,— + </p> + <p> + "Oh, the little Red! She is only six months' old, and she is already a + conspirator!" + </p> + <p> + Madame Arnauld reached the Archbishop's Palace with some difficulty. Her + carriage was obliged to take a long round. Nevertheless she arrived there. + She asked for the Archbishop. A woman with a child in her arms could not + be a very terrible visitor, and she was allowed to enter. + </p> + <p> + But she lost herself in courtyards and staircases. She was seeking her way + somewhat discouraged, when she met the Abbé Maret. She knew him. She + addressed him. She told him the object of her expedition. The Abbé Maret + read the workman's letter, and was seized with enthusiasm: "This may save + all," said he. + </p> + <p> + He added, "Follow me, madam, I will introduce you." + </p> + <p> + The Archbishop of Paris was in the room which adjoins his study. The Abbé + Maret ushered Madame Arnauldé into the study, informed the Archbishop, and + a moment later the Archbishop entered. Besides the Abbé Maret, the Abbé + Deguerry, the Curé of the Madeleine, was with him. + </p> + <p> + Madame Arnauld handed to M. Sibour the two letters of her husband and the + workman. The Archbishop read them, and remained thoughtful. + </p> + <p> + "What answer am I to take back to my husband?" asked Madame Arnauld. + </p> + <p> + "Madame," replied the Archbishop, "it is too late. This should have been + done before the struggle began. Now, it would be only to risk the shedding + of more blood than perhaps has yet been spilled." + </p> + <p> + The Abbé Deguerry was silent. The Abbé Maret tried respectfully to turn + the mind of his Bishop towards the grand effort unsoiled by the workman. + He spoke eloquently. He laid great stress open this argument, that the + appearance of the Archbishop would bring about a manifestation of the + National Guard, and that a manifestation of the National Guard would + compel the Elysée to draw back. + </p> + <p> + "No," said the Archbishop, "you hope for the impossible. The Elysée will + not draw back now. You believe that I should stop the bloodshed—not + at all; I should cause it to flow, and that in torrents. The National + Guard has no longer any influence. If the legions appeared, the Elysée + could crush the legions by the regiments. And then, what is an Archbishop + in the presence of the Man of the <i>coup d'état</i>? Where is the oath? + Where is the sworn faith? Where is the Respect for Right? A man does not + turn back when he has made three steps in such a crime. No! No! Do not + hope. This man will do all. He has struck the Law in the hand of the + Representatives. He will strike God in mine." + </p> + <p> + And he dismissed Madame Arnauld with the look of a man overwhelmed with + sorrow. + </p> + <p> + Let us do the duty of the Historian. Six weeks afterwards, in the Church + of Notre Dame, some one was singing the <i>Te Deum</i> in honor of the + treason of December—thus making God a partner in a crime. + </p> + <p> + This man was the Archbishop Sibour. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. MOUNT VALERIEN + </h2> + <p> + Of the two hundred and thirty Representatives prisoners at the barracks of + the Quai d'Orsay fifty-three had been sent to Mount Valérien. They loaded + them in four police vans. Some few remained who were packed in an omnibus. + MM. Benoist d'Azy, Falloux, Piscatory, Vatimesail, were locked in the + wheeled cells, as also Eugène Sue and Esquiros. The worthy M. Gustave de + Beaumont, a great upholder of the cellular system, rode in a cell vehicle. + It is not an undesirable thing, as we have said, that the legislator + should taste of the law. + </p> + <p> + The Commandant of Mount Valérien appeared under the archway of the fort to + receive the Representative prisoners. + </p> + <p> + He at first made some show of registering them in the jailer's book. + General Oudinot, under whom he had served, rebuked him severely,— + </p> + <p> + "Do you know me?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, General." + </p> + <p> + "Well then, let that suffice. Ask no more." + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Tamisier. "Ask more and salute. We are more than the Army; we + are France." + </p> + <p> + The commandant understood. From that moment he was hat in hand before the + generals, and bowed low before the Representatives. + </p> + <p> + They led them to the barracks of the fort and shut them up promiscuously + in a dormitory, to which they added fresh beds, and which the soldiers had + just quitted. They spent their first night there. The beds touched each + other. The sheets were dirty. + </p> + <p> + Next morning, owing to a few words which had been heard outside, the rumor + spread amongst them that the fifty-three were to be sorted, and that the + Republicans were to be placed by themselves. Shortly afterwards the rumor + was confirmed. Madame de Luynes gained admission to her husband, and + brought some items of news. It was asserted, amongst other things, that + the Keeper of the Seals of the <i>coup d'état</i>, the man who signed + himself Eugène Rouher, "Minister of Justice," had said, "Let them set the + men of the Right at liberty, and send the men of the Left to the dungeon. + If the populace stirs they will answer for everything. As a guarantee for + the submission of the Faubourgs we shall have the head of the Reds." + </p> + <p> + We do not believe that M. Rouher uttered these words, in which there is so + much audacity. At that moment M. Rouher did not possess any. Appointed + Minister on the 2d December, he temporized, he exhibited a vague prudery, + he did not venture to install himself in the Place Vendôme. Was all that + was being done quite correct? In certain minds the doubt of success + changes into scruples of conscience. To violate every law, to perjure + oneself, to strangle Right, to assassinate the country, are all these + proceedings wholly honest? While the deed is not accomplished they + hesitate. When the deed has succeeded they throw themselves upon it. Where + there is victory there is no longer treason; nothing serves like success + to cleanse and render acceptable that unknown thing which is called crime. + During the first moments M. Rocher reserved himself. Later on he has been + one of the most violent advisers of Louis Bonaparte. It is all very + simple. His fear beforehand explains his subsequent zeal. + </p> + <p> + The truth is, that these threatening words had been spoken not by Rouher, + but by Persigny. + </p> + <p> + M. de Luynes imparted to his colleagues what was in preparation, and + warned them that they would be asked for their names in order that the + white sheep might be separated from the scarlet goats. A murmur which + seemed to be unanimous arose. These generous manifestations did honor to + the Representatives of the Right. + </p> + <p> + "No! no! Let us name no one, let us not allow ourselves to be sorted," + exclaimed M. Gustave de Beaumont. + </p> + <p> + M. de Vatimesnil added, "We have come in here all together, we ought to go + out all together." + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless a few moments afterwards Antony Thouret was informed that a + list of names was being secretly prepared, and that the Royalist + Representatives were invited to sign it. They attributed, doubtless + wrongly, this unworthy resolution to the honorable M. de Falloux. + </p> + <p> + Antony Thouret spoke somewhat warmly in the centre of the group, which + were muttering together in the dormitory. + </p> + <p> + "Gentlemen," said he, "a list of names is being prepared. This would be an + unworthy action. Yesterday at the Mairie of the Tenth Arrondissement you + said to us, 'There is no longer Left or Right; we are the Assembly.' You + believed in the victory of the People, and you sheltered yourself behind + us Republicans. Today you believe in the victory of the <i>coup d'état</i>, + and you would again become Royalists, to deliver us up, us Democrats! + Truly excellent. Very well! Pray do so." + </p> + <p> + A universal shout arose. + </p> + <p> + "No! No! No more Right or Left! All are the Assembly. The same lot for + all!" + </p> + <p> + The list which had been begun was seized and burnt. + </p> + <p> + "By decision of the Chamber," said M. de Vatimesnil, smiling. A Legitimist + Representative added,— + </p> + <p> + "Of the Chamber? No, let us say of the Chambered." + </p> + <p> + A few moments afterwards the Commissary of the fort appeared, and in + polite phrases, which, however, savored somewhat of authority, invited + each of the Representatives of the People to declare his name in order + that each might be allotted to his ultimate destination. + </p> + <p> + A shout of indignation answered him. + </p> + <p> + "No one! No one will give his name," said General Oudinot. + </p> + <p> + Gustave de Beaumont added,— + </p> + <p> + "We all bear the same name: Representatives of the People." + </p> + <p> + The Commissary saluted them and went away. + </p> + <p> + After two hours he came back. He was accompanied this time by the Chief of + the Ushers of the Assembly, a man named Duponceau, a species of arrogant + fellow with a red face and white hair, who on grand days strutted at the + foot of the Tribune with a silvered collar, a chain over his stomach, and + a sword between his legs. + </p> + <p> + The Commissary said to Duponceau,—"Do your duty." + </p> + <p> + What the Commissary meant, and what Duponceau understood by this word <i>duty</i>, + was that the Usher should denounce the Legislators. Like the lackey who + betrays his masters. + </p> + <p> + It was done in this manner. + </p> + <p> + This Duponceau dared to look in the faces of the Representatives by turn, + and he named them one after the other to a policeman, who took notes of + them. + </p> + <p> + The Sieur Duponceau was sharply castigated while holding this review. + </p> + <p> + "M. Duponceau," said M. Vatimesnil to him, "I always thought you an idiot, + but I believed you to be an honest man." + </p> + <p> + The severest rebuke was administered by Antony Thouret. He looked Sieur + Duponceau in the face, and said to him, "You deserve to be named Dupin." + </p> + <p> + The Usher in truth was worthy of being the President, and the President + was worthy of being the Usher. + </p> + <p> + The flock having been counted, the classification having been made, there + were found to be thirteen goats: ten Representatives of the Left; Eugène + Sue, Esquires, Antony Thouret, Pascal Duprat, Chanay, Fayolle, Paulin + Durrien, Benoit, Tamisier, Tailard Latérisse, and three members of the + Right, who since the preceding day had suddenly become Red in the eyes of + the <i>coups d'état</i>; Oudinot, Piscatory, and Thuriot de la Rosière. + </p> + <p> + They confined these separately, and they set at liberty one by one the + forty who remained. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. THE LIGHTNING BEGINS TO FLASH AMONGST THE PEOPLE + </h2> + <h3> + The evening wore a threatening aspect. + </h3> + <p> + Groups were formed on the Boulevards. As night advanced they grew larger + and became mobs, which speedily mingled together, and only formed one + crowd. An enormous crowd, reinforced and agitated by tributary currents + from the side-streets, jostling one against another, surging, stormy, and + whence ascended an ominous hum. This hubbub resolved itself into one word, + into one name which issued simultaneously from every mouth, and which + expressed the whole of the situation: "Soulouque!"<a href="#linknoteref-12" + name="linknote-12" id="linknote-12"><small>12</small></a> Throughout that + long line from the Madeleine to the Bastille, the roadway nearly + everywhere, except (was this on purpose?) at the Porte St. Denis and the + Porte St. Martin, was occupied by the soldiers—infantry and cavalry, + ranged in battle-order, the artillery batteries being harnessed; on the + pavements on each side of this motionless and gloomy mass, bristling with + cannon, swords, and bayonets, flowed a torrent of angry people. On all + sides public indignation prevailed. Such was the aspect of the Boulevards. + At the Bastille there was a dead calm. + </p> + <p> + At the Porte St. Martin the crowd, hemmed together and uneasy, spoke in + low tones. Groups of workmen talked in whispers. The Society of the 10th + December made some efforts there. Men in white blouses, a sort of uniform + which the police assumed during those days, said, "Let us leave them + alone; let the 'Twenty-five francs' settle it amongst themselves! They + deserted us in June, 1848; to-day let them get out of the difficulty + alone! It does not concern us!" Other blouses, blue blouses, answered + them, "We know what we have to do. This is only the beginning, wait and + see." + </p> + <p> + Others told how the barricades of the Rue Aumaire were being rebuilt, how + a large number of persons had already been killed there, how they fired + without any summons, how the soldiers were drunk, how at various points in + the district there were ambulances already crowded with killed and + wounded. All this was said seriously, without loud speaking, without + gesture, in a confidential tone. From time to time the crowd were silent + and listened, and distant firing was heard. + </p> + <p> + The groups said, "Now they are beginning to tear down the curtain." + </p> + <p> + We were holding Permanent Session at Marie's house in the Rue Croix des + Petits Champs. Promises of co-operation poured in upon us from every side. + Several of our colleagues, who had not been able to find us on the + previous day, had joined us, amongst others Emmanuel Arago, gallant son of + an illustrious father; Farconnet and Roussel (de l'Yonne), and some + Parisian celebrities, amongst whom was the young and already well-known + defender of the <i>Avénement du Peuple</i>, M. Desmarets. + </p> + <p> + Two eloquent men, Jules Favre and Alexander Rey, seated at a large table + near the window of the small room, were drawing up a Proclamation to the + National Guard. In the large room Sain, seated in an arm-chair, his feet + on the dog-irons, drying his wet boots before a huge fire, said, with that + calm and courageous smile which he wore in the Tribune, "Things are + looking badly for us, but well for the Republic. Martial law is + proclaimed; it will be carried out with ferocity, above all against us. We + are laid in wait for, followed, tracked, there is little probability that + we shall escape. To-day, to-morrow, perhaps in ten minutes, there will be + a 'miniature massacre' of Representatives. We shall be taken here or + elsewhere, shot down on the spot or killed with bayonet thrusts. They will + parade our corpses, and we must hope that that will at length raise the + people and overthrow Bonaparte. We are dead, but Bonaparte is lost." + </p> + <p> + At eight o'clock, as Emile de Girardin had promised, we received from the + printing office of the <i>Presse</i> five hundred copies of the decree of + deposition and of outlawry endorsing the judgment of the High Court, and + with all our signatures attached. It was a placard twice as large as one's + hand, and printed on paper used for proofs. Noël Parfait brought us the + five hundred copies, still damp, between his waistcoat and his shirt. + Thirty Representatives divided the bills amongst them, and we sent them on + the Boulevards to distribute the Decree to the People. + </p> + <p> + The effect of this Decree falling in the midst of the crowd was + marvellous. Some <i>cafés</i> had remained open, people eagerly snatched + the bills, they pressed round the lighted shop windows, they crowded under + the street lamps. Some mounted on kerbstones or on tables, and read aloud + the Decree.—"That is it! Bravo!" cried the people. "The signatures!" + "The signatures!" they shouted. The signatures were read out, and at each + popular name the crowd applauded. Charamaule, merry and indignant, + wandered through the groups, distributing copies of the Decree; his great + stature, his loud and bold words, the packet of handbills which he raised, + and waved above his head, caused all hands to be stretched out towards + him. "Shout 'Down with Soulouque!'" said he, "and you shall have some." + All this in the presence of the soldiers. Even a sergeant of the line, + noticing Charamaule, stretched out his hand for one of the bills which + Charamaule was distributing. "Sergeant," said Charamaule to him, "cry, + 'Down with Soulouque!'" The sergeant hesitated for a moment, and answered + "No." "Well, then," replied Charamaule, "Shout, 'Long live Soulouque.'" + This time the sergeant did not hesitate, he raised his sword, and, amid + bursts of laughter and of applause, he resolutely shouted, "Long live + Soulouque!" + </p> + <p> + The reading of the Decree added a gloomy warmth to the popular anger. They + set to work on all sides to tear down the placards of the <i>coup d'état</i>. + At the door of the Café des Variétés a young man cried out to the + officers, "You are drunk!" Some workmen on the Boulevard Bonne-Nouvelle + shook their fists at the soldiers and said, "Fire, then, you cowards, on + unarmed men! If we had guns you would throw the butts of your muskets in + the air." Charges of cavalry began to be made in front of the Café + Cardinal. + </p> + <p> + As there were no troops on the Boulevard St. Martin and the Boulevard du + Temple, the crowd was more compact pact there than elsewhere. All the + shops were shut there; the street lamps alone gave any light. Against the + gloss of the unlighted windows heads might be dimly seen peering out. + Darkness produced silence; this multitude, as we have already said, was + hushed. There was only heard a confused whispering. Suddenly a light, a + noise, an uproar burst forth from the entrance of the Rue St. Martin. + Every eye was turned in that direction; a profound upheaving agitated the + crowd; they rushed forward, they pressed against the railings of the high + pavements which border the cutting between the theatres of the Porte St. + Martin and the Ambigu. A moving mass was seen, and an approaching light. + Voices were singing. This formidable chorus was recognized, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Aux armes, Citoyens; formez vos bataillons!" +</pre> + <p> + Lighted torches were coming, it was the "Marseillaise," that other torch + of Revolution and of warfare which was blazing. + </p> + <p> + The crowd made way for the mob which carried the torches, and which were + singing. The mob reached the St. Martin cutting, and entered it. It was + then seen what this mournful procession meant. The mob was composed of two + distinct groups. The first carried on its shoulders a plank, on which + could be seen stretched an old man with a white beard, stark, the mouth + open, the eyes fixed, and with a hole in his forehead. The swinging + movement of the bearers shook the corpse, and the dead head rose and fell + in a threatening and pathetic manner. One of the men who carried him, + pale, and wounded in the breast, placed his hand to his wound, leant + against the feet of the old man, and at times himself appeared ready to + fall. The other group bore a second litter, on which a young man was + stretched, his countenance pale and his eyes closed, his shirt stained, + open over his breast, displaying his wounds. While bearing the two litters + the groups sang. They sang the "Marseillaise," and at each chorus they + stopped and raised their torches, crying, "To arms!" Some young men waved + drawn swords. The torches shed a lurid light on the pallid foreheads of + the corpses and on the livid faces of the crowd. A shudder ran through the + people. It appeared as though they again saw the terrible vision of + February, 1848. + </p> + <p> + This gloomy procession came from the Rue Aumaire. About eight o'clock some + thirty workmen gathered together from the neighborhood of the markets, the + same who on the next day raised the barricade of the Guérin-Boisseau, + reached the Rue Aumaire by the Rue de Petit Lion, the Rue + Neuve-Bourg-l'Abbé, and the Carré St. Martin. They came to fight, but here + the combat was at an end. The infantry had withdrawn after having pulled + down the barricades. Two corpses, an old man of seventy and a young man of + five-and-twenty, lay at the corner of the street on the ground, with + uncovered faces, their bodies in a pool of blood, their heads on the + pavement where they had fallen. Both were dressed in overcoats, and seemed + to belong to the middle class. The old man had his hat by his side; he was + a venerable figure with a white beard, white hair, and a calm expression. + A ball had pierced his skull. + </p> + <p> + The young man's breast was pierced with buck-shot. One was the father, the + other the son. The son, seeing his father fall, had said, "I also will + die." Both were lying side by side. + </p> + <p> + Opposite the gateway of the Conservatoire des Arts et Metiers there was a + house in course of building. They fetched two planks from it, they laid + the corpses on the planks, the crowd raised them upon their shoulders, + they brought torches, and they began their march. In the Rue St. Denis a + man in a white blouse barred the way. "Where are you going?" said he to + them. "You will bring about disasters! You are helping the 'Twenty-five + francs!'" "Down with the police! Down with the white blouse!" shouted the + crowd. The man slunk away. + </p> + <p> + The mob swelled on its road; the crowd opened out and repeated the + "Marseillaise" in chorus, but with the exception of a few swords no one + was armed. On the boulevard the emotion was intense. Women clasped their + hands in pity. Workmen were heard to exclaim, "And to think that we have + no arms!" + </p> + <p> + The procession, after having for some time followed the Boulevards, + re-entered the streets, followed by a deeply-affected and angry multitude. + In this manner it reached the Rue de Gravilliers. Then a squad of twenty + <i>sergents de ville</i> suddenly emerging from a narrow street rushed + with drawn swords upon the men who were carrying the litters, and + overturned the corpses into the mud. A regiment of Chasseurs came up at + the double, and put an end to the conflict with bayonet thrusts. A hundred + and two citizen prisoners were conducted to the Prefecture. The two + corpses received several sword-cuts in the confusion, and were killed a + second time. The brigadier Revial, who commanded the squad of the <i>sergents + de ville</i>, received the Cross of Honor for this deed of arms. + </p> + <p> + At Marie's we were on the point of being surrounded. We decided to leave + the Rue Croix des Petits Champs. + </p> + <p> + At the Elysée they commenced to tremble. The ex-Commandant Fleury, one of + the aides-de-camp of the Presidency, was summoned into the little room + where M. Bonaparte had remained throughout the day. M. Bonaparte conferred + a few moments alone with M. Fleury, then the aide-de-camp came out of the + room, mounted his horse, and galloped off in the direction of Mazas. + </p> + <p> + After this the men of the <i>coup d'état</i> met together in M. + Bonaparte's room, and held council. Matters were visibly going badly; it + was probable that the battle would end by assuming formidable proportions. + Up to that time they had desired this, now they did not feel sure that + they did not fear it. They pushed forward towards it, but they mistrusted + it. There were alarming symptoms in the steadfastness of the resistance, + and others not less serious in the cowardice of adherents. Not one of the + new Ministers appointed during the morning had taken possession of his + Ministry—a significant timidity on the part of people ordinarily so + prompt to throw themselves upon such things. M. Roulier, in particular, + had disappeared, no one knew where—a sign of tempest. Putting Louis + Bonaparte on one side, the <i>coup d'état</i> continued to rest solely + upon three names, Morny, St. Arnaud, and Maupas. St. Arnaud answered for + Magnan. Morny laughed and said in a whisper, "But does Magnan answer for + St. Arnaud?" These men adopted energetic measures, they sent for new + regiments; an order to the garrisons to march upon Paris was despatched in + the one direction as far as Cherbourg, and on the other as far as + Maubeuge. These criminals, in the main deeply uneasy, sought to deceive + each other. They assumed a cheerful countenance; all spoke of victory; + each in the background arranged for flight; in secret, and saying nothing, + in order not to give the alarm to his compromised colleagues, so as, in + case of failure, to leave the people some men to devour. For this little + school of Machiavellian apes the hopes of a successful escape lie in the + abandonment of their friends. During their flight they throw their + accomplices behind them. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-12" name="linknoteref-12" id="linknoteref-12_"><small>12</small></a> + <i>A popular nickname for Louis Bonaparte. Faustin Soulouque was the negro + Emperor of Hayti, who, when President of the Republic, had carried out a + somewhat similar <i>coup d'état</i> in 1848, being subsequently elected + Emperor. He treated the Republicans with great cruelty, putting most of + them to death.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. WHAT FLEURY WENT TO DO AT MAZAS + </h2> + <p> + During the same night towards four o'clock the approaches of the Northern + Railway Station were silently invested by two regiments; one of Chasseurs + de Vincennes, the other of <i>Gendarmerie Mobile</i>. Numerous squads of + <i>sergents de ville</i> installed themselves in the terminus. The + station-master was ordered to prepare a special train and to have an + engine ready. A certain number of stokers and engineers for night service + were retained. No explanation however was vouchsafed to any one, and + absolute secrecy was maintained. A little before six o'clock a movement + was apparent in the troops. Some <i>sergents de ville</i> came running up, + and a few minutes afterwards a squadron of Lancers emerged at a sharp trot + from the Rue du Nord. In the centre of the squadron and between the two + lines of horse-soldiers could be seen two police-vans drawn by + post-horses, behind each vehicle came a little open barouche, in which + there sat one man. At the head of the Lancers galloped the aide-de-camp + Fleury. + </p> + <p> + The procession entered the courtyard, then the railway station, and the + gates and doors were reclosed. + </p> + <p> + The two men in the barouches made themselves known to the Special + Commissary of the station, to whom the aide-de-camp Fleury spoke + privately. This mysterious convoy excited the curiosity of the railway + officials; they questioned the policemen, but these knew nothing. All that + they could tell was that these police-vans contained eight places, that in + each van there were four prisoners, each occupying a cell, and that the + four other cells were filled by four <i>sergents de ville</i> placed + between the prisoners so as to prevent any communication between the + cells. + </p> + <p> + After various consultations between the aide-de-camp of the Elysée and the + men of the Prefect Maupas, the two police-vans were placed on railway + trucks, each having behind it the open barouche like a wheeled sentry-box, + where a police agent acted as sentinel. The engine was ready, the trucks + were attached to the tender, and the train started. It was still pitch + dark. + </p> + <p> + For a long time the train sped on in the most profound silence. Meanwhile + it was freezing, in the second of the two police-vans, the <i>sergents de + ville</i>, cramped and chilled, opened their cells, and in order to warm + and stretch themselves walked up and down the narrow gangway which runs + from end to end of the police-vans. Day had broken, the four <i>sergents + de ville</i> inhaled the outside air and gazed at the passing country + through a species of port-hole which borders each side of the ceiling of + the passage. Suddenly a loud voice issued from one of the cells which had + remained closed, and cried out, "Hey! there! it is very cold, cannot I + relight my cigar here?" + </p> + <p> + Another voice immediately issued from a second cell, and said, "What! it + is you? Good-morning, Lamoricière!" + </p> + <p> + "Good-morning, Cavaignac!" replied the first voice. + </p> + <p> + General Cavaignac and General Lamoricière had just recognized each other. + </p> + <p> + A third voice was raised from a third cell. "Ah! you are there, gentlemen. + Good-morning and a pleasant journey." + </p> + <p> + He who spoke then was General Changarnier. + </p> + <p> + "Generals?" cried out a fourth voice. "I am one of you!" + </p> + <p> + The three generals recognized M. Baze. A burst of laughter came from the + four cells simultaneously. + </p> + <p> + This police-van in truth contained, and was carrying away from Paris, the + Questor Baze, and the Generals Lamoricière, Cavaignac, and Changarnier. In + the other vehicle, which was placed foremost on the trucks, there were + Colonel Charras, Generals Bedeau and Le Flô, and Count Roger (du Nord). + </p> + <p> + At midnight these eight Representative prisoners were sleeping in their + cells at Mazas, when they heard a sudden knocking at their doors, and a + voice cried out to them, "Dress, they are coming to fetch you." "Is it to + shoot us?" cried Charras from the other side of the door. They did not + answer him. It is worth remarking that this idea came simultaneously to + all. And in truth, if we can believe what has since transpired through the + quarrels of accomplices, it appears that in the event of a sudden attack + being made by us upon Mazas to deliver them, a fusillade had been resolved + upon, and that St. Arnaud had in his pocket the written order, signed + "Louis Bonaparte." + </p> + <p> + The prisoners got up. Already on the preceding night a similar notice had + been given to them. They had passed the night on their feet, and at six + o'clock in the morning the jailer said to them, "You can go to bed." The + hours passed by; they ended by thinking it would be the same as the + preceding night, and many of them, hearing five o'clock strike from the + clock tower inside the prison, were going to get back into bed, when the + doors of their cells were opened. All the eight were taken downstairs one + by one into the clerk's office in the Rotunda, and were then ushered into + the police-van without having met or seen each other during the passage. A + man dressed in black, with an impertinent bearing, seated at a table with + pen in hand, stopped them on their way, and asked their names. "I am no + more disposed to tell you my name than I am curious to learn yours," + answered General Lamoricière, and he passed outside. + </p> + <p> + The aide-de-camp Fleury, concealing his uniform under his hooded cloak, + stationed himself in the clerk's office. He was charged, to use his own + words, to "embark" them, and to go and report their "embarkation" at the + Elysée. The aide-de-camp Fleury had passed nearly the whole of his + military career in Africa in General Lamoricière's division; and it was + General Lamoricière who in 1848, then being Minister of War, had promoted + him to the rank of major. While passing through the clerk's office, + General Lamoricière looked fixedly at him. + </p> + <p> + When they entered the police-vans the generals were smoking cigars. They + took them from them. General Lamoricière had kept his. A voice from + outside cried three separate times, "Stop his smoking!" A <i>sergent de + ville</i> who was standing by the door of the cell hesitated for some + time, but however ended by saying to the general, "Throw away your cigar." + </p> + <p> + Thence later on ensued the exclamation which caused General Cavaignac to + recognize General Lamoricière. The vehicles having been loaded they set + off. + </p> + <p> + They did not know either with whom they were or where they were going. + Each observed for himself in his box the turnings of the streets, and + tried to speculate. Some believed that they were being taken to the + Northern Railway Station; others thought to the Havre Railway Station. + They heard the trot of the escort on the paving-stones. + </p> + <p> + On the railway the discomfort of the cells greatly increased. General + Lamoricière, encumbered with a parcel and a cloak, was still more jammed + in than the others. He could not move, the cold seized him, and he ended + by the exclamation which put all four of them in communication with each + other. + </p> + <p> + On hearing the names of the prisoners their keepers, who up to that time + had been rough, became respectful. "I say there," said General + Changarnier, "open our cells, and let us walk up and down the passage like + yourselves." "General," said a <i>sergent de ville</i>, "we are forbidden + to do so. The Commissary of Police is behind the carriage in a barouche, + whence he sees everything that is taking place here." Nevertheless, a few + moments afterwards, the keepers, under pretext of cold, pulled up the + ground-glass window which closed the vehicle on the side of the + Commissary, and having thus "blocked the police," as one of them remarked, + they opened the cells of the prisoners. + </p> + <p> + It was with great delight that the four Representatives met again and + shook hands. Each of these three generals at this demonstrative moment + maintained the character of his temperament. Lamoricière, impetuous and + witty, throwing himself with all his military energy upon "the Bonaparte;" + Cavaignac, calm and cold; Changarnier, silent and looking out through the + port-hole at the landscape. The <i>sergents de ville</i> ventured to put + in a word here and there. One of them related to the prisoners that the + ex-Prefect Carlier had spent the night of the First and Second at the + Prefecture of Police. "As for me," said he, "I left the Prefecture at + midnight, but I saw him up to that hour, and I can affirm that at midnight + he was there still." + </p> + <p> + They reached Creil, and then Noyon. At Noyon they gave them some + breakfast, without letting them get out, a hurried morsel and a glass of + wine. The Commissaries of Police did not open their lips to them. Then the + carriages were reclosed, and they felt they were being taken off the + trucks and being replaced on the wheels. Post horses arrived, and the + vehicles set out, but slowly; they were now escorted by a company of + infantry <i>Gendarmerie Mobile</i>. + </p> + <p> + When they left Noyon they had been ten hours in the police-van. Meanwhile + the infantry halted. They asked permission to get out for a moment "We + consent," said one of the Commissaries of the Police, "but only for a + minute, and on condition that you will give your word of honor not to + escape." "We will give our word of honor," replied the prisoners. + "Gentlemen," continued the Commissary, "give it to me only for one minute, + the time to drink a glass of water." "No," said General Lamoricière, "but + the time to do the contrary," and he added, "To Louis Bonaparte's health." + They allowed them to get out, one by one, and they were, able to inhale + for a moment the fresh air in the open country by the side of the road. + </p> + <p> + Then the convoy resumed its march. + </p> + <p> + As the day waned they saw through their port-hole a mass of high walls, + somewhat overtopped by a great round tower. A moment afterwards the + carriages entered beneath a low archway, and then stopped in the centre of + a long courtyard, steeply embanked, surrounded by high walls, and + commanded by two buildings, of which one had the appearance of a barrack, + and the other, with bars at all the windows, had the appearance of a + prison. The doors of the carriages were opened. An officer who wore a + captain's epaulets was standing by the steps. General Changarnier came + down first. "Where are we?" said he. The officer answered, "You are at + Ham." + </p> + <p> + This officer was the Commandant of the Fort. He had been appointed to this + post by General Cavaignac. + </p> + <p> + The journey from Noyon to Ham had lasted three hours and a half. They had + spent thirteen hours in the police van, of which ten were on the railway. + </p> + <p> + They led them separately into the prison, each to the room that was + allotted to him. However, General Lamoricière having been taken by mistake + into Cavaignac's room, the two generals could again exchange a shake of + the hand. General Lamoricière wished to write to his wife; the only letter + which the Commissaries of Police consented to take charge of was a note + containing this line: "I am well." + </p> + <p> + The principal building of the prison of Ham is composed of a story above + the ground floor. The ground floor is traversed by a dark and low archway, + which leads from the principal courtyard into a back yard, and contains + three rooms separated by a passage; the first floor contains five rooms. + One of the three rooms on the ground floor is only a little ante-room, + almost uninhabitable; there they lodged M. Baze. In the remaining lower + chambers they installed General Lamoricière and General Changarnier. The + five other prisoners were distributed in the five rooms of the first + floor. + </p> + <p> + The room allotted to General Lamoricière had been occupied in the time of + the captivity of the Ministers of Charles X. by the ex-Minister of Marine, + M. d'Haussez. It was a low, damp room, long uninhabited, and which had + served as a chapel, adjoining the dreary archway which led from one + courtyard to the other, floored with great planks slimy and mouldy, to + which the foot adhered, papered with a gray paper which had turned green, + and which hung in rags, exuding saltpetre from the floor to the ceiling, + lighted by two barred windows looking on to the courtyard, which had + always to be left open on account of the smoky chimney. At the bottom of + the room was the bed, and between the windows a table and two + straw-bottomed chairs. The damp ran down the walls. When General + Lamoricière left this room he carried away rheumatism with him; M. de + Haussez went out crippled. + </p> + <p> + When the eight prisoners had entered their rooms, the doors were shut upon + them; they heard the bolts shot from outside, and they were told: "You are + in close confinement." + </p> + <p> + General Cavaignac occupied on the first floor the former room of M. Louis + Bonaparte, the best in the prison. The first thing which struck the eye of + the General was an inscription traced on the well, and stating the day + when Louis Bonaparte had entered this fortress, and the day when he had + left it, as is well known, disguised as a mason, and with a plank on his + shoulder. Moreover, the choice of this building was an attention on the + part of M. Louis Bonaparte, who having in 1848 taken the place of General + Cavaignac in power; wished that in 1851 General Cavaignac should take his + place in prison. + </p> + <p> + "Turn and turn about!" Morny had said, smiling. + </p> + <p> + The prisoners were guarded by the 48th of the Line, who formed the + garrison at Ham. The old Bastilles are quite impartial. They obey those + who make <i>coups d'état</i> until the day when they clutch them. What do + these words matter to them, Equity, Truth, Conscience, which moreover in + certain circles do not move men any more than stones? They are the cold + and gloomy servants of the just and of the unjust. They take whatever is + given them. All is good to them. Are they guilty? Good! Are they innocent? + Excellent! This man is the organizer of an ambush. To prison! This man is + the victim of an ambush! Enter him in the prison register! In the same + room. To the dungeon with all the vanquished! + </p> + <p> + These hideous Bastilles resemble that old human justice which possessed + precisely as much conscience as they have, which condemned Socrates and + Jesus, and which also takes and leaves, seizes and releases, absolves and + condemns, liberates and incarcerates, opens and shuts, at the will of + whatever hand manipulates the bolt from outside. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. THE END OF THE SECOND DAY + </h2> + <p> + We left Marie's house just in time. The regiment charged to track us and + to arrest us was approaching. We heard the measured steps of soldiers in + the gloom. The streets were dark. We dispersed. I will not speak of a + refuge which was refused to us. + </p> + <p> + Less than ten minutes after our departure M. Marie's house was invested. A + swarm of guns and swords poured in, and overran it from cellar to attic. + "Everywhere! everywhere!" cried the chiefs. The soldiers sought us with + considerable energy. Without taking the trouble to lean down and look, + they ransacked under the beds with bayonet thrusts. Sometimes they had + difficulty in withdrawing the bayonets which they had driven into the + wall. Unfortunately for this zeal, we were not there. + </p> + <p> + This zeal came frown higher sources. The poor soldiers obeyed. "Kill the + Representatives," such were their instructions. It was at that moment when + Morny sent this despatch to Maupas: "If you take Victor Hugo, do what you + like with him." These were their politest phrases. Later on the <i>coup + d'état</i> in its decree of banishment, called us "those individuals," + which caused Schoelcher to say these haughty words: "These people do not + even know how to exile politely." + </p> + <p> + Dr. Véron who publishes in his "Mémoires" the Morny-Maupas despatch, adds: + "M. du Maupas sent to look for Victor Hugo at the house of his + brother-in-law, M. Victor Foucher, Councillor to the Court of Cassation. + He did not find him." + </p> + <p> + An old friend, a man of heart and of talent, M. Henry d'E——, + had offered me a refuge in rooms which he occupied in the Rue Richelieu; + these rooms adjoining the Théâtre Français, were on the first floor of a + house which, like M. Grévy's residence, had an exit into the Rue Fontaine + Molière. + </p> + <p> + I went there. M. Henry d'E—— being from home, his porter was + awaiting me, and handed me the key. + </p> + <p> + A candle lighted the room which I entered. There was a table near the + fire, a blotting-book, and some paper. It was past midnight, and I was + somewhat tired; but before going to bed, foreseeing that if I should + survive this adventure I should write its history, I resolved immediately + to note down some details of the state of affairs in Paris at the end of + this day, the second of the <i>coup d'état</i>. I wrote this page, which I + reproduce here, because it is a life-like portrayal—a sort of direct + photograph:— + </p> + <p> + "Louis Bonaparte has invented something which he calls a 'Consultative + Committee,' and which he commissions to draw up the postscript of his + crimes. + </p> + <p> + "Léon Foucher refuses to be in it; Montalember hesitates; Baroche accepts. + </p> + <p> + "Falloux despises Dupin. + </p> + <p> + "The first shots were fired at the Record Office. In the Markets in the + Rue Rambuteau, in the Rue Beaubourg I heard firing. + </p> + <p> + "Fleury, the aide-de-camp, ventured to pass down the Rue Montmartre. A + musket ball pierced his képi. He galloped quickly off. At one o'clock the + regiments were summoned to vote on the <i>coup d'état</i>. All gave their + adhesion. The students of law and medicine assembled together at the Ecole + de Droit to protest. The Municipal Guards dispersed them. There were a + great many arrests. This evening, patrols are everywhere. Sometimes an + entire regiment forms a patrol. + </p> + <p> + "Representative Hespel, who is six feet high, was not able to find a cell + long enough for him at Mazas, and he has been obliged to remain in the + porter's lodge, where he is carefully watched. + </p> + <p> + "Mesdames Odilon Barrot and de Tocqueville do not know where their + husbands are. They go from Mazas to Mont Valérien. The jailers are dumb. + It is the 19th Light Infantry which attacked the barricade when Baudin was + killed. Fifty men of the <i>Gendarmerie Mobile</i> have carried at the + double the barricade of the Oratoire in the Rue St. Honoré. Moreover, the + conflict reveals itself. They sound the tocsin at the Chapelle Bréa. One + barricade overturned sets twenty barricades on their feet. There is the + barricade of the Schools in the Rue St. André des Arts, the barricade of + the Rue du Temple, the barricade of the Carrefour Phélippeaux defended by + twenty young men who have all been killed; they are reconstructing it; the + barricade of the Rue de Bretagne, which at this moment Courtigis is + bombarding. There is the barricade of the Invalides, the barricade of the + Barrière des Martyres, the barricade of the Chapelle St. Denis. The + councils of war are sitting in permanence, and order all prisoners to be + shot. The 30th of the Line have shot a woman. Oil upon fire. + </p> + <p> + "The colonel of the 49th of the Line has resigned. Louis Bonaparte has + appointed in his place Lieutenant Colonel Négrier. M. Brun, Officer of the + Police of the Assembly, was arrested at the same time as the Questors. + </p> + <p> + "It is said that fifty members of the majority have signed a protest at M. + Odilon Barrot's house. + </p> + <p> + "This evening there is an increasing uneasiness at the Elysée. + Incendiarism is feared. Two battalions of engineer-sappers have reinforced + the Fire Brigade. Maupas has placed guards over the gasometers. + </p> + <p> + "Here are the military talons by which Paris has been grasped:—Bivouacs + at all the strategical points. At the Pont Neuf and the Quai aux Fleurs, + the Municipal Guards; at the Place de la Bastille twelve pieces of cannon, + three mortars, lighted matches; at the corner of the Faubourg the + six-storied houses are occupied by soldiers from top to bottom; the + Marulaz brigade at the Hôtel de Ville; the Sauboul brigade at the + Panthéon; the Courtigis brigade at the Faubourg St. Antoine; the Renaud + division at the Faubourg St. Marceau. At the Legislative Palace the + Chasseurs de Vincennes, and a battalion of the 15th Light Infantry; in the + Champs Elysées infantry and cavalry; in the Avenue Marigny artillery. + Inside the circus is an entire regiment; it has bivouacked there all + night. A squadron of the Municipal Guard is bivouacking in the Place + Dauphine. A bivouac in the Council of State. A bivouac in the courtyard of + the Tuileries. In addition, the garrisons of St. Germain and of + Courbevoie. Two colonels killed, Loubeau, of the 75th, and Quilio. On all + sides hospital attendants are passing, bearing litters. Ambulances are + everywhere; in the Bazar de l'Industry (Boulevard Poissionière); in the + Salle St. Jean at the Hôtel de Ville; in the Rue du Petit Carreau. In this + gloomy battle nine brigades are engaged. All have a battery of artillery; + a squadron of cavalry maintains the communications between the brigades; + forty thousand men are taking part in the struggle; with a reserve of + sixty thousand men; a hundred thousand soldiers upon Paris. Such is the + Army of the Crime. The Reibell brigade, the first and second Lancers, + protect the Elysée. The Ministers are all sleeping at the Ministry of the + Interior, close by Morny. Morny watches, Magnan commands. To-morrow will + be a terrible day." + </p> + <p> + This page written, I went to bed, and fell asleep. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0034" id="link2H_4_0034"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE THIRD DAY—THE MASSACRE. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. THOSE WHO SLEEP AND HE WHO DOES NOT SLEEP + </h2> + <p> + During this night of the 3d and 4th of December, while we who were + overcome with fatigue and betrothed to calamity slept an honest slumber, + not an eye was closed at the Elysée. An infamous sleeplessness reigned + there. Towards two o'clock in the morning the Comte Roguet, after Morny + the most intimate of the confidants of the Elysée, an ex-peer of France + and a lieutenant-general, came out of Louis Bonaparte's private room; + Roguet was accompanied by Saint-Arnaud. Saint-Arnaud, it may be + remembered, was at that time Minister of War. + </p> + <p> + Two colonels were waiting in the little ante-room. + </p> + <p> + Saint-Arnaud was a general who had been a supernumerary at the Ambigu + Theatre. He had made his first appearance as a comedian in the suburbs. A + tragedian later on. He may be described as follows:—tall, bony, + thin, angular, with gray moustaches, lank air, a mean countenance. He was + a cut-throat, and badly educated. Morny laughed at him for his + pronunciation of the "Sovereign People." "He pronounces the word no better + than he understands the thing," said he. The Elysée, which prides itself + upon its refinement, only half-accepted Saint-Arnaud. His bloody side had + caused his vulgar side to be condoned. Saint-Arnaud was brave, violent, + and yet timid; he had the audacity of a gold-laced veteran and the + awkwardness of a man who had formerly been "down upon his luck." We saw + him one day in the tribune, pale, stammering, but daring. He had a long + bony face, and a distrust-inspiring jaw. His theatrical name was Florivan. + He was a strolling player transformed into a trooper. He died Marshal of + France. An ill-omened figure. + </p> + <p> + The two colonels who awaited Saint-Arnaud in the anteroom were two + business-like men, both leaders of those decisive regiments which at + critical times carry the other regiments with them, according to their + instructions, into glory, as at Austerlitz, or into crime, as on the + Eighteenth Brumaire. These two officers belonged to what Morny called "the + cream of indebted and free-living colonels." We will not mention their + names here; one is dead, the other is still living; he will recognize + himself. Besides, we have caught a glimpse of them in the first pages of + this book. + </p> + <p> + One, a man of thirty-eight, was cunning, dauntless, ungrateful, three + qualifications for success. The Duc d'Aumale had saved his life in the + Aurés. He was then a young captain. A ball had pierced his body; he fell + into a thicket; the Kabyles rushed up to cut off and carry away his head, + when the Duc d'Aumale arriving with two officers, a soldier, and a bugler, + charged the Kabyles and saved this captain. Having saved him, he loved + him. One was grateful, the other was not. The one who was grateful was the + deliverer. The Duc d'Aumale was pleased with this young captain for having + given him an opportunity for a deed of gallantry. He made him a major; in + 1849 this major became lieutenant-colonel, and commanded a storming column + at the siege of Rome; he then came back to Africa, where Fleury bought him + over at the same time as Saint-Arnaud. Louis Bonaparte made him colonel in + July, 1851, and reckoned upon him. In November this colonel of Louis + Bonaparte wrote to the Duc d'Aumale, "Nothing need be apprehended from + this miserable adventurer." In December he commanded one of the massacring + regiments. Later on, in the Dobrudscha, an ill-used horse turned upon him + and bit off his cheek, so that there was only room on his face for one + slap. + </p> + <p> + The other man was growing gray, and was about forty-eight. He also was a + man of pleasure and of murder. Despicable as a citizen; brave as a + soldier. He was one of the first who had sprung into the breach at + Constantine. Plenty of bravery and plenty of baseness. No chivalry but + that of the green cloth. Louis Bonaparte had made him colonel in 1851. His + debts had been twice paid by two Princes; the first time by the Duc + d'Orléans, the second time by the Duc de Némours. + </p> + <p> + Such were these colonels. + </p> + <p> + Saint-Arnaud spoke to them for some time in a low tone. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE + </h2> + <p> + As soon as it was daylight we had assembled in the house of our imprisoned + colleague, M. Grévy. We had been installed in his private room. Michel de + Bourges and myself were seated near the fireplace; Jules Favre and Carnot + were writing, the one at a table near the window, the other at a high + desk. The Left had invested us with discretionary powers. It became more + and more impossible at every moment to meet together again in session. We + drew up in its name and remitted to Hingray, so that he might print it + immediately, the following decree, compiled on the spur of the moment by + Jules Favre:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "FRENCH REPUBLIC. + + "<i>Liberty, Equality, Fraternity</i>. + + "The undersigned Representatives of the People who still remain at + liberty, having met together in an Extraordinary Permanent Session, + considering the arrest of the majority of their colleagues, considering + the urgency of the moment; + + "Seeing that the crime of Louis Napoleon Bonaparte in violently + abolishing the operations of the Public Powers has reinstated the + Nation in the direct exercise of its sovereignty, and that all which + fetters that sovereignty at the present time should he annulled; + + "Seeing that all the prosecutions commenced, all the sentences + pronounced, by what right soever, on account of political crimes or + offences are quashed by the imprescriptible right of the People; + + "DECREE: + + "ARTICLE I. All prosecutions which have begun, and all sentences which + have been pronounced, for political crimes or offences are annulled as + regards all their civil or criminal effects. + + "ARTICLE II. Consequently, all directors of jails or of houses of + detention are enjoined immediately to set at liberty all persons + detained in prison for the reasons above indicated. + + "ARTICLE III. All magistrates' officers and officers of the judiciary + police are similarly enjoined, under penalty of treason, to annul all + the prosecutions which have been begun for the same causes. + + "ARTICLE IV. The police functionaries and agents are charged with the + execution of the present decree. + + "Given at Paris, in Permanent Session, on the 4th December, 1851." +</pre> + <p> + Jules Favre, as he passed me the decree for my signature, said to me, + smiling, "Let us set your sons and your friends at liberty." "Yes," said + I, "four combatants the more on the barricades." The Representative + Duputz, a few hours later, received from our hands a duplicate of the + decree, with the charge to take it himself to the Concièrgerie as soon as + the surprise which we premeditated upon the Prefecture of Police and the + Hôtel de Ville should have succeeded. Unhappily this surprise failed. + </p> + <p> + Landrin came in. His duties in Paris in 1848 had enabled him to know the + whole body of the political and municipal police. He warned us that he had + seen suspicious figures roving about the neighborhood. We were in the Rue + Richelieu, almost opposite the Théâtre Français, one of the points where + passers-by are most numerous, and in consequence one of the points most + carefully watched. The goings and comings of the Representatives who were + communicating with the Committee, and who came in and out unceasingly, + would be inevitably noticed, and would bring about a visit from the + Police. The porters and the neighbors already manifested an evil-boding + surprise. We ran, so Landrin declared and assured us, the greatest danger. + "You will be taken and shot," said he to us. + </p> + <p> + He entreated us to go elsewhere. M. Grévy's brother, consulted by us, + stated that he could not answer for the people of his house. + </p> + <p> + But what was to be done? Hunted now for two days, we had exhausted the + goodwill of nearly everybody, one refuge had been refused on the preceding + evening, and at this moment no house was offered to us. Since the night of + the 2d we had changed our refuge seventeen times, at times going from one + extremity of Paris to the other. We began to experience some weariness. + Besides, as I have already said, the house where we were had this signal + advantage—a back outlet upon the Rue Fontaine-Molière. We decided to + remain. Only we thought we ought to take precautionary measures. + </p> + <p> + Every species of devotion burst forth from the ranks of the Left around + us. A noteworthy member of the Assembly—a man of rare mind and of + rare courage—Durand-Savoyat—who from the preceding evening + until the last day constituted himself our doorkeeper, and even more than + this, our usher and our attendant, himself had placed a bell on our table, + and had said to us, "When you want me, ring, and I will come in." Wherever + we went, there was he. He remained in the ante-chamber, calm, impassive, + silent, with his grave and noble countenance, his buttoned frock coat, and + his broad-brimmed hat, which gave him the appearance of an Anglican + clergyman. He himself opened the entrance door, scanned the faces of those + who came, and kept away the importunate and the useless. Besides, he was + always cheerful, and ready to say unceasingly, "Things are looking well." + We were lost, yet he smiled. Optimism in Despair. + </p> + <p> + We called him in. Landrin set forth to him his misgivings. We begged + Durand-Savoyat in future to allow no one to remain in the apartments, not + even the Representatives of the People, to take note of all news and + information, and to allow no one to penetrate to us but men who were + indispensable, in short, as far as possible, to send away every one in + order that the goings and comings might cease. Durand-Savoyat nodded his + head, and went back into the ante-chamber, saying, "It shall be done." He + confined himself of his own accord to these two formulas; for us, "Things + are looking well," for himself, "It shall be done." "It shall be done," a + noble manner in which to speak of duty. + </p> + <p> + Landrin and Durand-Savoyat having left, Michel de Bourges began to speak. + </p> + <p> + "The artifice of Louis Bonaparte, imitator of his uncle in this as in + everything," said Michel de Bourges, "had been to throw out in advance an + appeal to the People, a vote to be taken, a plebiscitum, in short, to + create a Government in appearance at the very moment when he overturned + one. In great crises, where everything totters and seems ready to fall, a + People has need to lay hold of something. Failing any other support, it + will take the sovereignty of Louis Bonaparte. Well, it was necessary that + a support should be offered to the people, by us, in the form of its own + sovereignty. The Assembly," continued Michel de Bourges, "was, as a fact, + dead. The Left, the popular stump of this hated Assembly, might suffice + for the situation for a few days. No more. It was necessary that it should + be reinvigorated by the national sovereignty. It was therefore important + that we also should appeal to universal suffrage, should oppose vote to + vote, should raise erect the Sovereign People before the usurping Prince, + and should immediately convoke a new Assembly." Michel de Bourges proposed + a decree. + </p> + <p> + Michel de Bourges was right. Behind the victory of Louis Bonaparte could + be seen something hateful, but something which was familiar—the + Empire; behind the victory of the Left there was obscurity. We must bring + in daylight behind us. That which causes the greatest uneasiness to + people's imagination is the dictatorship of the Unknown. To convoke a new + Assembly as soon as possible, to restore France at once into the hands of + France, this was to reassure people's minds during the combat, and to + rally them afterwards; this was the true policy. + </p> + <p> + For some time, while listening to Michel de Bourges and Jules Favre, who + supported him, we fancied we heard, in the next room, a murmur which + resembled the sound of voices. Jules Favre had several times exclaimed, + "Is any one there?" + </p> + <p> + "It is not possible," was the answer. "We have instructed Durand-Savoyat + to allow no one to remain there." And the discussion continued. + Nevertheless the sound of voices insensibly increased, and ultimately grew + so distinct that it became necessary to see what it meant. Carnot half + opened the door. The room and the ante-chamber adjoining the room where we + were deliberating were filled with Representatives, who were peaceably + conversing. + </p> + <p> + Surprised, we called in Durand-Savoyat. + </p> + <p> + "Did you not understand us?" asked Michel de Bourges. + </p> + <p> + "Yes, certainly," answered Durand-Savoyat. + </p> + <p> + "This house is perhaps marked," resumed Carnot; "we are in danger of being + taken." + </p> + <p> + "And killed upon the spot," added Jules Favre, smiling with his calm + smile. + </p> + <p> + "Exactly so," answered Durand-Savoyat, with a look still quieter than + Jules Favre's smile. "The door of this inner room is shrouded in the + darkness, and is little noticeable. I have detained all the + Representatives who have come in, and have placed them in the larger room + and in the ante-chamber, whichever they have wished. A species of crowd + has thus been formed. If the police and the troops arrive, I shall say to + them, 'Here we are.' They will take us. They will not perceive the door of + the inner room, and they will not reach you. We shall pay for you. If + there is any one to be killed, they will content themselves with us." + </p> + <p> + And without imagining that he had just uttered the words of a hero, + Durand-Savoyat went back to the antechamber. + </p> + <p> + We resumed our deliberation on the subject of a decree. We were + unanimously agreed upon the advantage of an immediate convocation of a New + Assembly. But for what date? Louis Bonaparte had appointed the 20th of + December for his Plebiscitum; we chose the 21st. Then, what should we call + this Assembly? Michel de Bourges strongly advocated the title of "National + Convention," Jules Favre that its name should be "Constituent Assembly," + Carnot proposed the title of "Sovereign Assembly," which, awakening no + remembrances, would leave the field free to all hopes. The name of + "Sovereign Assembly" was adopted. + </p> + <p> + The decree, the preamble of which Carnot insisted upon writing from my + dictation, was drawn up in these terms. It is one of those which has been + printed and placarded. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "DECREE. + + "The crime of Louis Bonaparte imposes great duties upon the + Representatives of the People remaining at liberty. + + "Brute force seeks to render the fulfilment of these duties impossible. + + "Hunted, wandering from refuge to refuge, assassinated in the streets, + the Republican Representatives deliberate and act, notwithstanding the + infamous police of the <i>coup d'état</i>. + + "The outrage of Louis Napoleon, in overturning all the Public Powers, + has only left one authority standing,—the supreme authority,—the + authority of the people: Universal Suffrage. + + "It is the duty of the Sovereign People to recapture and reconstitute + all the social forces which to-day are dispersed. + + "Consequently, the Representatives of the People decree:— + + "ARTICLE I.—The People are convoked on the 21st December, 1851, for + the election of a Sovereign Assembly. + + "ARTICLE II.—The election will take place by Universal Suffrage, + according to the formalities determined by the decree of the + Provisional Government of March 5, 1848. + + "Given at Paris, in Permanent Session, December 4, 1851." +</pre> + <p> + As I finished signing this decree, Durand-Savoyat entered and whispered to + me that a woman had asked for me, and was waiting in the ante-chamber. I + went out to her. It was Madame Charassin. Her husband had disappeared. The + Representative Charassin, a political economist, an agriculturist, a man + of science, was at the same time a man of great courage. We had seen him + on the preceding evening at the most perilous points. Had he been + arrested? Madame Charassin came to ask me if we knew where he was. I was + ignorant. She went to Mazas to make inquiries for him there. A colonel who + simultaneously commanded in the army and in the police, received her, and + said, "I can only permit you to see your husband on one condition." "What + is that?" "You will talk to him about nothing." "What do you mean + Nothing?" "No news, no politics." "Very well." "Give me your word of + honor." And she had answered him, "How is it that you wish me to give you + my word of honor, since I should decline to receive yours?" + </p> + <p> + I have since seen Charassin in exile. + </p> + <p> + Madame Charassin had just left me when Théodore Bac arrived. He brought us + the protest of the Council of State. + </p> + <p> + Here it is:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "PROTEST OF THE COUNCIL OF STATE. + + "The undersigned members of the Council of State, elected by the + Constituent and Legislative Assemblies, having assembled together, + notwithstanding the decree of the 2d of December, at their usual place, + and having found it surrounded by an armed force, which prohibited their + access thereto, protest against the decree which has pronounced the + dissolution of the Council of State, and declare that they only ceased + their functions when hindered by force. + + "Paris, this 3d December, 1851. + + "Signed: BETHMONT, VIVIEN, BUREAU DE PUZY, ED. CHARTON, CUVIER, DE + RENNEVILLE, HORACE SAY, BOULATIGNIER, GAUTIER DE RUMILLY, DE JOUVENCEL, + DUNOYER, CARTERET, DE FRESNE, BOUCHENAY-LEFER, RIVET, BOUDET, CORMENIN, + PONS DE L'HERAULT." +</pre> + <p> + Let us relate the adventure of the Council of State. + </p> + <p> + Louis Bonaparte had driven away the Assembly by the Army, and the High + Court of Justice by the Police; he expelled the Council of State by the + porter. + </p> + <p> + On the morning of the 2d of December, at the very hour at which the + Representatives of the Right had gone from M. Daru's to the Mairie of the + Tenth Arrondissement, the Councillors of State betook themselves to the + Hotel on the Quai d'Orsay. They went in one by one. + </p> + <p> + The quay was thronged with soldiers. A regiment was bivouacking there with + their arms piled. + </p> + <p> + The Councillors of State soon numbered about thirty. They set to work to + deliberate. A draft protest was drawn up. At the moment when it was about + to be signed the porter came in, pale and stammering. He declared that he + was executing his orders, and he enjoined them to withdraw. + </p> + <p> + Upon this several Councillors of State declared that, indignant as they + were, they could not place their signatures beside the Republican + signatures. + </p> + <p> + A means of obeying the porter. + </p> + <p> + M. Bethmont, one of the Presidents of the Council of State, offered the + use of his house. He lived in the Rue Saint-Romain. The Republican members + repaired there, and without discussion signed the protocol which has been + given above. + </p> + <p> + Some members who lived in the more distant quarters had not been able to + come to the meeting. The youngest Councillor of State, a man of firm heart + and of noble mind, M. Edouard Charton, undertook to take the protest to + his absent colleagues. + </p> + <p> + He did this, not without serious risk, on foot, not having been able to + obtain a carriage, and he was arrested by the soldiery and threatened with + being searched, which would have been highly dangerous. Nevertheless he + succeeded in reaching some of the Councillors of State. Many signed, Pons + de l'Hérault resolutely, Cormenin with a sort of fever, Boudet after some + hesitation. M. Boudet trembled, his family were alarmed, they heard + through the open window the discharge of artillery. Charton, brave and + calm, said to him, "Your friends, Vivien, Rivet, and Stourm have signed." + Boullet signed. + </p> + <p> + Many refused, one alleging his great age, another the <i>res angusta domi</i>, + a third "the fear of doing the work of the Reds." "Say 'fear,' in short," + replied Charton. + </p> + <p> + On the following day, December 3d, MM. Vivien and Bethmont took the + protest to Boulay de la Meurthe, Vice-President of the Republic, and + President of the Council of State, who received them in his dressing-gown, + and exclaimed to them, "Be off! Ruin yourselves, if you like, but without + me." + </p> + <p> + On the morning of the 4th, M. de Cormenin erased his signature, giving + this unprecedented but authentic excuse: "The word <i>ex</i>-Councillor of + State does not look well in a book; I am afraid of injuring my publisher." + </p> + <p> + Yet another characteristic detail. M. Béhic, on the morning of the 2d, had + arrived while they were drawing up the protest. He had half opened the + door. Near the door was standing M. Gautier de Rumilly, one of the most + justly respected members of the Council of State. M. Béhic had asked M. + Gautier de Rumilly, "What are they doing? It is a crime. What are we + doing?" M. Gautier de Rumilly had answered, "A protest." Upon, this word + M. Béhic had reclosed the door, and had disappeared. He reappeared later + on under the Empire—a Minister. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. INSIDE THE ELYSEE + </h2> + <p> + During the morning Dr. Yvan met Dr. Conneau. They were acquainted. They + talked together. Yvan belonged to the Left. Conneau belonged to the + Elysée. Yvan knew through Conneau the details of what had taken place + during the night at the Elysée, which he transmitted to us. + </p> + <p> + One of these details was the following:— + </p> + <p> + An inexorable decree had been compiled, and was about to be placarded. + This decree enjoined upon all submission to the <i>coup d'état</i>. + Saint-Arnaud, who, as Minister of War, should sign the decree, had drawn + it up. He had reached the last paragraph, which ran thus: "Whoever shall + be detected constructing a barricade, posting a placard of the + ex-Representatives, or reading it, shall be...." here Saint-Arnaud had + paused; Morny had shrugged his shoulders, had snatched the pen from his + hand, and written "<i>shot</i>!" + </p> + <p> + Other matters had been decided, but these were not recorded. + </p> + <p> + Various pieces of information came in in addition to these. + </p> + <p> + A National Guard, named Boillay de Dole, had formed one of the Guard at + the Elysée, on the night of the 3d and 4th. The windows of Louis + Bonaparte's private room, which was on the ground floor, were lighted up + throughout the night. In the adjoining room there was a Council of War. + From the sentry-box where he was stationed Boillay saw defined on the + windows black profiles and gesticulating shadows, which were Magnan, + Saint-Arnaud, Persigny, Fleury,—the spectres of the crime. + </p> + <p> + Korte, the General of the Cuirassiers, had been summoned, as also + Carrelet, who commanded the division which did the hardest work on the + following day, the 4th. From midnight to three o'clock in the morning + Generals and Colonels "did nothing but come and go." Even mere captains + had come there. Towards four o'clock some carriages arrived "with women." + Treason and debauchery went hand in hand. The boudoir in the palace + answered to the brothel in the barracks. + </p> + <p> + The courtyard was filled with lancers, who held the horses of the generals + who were deliberating. + </p> + <p> + Two of the women who came that night belong in a certain measure to + History. There are always feminine shadows of this sort in the background. + These women influenced the unhappy generals. Both belonged to the best + circles. The one was the Marquise of ——, she who became + enamored of her husband after having deceived him. She discovered that her + lover was not worth her husband. Such a thing does happen. She was the + daughter of the most whimsical Marshal of France, and of that pretty + Countess of —— to whom M. de Chateaubriand, after a night of + love, composed this quatrain, which may now be published—all the + personages being dead. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The Dawn peeps in at the window, she paints the sky with red; + And over our loving embraces her rosy rays are shed: + She looks on the slumbering world, love, with eyes that seem divine. + But can she show on her lips, love, a smile as sweet as thine?<a + href="#linknoteref-13" name="linknote-13" id="linknote-13">13</a> +</pre> + <p> + The smile of the daughter was as sweet as that of the mother, and more + fatal. The other was Madame K——, a Russian, fair, tall, + blonde, lighthearted, involved in the hidden paths of diplomacy, + possessing and displaying a casket full of love letters from Count Molé + somewhat of a spy, absolutely charming and terrifying. + </p> + <p> + The precautions which had been taken in case of accident were visible even + from outside. Since the preceding evening there had been seen from the + windows of the neighboring houses two post-chaises in the courtyard of the + Elysée, horsed, ready to start, the postilions in their saddles. + </p> + <p> + In the stables of the Elysée in the Rue Montaigne there were other + carriages horsed, and horses saddled and bridled. + </p> + <p> + Louis Bonaparte had not slept. During the night he had given mysterious + orders; thence when morning came there was on this pale face a sort of + appalling serenity. + </p> + <p> + The Crime grown calm was a disquieting symptom. + </p> + <p> + During the morning he had almost laughed. Morny had come into his private + room. Louis Bonaparte, having been feverish, had called in Conneau, who + joined in the conversation. People are believed to be trustworthy, + nevertheless they listen. + </p> + <p> + Morny brought the police reports. Twelve workmen of the National Printing + Office had, during the night of the Second, refused to print the decrees + and the proclamations. They had been immediately arrested. Colonel + Forestier was arrested. They had transferred him to the Fort of Bicêtre, + together with Crocé Spinelli, Genillier, Hippolyte Magen, a talented and + courageous writer, Goudounèche, a schoolmaster, and Polino. This last name + had struck Louis Bonaparte. "Who is this Polino?" Morny had answered, "An + ex-officer of the Shah of Persia's service." And he had added, "A mixture + of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza." These prisoners had been placed in + Number Six Casemate. Further questions on the part of Louis Bonaparte, + "What are these casemates?" And Morny had answered, "Cellars without air + or daylight, twenty-four mètres long, eight wide, five high, dripping + walls, damp pavements." Louis Bonaparte had asked, "Do they give them a + truss of straw?" And Morny had said, "Not yet, we shall see by and by." He + had added, "Those who are to be transported are at Bicêtre, those who are + to be shot are at Ivry." + </p> + <p> + Louis Bonaparte had inquired, "What precautions had been taken?" Morny + gave him full particulars; that guards had been placed in all the + steeples; that all printing-presses had been placed under seal; that all + the drums of the National Guard had been locked up; that there was + therefore no fear either of a proclamation emanating from a + printing-office, or of a call to arms issuing from a Mairie, or of the + tocsin ringing from a steeple. + </p> + <p> + Louis Bonaparte had asked whether all the batteries contained their full + complements, as each battery should be composed of four pieces and two + mortars. He had expressly ordered that only pieces of eight, and mortars + of sixteen centimètres in diameter should be employed. + </p> + <p> + "In truth," Morny, who was in the secret, had said, "all this apparatus + will have work to do." + </p> + <p> + Then Morny had spoken of Mazas, that there were 600 men of the Republican + Guards in the courtyard, all picked men, and who when attacked would + defend themselves to the bitter end; that the soldiers received the + arrested Representatives with shouts of laughter, and that they had gone + so far as to stare Thiers in the face; that the officers kept the soldiers + at a distance, but with discretion and with a "species of respect;" that + three prisoners were kept in solitary confinement, Greppo, Nadaud, and a + member of the Socialist Committee, Arsène Meunier. This last named + occupied No. 32 of the Sixth Division. Adjoining, in No. 30, there was a + Representative of the Right, who sobbed and cried unceasingly. This made + Arsène Meunier laugh, and this made Louis Bonaparte laugh. + </p> + <p> + Another detail. When the <i>fiacre</i> bringing M. Baze was entering the + courtyard of Mazas, it had struck against the gate, and the lamp of the <i>fiacre</i> + had fallen to the ground and been broken to pieces. The coachman, dismayed + at the damage, bewailed it. "Who will pay for this?" exclaimed he. One of + the police agents, who was in the carriage with the arrested Questor, had + said to the driver, "Don't be uneasy, speak to the Brigadier. In matters + such as this, <i>where there is a breakage</i>, it is the Government which + pays." + </p> + <p> + And Bonaparte had smiled, and muttered under his moustache, "That is only + fair." + </p> + <p> + Another anecdote from Morny also amused him. This was Cavaignac's anger on + entering his cell at Mazas. There is an aperture at the door of each cell, + called the "spy-hole," through which the prisoners are played the spy upon + unknown to themselves. The jailers had watched Cavaignac. He had begun by + pacing up and down with folded arms, and then the space being too + confined, he had seated himself on the stool in his cell. These stools are + narrow pieces of plank upon three converging legs, which pierce the seat + in the centre, and project beyond the plank, so that one is uncomfortably + seated. Cavaignac had stood up, and with a violent kick had sent the stool + to the other end of the cell. Then, furious and swearing, he had broken + with a blow of his fist the little table of five inches by twelve, which, + with the stool, formed the sole furniture of the dungeon. + </p> + <p> + This kick and fisticuff amused Louis Bonaparte. + </p> + <p> + "And Maupas is as frightened as ever," said Morny. This made Bonaparte + laugh still further. + </p> + <p> + Morny having given in his report, went away. Louis Bonaparte entered an + adjoining room; a woman awaited him there. It appears that she came to + entreat mercy for some one. Dr. Conneau heard these expressive words: + "Madam, I wink at your loves; do you wink at my hatreds." + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-13" name="linknoteref-13" id="linknoteref-13_"><small>13</small></a> + <i>The above is a free rendering of the original, which is as follows</i>:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Des rayons du matin l'horizon se colore, + Le jour vient éclairer notre tendre entretien, + Mais est-il un sourire aux lèvres de l'aurore. + Aussi doux que le tien? +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. BONAPARTE'S FAMILIAR SPIRITS + </h2> + <h3> + M. Mérimée was vile by nature, he must not be blamed for it. + </h3> + <p> + With regard to M. de Morny it is otherwise, he was more worthy; there was + something of the brigand in him. + </p> + <p> + M. de Morny was courageous. Brigandage has its sentiments of honor. + </p> + <p> + M. Mérimée has wrongly given himself out as one of the confederates of the + <i>coup d'état</i>. He had, however, nothing to boast of in this. + </p> + <p> + The truth is that M. Mérimée was in no way a confidant. Louis Bonaparte + made no useless confidences. + </p> + <p> + Let us add that it is little probable, notwithstanding some slight + evidence to the contrary, that M. Mérimée, at the date of the 2d December, + had any direct relations with Louis Bonaparte. This ensued later on. At + first Mérimée only knew Morny. + </p> + <p> + Morny and Mérimée were both intimate at the Elysée, but on a different + footing. Morny can be believed, but not Mérimée. Morny was in the great + secrets, Mérimée in the small ones. Commissions of gallantry formed his + vocation. + </p> + <p> + The familiars of the Elysée were of two kinds, the trustworthy + confederates and the courtiers. + </p> + <p> + The first of the trustworthy confederates was Morny; the first—or + the last—of the courtiers was Mérimée. + </p> + <p> + This is what made the fortune of M. Mérimée. + </p> + <p> + Crimes are only glorious during the first moment; they fade quickly. This + kind of success lacks permanency; it is necessary promptly to supplement + it with something else. + </p> + <p> + At the Elysée a literary ornament was wanted. A little savor of the + Academy is not out of place in a brigand's cavern. M. Mérimée was + available. It was his destiny to sign himself "the Empress's Jester." + Madame de Montijo presented him to Louis Bonaparte, who accepted him, and + who completed his Court with this insipid but plausible writer. + </p> + <p> + This Court was a heterogeneous collection; a dinner-wagon of basenesses, a + menagerie of reptiles, a herbal of poisons. + </p> + <p> + Besides the trustworthy confederates who were for use, and the courtiers + who were for ornament, there were the auxiliaries. + </p> + <p> + Certain circumstances called for reinforcements; sometimes these were + women, <i>the Flying Squadron</i>. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes men: Saint-Arnaud, Espinasse, Saint-George, Maupas. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes neither men nor women: the Marquis de C. + </p> + <p> + The whole troop was noteworthy. + </p> + <p> + Let us say a few words of it. + </p> + <p> + There was Vieillard the preceptor, an atheist with a tinge of Catholicism, + a good billiard player. + </p> + <p> + Vieillard was an anecdotist. He recounted smilingly the following:— + Towards the close of 1807 Queen Hortense, who of her own accord lived in + Paris, wrote to the King Louis that she could not exist any longer without + seeing him, that she could not do without him, and that she was about to + come to the Hague. The King said, "She is with child." He sent for his + minister Van Maanen, showed him the Queen's letter, and added, "She is + coming. Very good. Our two chambers communicate by a door; the Queen will + find it walled up." Louis took his royal mantle in earnest, for he + exclaimed, "A King's mantle shall never serve as coverlet to a harlot." + The minister Van Maanen, terrified, sent word of this to the Emperor. The + Emperor fell into a rage, not against Hortense, but against Louis. + Nevertheless Louis held firm; the door was not walled up, but his Majesty + was; and when the Queen came he turned his back upon her. This did not + prevent Napoleon III. from being born. + </p> + <p> + A suitable number of salvoes of cannon saluted this birth. + </p> + <p> + Such was the story which, in the summer of 1840, in the house called La + Terrasse, before witnesses, among whom was Ferdinand B——, + Marquis de la L——, a companion during boyhood of the author of + this book, was told by M. Vieillard, an ironical Bonapartist, an arrant + sceptic. + </p> + <p> + Besides Vieillard there was Vaudrey, whom Louis Bonaparte made a General + at the same time as Espinasse. In case of need a Colonel of Conspiracies + can become a General of Ambuscades. + </p> + <p> + There was Fialin,<a href="#linknoteref-14" name="linknote-14" + id="linknote-14"><small>14</small></a> the corporal who became a Duke. + </p> + <p> + There was Fleury, who was destined to the glory of travelling by the side + of the Czar on his buttocks. + </p> + <p> + There was Lacrosse, a Liberal turned Clerical, one of those Conservatives + who push order as far as the embalming, and preservation as far as the + mummy: later on a senator. + </p> + <p> + There was Larabit, a friend of Lacrosse, as much a domestic and not less a + senator. + </p> + <p> + There was Canon Coquereau, the "Abbé of La Belle-Poule." The answer is + known which he made to a princess who asked him, "What is the Elysée?" It + appears that one can say to a princess what one cannot say to a woman. + </p> + <p> + There was Hippolyte Fortoul, of the climbing genus, of the worth of a + Gustave Planche or of some Philarête Chasles, an ill-tempered writer who + had become Minister of the Marine, which caused Béranger to say, "This + Fortoul knows all the spars, including the 'greased pole.'" + </p> + <p> + There were some Auvergants there. Two. They hated each other. One had + nicknamed the other "the melancholy tinker." + </p> + <p> + There was Sainte-Beuve, a distinguished but inferior man, having a + pardonable fondness for ugliness. A great critic like Cousin is a great + philosopher. + </p> + <p> + There was Troplong, who had had Dupin for Procurator, and whom Dupin had + had for President. Dupin, Troplong; the two side faces of the mask placed + upon the brow of the law. + </p> + <p> + There was Abbatucci; a conscience which let everything pass by. To-day a + street. + </p> + <p> + There was the Abbé M——, later on Bishop of Nancy, who + emphasized with a smile the oaths of Louis Bonaparte. + </p> + <p> + There were the frequenters of a famous box at the Opera, Montg—— + and Sept——, placing at the service of an unscrupulous prince + the deep side of frivolous men. + </p> + <p> + There was Romieu—the outline of a drunkard behind a Red spectre. + </p> + <p> + There was Malitourne—not a bad friend, coarse and sincere. + </p> + <p> + There was Cuch——, whose name caused hesitation amongst the + ushers at the saloon doors. + </p> + <p> + There was Suin—a man able to furnish excellent counsel for bail + actions. + </p> + <p> + There was Dr. Veron—who had on his cheek what the other men of the + Elysée had in their hearts. + </p> + <p> + There was Mocquart—once a handsome member of the Dutch Court. + Mocquart possessed romantic recollections. He might by age, and perhaps + otherwise, have been the father of Louis Bonaparte. He was a lawyer. He + had shown himself quick-witted about 1829, at the same time as Romieu. + Later on he had published something, I no longer remember what, which was + pompous and in quarto size, and which he sent to me. It was he who in May, + 1847, had come with Prince de la Moskowa to bring me King Jérome's + petition to the Chamber of Peers. This petition requested the readmittance + of the banished Bonaparte family into France. I supported it; a good + action, and a fault which I would again commit. + </p> + <p> + There was Billault, a semblance of an orator, rambling with facility, and + making mistakes with authority, a reputed statesman. What constitutes the + statesman is a certain superior mediocrity. + </p> + <p> + There was Lavalette, completing Morny and Walewski. + </p> + <p> + There was Bacciochi. + </p> + <p> + And yet others. + </p> + <p> + It was at the inspiration of these intimate associates that during his + Presidency Louis Bonaparte, a species of Dutch Machiavelli, went hither + and thither, to the Chamber and elsewhere, to Tours, to Ham, to Dijon, + snuffling, with a sleepy air, speeches full of treason. + </p> + <p> + The Elysée, wretched as it was, holds a place in the age. The Elysée, has + engendered catastrophes and ridicule. + </p> + <p> + One cannot pass it over in silence. + </p> + <p> + The Elysée was the disquieting and dark corner of Paris. In this bad spot, + the denizens were little and formidable. They formed a family circle—of + dwarfs. They had their maxim: to enjoy themselves. They lived on public + death. There they inhaled shame, and they throve on that which kills + others. It was there that was reared up with art, purpose, industry, and + goodwill, the decadence of France. There worked the bought, fed, and + obliging public men;—read prostituted. Even literature was + compounded there as we have shown; Vieillard was a classic of 1830, Morny + created Choufleury, Louis Bonaparte was a candidate for the Academy. + Strange place. Rambouillet's hotel mingled itself with the house of + Bancal. The Elysée has been the laboratory, the counting-house, the + confessional, the alcove, the den of the reign. The Elysée assumed to + govern everything, even the morals—above all the morals. It spread + the paint on the bosom of women at the same time as the color on the faces + of the men. It set the fashion for toilette and for music. It invented the + crinoline and the operetta. At the Elysée a certain ugliness was + considered as elegance; that which makes the countenance noble was there + scoffed at, as was that which makes the soul great; the phrase, "human + face divine" was ridiculed at the Elysée, and it was there that for twenty + years every baseness was brought into fashion—effrontery included. + </p> + <p> + History, whatever may be its pride, is condemned to know that the Elysée + existed. The grotesque side does not prevent the tragic side. There is at + the Elysée a room which has seen the second abdication, the abdication + after Waterloo. It is at the Elysée that Napoleon the First ended and that + Napoleon the Third began. It is at the Elysée that Dupin appeared to the + two Napoleons; in 1815 to depose the Great, in 1851 to worship the Little. + At this last epoch this place was perfectly villainous. There no longer + remained one virtue there. At the Court of Tiberius there was still + Thraseas, but round Louis Bonaparte there was nobody. If one sought + Conscience, one found Baroche; if one sought Religion, one found + Montalembert. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-14" name="linknoteref-14" id="linknoteref-14_"><small>14</small></a> + <i>Better known afterwards as Persigny.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. A WAVERING ALLY + </h2> + <p> + During this terribly historical morning of the 4th of December, a day the + master was closely observed by his satellites, Louis Bonaparte had shut + himself up, but in doing so he betrayed himself. A man who shuts himself + up meditates, and for such men to meditate is to premeditate. What could + be the premeditation of Louis Bonaparte? What was working in his mind. + Questions which all asked themselves, two persons excepted,—Morny, + the man of thought; Saint-Arnaud, the man of action. + </p> + <p> + Louis Bonaparte claimed, justly, a knowledge of men. He prided himself + upon it, and from a certain point of view he was right. Others have the + power of divination; he had the faculty of scent. It is brute-like, but + trustworthy. + </p> + <p> + He had assuredly not been mistaken in Maupas. To pick the lock of the Law + he needed a skeleton key. He took Maupas. Nor could any burglar's + implement have answered better in the lock of the Constitution than + Maupas. Neither was he mistaken in Q.B. He saw at once that this serious + man had in him the necessary composite qualities of a rascal. And in fact, + Q.B., after having voted and signed the Deposition at the Mairie of the + Tenth Arrondissement, became one of the three reporters of the Joint + Commissions; and his share in the abominable total recorded by history + amounts to <i>sixteen hundred and thirty four victims</i>. + </p> + <p> + Louis Bonaparte, however, at times judged amiss, especially respecting + Peauger. Peauger, though chosen by him, remained an honest man. Louis + Bonaparte, mistrusting the workmen of the National Printing-Office, and + not without reason, for twelve, as has been seen, were refractory, had + improvised a branch establishment in case of emergency, a sort of State + Sub-Printing-Office, as it were, situated in the Rue de Luxembourg, with + steam and hand presses, and eight workmen. He had given the management of + it to Peauger. When the hour of the Crime arrived, and with it the + necessity of printing the nefarious placards, he sounded Peauger, and + found him rebellious. He then turned to Saint Georges, a more subservient + lackey. + </p> + <p> + He was less mistaken, but still he was mistaken, in his appreciation of X. + </p> + <p> + On the 2d of December, X., an ally thought necessary by Morny, became a + source of anxiety to Louis Bonaparte. + </p> + <p> + X. was forty-four years of age, loved women, craved promotion, and, + therefore, was not over-scrupulous. He began his career in Africa under + Colonel Combes in the forty-seventh of the line. He showed great bravery + at Constantine; at Zaatcha he extricated Herbillon, and the siege, badly + begun by Herbillon, had been brought to a successful termination by him. + X., who was a little short man, his head sunk in his shoulders, was + intrepid, and admirably understood the handling of a brigade. Bugeaud, + Lamoricière, Cavaignac, and Changarnier were his four stepping-stones to + advancement. At Paris, in 1851, he met Lamoricière, who received him + coldly, and Changarnier, who treated him better. He left Satory indignant, + exclaiming, "<i>We must finish with this Louis Bonaparte. He is corrupting + the army. These drunken soldiers make one sick at heart. I shall return to + Africa</i>." In October Changarnier's influence decreased, and X.'s + enthusiasm abated. X. then frequented the Elysée, but without giving his + adherence. He promised his support to General Bedeau, who counted upon + him. At daybreak on the 2d of December some one came to waken X. It was + Edgar Ney. X. was a prop for the <i>coup d'état</i>, but would he consent? + Edgar Ney explained the affair to him, and left him only after seeing him + leave the barracks of the Rue Verte at the head of the first regiment. X. + took up his position at the Place de la Madeleine. As he arrived there La + Rochejaquelein, thrust back from the Chamber by its invaders, crossed the + Place. La Rochejaquelein, not yet a Bonapartist, was furious. He perceived + X., his old schoolfellow at the Ecole Militaire in 1830, with whom he was + on intimate terms. He went up to him, exclaiming, "This is an infamous + act. What are you doing?" "<i>I am waiting</i>," answered X. La + Rochejaquelein left him; X. dismounted, and went to see a relation, a + Councillor of State, M.R., who lived in the Rue de Suresne. He asked his + advice. M.R., an honest man, did not hesitate. He answered, "I am going to + the Council of State to do my duty. It is a Crime." X. shook his head, and + said, "<i>We must wait and see</i>." + </p> + <p> + This <i>I am waiting</i>, and <i>We must see</i>, preoccupied Louis + Bonaparte. Morny said, "<i>Let us make use of the flying squadron</i>." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. DENIS DUSSOUBS + </h2> + <p> + Gaston Dussoubs was one of the bravest members of the Left. He was a + Representative of the Haute-Vienne. At the time of his first appearance in + the Assembly he wore, as formerly did Théophile Gautier, a red waistcoat, + and the shudder which Gautier's waistcoat caused among the men of letters + in 1830, Gaston Dussoubs' waistcoat caused among the Royalists of 1851. M. + Parisis, Bishop of Langres, who would have had no objection to a red hat, + was terrified by Gaston Dussoubs' red waistcoat. Another source of horror + to the Right was that Dussoubs had, it was said, passed three years at + Belle Isle as a political prisoner, a penalty incurred by the "Limoges + Affair." Universal Suffrage had, it would seem, taken him thence to place + him in the Assembly. To go from the prison to the Senate is certainly not + very surprising in our changeful times, although it is sometimes followed + by a return from the Senate to the prison. But the Right was mistaken, the + culprit of Limoges was, not Gaston Dussoubs, but his brother Denis. + </p> + <p> + In fine, Gaston Dussoubs inspired fear. He was witty, courageous, and + gentle. + </p> + <p> + In the summer of 1851 I went to dine every day at the Concièrgerie with my + two sons and my two imprisoned friends. These great hearts and great + minds, Vacquerie, Meurice, Charles, and François Victor, attracted men of + like quality. The livid half-light that crept in through latticed and + barred windows disclosed a family circle at which there often assembled + eloquent orators, among others Crémieux, and powerful and charming + writers, including Peyrat. + </p> + <p> + One day Michel de Bourges brought to us Gaston Dussoubs. + </p> + <p> + Gaston Dussoubs lived in the Faubourg St. Germain, near the Assembly. + </p> + <p> + On the 2d of December we did not see him at our meetings. He was ill, + "nailed down" as he wrote me, by rheumatism of the joints, and compelled + to keep his bed. + </p> + <p> + He had a brother younger than himself, whom we have just mentioned, Denis + Dussoubs. On the morning of the 4th his brother went to see him. + </p> + <p> + Gaston Dussoubs knew of the <i>coup d'état</i>, and was exasperated at + being obliged to remain in bed. He exclaimed, "I am dishonored. There will + be barricades, and my sash will not be there!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said his brother. "It will be there!" + </p> + <p> + "How?" + </p> + <p> + "Lend it to me." + </p> + <p> + "Take it." + </p> + <p> + Denis took Gaston's sash, and went away. + </p> + <p> + We shall see Denis Dussoubs later on. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. ITEMS AND INTERVIEWS + </h2> + <p> + Lamoricière on the same morning found means to convey to me by Madame de + Courbonne<a href="#linknoteref-15" name="linknote-15" id="linknote-15"><small>15</small></a> + the following information. + </p> + <p> + "—— Fortress of Ham.—The Commandant's name is Baudot. + His appointment, made by Cavaignac in 1848, was countersigned by Charras. + Both are to-day his prisoners. The Commissary of Police, sent by Morny to + the village of Ham to watch the movements of the jailer and the prisoners, + is Dufaure de Pouillac."<a href="#linknoteref-16" name="linknote-16" + id="linknote-16"><small>16</small></a> + </p> + <p> + I thought when I received this communication that the Commandant Baudot, + "the jailer," had connived at its rapid transmission. + </p> + <p> + A sign of the instability of the central power. + </p> + <p> + Lamoricière, by the same means, put me in possession of some details + concerning his arrest and that of his fellow-generals. + </p> + <p> + These details complete those which I have already given. + </p> + <p> + The arrests of the Generals were affected at the same time at their + respective homes under nearly similar circumstances. Everywhere houses + surrounded, doors opened by artifice or burst open by force, porters + deceived, sometimes garotted, men in disguise, men provided with ropes, + men armed with axes, surprises in bed, nocturnal violence. A plan of + action which resembled, as I have said, an invasion of brigands. + </p> + <p> + General Lamoricière, according to his own expression, was a sound sleeper. + Notwithstanding the noise at his door, he did not awake. His servant, a + devoted old soldier, spoke in a loud voice, and called out to arouse the + General. He even offered resistance to the police. A police agent wounded + him in the knee with a sword thrust.<a href="#linknoteref-17" + name="linknote-17" id="linknote-17"><small>17</small></a> The General was + awakened, seized, and carried away. + </p> + <p> + While passing in a carriage along the Quai Malaquais, Lamoricière noticed + troops marching by with their knapsacks on their backs. He leaned quickly + forward out of the window. The Commissary of Police thought he was about + to address the soldiers. He seized the General by the arm, and said to + him, "General, if you say a word I shall put this on you." And with the + other hand he showed him in the dim light something which proved to be a + gag. + </p> + <p> + All the Generals arrested were taken to Mazas. There they were locked up + and forgotten. At eight in the evening General Changarnier had eaten + nothing. + </p> + <p> + These arrests were not pleasant tasks for the Commissaries of Police. They + were made to drink down their shame in large draughts. Cavaignac, Leflô, + Changarnier, Bedeau, and Lamoricière did not spare them any more than + Charras did. As he was leaving, General Cavaignac took some money with + him. Before putting it in his pocket, he turned towards Colin, the + Commissary of Police who had arrested him, and said, "Will this money be + safe on me?" + </p> + <p> + The Commissary exclaimed, "Oh, General, what are you thinking of?" + </p> + <p> + "What assurance have I that you are not thieves?" answered Cavaignac. At + the same time, nearly the same moment, Charras said to Courteille, the + Commissary of Police, "Who can tell me that you are not pick-pockets?" + </p> + <p> + A few days afterwards these pitiful wretches all received the Cross of the + Legion of Honor. + </p> + <p> + This cross given by the last Bonaparte to policemen after the 2d of + December is the same as that affixed by the first Napoleon to the eagles + of the Grand Army after Austerlitz. + </p> + <p> + I communicated these details to the Committee. Other reports came in. A + few concerned the Press. Since the morning of the 4th the Press was + treated with soldierlike brutality. Serrière, the courageous printer, came + to tell us what had happened at the <i>Presse</i>. Serrière published the + <i>Presse</i> and the <i>Avénement du Peuple</i>, the latter a new name + for the <i>Evénement</i>, which had been judicially suppressed. On the 2d, + at seven o'clock in the morning, the printing-office had been occupied by + twenty-eight soldiers of the Republican Guard, commanded by a Lieutenant + named Pape (since decorated for this achievement). This man had given + Serrière an order prohibiting the printing of any article signed "Nusse." + A Commissary of Police accompanied Lieutenant Pape. This Commissary had + notified Serrière of a "decree of the President of the Republic," + suppressing the <i>Avénement du Peuple</i>, and had placed sentinels over + the presses. The workmen had resisted, and one of them said to the + soldiers, "<i>We shall print it in spite of you</i>." Then forty + additional Municipal Guards arrived, with two quarter-masters, four + corporals, and a detachment of the line, with drums at their head, + commanded by a captain. Girardin came up indignant, and protested with so + much energy that a quarter-master said to him, "<i>I should like a Colonel + of your stamp</i>." Girardin's courage communicated itself to the workmen, + and by dint of skill and daring, under the very eyes of the gendarmes, + they succeeded in printing Girardin's proclamations with the hand-press, + and ours with the brush. They carried them away wet, in small packages, + under their waistcoats. + </p> + <p> + Luckily the soldiers were drunk. The gendarmes made them drink, and the + workmen, profiting by their revels, printed. The Municipal Guards laughed, + swore and jested, drank champagne and coffee, and said, "<i>We fill the + places of the Representatives, we have twenty-five francs a day</i>." All + the printing-houses in Paris were occupied in the same manner by the + soldiery. The <i>coup d'état</i> reigned everywhere. The Crime even + ill-treated the Press which supported it. At the office of the <i>Moniteur + Parisien</i>, the police agents threatened to fire on any one who should + open a door. M. Delamare, director of the <i>Patrie</i>, had forty + Municipal Guards on his hands, and trembled lest they should break his + presses. He said to one of them, "<i>Why, I am on your side</i>." The + gendarme replied, "<i>What is that to me?</i>" + </p> + <p> + At three o'clock on the morning of the 4th all the printing-offices were + evacuated by the soldiers. The Captain said to Serrière, "We have orders + to concentrate in our own quarters." And Serrière, in announcing this + fact, added, "Something is in preparation." + </p> + <p> + I had had since the previous night several conversations with Georges + Biscarrat, an honest and brave man, of whom I shall have occasion to speak + hereafter. I had given him rendezvous at No. 19, Rue Richelieu. Many + persons came and went during this morning of the 4th from No. 15, where we + deliberated, to No. 19, where I slept. + </p> + <p> + As I left this honest and courageous man in the street I saw M. Mérimée, + his exact opposite, coming towards me. + </p> + <p> + "Oh!" said M. Mérimée, "I was looking for you." + </p> + <p> + I answered him,— + </p> + <p> + "I hope you will not find me." + </p> + <p> + He held out his hand to me, and I turned my back on him. + </p> + <p> + I have not seen him since. I believe he is dead. + </p> + <p> + In speaking one day in 1847 with Mérimée about Morny, we had the following + conversation:—Mérimée said, "M. de Morny has a great future before + him." And he asked me, "Do you know him?" + </p> + <p> + I answered,— + </p> + <p> + "Ah! he has a fine future before him! Yes, I know M. de Morny. He is a + clever man. He goes a great deal into society, and conducts commercial + operations. He started the Vieille Montagne affair, the zinc-mines, and + the coal-mines of Liège. I have the honor of his acquaintance. He is a + sharper." + </p> + <p> + There was this difference between Mérimée and myself: I despised Morny, + and he esteemed him. + </p> + <p> + Morny reciprocated his feeling. It was natural. + </p> + <p> + I waited until Mérimée had passed the corner of the street. As soon as he + disappeared I went into No. 15. + </p> + <p> + There, they had received news of Canrobert. On the 2d he went to see + Madame Leflô, that noble woman, who was most indignant at what had + happened. There was to be a ball next day given by Saint-Arnaud at the + Ministry of War. General and Madame Leflô were invited, and had made an + appointment there with General Canrobert. But the ball did not form a part + of Madame Leflô's conversation with him. "General," said she, "all your + comrades are arrested; is it possible that you give your support to such + an act?" "What I intend giving," replied Canrobert, "is my resignation + and," he added, "you may tell General Leflô so." He was pale, and walked + up and down, apparently much agitated. "Your resignation, General?" "Yes, + Madame." "Is it positive?" "Yes, Madame, if there is no riot." "General + Canrobert," exclaimed Madame Leflô, "that <i>if</i> tells me your + intentions." + </p> + <p> + Canrobert, however, had not yet taken his decision. Indeed, indecision was + one of his chief characteristics. Pelissier, who was cross-grained and + gruff, used to say, "Judge men by their names, indeed! I am christened <i>Amable</i>, + Randon <i>César</i>, and Canrobert <i>Certain</i>." + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-15" name="linknoteref-15" id="linknoteref-15_"><small>15</small></a> + <i> No. 16, Rue d'Anjou, Saint Honoré.</i> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-16" name="linknoteref-16" id="linknoteref-16_"><small>16</small></a> + <i>The author still has in his possession the note written by Lamoricière.</i> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-17" name="linknoteref-17" id="linknoteref-17_"><small>17</small></a> + <i>Later on, the wound having got worse, he was obliged to have his leg + taken off.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. THE SITUATION + </h2> + <p> + Although the fighting tactics of the Committee were, for the reasons which + I have already given, not to concentrate all their means of resistance + into one hour, or in one particular place, but to spread them over as many + points and as many days as possible, each of us knew instinctively, as + also the criminals of the Elysée on their side, that the day would be + decisive. + </p> + <p> + The moment drew near when the <i>coup d'état</i> would storm us from every + side, and when we should have to sustain the onslaught of an entire army. + Would the people, that great revolutionary populace of the faubourgs of + Paris, abandon their Representatives? Would they abandon themselves? Or, + awakened and enlightened, would they at length arise? A question more and + more vital, and which we repeated to ourselves with anxiety. + </p> + <p> + The National Guard had shown no sign of earnestness. The eloquent + proclamation, written at Marie's by Jules Favre and Alexander Rey, and + addressed in our name to the National Legions, had not been printed. + Hetzel's scheme had failed. Versigny and Lebrousse had not been able to + rejoin him; the place appointed for their meeting, the corner of the + boulevard and the Rue de Richelieu, having been continually scoured by + charges of cavalry. The courageous effort of Colonel Grassier to win over + the Sixth Legion, the more timid attempt of Lieutenant Colonel Howyne upon + the Fifth, had failed. Nevertheless indignation began to manifest itself + in Paris. The preceding evening had been significant. + </p> + <p> + Hingray came to us during the morning, bringing under his cloak a bundle + of copies of the Decree of Deposition, which had been reprinted. In order + to bring them to us he had twice run the risk of being arrested and shot. + We immediately caused these copies to be distributed and placarded. This + placarding was resolutely carried out; at several points our placards were + posted by the side of the placards of the <i>coup d'état</i>, which + pronounced the penalty of death against any one who should placard the + decrees emanating from the Representatives. Hingray told us that our + proclamations and our decrees had been lithographed and distributed by + hand in thousands. It Was urgently necessary that we should continue our + publications. A printer, who had formerly been a publisher of several + democratic journals, M. Boulé, had offered me his services on the + preceding evening. In June, 1848, I had protected his printing-office, + then being devastated by the National Guards. I wrote to him: I enclosed + our judgments and our decrees in the letter, and the Representative + Montaigu undertook to take them to him. M. Boulé excused himself; his + printing-presses had been seized by the police at midnight. + </p> + <p> + Through the precautions which we had taken, and thanks to the patriotic + assistance of several young medical and chemical students, powder had been + manufactured in several quarters. At one point alone, the Rue Jacob, a + hundred kilogrammes had been turned out during the night. As, however, + this manufacture was principally carried out on the left bank of the + river, and as the fighting took place on the right bank, it was necessary + to transport this powder across the bridges. They managed this In the best + manner they could. Towards nine o'clock we were warned that the police, + having been informed of this, had organized a system of inspection, and + that all persons crossing the river were searched, particularly on the + Pont Neuf. + </p> + <p> + A certain strategical plan became manifest. The ten central bridges mere + militarily guarded. + </p> + <p> + People were arrested in the street on account of their personal + appearance. A sergent-de-ville, at the corner of he Pont-au-Change, + exclaimed, loud enough for the passers-by to hear, "We shall lay hold of + all those who have not their beards properly trimmed, or who do not appear + to have slept." + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding all this we had a little powder; the disarming of the + National Guard at various points had produced about eight hundred muskets, + our proclamations and our decrees were being placarded, our voice was + reaching the people, a certain confidence was springing up. + </p> + <p> + "The wave is rising! the wave is rising!" exclaimed Edgar Quinet, who had + come to shake my hand. + </p> + <p> + We were informed that the schools were rising in insurrection during the + day, and that they offered us a refuge in the midst of them. + </p> + <p> + Jules Favre exclaimed joyfully,— + </p> + <p> + "To-morrow we shall date our decrees from the Pantheon." + </p> + <p> + Signs of good omen grew more numerous. An old hotbed of insurrection, the + Rue Saint-André-des-Arts, was becoming agitated. The association called La + Presse du Travail gave signs of life. Some brave workmen, at the house of + one of their colleagues, Nétré No. 13, Rue du Jardinet, had organized a + little printing-press in a garret, a few steps from the barracks of the + Gendarmerie Mobile. They had spent the night first in compiling, and then + in printing "A Manifesto to Working Men," which called the people to arms. + They were five skilful and determined men; they had procured paper, they + had perfectly new type; some of them moistened the paper, while the others + composed; towards two o'clock in the morning they began to print. It was + essential that they should not be heard by the neighbors; they had + succeeded in muffling the hollow blows of the ink-rollers, alternating + with the rapid sound of the printing blankets. In a few hours fifteen + hundred copies were pulled, and at daybreak they were placarded at the + corners of the streets. The leader of these intrepid workmen, A. + Desmoulins, who belonged to that sturdy race of men who are both cultured + and who can fight, had been greatly disheartened on the preceding day; he + now had become hopeful. + </p> + <p> + On the preceding day he wrote:—"Where are the Representatives? The + communications are cut. The quays and the boulevards can no longer be + crossed. It has become impossible to reunite the popular Assembly. The + people need direction. De Flotte in one district, Victor Hugo in another, + Schoelcher in a third, are actively urging on the combat, and expose their + lives a score of times, but none feel themselves supported by any + organized body: and moreover the attempt of the Royalists in the Tenth + Arrondissement has roused apprehension. People dread lest they should see + them reappear when all is accomplished." + </p> + <p> + Now, this man so intelligent and so courageous recovered confidence, and + he wrote,— + </p> + <p> + "Decidedly, Louis Napoleon is afraid. The police reports are alarming for + him. The resistance of the Republican Representatives is bearing fruit. + Paris is arming. Certain regiments appear ready to turn back. The + Gendarmerie itself is not to be depended upon, and this morning an entire + regiment refused to march. Disorder is beginning to show itself in the + services. Two batteries fired upon each other for a long time without + recognition. One would say that the <i>coup d'état</i> is about to fail." + </p> + <p> + The symptoms, as may be seen, were growing more reassuring. + </p> + <p> + Had Maupas become unequal to the task? Had they resorted to a more skilful + man? An incident seemed to point to this. On the preceding evening a tall + man had been seen, between five and seven o'clock, walking up and down + before the café of the Place Saint-Michel; he had been joined by two of + the Commissaries of the Police who had effected the arrests of the 2d of + December, and had talked to them for a long time. This man was Carlier. + Was he about to supplant Maupas? + </p> + <p> + The Representative Labrousse, seated at a table of the café, had witnessed + this conspirators' parley. + </p> + <p> + Each of the two Commissaries was followed by that species of police agent + which is called "the Commissary's dog." + </p> + <p> + At the same time strange warnings reached the Committee; the following + letter<a href="#linknoteref-18" name="linknote-18" id="linknote-18"><small>18</small></a> + was brought to our knowledge. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "3d December. + + "MY DEAR BOCAGE, + + "To-day at six o'clock, 25,000 francs has been offered to any one who + arrests or kills Hugo. + + "You know where he is. He must not go out under any pretext whatever. + + "Yours ever, + + "AL. DUMAS." +</pre> + <p> + At the back was written, "Bocage, 18, Rue Cassette." It was necessary that + the minutest details should be considered. In the different places of + combat a diversity of passwords prevailed, which might cause danger. For + the password on the day before we had given the name of "Baudin." In + imitation of this the names of other Representatives had been adopted as + passwords on barricades. In the Rue Rambuteau the password was "Eugène Sue + and Michel de Bourges;" in the Rue Beaubourg, "Victor Hugo;" at the Saint + Denis chapel, "Esquiros and De Flotte." We thought it necessary to put a + stop to this confusion, and to suppress the proper names, which are always + easy to guess. The password settled upon was, "What is Joseph doing?" + </p> + <p> + At every moment items of news and information came to us from all sides, + that barricades were everywhere being raised, and that firing was + beginning in the central streets. Michel de Bourges exclaimed, "Construct + a square of four barricades, and we will go and deliberate in the centre." + </p> + <p> + We received news from Mont Valérien. Two prisoners the more. Rigal and + Belle had just been committed. Both of the Left. Dr. Rigal was the + Representative of Gaillac, and Belle of Lavaur. Rigal was ill; they had + arrested him in bed. In prison he lay upon a pallet, and could not dress + himself. His colleague Belle acted as his <i>valet de chambre</i>. + </p> + <p> + Towards nine o'clock an ex-Captain of the 8th Legion of the National Guard + of 1848, named Jourdan, came to place himself at our service. He was a + bold man, one of those who had carried out, on the morning of the 24th + February, the rash surprise of the Hôtel de Ville. We charged him to + repeat this surprise, and to extend it to the Prefecture of Police. He + knew how to set about the work. He told us that he had only a few men, but + that during the day he would cause certain houses of strategical + importance on the Quai des Cèvres, on the Quai Lepelletier, and in the Rue + de la Cité, to be silently occupied, and that if it should chance that the + leaders of the <i>coup d'état</i>, owing to the combat in the centre of + Paris growing more serious, should be forced to withdraw the troops from + the Hôtel de Ville and the Prefecture, an attack would be immediately + commenced on these two points. Captain Jourdan, we may at once mention, + did what he had promised us; unfortunately, as we learnt that evening, he + began perhaps a little too soon. As he had foreseen, a moment arrived when + the square of the Hôtel de Ville was almost devoid of troops, General + Herbillon having been forced to leave it with his cavalry to take the + barricades of the centre in the rear. The attack of the Republicans burst + forth instantly. Musket shots were fired from the windows on the Quai + Lepelletier; but the left of the column was still on the Pont d'Arcole, a + line of riflemen had been placed by a major named Larochette before the + Hôtel de Ville, the 44th retraced its steps, and the attempt failed. + </p> + <p> + Bastide arrived, with Chauffour and Laissac. + </p> + <p> + "Good news," said he to us, "all is going on well." His grave, honest, and + dispassionate countenance shone with a sort of patriotic serenity. He came + from the barricades, and was about to return thither. He had received two + balls in his cloak. I took him aside, and said to him, "Are you going + back?" "Yes." "Take me with you." "No," answered he, "you are necessary + here. To-day you are the general, I am the soldier." I insisted in vain. + He persisted in refusing, repeating continually. "The Committee is our + centre, it should not disperse itself. It is your duty to remain here. + Besides," added he, "Make your mind easy. You run here more risk than we + do. If you are taken you will be shot." "Well, then," said I, "the moment + may come when our duty will be to join in the combat." "Without doubt." I + resumed, "You who are on the barricades will be better judges than we + shall of that moment. Give me your word of honor that you will treat me as + you would wish me to treat you, and that you will come and fetch us." "I + give it you," he answered, and he pressed my two hands in his own. + </p> + <p> + Later on, however, a few moments after Bastide had left, great as was my + confidence in the loyal word of this courageous and generous man, I could + no longer restrain myself, and I profited by an interval of two hours of + which I could dispose, to go and see with my own eyes what was taking + place, and in what manner the resistance was behaving. + </p> + <p> + I took a carriage in the square of the Palais Royal. I explained to the + driver who I was, and that I was about to visit and encourage the + barricades; that I should go sometimes on foot, sometimes in the carriage, + and that I trusted myself to him. I told him my name. + </p> + <p> + The first comer is almost always an honest man. This true-hearted coachman + answered me, "I know where the barricades are. I will drive you wherever + it is necessary. I will wait for you wherever it is necessary. I will + drive you there and bring you back; and if you have no money, do not pay + me, I am proud of such an action." + </p> + <p> + And we started. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-18" name="linknoteref-18" id="linknoteref-18_"><small>18</small></a> + <i>The original of this note is in the hands of the author of this book. + It was handed to us by M. Avenel on the part of M. Bocage.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. THE PORTE SAINT MARTIN + </h2> + <h3> + Important deeds had been already achieved during the morning. + </h3> + <p> + "It is taking root," Bastide had said. + </p> + <p> + The difficulty is not to spread the flames but to light the fire. + </p> + <p> + It was evident that Paris began to grow ill-tempered. Paris does not get + angry at will. She must be in the humor for it. A volcano possesses + nerves. The anger was coming slowly, but it was coming. On the horizon + might be seen the first glimmering of the eruption. + </p> + <p> + For the Elysée, as for us, the critical moment was drawing nigh. From the + preceding evening they were nursing their resources. The <i>coup d'état</i> + and the Republic were at length about to close with each other. The + Committee had in vain attempted to drag the wheel; some irresistible + impulse carried away the last defenders of liberty and hurried them on to + action. The decisive battle was about to be fought. + </p> + <p> + In Paris, when certain hours have sounded, when there appears an immediate + necessity for a progressive movement to be carried out, or a right to be + vindicated, the insurrections rapidly spread throughout the whole city. + But they always begin at some particular point. Paris, in its vast + historical task, comprises two revolutionary classes, the "middle-class" + and the "people." And to these two combatants correspond two places of + combat; the Porte Saint Martin when the middle-class are revolting, the + Bastille when the people are revolting. The eye of the politician should + always be fixed on these two points. There, famous in contemporary + history, are two spots where a small portion of the hot cinders of + Revolution seem ever to smoulder. + </p> + <p> + When a wind blows from above, these burning cinders are dispersed, and + fill the city with sparks. + </p> + <p> + This time, as we have already explained, the formidable Faubourg Antoine + slumbered, and, as has been seen, nothing had been able to awaken it. An + entire park of artillery was encamped with lighted matches around the July + Column, that enormous deaf-and-dumb memento of the Bastille. This lofty + revolutionary pillar, this silent witness of the great deeds of the past, + seemed to have forgotten all. Sad to say, the paving stones which had seen + the 14th of July did not rise under the cannon-wheels of the 2d of + December. It was therefore not the Bastille which began, it was the Porte + Saint Martin. + </p> + <p> + From eight o'clock in the morning the Rue Saint Denis and the Rue Saint + Martin were in an uproar throughout their length; throngs of indignant + passers-by went up and down those thoroughfares. They tore down the + placards of the <i>coup d'état</i>; they posted up our Proclamations; + groups at the corners of all the adjacent streets commented upon the + decree of outlawry drawn up by the members of the Left remaining at + liberty; they snatched the copies from each other. Men mounted on the + kerbstones read aloud the names of the 120 signatories, and, still more + than on the day before, each significant or celebrated name was hailed + with applause. The crowd increased every moment—and the anger. The + entire Rue Saint Denis presented the strange aspect of a street with all + the doors and windows closed, and all the inhabitants in the open air. + Look at the houses, there is death; look at the street, it is the tempest. + </p> + <p> + Some fifty determined men suddenly emerged from a side alley, and began to + run through the streets, saying, "To arms! Long live the Representatives + of the Left! Long live the Constitution!" The disarming of the National + Guards began. It was carried out more easily than on the preceding + evening. In less than an hour more than 150 muskets had been obtained. + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile the street became covered with barricades. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0041" id="link2HCH0041"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. MY VISIT TO THE BARRICADE + </h2> + <p> + My coachman deposited me at the corner of Saint Eustache, and said to me, + "Here you are in the hornets' nest." + </p> + <p> + He added, "I will wait for you in the Rue de la Vrillière, near the Place + des Victoires. Take your time." + </p> + <p> + I began walking from barricade to barricade. + </p> + <p> + In the first I met De Flotte, who offered to serve me as a guide. There is + not a more determined man than De Flotte. I accepted his offer; he took me + everywhere where my presence could be of use. + </p> + <p> + On the way he gave me an account of the steps taken by him to print our + proclamations; Boulé's printing-office having failed him, he had applied + to a lithographic press, at No. 30, Rue Bergère, and at the peril of their + lives two brave men had printed 500 copies of our decrees. These two + true-hearted workmen were named, the one Rubens, the other Achille + Poincellot. + </p> + <p> + While walking I made jottings in pencil (with Baudin's pencil, which I had + with me); I registered facts at random; I reproduce this page here. These + living facts are useful for History; the <i>coup d'état</i> is there, as + though freshly bleeding. + </p> + <p> + "Morning of the 4th. It looks as if the combat was suspended. Will it + burst forth again? Barricades visited by me: one at the corner of Saint + Eustache. One at the Oyster Market. One in the Rue Mauconseil. One in the + Rue Tiquetonne. One in the Rue Mandar (Rocher de Cancale). One barring the + Rue du Cadran and the Rue Montorgueil. Four closing the Petit-Carreau. The + beginning of one between the Rue des Deux Portes and the Rue Saint + Sauveur, barring the Rue Saint Denis. One, the largest, barring the Rue + Saint Denis, at the top of the Rue Guérin-Boisseau. One barring the Rue + Grenetat. One farther on in the Rue Grenetat, barring the Rue Bourg-Labbé + (in the centre an overturned flour wagon; a good barricade). In the Rue + Saint Denis one barring the Rue de Petit-Lion-Saint-Sauveur. One barring + the Rue du Grand Hurleur, with its four corners barricaded. This barricade + has already been attacked this morning. A combatant, Massonnet, a + comb-maker of 154, Rue Saint Denis, received a ball in his overcoat; + Dupapet, called 'the man with the long beard,' was the last to stay on the + summit of the barricade. He was heard to cry out to the officers + commanding the attack, 'You are traitors!' He is believed to have been + shot. The troops retired—strange to say without demolishing the + barricade. A barricade is being constructed in the Rue du Renard. Some + National Guards in uniform watch its construction, but do not work on it. + One of them said to me, 'We are not against you, you are on the side of + Right.' They add that there are twelve or fifteen barricades in the Rue + Rambuteau. This morning at daybreak the cannon had fired 'steadily,' as + one of them remarks, in the Rue Bourbon-Villeneuve. I visit a powder + manufactory improvised by Leguevel at a chemist's opposite the Rue + Guérin-Boisseau. + </p> + <p> + "They are constructing the barricades amicably, without angering any one. + They do what they can not to annoy the neighborhood. The combatants of the + Bourg-Labbé barricades are ankle-deep in mud on account of the rain. It is + a perfect sewer. They hesitate to ask for a truss of straw. They lie down + in the water or on the pavement. + </p> + <p> + "I saw there a young man who was ill, and who had just got up from his bed + with the fever still on him. He said to me, 'I am going to my death' (he + did so). + </p> + <p> + "In the Rue Bourbon-Villeneuve they had not even asked a mattress of the + 'shopkeepers,' although, the barricade being bombarded, they needed them + to deaden the effect of the balls. + </p> + <p> + "The soldiers make bad barricades, because they make them too well. A + barricade should be tottering; when well built it is worth nothing; the + paving-stones should want equilibrium, 'so that they may roll down on the + troopers,' said a street-boy to me, 'and break their paws.' Sprains form a + part of barricade warfare. + </p> + <p> + "Jeanty Sarre is the chief of a complete group of barricades. He presented + his first lieutenant to me, Charpentier, a man of thirty-six, lettered and + scientific. Charpentier busies himself with experiments with the object of + substituting gas for coal and wood in the firing of china, and he asks + permission to read a tragedy to me 'one of these days.' I said to him, 'We + shall make one.' + </p> + <p> + "Jeanty Sarre is grumbling at Charpentier; the ammunition is failing. + Jeanty Sarre, having at his house in the Rue Saint Honoré a pound of + fowling-powder and twenty army cartridges, sent Charpentier to get them. + Charpentier went there, and brought back the fowling-powder and the + cartridges, but distributed them to the combatants on the barricades whom + he met on the way. 'They were as though famished,' said he. Charpentier + had never in his life touched a fire-arm. Jeanty Sarre showed him how to + load a gun. + </p> + <p> + "They take their meals at a wine-seller's at the corner, and they warm + themselves there. It is very cold. The wine-seller says, 'Those who are + hungry, go and eat.' A combatant asked him, 'Who pays?' 'Death,' was the + answer. And in truth some hours afterwards he had received seventeen + bayonet thrusts. + </p> + <p> + "They have not broken the gas-pipes—always for the sake of not doing + unnecessary damage. They confine themselves to requisitioning the gasmen's + keys, and the lamplighters' winches in order to open the pipes. In this + manner they control the lighting or extinguishing. + </p> + <p> + "This group of barricades is strong, and will play an important part. I + had hoped at one moment that they would attack it while I was there. The + bugle had approached, and then had gone away again. Jeanty Sarre tells me + 'it will be for this evening.' + </p> + <p> + "His intention is to extinguish the gas in the Rue du Petit-Carreau and + all the adjoining streets, and to leave only one jet lighted in the Rue du + Cadran. He has placed sentinels as far as the corner of the Rue Saint + Denis; at that point there is an open side, without barricades, but little + accessible to the troops, on account of the narrowness of the streets, + which they can only enter one by one. Thence little danger exists, an + advantage of narrow streets; the troops are worth nothing unless massed + together. The soldier does not like isolated action; in war the feeling of + elbow to elbow constitutes half the bravery. Jeanty Sarre has a + reactionary uncle with whom he is not on good terms, and who lives close + by at No. 1, Rue du Petit-Carreau.—'What a fright we shall give him + presently!' said Jeanty Sarre to me, laughing. This morning Jeanty Sarre + has inspected the Montorgueil barricade. There was only one man on it, who + was drunk, and who put the barrel of his gun against his breast, saying, + 'No thoroughfare.' Jeanty Sarre disarmed him. + </p> + <p> + "I go to the Rue Pagevin. There at the corner of the Place des Victoires + there is a well-constructed barricade. In the adjoining barricade in the + Rue Jean Jacques Rousseau, the troops this morning made no prisoners. The + soldiers had killed every one. There are corpses as far as the Place des + Victoires. The Pagevin barricade held its own. There are fifty men there, + well armed. I enter. 'Is all going on well?' 'Yes.' 'Courage.' I press all + these brave hands; they make a report to me. They had seen a Municipal + Guard smash in the head of a dying man with the butt end of his musket. A + pretty young girl, wishing to go home, took refuge in the barricade. + There, terrified, she remained for an hour. When all danger was over, the + chef of the barricade caused her to be reconducted home by the eldest of + his men. + </p> + <p> + "As I was about to leave the barricade Pagevin, they brought me a + prisoner, a police spy, they said. + </p> + <p> + "He expected to be shot. I had him set at liberty." + </p> + <p> + Bancel was in this barricade of the Rue Pagevin. We shook hands. + </p> + <p> + He asked me,— + </p> + <p> + "Shall we conquer?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," I answered. + </p> + <p> + We then could hardly entertain a doubt. + </p> + <p> + De Flotte and Bancel wished to accompany me, fearing that I should be + arrested by the regiment guarding the Bank. + </p> + <p> + The weather was misty and cold, almost dark. This obscurity concealed and + helped us. The fog was on our side. + </p> + <p> + As we reached the corner of the Rue de la Vrillière, a group on horseback + passed by. + </p> + <p> + It consisted of a few others, preceded by a man who seemed a soldier, but + who was not in uniform. He wore a cloak with a hood. + </p> + <p> + De Flotte nudged me with his elbow, and whispered,— + </p> + <p> + "Do you know Fialin?" + </p> + <p> + I answered,— + </p> + <p> + "No." + </p> + <p> + "Have you seen him? + </p> + <p> + "No." + </p> + <p> + "Do you wish to see him?" + </p> + <p> + "No." + </p> + <p> + "Look at him." + </p> + <p> + I looked at him. + </p> + <p> + This man in truth was passing before us. It was he who preceded the group + of officers. He came out of the Bank. Had he been there to effect a new + forced loan? The people who were at the doors looked at him with + curiosity, and without anger. His entire bearing was insolent. He turned + from time to time to say a word to one of his followers. This little + cavalcade "pawed the ground" in the mist and in the mud. Fialin had the + arrogant air of a man who caracoles before a crime. He gazed at the + passers-by with a haughty look. His horse was very handsome, and, poor + beast, seemed very proud. Fialin was smiling. He had in his hand the whip + that his face deserved. + </p> + <p> + He passed by. I never saw the man except on this occasion. + </p> + <p> + De Flotte and Bancel did not leave me until they had seen me get into my + vehicle. My true-hearted coachman was waiting for me in the Rue de la + Vrillière. He brought me back to No 15, Rue Richelieu. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0042" id="link2HCH0042"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. THE BARRICADE OF THE RUE MESLAY + </h2> + <p> + The first barricade of the Rue Saint Martin was erected at the junction of + the Rue Meslay. A large cart was overturned, placed across the street, and + the roadway was unpaved; some flag-stones of the footway were also torn + up. This barricade, the advanced work of defence of the whole revolted + street, could only form a temporary obstacle. No portion of the piled-up + stones was higher than a man. In a good third of the barricade the stones + did not reach above the knee. "It will at all events be good enough to get + killed in," said a little street Arab who was rolling numerous flag-stones + to the barricade. A hundred combatants took up their position behind it. + Towards nine o'clock the movements of the troops gave warning of the + attack. The head of the column of the Marulaz Brigade occupied the corner + of the street on the side of the boulevard. A piece of artillery, raking + the whole of the street, was placed in position before the Porte Saint + Martin. For some time both sides gazed on each other in that moody silence + which precedes an encounter; the troops regarding the barricade bristling + with guns, the barricade regarding the gaping cannon. After a while the + order for a general attack was given. The firing commenced. The first shot + passed above the barricade, and struck a woman who was passing some twenty + paces in the rear, full in the breast. She fell, ripped open. The fire + became brisk without doing much injury to the barricade. The cannon was + too near; the bullets flew too high. + </p> + <p> + The combatants, who had not yet lost a man, received each bullet with a + cry of "Long live the Republic!" but without firing. They possessed few + cartridges, and they husbanded them. Suddenly the 49th regiment advanced + in close column order. + </p> + <p> + The barricade fired. + </p> + <p> + The smoke filled the street; when it cleared away, there could be seen a + dozen men on the ground, and the soldiers falling back in disorder by the + side of the houses. The leader of the barricade shouted, "They are falling + back. Cease firing! Let us not waste a ball." + </p> + <p> + The street remained for some time deserted. The cannon recommenced fining. + A shot came in every two minutes, but always badly aimed. A man with a + fowling-piece came up to the leader of the barricade, and said to him, + "Let us dismount that cannon. Let us kill the gunners." + </p> + <p> + "Why!" said the chief, smiling, "they are doing us no harm, let us do none + to them." + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless the sound of the bugle could be distinctly heard on the other + side of the block of houses which concealed the troops echelloned on the + Square of Saint Martin, and it was manifest that a second attack was being + prepared. + </p> + <p> + This attack would naturally be furious, desperate, and stubborn. + </p> + <p> + It was also evident that, if this barricade were carried, the entire + street would be scoured. The other barricades were still weaker than the + first, and more feebly defended. The "middle class" had given their guns, + and had re-entered their houses. They lent their street, that was all. + </p> + <p> + It was therefore necessary to hold the advanced barricade as long as + possible. But what was to be done, and how was the resistance to be + maintained? They had scarcely two shots per man left. + </p> + <p> + An unexpected source of supply arrived. + </p> + <p> + A young man, I can name him, for he is dead—Pierre Tissié,<a + href="#linknoteref-19" name="linknote-19" id="linknote-19"><small>19</small></a> + who was a workman, and who also was a poet, had worked during a portion of + the morning at the barricades, and at the moment when the firing began he + went away, stating as his reason that they would not give him a gun. In + the barricade they had said, "There is one who is afraid." + </p> + <p> + Pierre Tissié was not afraid, as we shall see later on. + </p> + <p> + He left the barricade. + </p> + <p> + Pierre Tissié had only his knife with him, a Catalan knife; he opened it + at all hazards, he held it in his hand, and went on straight before him. + </p> + <p> + As he came out of the Rue Saint Sauveur, he saw at the corner of a little + lonely street, in which all the windows were closed, a soldier of the line + standing sentry, posted there doubtlessly by the main guard at a little + distance. + </p> + <p> + This soldier was at the halt with his gun to his shoulder ready to fire. + </p> + <p> + He heard the step of Pierre Tissié, and cried out,— + </p> + <p> + "Who goes there?" + </p> + <p> + "Death!" answered Pierre Tissié. + </p> + <p> + The soldier fired, and missed Pierre Tissié, who sprang on him, and struck + him down with a blow of his knife. + </p> + <p> + The soldier fell, and blood spurted out of his mouth. + </p> + <p> + "I did not know I should speak so truly," muttered Pierre Tissié. + </p> + <p> + And he added, "Now for the ambulance!" + </p> + <p> + He took the soldier on his back, picked up the gun which had fallen to the + ground, and came back to the barricade. "I bring you a wounded man," said + he. + </p> + <p> + "A dead man," they exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + In truth the soldier had just expired. + </p> + <p> + "Infamous Bonaparte!" said Tissié. "Poor red breeches! All the same, I + have got a gun." + </p> + <p> + They emptied the soldier's pouch and knapsack. They divided the + cartridges. There were 150 of them. There were also two gold pieces of ten + francs, two days' pay since the 2d of December. These were thrown on the + ground, no one would take them. + </p> + <p> + They distributed the cartridges with shouts of "Long live the Republic!" + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the attacking party had placed a mortar in position by the side + of the cannon. + </p> + <p> + The distribution of the cartridges was hardly ended when the infantry + appeared, and charged upon the barricade with the bayonet. This second + assault, as had been foreseen, was violent and desperate. It was repulsed. + Twice the soldiers returned to the charge, and twice they fell back, + leaving the street strewn with dead. In the interval between the assaults, + a shell had pierced and dismantled the barricade, and the cannon began to + fire grape-shot. + </p> + <p> + The situation was hopeless; the cartridges were exhausted. Some began to + throw down their guns and go away. The only means of escape was by the Rue + Saint Sauveur, and to reach the corner of the Rue Saint Sauveur it was + necessary to get over the lower part of the barricade, which left nearly + the whole of the fugitives unprotected. There was a perfect rain of + musketry and grape-shot. Three or four were killed there, one, like + Baudin, by a ball in his eye. The leader of the barricade suddenly noticed + that he was alone with Pierre Tissié, and a boy of fourteen years old, the + same who had rolled so many stones for the barricade. A third attack was + pending, and the soldiers began to advance by the side of the houses. + </p> + <p> + "Let us go," said the leader of the barricade. + </p> + <p> + "I shall remain," said Pierre Tissié. + </p> + <p> + "And I also," said the boy. + </p> + <p> + And the boy added,— + </p> + <p> + "I have neither father nor mother. As well this as anything else." + </p> + <p> + The leader fired his last shot, and retired like the others over the lower + part of the barricade. A volley knocked off his hat. He stooped down and + picked it up again. The soldiers were not more than twenty-five paces + distant. + </p> + <p> + He shouted to the two who remained,— + </p> + <p> + "Come along!" + </p> + <p> + "No," said Pierre Tissié. + </p> + <p> + "No," said the boy. + </p> + <p> + A few moments afterwards the soldiers scaled the barricade already half in + ruins. + </p> + <p> + Pierre Tissié and the boy were killed with bayonet thrusts. + </p> + <p> + Some twenty muskets were abandoned in this barricade. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-19" name="linknoteref-19" id="linknoteref-19_"><small>19</small></a> + <i>It must not be forgotten that this has been written in exile, and that + to name a hero was to condemn him to exile.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0043" id="link2HCH0043"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. THE BARRICADE OF THE MAIRIE OF THE FIFTH ARRONDISSEMENT + </h2> + <p> + National Guards in uniform filled the courtyard of the Mairie of the Fifth + Arrondissement. Others came in every moment. An ex-drummer of the Garde + Mobile had taken a drum from a lower room at the side of the guard-room, + and had beaten the call to arms in the surrounding streets. Towards nine + o'clock a group of fourteen or fifteen young men, most of whom were in + white blouses, entered the Mairie, shouting, "Long live the Republic!" + They were armed with guns. The National Guard received them with shouts of + "Down with Louis Bonaparte!" They fraternized in the courtyard. Suddenly + there was a movement. It was caused by the arrival of the Representatives + Doutre and Pelletier. + </p> + <p> + "What is to be done?" shouted the crowd. + </p> + <p> + "Barricades," said Pelletier. + </p> + <p> + They unharnessed the horses, which the carter led away, and they turned + the cart round without upsetting it across the wide roadway of the + faubourg. The barricade was completed in a moment. A truck came up. They + took it and stood it against the wheels of the cart, just as a screen is + placed before a fireplace. + </p> + <p> + The remainder was made up of casks and paving-stones. Thanks to the + flour-cart the barricade was lofty, and reached to the first story of the + houses. It intersected the faubourg at the corner of the little Rue Saint + Jean. A narrow entrance had been contrived at the barricade at the corner + of the street. + </p> + <p> + "One barricade is not sufficient," said Doutre, "we must place the Mairie + between two barriers, so as to be able to defend both sides at the same + time." + </p> + <p> + They constructed a second barricade, facing the summit of the faubourg. + This one was low and weakly built, being composed only of planks and of + paving-stones. There was about a hundred paces distance between the two + barricades. + </p> + <p> + There were three hundred men in this space. Only one hundred had guns. The + majority had only one cartridge. + </p> + <p> + The firing began about ten o'clock. Two companies of the line appeared and + fired several volleys. The attack was only a feint. The barricade replied, + and made the mistake of foolishly exhausting its ammunition. The troops + retired. Then the attack began in earnest. Some Chasseurs de Vincennes + emerged from the corner of the boulevard. + </p> + <p> + Following out the African mode of warfare, they glided along the side of + the walls, and then, with a run, they threw themselves upon the barricade. + </p> + <p> + No more ammunition in the barricade. No quarter to be expected. + </p> + <p> + Those who had no more powder or balls threw down their guns. Some wished + to reoccupy their position in the Mairie, but it was impossible for them + to maintain any defence there, the Mairie being open and commanded from + every side; they scaled the walls and scattered themselves about in the + neighboring houses; others escaped by the narrow passage of the boulevard + which led into the Rue Saint Jean; most of the combatants reached the + opposite side of the boulevard, while those who had a cartridge left fired + a last volley upon the troops from the height of the paving-stones. Then + they awaited their death. All were killed. + </p> + <p> + One of those who succeeded in slipping into the Rue Saint Jean, where + moreover they ran the gauntlet of a volley from their assailants, was M.H. + Coste, Editor of the <i>Evénement</i> and of the <i>Avénement du Peuple</i>. + </p> + <p> + M. Coste had been a captain in the Garde Mobile. At a bend in the street, + which placed him out of reach of the balls, M. Conte noticed in front of + him the drummer of the Garde Mobile, who, like him, had escaped by the Rue + Saint Jean, and who was profiting by the loneliness of the street to get + rid of his drum. + </p> + <p> + "Keep your drum," cried he to him. + </p> + <p> + "For what purpose?" + </p> + <p> + "To beat the call to arms." + </p> + <p> + "Where?" + </p> + <p> + "At Batignolles." + </p> + <p> + "I will keep it," said the drummer. + </p> + <p> + These two men came out from the jaws of death, and at once consented to + re-enter them. + </p> + <p> + But how should they cross all Paris with this drum? The first patrol which + met them would shoot them. A porter of an adjoining house, who noticed + their predicament, gave them a packing-cloth. They enveloped the drum in + it, and reached Batignolles by the lonely streets which skirt the walls. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0044" id="link2HCH0044"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. THE BARRICADE OF THE RUE THEVENOT + </h2> + <p> + Georges Biscarrat was the man who had given the signal for the looting in + the Rue de l'Echelle. + </p> + <p> + I had known Georges Biscarrat ever since June, 1848. He had taken part in + that disastrous insurrection. I had had an opportunity of being useful to + him. He had been captured, and was kneeling before the firing-party; I + interfered, and I saved his life, together with that of some others, M., + D., D., B., and that brave-hearted architect Rolland, who when an exile, + later on, so ably restored the Brussels Palace of Justice. + </p> + <p> + This took place on the 24th June, 1848, in the underground floor of No. + 93, Boulevard Beaumarchais, a house then in course of construction. + </p> + <p> + Georges Biscarrat became attached to me. It appeared that he was the + nephew of one of the oldest and best friends of my childhood, Félix + Biscarrat, who died in 1828. Georges Biscarrat came to see me from time to + time, and on occasions he asked my advice or gave me information. + </p> + <p> + Wishing to preserve him from evil influences, I had given him, and he had + accepted, this guiding maxim, "No insurrection except for Duty and for + Right." + </p> + <p> + What was this hooting in the Rue de l'Echelle? Let us relate the incident. + </p> + <p> + On the 2d of December, Bonaparte had made an attempt to go out. He had + ventured to go and look at Paris. Paris does not like being looked at by + certain eyes; it considers it an insult, and it resents an insult more + than a wound. It submits to assassination, but not to the leering gaze of + the assassin. It took offence at Louis Bonaparte. + </p> + <p> + At nine o'clock in the morning, at the moment when the Courbevoie garrison + was descending upon Paris, the placards of the <i>coup d'état</i> being + still fresh upon the walls, Louis Bonaparte had left the Elysée, had + crossed the Place de la Concorde, the Garden of the Tuileries, and the + railed courtyard of the Carrousel, and had been seen to go out, by the + gate of the Rue de l'Echelle. A crowd assembled at once. Louis Bonaparte + was in a general's uniform; his uncle, the ex-King Jérôme, accompanied + him, together with Flahaut, who kept in the near. Jérôme wore the full + uniform of a Marshal of France, with a hat with a white feather; Louis + Bonaparte's horse was a head before Jérôme's horse. Louis Bonaparte was + gloomy, Jérôme attentive, Flahaut beaming. Flahaut had his hat on one + side. There was a strong escort of Lancers. Edgar Ney followed. Bonaparte + intended to go as far as the Hôtel de Ville. Georges Biscarrat was there. + The street was unpaved, the road was being macadamized; he mounted on a + heap of stones, and shouted, "Down with the Dictator! Down with the + Praetorians!" The soldiers looked at him with bewilderment, and the crowd + with astonishment. Georges Biscarrat (he told me so himself) felt that + this cry was too erudite, and that it would not be understood, so he + shouted, "Down with Bonaparte! Down with the Lancers!" + </p> + <p> + The effect of this shout was electrical. "Down with Bonaparte! Down with + the Lancers!" cried the people, and the whole street became stormy and + turbulent. "Down with Bonaparte!" The outcry resembled the beginning of an + execution; Bonaparte made a sudden movement to the right, turned back, and + re-entered the courtyard of the Louvre. + </p> + <p> + Georges Biscarrat felt it necessary to complete his shout by a barricade. + </p> + <p> + He said to the bookseller, Benoist Mouilhe, who had just opened his shop, + "Shouting is good, action is better." He returned to his house in the Rue + du Vert Bois, put on a blouse and a workman's cap, and went down into the + dark streets. Before the end of the day he had made arrangements with four + associations—the gas-fitters, the last-makers, the shawl-makers, and + the hatters. + </p> + <p> + In this manner he spent the day of the 2d of December. + </p> + <p> + The day of the 3d was occupied in goings and comings "almost useless." So + Biscarrat told Versigny, and he added, "However I have succeeded in this + much, that the placards of the <i>coup d'état</i> have been everywhere + torn down, so much so that in order to render the tearing down more + difficult the police have ultimately posted them in the public + conveniences—their proper place." + </p> + <p> + On Thursday, the 4th, early in the morning, Georges Biscarrat went to + Ledouble's restaurant, where four Representatives of the People usually + took their meals, Brives, Bertlhelon, Antoine Bard, and Viguier, nicknamed + "Father Viguier." All four were there. Viguier related what we had done on + the preceding evening, and shared my opinion that the closing catastrophe + should be hurried on, that the Crime should be precipitated into the abyss + which befitted it. Biscarrat came in. The Representatives did not know + hire, and stared at him. "Who are you?" asked one of them. Before he could + answer, Dr. Petit entered, unfolded a paper, and said,— + </p> + <p> + "Does any one know Victor Hugo's handwriting?" + </p> + <p> + "I do," said Biscarrat. He looked at the paper. It was my proclamation to + the army. "This must be printed," said Petit. "I will undertake it," said + Biscarrat. Antoine Bard asked him, "Do you know Victor Hugo?" "He saved my + life," answered Biscarrat. The Representatives shook hands with him. + </p> + <p> + Guilgot arrived. Then Versigny. Versigny knew Biscarrat. He had seen him + at my house. Versigny said, "Take care what you do. There is a man outside + the door." "It is a shawl-maker," said Biscarrat. "He has come with me. He + is following me." "But," resumed Versigny, "he is wearing a blouse, + beneath which he has a handkerchief. He seems to be hiding this, and he + has something in the handkerchief." + </p> + <p> + "Sugar-plums," said Biscarrat. + </p> + <p> + They were cartridges. + </p> + <p> + Versigny and Biscarrat went to the office of the <i>Siècle</i>; at the <i>Siècle</i> + thirty workmen, at the risk of being shot, offered to print my + Proclamation. Biscarrat left it with them, and said to Versigny, "Now I + want my barricade." + </p> + <p> + The shawl-maker walked behind them. Versigny and Biscarrat turned their + steps towards the top of the Saint Denis quarter. When they drew near to + she Porte Saint Denis they heard the hum of many voices. Biscarrat laughed + and said to Versigny, "Saint Denis is growing angry, matters are + improving." Biscarrat recruited forty combatants on the way, amongst whom + was Moulin, head of the association of leather-dressers. Chapuis, + sergeant-major of the National Guard, brought them four muskets and ten + swords. "Do you know where there are any more?" asked Biscarrat. "Yes, at + the Saint Sauveur Baths." They went there, and found forty muskets. They + gave them swords and cartridge-pouches. Gentlemen well dressed, brought + tin boxes containing powder and balls. Women, brave and light-hearted, + manufactured cartridges. At the first door adjoining the Rue du + Hasard-Saint-Sauveur they requisitioned iron bars and hammers from a large + courtyard belonging to a locksmith. Having the arms, they had the men. + They speedily numbered a hundred. They began to tear up the pavements. It + was half-past ten. "Quick! quick!" cried Georges Biscarrat, "the barricade + of my dreams!" It was in the Rue Thévenot. The barrier was constructed + high and formidable. To abridge. At eleven o'clock Georges Biscarrat had + completed his barricade. At noon he was killed there. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0045" id="link2HCH0045"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. OSSIAN AND SCIPIO + </h2> + <h3> + Arrests grew more numerous. + </h3> + <p> + Towards noon a Commissary of Police, named Boudrot, appeared at the divan + of the Rue Lepelletier. He was accompanied by the police agent Delahodde. + Delahodde was that traitorous socialist writer, who, upon being unmasked, + had passed from the Secret Police to the Public Police Service. I knew + him, and I record this incident. In 1832 he was a master in the school at + which were my two sons, then boys, and he had addressed poetry to me. At + the same time he was acting the spy upon me. The Lepelletier divan was the + place of meeting of a large number of Republican journalists. Delahodde + knew them all. A detachment of the Republican Guard occupied the entrances + to the café. Then ensued an inspection of all the ordinary customers, + Delahodde walking first, with the Commissary behind him. Two Municipal + Guards followed them. From time to time Delahodde looked round and said, + "Lay hold of this man." In this manner some score of writers were + arrested, among whom were Hennett de Kesler.<a href="#linknoteref-20" + name="linknote-20" id="linknote-20"><small>20</small></a> On the preceding + evening Kesler had been on the Saint Antoine barricade. Kesler said to + Delahodde, "You are a miserable wretch." "And you are an ungrateful + fellow," replied Delahodde; "<i>I am saving your life</i>." Curious words; + for it is difficult to believe that Delahodde was in the secret of what + was to happen on the fatal day of the Fourth. + </p> + <p> + At the head-quarters of the Committee encouraging information was + forwarded to us from every side. Testelin, the Representative of Lille, is + not only a learned man, but a brave man. On the morning of the 3d he had + reached, shortly after me, the Saint Antoine barricade, where Baudin had + just been killed. All was at an end in that direction. Testelin was + accompanied by Charles Gambon, another dauntless man.<a + href="#linknoteref-21" name="linknote-21" id="linknote-21"><small>21</small></a> + The two Representatives wandered through the agitated and dark streets, + little followed, in no way understood, seeking a ferment of insurgents, + and only finding a swarming of the curious. Testelin, nevertheless, having + come to the Committee, informed us of the following:—At the corner + of a street of the Faubourg Saint Antoine Gambon and himself had noticed a + crowd. They had gone up to it. This crowd was reading a bill placarded on + a wall. It was the Appeal to Arms signed "Victor Hugo." Testelin asked + Gambon, "Have you a pencil?" "Yes," answered Gambon. Testelin took the + pencil, went up to the placard, and wrote his name beneath mine, then he + gave the pencil to Gambon, who in turn wrote his name beneath that of + Testelin. Upon this the crowd shouted, "Bravo! these are true-hearted + men!" "Shout 'Long live the Republic!'" cried Testelin. All shouted "Long + live the Republic!" "And from above, from the open windows," added Gambon, + "women clapped their hands." + </p> + <p> + "The little hands of women applauding are a good sign," said Michel de + Bourges. + </p> + <p> + As has been seen, and we cannot lay too much stress upon the fact, what + the Committee of Resistance wished was to prevent the shedding of blood as + much as possible. To construct barricades, to let them be destroyed, and + to reconstruct them at other points, to avoid the army, and to wear it + out, to wage in Paris the war of the desert, always retreating, never + yielding, to take time for an ally, to add days to days; on the one hand + to give the people time to understand and to rise, on the other, to + conquer the <i>coup d'état</i> by the weariness of the army; such was the + plan discussed and adopted. + </p> + <p> + The order was accordingly given that the barricades should be but slightly + defended. + </p> + <p> + We repeated in every possible form to the combatants,— + </p> + <p> + "Shed as little blood as possible! Spare the blood of the soldiers and + husband your own." + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, the struggle once begun, it became impossible in many + instances, during certain excited hours of fighting, to moderate their + ardor. Several barricades were obstinately defended, particularly those in + the Rue Rambuteau, in the Rue Montorgueil, and in the Rue Neuve Saint + Eustache. + </p> + <p> + These barricades were commanded by daring leaders. + </p> + <p> + Here, for the sake of history, we will record a few of these brave men + fighting outlines who appeared and disappeared in the smoke of the combat. + Radoux, an architect, Deluc, Mallarmet, Félix Bony, Luneau, an ex-Captain + of the Republican Guard, Camille Berru, editor of the <i>Avénement</i>, + gay, warmhearted, and dauntless, and that young Eugène Millelot, who was + destined to be condemned at Cayenne to receive 200 lashes, and to expire + at the twenty-third stroke, before the very eyes of his father and + brother, proscribed and convicts like himself. + </p> + <p> + The barricade of the Rue Aumaire was amongst those which were not carried + without resistance. Although raised in haste, it was fairly constructed. + Fifteen or sixteen resolute men defended it; two were killed. + </p> + <p> + The barricade was carried with the bayonet by a battalion of the 16th of + the line. This battalion, hurled on the barricade at the double, was + received by a brisk fusillade; several soldiers were wounded. + </p> + <p> + The first who fell in the soldiers' ranks was an officer. He was a young + man of twenty-five, lieutenant of the first company, named Ossian Dumas; + two balls broke both of his legs as though by a single blow. + </p> + <p> + At that time there were in the army two brothers of the name of Dumas, + Ossian and Scipio. Scipio was the elder. They were near relatives of the + Representative, Madier de Montjau. + </p> + <p> + These two brothers belonged to a poor but honored family. The elder had + been educated at the Polytechnic School, the other at the School of Saint + Cyr. + </p> + <p> + Scipio was four years older than his brother. According to that splendid + and mysterious law of ascent, which the French Revolution has created, and + which, so to speak, has placed a ladder in the centre of a society + hitherto caste-bound and inaccessible, Scipio Dumas' family had imposed + upon themselves the most severe privations in order to develop his + intellect and secure his future. His relations, with the touching heroism + of the poor of the present era, denied themselves bread to afford him + knowledge. In this manner he attained to the Polytechnic School, where he + quickly became one of the best pupils. + </p> + <p> + Having concluded his studies, he was appointed an officer in the + artillery, and sent to Metz. It then became his turn to help the boy who + had to mount after him. He held out his hand to his younger brother. He + economized the modest pay of an artillery lieutenant, and, thanks to him, + Ossian became an officer like Scipio. While Scipio, detained by duties + belonging to his position, remained at Metz, Ossian was incorporated in an + infantry regiment, and went to Africa. There he saw his first service. + </p> + <p> + Scipio and Ossian were Republicans. In October, 1851, the 16th of the + line, in which Ossian was serving, was summoned to Paris. It was one of + the regiments chosen by the ill-omened hand of Louis Bonaparte, and on + which the <i>coup d'état</i> counted. + </p> + <p> + The 2d of December arrived. + </p> + <p> + Lieutenant Ossian Dumas obeyed, like nearly all his comrades, the order to + take up arms; but every one round him could notice his gloomy attitude. + </p> + <p> + The day of the 3d was spent in marches and counter-marches. On the 4th the + combat began. The 16th, which formed part of the Herbillon Brigade, was + told off to capture the barricades of the Rues Beaubourg, Trausnonain, and + Aumaire. This battle-field was formidable; a perfect square of barricades + had been raised there. + </p> + <p> + It was by the Rue Aumaire, and with the regiment of which Ossian formed + part, that the military leaders resolved to begin action. + </p> + <p> + At the moment when the regiment, with arms loaded, was about to march upon + the Rue Aumaire, Ossian Dumas went up to his captain, a brave and veteran + officer, with whom he was a favorite, and declared that he would not march + a step farther, that the deed of the 2d of December was a crime, that + Louis Bonaparte was a traitor, that it was for them, soldiers, to maintain + the oath which Bonaparte violated; and that, as for himself, he would not + lend his sword to the butchery of the Republic. + </p> + <p> + A halt was made. The signal of attack was awaited; the two officers, the + old captain and the young lieutenant, conversed in a low tone. + </p> + <p> + "And what do you want to do?" asked the captain. + </p> + <p> + "Break my sword." + </p> + <p> + "You will be taken to Vincennes." + </p> + <p> + "That is all the same to me." + </p> + <p> + "Most certainly dismissed." + </p> + <p> + "Possibly." + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps shot." + </p> + <p> + "I expect it." + </p> + <p> + "But there is no longer any time; you should have resigned yesterday." + </p> + <p> + "There is always time to avoid committing a crime." + </p> + <p> + The captain, as may be seen, was simply one of those professional heroes, + grown old in the leather stock, who know of no country but the flag, and + no other law but military discipline. Iron arms and wooden heads. They are + neither citizens nor men. They only recognize honor in the form of a + general's epaulets. It is of no use talking to them of political duties, + of obedience to the laws, of the Constitution. What do they know about all + this? What is a Constitution; what are the most holy laws, against three + words which a corporal may murmur into the ear of a sentinel? Take a pair + of scales, put in one side the Gospels, in the other the official + instructions; now weigh them. The corporal turns the balance; the Deity + kicks the beam. + </p> + <p> + God forms a portion of the order of the day of Saint Bartholomew. "Kill + all. He will recognized his own." + </p> + <p> + This is what the priests accept, and at times glorify. + </p> + <p> + Saint Bartholomew has been blessed by the Pope and decorated with the + Catholic medal.<a href="#linknoteref-22" name="linknote-22" + id="linknote-22"><small>22</small></a> + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Ossian Dumas appeared determined. The captain made a last + effort. + </p> + <p> + "You will ruin yourself," said he. + </p> + <p> + "I shall save my honor." + </p> + <p> + "It is precisely your honor that you are sacrificing." + </p> + <p> + "Because I am going away?" + </p> + <p> + "To go away is to desert." + </p> + <p> + This seemed to impress Ossian Dumas. The captain continued,— + </p> + <p> + "They are about to fight. In a few minutes the barricade will be attacked. + Your comrades will fall, dead or wounded. You are a young officer—you + have not yet been much under fire." + </p> + <p> + "At all events," warmly interrupted Ossian Dumas, "I shall not have fought + against the Republic; they will not say I am a traitor." + </p> + <p> + "No, but they will say that you are a coward." + </p> + <p> + Ossian made no reply. + </p> + <p> + A moment afterwards the command was given to attack. + </p> + <p> + The regiment started at the double. The barricade fired. + </p> + <p> + Ossian Dumas was the first who fell. + </p> + <p> + He had not been able to bear that word "coward," and he had remained in + his place in the first rank. + </p> + <p> + They took him to the ambulance, and from thence to the hospital. + </p> + <p> + Let us at once state the conclusion of this touching incident. + </p> + <p> + Both of his legs were broken. The doctors thought that it would be + necessary to amputate them both. + </p> + <p> + General Saint-Arnaud sent him the Cross of Honor. + </p> + <p> + As is known, Louis Bonaparte hastened to discharge his debt to his + praetorian accomplices. After having massacred, the sword voted. + </p> + <p> + The combat was still smoking when the army was brought to the ballot-box. + </p> + <p> + The garrison of Paris voted "Yes." It absolved itself. + </p> + <p> + With the rest of the army it was otherwise. Military honor was indignant, + and roused the civic virtue. Notwithstanding the pressure which was + exercised, although the regiments deposited their votes in the shakos of + their colonels, the army voted "No" in many districts of France and + Algeria. + </p> + <p> + The Polytechnic School voted "No" in a body. Nearly everywhere the + artillery, of which the Polytechnic School is the cradle, voted to the + same effect as the school. + </p> + <p> + Scipio Dumas, it may be remembered, was at Metz. + </p> + <p> + By some curious chance it happened that the feeling of the artillery, + which everywhere else had pronounced against the <i>coup d'état</i>, + hesitated at Metz, and seemed to lean towards Bonaparte. + </p> + <p> + Scipio Dumas, in presence of this indecision set an example. He voted in a + loud voice, and with an open voting paper, "No." + </p> + <p> + Then he sent in his resignation. At the same time that the Minister at + Paris received the resignation of Scipio Dumas, Scipio Dumas at Metz, + received his dismissal, signed by the Minister. + </p> + <p> + After Scipio Dumas' vote, the same thought had come at the same time to + both the Government and to the officer, to the Government that the officer + was a dangerous man, and that they could no longer employ him, to the + officer that the Government was an infamous one, and that he ought no + longer to serve it. + </p> + <p> + The resignation and the dismissal crossed on the way. By this word + "dismissal" must be understood the withdrawal of employment. + </p> + <p> + According to our existing military laws it is in this manner that they now + "break" an officer. Withdrawal of employment, that is to say, no more + service, no more pay; poverty. + </p> + <p> + Simultaneously with his dismissal, Scipio Dumas learnt the news of the + attack on the barricade of the Rue Aumaire, and that his brother had both + his legs broken. In the fever of events he had been a week without news of + Ossian. Scipio had confined himself to writing to his brother to inform + him of his vote and of his dismissal, and to induce him to do likewise. + </p> + <p> + His brother wounded! His brother at the Val-de. Grâce! He left immediately + for Paris. + </p> + <p> + He hastened to the hospital. They took him to Ossian's bedside. The poor + young fellow had had both his legs amputated on the preceding day. + </p> + <p> + At the moment when Scipio, stunned, appeared at his bedside, Ossian held + in his hand the cross which General Saint-Arnaud had just sent him. + </p> + <p> + The wounded man turned towards the aide-de-camp who had brought it, and + said to him,— + </p> + <p> + "I will not have this cross. On my breast it would be stained with the + blood of the Republic." + </p> + <p> + And perceiving his brother, who had just entered, he held out the cross to + him, exclaiming,— + </p> + <p> + "You take it. You have voted "No," and you have broken your sword! It is + you who have deserved it!" + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-20" name="linknoteref-20" id="linknoteref-20_"><small>20</small></a> + <i>Died in exile in Guernsey. See the "Pendant l'Exil," under the heading + Actes et Paroles</i>, vol. ii. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-21" name="linknoteref-21" id="linknoteref-21_"><small>21</small></a> + <i>Died in exile at Termonde.</i> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-22" name="linknoteref-22" id="linknoteref-22_"><small>22</small></a> + <i>Pro Hugonotorum strage. Medal struck at Rome in 1572.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0046" id="link2HCH0046"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. THE QUESTION PRESENTS ITSELF + </h2> + <h3> + It was one o'clock in the afternoon. + </h3> + <p> + Bonaparte had again become gloomy. + </p> + <p> + The gleams of sunshine on such countenances as these last very short time. + </p> + <p> + He had gone back to his private room, had seated himself before the fire, + with his feet on the hobs, motionless, and no one any longer approached + him except Roquet. + </p> + <p> + What was he thinking of? + </p> + <p> + The twistings of the viper cannot be foreseen. + </p> + <p> + What this man achieved on this infamous day I have told at length in + another book. See "Napoleon the Little." + </p> + <p> + From time to time Roquet entered and informed him of what was going on. + Bonaparte listened in silence, deep in thought, marble in which a torrent + of lava boiled. + </p> + <p> + He received at the Elysée the same news that we received in the Rue + Richelieu; bad for him, good for us. In one of the regiments which had + just voted, there were 170 "Noes:" This regiment has since been dissolved, + and scattered abroad in the African army. + </p> + <p> + They had counted on the 14th of the line which had fired on the people in + February. The Colonel of the 14th of the line had refused to recommence; + he had just broken his sword. + </p> + <p> + Our appeal had ended by being heard. Decidedly, as we have seen, Paris was + rising. The fall of Bonaparte seemed to be foreshadowed. Two + Representatives, Fabvier and Crestin, met in the Rue Royale, and Crestin, + pointing to the Palace of the Assembly, said to Fabvier, "We shall be + there to-morrow." + </p> + <p> + One noteworthy incident. Mazes became eccentric, the prison unbent itself; + the interior experienced an undefinable reverberation from the outside. + The warders, who the preceding evening had been insolent to the + Representatives when going for their exercise in the courtyard, now + saluted them to the ground. That very morning of Thursday, the 4th, the + governor of the prison had paid a visit to the prisoners, and had said to + them, "It is not my fault." He brought them books and writing-paper, a + thing which up to that time he had refused. The Representative Valentin + was in solitary confinement; on the morning of the 4th his warder suddenly + became amiable, and offered to obtain for him news from outside, through + his wife, who, he said, had been a servant in General Leflô's household. + These were significant signs. When the jailer smiles it means that the + jail is half opening. + </p> + <p> + We may add, what is not a contradiction, that at the same time the + garrison at Mazas was being increased. 1200 more men were marched in, in + detachments of 100 men each, spacing out their arrivals in "little doses" + as an eye-witness remarked to us. Later on 400 men. 100 litres of brandy + were distributed to them. One litre for every sixteen men. The prisoners + could hear the movement of artillery round the prison. + </p> + <p> + The agitation spread to the most peaceable quarters. But the centre of + Paris was above all threatening. The centre of Paris is a labyrinth of + streets which appears to be made for the labyrinth of riots. The Ligue, + the Fronde, the Revolution—we must unceasingly recall these useful + facts—the 14th of July, the 10th of August, 1792, 1830, 1848, have + come out from thence. These brave old streets were awakened. At eleven + o'clock in the morning from Notre Dame to the Porte Saint Martin there + were seventy-seven barricades. Three of them, one in the Rue Maubuée, + another in the Rue Bertin-Poirée, another in the Rue Guérin-Boisseau, + attained the height of the second stories; the barricade of the Porte + Saint Denis was almost as bristling and as formidable as the barrier of + the Faubourg Saint Antoine in June, 1848. The handful of the + Representatives of the People had swooped down like a shower of sparks on + these famous and inflammable crossroads. The beginning of the fire. The + fire had caught. The old central market quarter, that city which is + contained in the city, shouted, "Down with Bonaparte!" They hooted the + police, they hissed the troops. Some regiments seemed stupefied. They + cried, "Throw up your butt ends in the air!" From the windows above, women + encouraged the construction of the barricades. There was powder there, + there were muskets. Now, we were no longer alone. We saw rising up in the + gloom behind us the enormous head of the people. Hope at the present time + was on our side. The oscillation of uncertainty had at length become + steady, and we were, I repeat, almost perfectly confident. + </p> + <p> + There had been a moment when, owing to the good news pouring in upon us, + this confidence had become so great that we who had staked our lives on + this great contest, seized with an irresistible joy in the presence of a + success becoming hourly more certain, had risen from our seats, and had + embraced each other. Michel de Bourges was particularly angered against + Bonaparte, for he had believed his word, and had even gone so far as to + say, "He is my man." Of the four of us, he was the most indignant. A + gloomy flash of victory shone in him. He struck the table with his fist, + and exclaimed, "Oh! the miserable wretch! To-morrow—" and he struck + the table a second time, "to-morrow his head shall fall in the Place de + Grève before the Hôtel de Ville." + </p> + <p> + I looked at him. + </p> + <p> + "No," said I, "this man's head shall not fall." + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean?" + </p> + <p> + "I do not wish it." + </p> + <p> + "Why?" + </p> + <p> + "Because," said I, "if after such a crime we allow Louis Bonaparte to live + we shall abolish the penalty of death." + </p> + <p> + This generous Michel de Bourges remained thoughtful for a moment, then he + pressed my hand. + </p> + <p> + Crime is an opportunity, and always gives us a choice, and it is better to + extract from it progress than punishment. Michel de Bourges realized this. + </p> + <p> + Moreover this incident shows to what a pitch our hopes had been raised. + </p> + <p> + Appearances were on our side, actual facts not so. Saint-Arnaud had his + orders. We shall see them. + </p> + <p> + Strange incidents took place. + </p> + <p> + Towards noon a general, deep in thought, was on horseback in the Place de + la Madeleine, at the head of his wavering troops. He hesitated. + </p> + <p> + A carriage stopped, a woman stepped out and conversed in a low tone with + the general. The crowd could see her. The Representative Raymond, who + lived at No 4, Place de la Madeleine, saw her from his window. This woman + was Madame K. The general stooping down on his horse, listened, and + finally made the dejected gesture of a vanquished man. Madame K. got back + into her carriage. This man, they said, loved that woman. She could, + according to the side of her beauty which fascinated her victim, inspire + either heroism or crime. This strange beauty was compounded of the + whiteness of an angel, combined with the look of a spectre. + </p> + <p> + It was the look which conquered. + </p> + <p> + This man no longer hesitated. He entered gloomily into the enterprise. + </p> + <p> + From twelve to two o'clock there was in this enormous city given over to + the unknown an indescribable and fierce expectation. All was calm and + awe-striking. The regiments and the limbered batteries quitted the + faubourg and stationed themselves noiselessly around the boulevards. Not a + cry in the ranks of the soldiery. An eye-witness said, "The soldiers march + with quite a jaunty air." On the Quai de la Ferronnerie, heaped up with + regiments ever since the morning of the 2d of December, there now only + remained a post of Municipal Guards. Everything ebbed back to the centre, + the people as well as the army; the silence of the army had ultimately + spread to the people. They watched each other. + </p> + <p> + Each soldier had three days' provisions and six packets of cartridges. + </p> + <p> + It has since transpired that at this moment 10,000 francs were daily spent + in brandy for each brigade. + </p> + <p> + Towards one o'clock, Magnan went to the Hôtel de Ville, had the reserve + limbered under his own eyes, and did not leave until all the batteries + were ready to march. + </p> + <p> + Certain suspicious preparations grew more numerous. Towards noon the State + workmen and the hospital corps had established a species of huge ambulance + at No. 2, Faubourg Montmartre. A great heap of litters was piled up there. + "What is all this for?" asked the crowd. + </p> + <p> + Dr. Deville, who had attended Espinasse when he had been wounded, noticed + him on the boulevard, and asked him, "Up to what point are you going?" + </p> + <p> + Espinasse's answer is historical. + </p> + <p> + He replied, "To the end." + </p> + <p> + At two o'clock five brigades, those of Cotte, Bourgon, Canrobert, Dulac, + and Reybell, five batteries of artillery, 16,400 men,<a + href="#linknoteref-23" name="linknote-23" id="linknote-23"><small>23</small></a> + infantry and cavalry, lancers, cuirassiers, grenadiers, gunners, were + echelloned without any ostensible reason between the Rue de la Paix and + the Faubourg Poissonnière. Pieces of cannon were pointed at the entrance + of every street; there were eleven in position on the Boulevard + Poissonnière alone. The foot soldiers had their guns to their shoulders, + the officers their swords drawn. What did all this mean? It was a curious + sight, well worth the trouble of seeing, and on both sides of the + pavements, on all the thresholds of the shops, from all the stories of the + houses, an astonished, ironical, and confiding crowd looked on. + </p> + <p> + Little by little, nevertheless, this confidence diminished, and irony gave + place to astonishment; astonishment changed to stupor. Those who have + passed through that extraordinary minute will not forget it. It was + evident that there was something underlying all this. But what? Profound + obscurity. Can one imagine Paris in a cellar? People felt as though they + were beneath a low ceiling. They seemed to be walled up in the unexpected + and the unknown. They seemed to perceive some mysterious will in the + background. But after all they were strong; they were the Republic, they + were Paris; what was there to fear! Nothing. And they cried, "Down with + Bonaparte!" The troops continued to keep silence, but the swords remained + outside their scabbards, and the lighted matches of the cannon smoldered + at the corners of the streets. The cloud grew blacker every minute, + heavier and more silent. This thickening of the darkness was tragical. One + felt the coming crash of a catastrophe, and the presence of a villain; + snake-like treason writhed during this night, and none can foresee where + the downward slide of a terrible design will stop when events are on a + steep incline. + </p> + <p> + What was coming out of this thick darkness? + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-23" name="linknoteref-23" id="linknoteref-23_"><small>23</small></a> + <i>16,410 men, the figures taken from the Ministry of War.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0047" id="link2HCH0047"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. THE MASSACRE + </h2> + <h3> + Suddenly a window was opened. + </h3> + <p> + Upon Hell. + </p> + <p> + Dante, had he leaned over the summit of the shadow, would have been able + to see the eighth circle of his poem; the funereal Boulevard Montmartre. + </p> + <p> + Paris, a prey to Bonaparte; a monstrous spectacle. The gloomy armed men + massed together on this boulevard felt an appalling spirit enter into + them; they ceased to be themselves, and became demons. + </p> + <p> + There was no longer a single French soldier, but a host of indefinable + phantoms, carrying out a horrible task, as though in the glimmering light + of a vision. + </p> + <p> + There was no longer a flag, there was no longer law, there was no longer + humanity, there was no longer a country, there was no longer France; they + began to assassinate. + </p> + <p> + The Schinderhannes division, the brigades of Mandrin, Cartouche, + Poulailler, Trestaillon, and Tropmann appeared in the gloom, shooting down + and massacring. + </p> + <p> + No; we do not attribute to the French army what took place during this + mournful eclipse of honor. + </p> + <p> + There have been massacres in history, abominable ones assuredly, but they + have possessed some show of reason; Saint Bartholomew and the Dragonnades + are explained by religion, the Sicilian Vespers and the butcheries of + September are explained by patriotism; they crush the enemy or annihilate + the foreigner; these are crimes for a good cause; but the carnage of the + Boulevard Montmartre is a crime without an ostensible reason. + </p> + <p> + The reason exists, however. It is hideous. + </p> + <p> + Let us give it. + </p> + <p> + Two things stand erect in a State, the Law and the People. + </p> + <p> + A man murders the Law. He feels the punishment approaching, there only + remains one thing for him to do, to murder the People. He murders the + People. + </p> + <p> + The Second of December was the Risk, the Fourth was the Certainty. + </p> + <p> + Against the indignation which arose they opposed the Terror. + </p> + <p> + The Fury, Justice, halted petrified before the Fury, Extermination. + Against Erinnyes they set up Medusa. + </p> + <p> + To put Nemesis to flight, what a terrifying triumph! + </p> + <p> + To Louis Napoleon pertains this glory, which is the summit of his shame. + </p> + <p> + Let us narrate it. + </p> + <p> + Let us narrate what History had never seen before. + </p> + <p> + The assassination of a people by a man. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly, at a given signal, a musket shot being fired, no matter where, + no matter by whom, the shower of bullets poured upon the crowd. A shower + of bullets is also a crowd; it is death scattered broadcast. It does not + know whither it goes, nor what it does; it kills and passes on. + </p> + <p> + But at the same time it has a species of soul; it is premeditated, it + executes a will. This was an unprecedented moment. It seemed as though a + handful of lightnings was falling upon the people. Nothing simpler. It + formed a clear solution to the difficulty; the rain of lead overwhelmed + the multitude. What are you doing there? Die! It is a crime to be passing + by. Why are you in the street? Why do you cross the path of the + Government? The Government is a cut-throat. They have announced a thing, + they must certainly carry it out; what is begun must assuredly be + achieved; as Society is being saved, the People must assuredly be + exterminated. + </p> + <p> + Are there not social necessities? Is it not essential that Béville should + have 87,000 francs a year and Fleury 95,000 francs? Is it not essential + that the High Chaplain, Menjaud, Bishop of Nancy, should have 342 francs a + day, and that Bassano and Cambacérès should each have 383 francs a day, + and Vaillant 468 francs, and Saint-Arnaud 822 francs? Is it not necessary + that Louis Bonaparte should have 76,712 francs a day? Could one be Emperor + for less? + </p> + <p> + In the twinkling of an eye there was a butchery on the boulevard a quarter + of a league long. Eleven pieces of cannon wrecked the Sallandrouze carpet + warehouse. The shot tore completely through twenty-eight houses. The baths + of Jouvence were riddled. There was a massacre at Tortoni's. A whole + quarter of Paris was filled with an immense flying mass, and with a + terrible cry. Everywhere sudden death. A man is expecting nothing. He + falls. From whence does this come? From above, say the Bishops' <i>Te Deum</i>; + from below, says Truth. + </p> + <p> + From a lower place than the galleys, from a lower place than Hell. + </p> + <p> + It is the conception of a Caligula, carried out by a Papavoine. + </p> + <p> + Xavier Durrieu comes upon the boulevard. He states,— + </p> + <p> + "I have taken sixty steps, I have seen sixty corpses." + </p> + <p> + And he draws back. To be in the street is a Crime, to be at home is a + Crime. The butchers enter the houses and slaughter. In slaughter-house + slang the soldiers cry, "Let us pole-axe the lot of them." + </p> + <p> + Adde, a bookseller, of 17, Boulevard Poissonnière, is standing before his + door; they kill him. At the same moment, for the field of murder is vast, + at a considerable distance from there, at 5, Rue de Lancry, M. Thirion de + Montauban, owner of the house, is at his door; they kill him. In the Rue + Tiquetonne a child of seven years, named Boursier, is passing by; they + kill him. Mdlle. Soulac, 196, Rue du Temple, opens her window; they kill + her. At No. 97, in the same street, two women, Mesdames Vidal and + Raboisson, sempstresses, are in their room; they kill them. Belval, a + cabinet-maker, 10, Rue de la Lune, is at home; they kill him. Debaëcque, a + merchant, 45, Rue du Sentier, is in his own house; Couvercelle, florist, + 257, Rue Saint Denis, is in his own house; Labitte, a jeweller, 55, + Boulevard Saint Martin, is in his own house; Monpelas, perfumer, 181, Rue + Saint Martin, is in his own house; they kill Monpelas, Labitte, + Couvercelle, and Debaëcque. They sabre at her own home, 240, Rue Saint + Martin, a poor embroideress, Mdlle. Seguin, who not having sufficient + money to pay for a doctor, died at the Beaujon hospital, on the 1st of + January, 1852, on the same day that the Sibour <i>Te Deum</i> was chanted + at Notre Dame. Another, a waistcoat-maker, Françoise Noël, was shot down + at 20, Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, and died in the Charité. Another, + Madame Ledaust, a working housekeeper, living at 76, Passage du Caire, was + shot down before the Archbishop's palace, and died at the Morgue. + Passers-by, Mdlle. Gressier, living at 209, Faubourg Saint Martin; Madame + Guilard, living at 77, Boulevard Saint Denis; Madame Gamier, living at 6, + Boulevard Bonne Nouvelle, who had fallen, the first named beneath the + volleys on the Boulevard Montmartre, the two others on the Boulevard Saint + Denis, and who were still alive, attempted to rise, and became targets for + the soldiers, bursting with laughter, and this time fell back again dead. + Deeds of gallantry ware performed. Colonel Rochefort, who was probably + created General for this, charged in the Rue do la Paix at the head of his + Lancers a flock of nurses, who were put to flight. + </p> + <p> + Such was this indescribable enterprise. All the men who took part in it + were instigated by hidden influences; all had something which urged them + forward; Herbillon had Zaatcha behind him; Saint-Arnaud had Kabylia; + Renault had the affair of the Saint-André and Saint Hippolyte villages; + Espinasse, Rome and the storming of the 30th of June; Magnan, his debts. + </p> + <p> + Must we continue? We hesitate. Dr. Piquet, a man of seventy, was killed in + his drawing-room by a ball in his stomach; the painter Jollivart, by a + ball in the forehead, before his easel, his brains bespattered his + painting. The English captain, William Jesse, narrowly escaped a ball + which pierced the ceiling above his head; in the library adjoining the + Magasins du Prophète, a father, mother, and two daughters were sabred. + Lefilleul, another bookseller, was shot in his shop on the Boulevard + Poissonnière; in the Rue Lepelletier, Boyer, a chemist, seated at his + counter, was "spitted" by the Lancers. A captain, killing all before him, + took by storm the house of the Grand Balcon. A servant was killed in the + shop of Brandus. Reybell through the volleys said to Sax, "And I also am + discoursing sweet music." The Café Leblond was given over to pillage. + Billecoq's establishment was bombarded to such a degree that it had to be + pulled down the next day. Before Jouvain's house lay a heap of corpses, + amongst them an old man with his umbrella, and a young man with his + eye-glass. The Hôtel de Castille, the Maison Dorée, the Petite Jeannette, + the Café de Paris, the Café Anglais became for three hours the targets of + the cannonade. Raquenault's house crumbled beneath the shells; the bullets + demolished the Montmartre Bazaar. + </p> + <p> + None escaped. The guns and pistols were fired at close quarters. + </p> + <p> + New Year's-day was not far off, some shops were full of New Year's gifts. + In the passage du Saumon, a child of thirteen, flying before the + platoon-firing, hid himself in one of these shops, beneath a heap of toys. + He was captured and killed. Those who killed him laughingly widened his + wounds with their swords. A woman told me, "The cries of the poor little + fellow could be heard all through the passage." Four men were shot before + the same shop. The officer said to them, "This will teach you to loaf + about." A fifth named Mailleret, who was left for dead, was carried the + next day with eleven wounds to the Charité. There he died. + </p> + <p> + They fired into the cellars by the air-holes. + </p> + <p> + A workman, a currier, named Moulins, who had taken refuge in one of these + shot-riddled cellars, saw through the cellar air-hole a passer-by, who had + been wounded in the thigh by a bullet, sit down on the pavement with the + death rattle in his throat, and lean against a shop. Some soldiers who + heard this rattle ran up and finished off the wounded man with bayonet + thrusts. + </p> + <p> + One brigade killed the passer-by from the Madeleine to the Opera, another + from the Opera to the Gymmase; another from the Boulevard Bonne Nouvelle + to the Porte Saint Denis; the 75th of the line having carried the + barricade of the Porte Saint Denis, it was no longer a fight, it was a + slaughter. The massacre radiated—a word horribly true—from the + boulevard into all the streets. It was a devil-fish stretching out its + feelers. Flight? Why? Concealment? To what purpose? Death ran after you + quicker than you could fly. In the Rue Pagevin a soldier said to a + passer-by, "What are you doing here?" "I am going home." The soldier kills + the passer-by. In the Rue des Marais they kill four young men in their own + courtyard. Colonel Espinasse exclaimed, "After the bayonet, cannon!" + Colonel Rochefort exclaimed, "Thrust, bleed, slash!" and he added, "It is + an economy of powder and noise." Before Barbedienne's establishment an + officer was showing his gun, an arm of considerable precision, admiringly + to his comrades, and he said, "With this gun I can score magnificent shots + between the eyes." having said this, he aimed at random at some one, and + succeeded. The carnage was frenzied. While the butchering under the orders + of Carrelet filled the boulevard, the Bourgon brigade devastated the + Temple, the Marulaz brigade devastated the Rue Rambuteau; the Renault + division distinguished itself on the "other side of the water." Renault + was that general, who, at Mascara, had given his pistols to Charras. In + 1848 he had said to Charras, "Europe must be revolutionized." And Charras + had said, "Not quite so fast!" Louis Bonaparte had made him a General of + Division in July, 1851. The Rue aux Ours was especially devastated. Morny + that evening said to Louis Bonaparte, "The 15th Light Infantry have scored + a success. They have cleaned out the Rue aux Ours." + </p> + <p> + At the corner of the Rue du Sentier an officer of Spahis, with his sword + raised, cried out, "This is not the sort of thing! You do not understand + at all. Fire on the women." A woman was flying, she was with child, she + falls, they deliver her by the means of the butt-ends of their muskets. + Another, perfectly distracted, was turning the corner of a street. She was + carrying a child. Two soldiers aimed at her. One said, "At the woman!" And + he brought down the woman. The child rolled on the pavement. The other + soldier said, "At the child!" And he killed the child. + </p> + <p> + A man of high scientific repute, Dr. Germain Sée, declares that in one + house alone, the establishment of the Jouvence Baths, there were at six + o'clock, beneath a shed in the courtyard, about eighty wounded, nearly all + of whom (seventy, at least) were old men, women, and children. Dr. Sée was + the first to attend to them. + </p> + <p> + In the Rue Mandar, there was, stated an eye-witness, "a rosary of + corpses," reaching as far as the Rue Neuve Saint Eustache. Before the + house of Odier twenty-six corpses. Thirty before the hotel Montmorency. + Fifty-two before the Variétés, of whom eleven were women. In the Rue + Grange-Batelière there were three naked corpses. No. 19, Faubourg + Montmartre, was full of dead and wounded. + </p> + <p> + A woman, flying and maddened, with dishevelled hair and her arms raised + aloft, ran along the Rue Poissonnière, crying, "They kill! they kill! they + kill! they kill! they kill!" + </p> + <p> + The soldiers wagered. "Bet you I bring down that fellow there." In this + manner Count Poninsky was killed whilst going into his own house, 52, Rue + de la Paix. + </p> + <p> + I was anxious to know what I ought to do. Certain treasons, in order to be + proved, need to be investigated. I went to the field of murder. + </p> + <p> + In such mental agony as this, from very excess of feeling one no longer + thinks, or if one thinks, it is distractedly. One only longs for some end + or other. The death of others instills in you so much horror that your own + death becomes an object of desire; that is to say, if by dying, you would + be in some degree useful! One calls to mind deaths which have put an end + to angers and to revolts. One only retains this ambition, to be a useful + corpse. + </p> + <p> + I walked along terribly thoughtful. + </p> + <p> + I went towards the boulevards; I saw there a furnace; I heard there a + thunderstorm. + </p> + <p> + I saw Jules Simon coming up to me, who during these disastrous days + bravely risked a precious life. He stopped me. "Where are you going?" he + asked me. "You will be killed. What do you want?" "That very thing," said + I. + </p> + <p> + We shook hands. + </p> + <p> + I continued to go on. + </p> + <p> + I reached the boulevard; the scene was indescribable. I witnessed this + crime, this butchery, this tragedy. I saw that reign of blind death, I saw + the distracted victims fall around me in crowds. It is for this that I + have signed myself in this book AN EYE-WITNESS. + </p> + <p> + Destiny entertains a purpose. It watches mysteriously over the future + historian. It allows him to mingle with exterminations and carnages, but + it does not permit him to die, because it wishes him to relate them. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of this inexpressible Pandemonium, Xavier Durrieu met me as I + was crossing the bullet-swept boulevard. He said to me, "Ah, here you are. + I have just met Madame D. She is looking for you." Madame D.<a + href="#linknoteref-24" name="linknote-24" id="linknote-24"><small>24</small></a> + and Madame de la R.,<a href="#linknoteref-25" name="linknote-25" + id="linknote-25"><small>25</small></a> two noble and brave women, had + promised Madame Victor Hugo, who was ill in bed, to ascertain where I was, + and to give her some news of me. Madame D. had heroically ventured into + this carnage. The following incident happened to her. She stopped before a + heap of bodies, and had had the courage to manifest her indignation; at + the cry of horror to which she gave vent, a cavalry soldier had run up + behind her with a pistol in his hand, and had it not been for a quickly + opened door through which she threw herself, and which saved her, she + would have been killed. + </p> + <p> + It is well known that the total slaughter in this butchery is unrecorded. + Bonaparte has kept these figures hidden in darkness. Such is the habit of + those who commit massacres. They are scarcely likely to allow history to + certify the number of the victims. These statistics are an obscure + multitude which quickly lose themselves in the gloom. One of the two + colonels of whom we have had a glimpse in pages 223-225 of this work, has + stated that his regiment alone had killed "at least 2,500 persons." This + would be more than one person per soldier. We believe that this zealous + colonel exaggerates. Crime sometimes boasts of its blackness. + </p> + <p> + Lireux, a writer, arrested in order to be shot, and who escaped by a + miracle, declares that he saw "more than 800 corpses." + </p> + <p> + Towards four o'clock the post-chaises which were in the courtyard of the + Elysée were unhorsed and put up. + </p> + <p> + This extermination, which an English witness, Captain William Jesse, calls + "a wanton fusillade," lasted from two till five o'clock. During these + three terrible hours, Louis Bonaparte carried out what he had been + premeditating, and completed his work. Up to that time the poor little + "middle-class" conscience was almost indulgent. Well, what of it? It was a + game at Prince, a species of state swindling, a conjuring feat on a large + scale; the sceptics and the knowing men said, "It is a good joke played + upon those idiots." Suddenly Louis Bonaparte grew uneasy and revealed all + his policy. "Tell Saint-Arnaud to execute my orders." Saint-Arnaud obeyed, + the <i>coup d'état</i> acted according to its own code of laws, and from + that appalling moment an immense torrent of blood began to flow across + this crime. + </p> + <p> + They left the corpses lying on the pavements, wild-looking, livid, + stupefied, with their pockets turned inside out. The military murderer is + thus condemned to mount the villainous scale of guilt. In the morning an + assassin, in the evening a thief. + </p> + <p> + When night came enthusiasm and joy reigned at the Elysée. These men + triumphed. Conneau has ingeniously related the scene. The familiar spirits + were delirious with joy. Fialin addressed Bonaparte in + hail-fellow-well-met style. "You had better break yourself of that," + whispered Vieillard. In truth this carnage made Bonaparte Emperor. He was + now "His Majesty." They drank, they smoked like the soldiers on the + boulevards; for having slaughtered throughout the day, they drank + throughout the night; wine flowed upon the blood. At the Elysée they were + amazed at the result. They were enraptured; they loudly expressed their + admiration. "What a capital idea the Prince had had! How well the thing + had been managed! This was much better than flying the country, by Dieppe, + like D'Haussez; or by Membrolle, like Guernon-Ranville; or being captured, + disguised as a footboy, and blacking the boots of Madame de Saint Fargeau, + like poor Polignac!" "Guizot was no cleverer than Polignac," exclaimed + Persigny. Fleury turned to Morny: "Your theorists would not have succeeded + in a <i>coup d'état</i>." "That is true, they were not particularly + vigorous," answered Morny. He added, "And yet they were clever men,—Louis + Philippe, Guizot, Thiers—" Louis Bonaparte, taking his cigarette + from his lips, interrupted, "If such are clever men, I would rather be an + ass—" + </p> + <p> + "A hyena in an ass's skin," says History. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-24" name="linknoteref-24" id="linknoteref-24_"><small>24</small></a> + <i>No. 20, Cité Rodier.</i> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-25" name="linknoteref-25" id="linknoteref-25_"><small>25</small></a> + <i>Rue Caumartin. See pages 142, 145-148.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0048" id="link2HCH0048"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. THE APPOINTMENT MADE WITH THE WORKMEN'S SOCIETIES + </h2> + <p> + What had become of our Committee during these tragic events, and what was + it doing? It is necessary to relate what took place. + </p> + <p> + Let us go back a few hours. + </p> + <p> + At the moment when this strange butchery began, the seat of the Committee + was still in the Rue Richelieu. I had gone back to it after the + exploration which I had thought it proper to make at several of the + quarters in insurrection, and I gave an account of what I had seen to my + colleagues. Madier de Montjau, who also arrived from the barricades, added + to my report details of what he had seen. For some time we heard terrible + explosions, which appeared to be close by, and which mingled themselves + with our conversation. Suddenly Versigny came in. He told us that horrible + events were taking place on the Boulevards; that the meaning of the + conflict could not yet be ascertained, but that they were cannonading, and + firing volleys of musket-balls, and that the corpses bestrewed the + pavement; that, according to all appearances, it was a massacre,—a + sort of Saint Bartholomew improvised by the coup d'état; that they were + ransacking the houses at a few steps from us, and that they were killing + every one. The murderers were going from door to door, and were drawing + near. He urged us to leave Grévy's house without delay. It was manifest + that the Insurrectionary Committee would be a "find" for the bayonets. We + decided to leave, whereupon M. Dupont White, a man distinguished for his + noble character and his talent, offered us a refuge at his house, 11, Rue + Monthabor. We went out by the back-door of Grévy's house, which led into + 1, Rue Fontaine Molière, but leisurely, and two by two, Madier de Montjau + with Versigny, Michel de Bourges with Carnot, myself arm-in-arm with Jules + Favre. Jules Favre, dauntless and smiling as ever, wrapped a comforter + over his mouth, and said, "I do not much mind being shot, but I do mind + catching cold." + </p> + <p> + Jules Favre and I reached the rear of Saint Roch, by the Rue des Moulins. + The Rue Veuve Saint Roch was thronged with a mass of affrighted + passers-by, who came from the Boulevards flying rather than walking. The + men were talking in a loud voice, the women screaming. We could hear the + cannon and the ear-piercing rattle of the musketry. All the shops were + being shut. M. de Falloux, arm-in-arm with M. Albert de Rességuier, was + striding down the Rue de Saint Roch and hurrying to the Rue Saint Honoré. + The Rue Saint Honoré presented a scene of clamorous agitation. People were + coming and going, stopping, questioning one another, running. The + shopkeepers, at the threshold of their half-opened doors, asked the + passers-by what was taking place, and were only answered by this cry, "Oh, + my God!" People came out of their houses bareheaded and mingled with the + crowd. A fine rain was falling. Not a carriage in the street. At the + corner of the Rue Saint Roch and Rue Saint Honoré we heard voices behind + us saying, "Victor Hugo is killed." + </p> + <p> + "Not yet," said Jules Favre, continuing to smile, and pressing my arm. + </p> + <p> + They had said the same thing on the preceding day to Esquiros and to + Madier de Montjau. And this rumor, so agreeable to the Reactionaries, had + even reached my two sons, prisoners in the Concièrgerie. + </p> + <p> + The stream of people driven back from the Boulevards and from the Rue + Richelieu flowed towards the Rue de la Paix. We recognized there some of + the Representatives of the Right who had been arrested on the 2d, and who + were already released. M. Buffet, an ex-minister of M. Bonaparte, + accompanied by numerous other members of the Assembly, was going towards + the Palais Royal. As he passed close by us he pronounced the name of Louis + Bonaparte in a tone of execration. + </p> + <p> + M. Buffet is a man of some importance; he is one of the three political + advisers of the Right; the two others are M. Fould and M. Molé. + </p> + <p> + In the Rue Monthabor, two steps from the Rue Saint Honoré, there was + silence and peace. Not one passer-by, not a door open, not a head out of + window. + </p> + <p> + In the apartment into which we were conducted, on the third story, the + calm was not less perfect. The windows looked upon an inner courtyard. + Five or six red arm-chairs were drawn up before the fire; on the table + could be seen a few books which seemed to me works on political economy + and executive law. The Representatives, who almost immediately joined us + and who arrived in disorder, threw down at random their umbrellas and + their coats streaming with water in the corner of this peaceful room. No + one knew exactly what was happening; every one brought forward his + conjectures. + </p> + <p> + The Committee was hardly seated in an adjoining little room when our + ex-colleague, Leblond, was announced. He brought with him King the + delegate of the working-men's societies. The delegate told us that the + committee of the societies were sitting in permanent session, and had sent + him to us. According to the instructions of the Insurrectionary Committee, + they had done what they could to lengthen the struggle by evading too + decisive encounters. The greater part of the associations had not yet + given battle; nevertheless the plot was thickening. The combat had been + severe during the morning. The Association of the Rights of Man was in the + streets; the ex-constituent Beslay had assembled, in the Passage du Caire, + six or seven hundred workmen from the Marais, and had posted them in the + streets surrounding the Bank. New barricades would probably be constructed + during the evening, the forward movement of the resistance was being + precipitated, the hand-to-hand struggle which the Committee had wished to + delay seemed imminent, all was rushing forward with a sort of irresistible + impulse. Should we follow it, or should we stop? Should we run the risk of + bringing matters to an end with one blow, which should be the last, and + which would manifestly leave one adversary on the ground—either the + Empire or the Republic? The workmen's societies asked for our + instructions; they still held in reserve their three or four thousand + combatants; and they could, according to the order which the Committee + should give them, either continue to restrain them or send them under fire + without delay. They believed themselves curtain of their adherents; they + would do whatever we should decide upon, while not hiding from us that the + workmen wished for an immediate conflict, and that it would be somewhat + hazardous to leave them time to become calm. + </p> + <p> + The majority of the members of the Committee were still in favor of a + certain slackening of action which should tend to prolong the struggle; + and it was difficult to say that they were in the wrong. It was certain + that if they could protract the situation in which the <i>coup d'état</i> + had thrown Paris until the next week, Louis Bonaparte was lost. Paris does + not allow herself to be trampled upon by an army for a whole week. + Nevertheless, I was for my own part impressed with the following:—The + workmen's societies offered us three or four thousand combatants, a + powerful assistance;—the workman does not understand strategy, he + lives on enthusiasm, abatements of ardor discourage him; his zeal is not + extinguished, but it cools:—three thousand to-day would be five + hundred to-morrow. And then some serious incident had just taken place on + the Boulevards. We were still ignorant of what it actually was: we could + not foresee what consequences it might bring about; but seemed to me + impossible that the still unknown, but yet violent event, which had just + taken place would not modify the situation, and consequently change our + plan of battle. I began to speak to this effect. I stated that we ought to + accept the offer of the associations, and to throw them at once into the + struggle; I added that revolutionary warfare often necessitates sudden + changes of tactics, that a general in the open country and before the + enemy operates as he wishes; it is all clear around him; he knows the + effective strength of his soldiers, the number of his regiments; so many + men, so many horses, so many cannons, he knows his strength, and the + strength of his enemy, he chooses his hour and his ground, he has a map + under his eyes, he sees what he is doing. He is sure of his reserves, he + possesses them, he keeps them back, he utilizes them when he wishes, he + always has them by him. "But for ourselves," cried I, "we are in an + undefined and inconceivable position. We are stepping at a venture upon + unknown risks. Who is against us? We hardly know. Who is with us? We are + ignorant. How many soldiers? How many guns? How many cartridges? Nothing! + but the darkness. Perhaps the entire people, perhaps no one. Keep a + reserve! But who would answer for this reserve? It is an army to-day, it + will be a handful of dust to-morrow. We only can plainly distinguish our + duty, as regards all the rest it is black darkness. We are guessing at + everything. We are ignorant of everything. We are fighting a blind battle! + Let us strike all the blows that can be struck, let us advance straight + before us at random, let us rush upon the danger! And let us have faith, + for as we are Justice and the Law, God must be with us in this obscurity. + Let us accept this glorious and gloomy enterprise of Right disarmed yet + still fighting." + </p> + <p> + The ex-constituent Leblond and the delegate King being consulted by the + Committee, seconded my advice. The Committee decided that the societies + should be requested in our name to come down into the streets immediately, + and to call out their forces. "But we are keeping nothing for to-morrow," + objected a member of the Committee, "what ally shall we have to-morrow?" + "Victory," said Jules Favre. Carnot and Michel de Bourges remarked that it + would be advisable for those members of the association who belonged to + the National Guard to wear their uniforms. This was accordingly settled. + </p> + <p> + The delegate King rose,—"Citizen Representatives," said he, "these + orders will be immediately transmitted, our friends are ready, in a few + hours they will assemble. To-night barricades and the combat!" + </p> + <p> + I asked him, "Would it be useful to you if a Representative, a member of + the Committee, were with you to-night with his sash girded?" + </p> + <p> + "Doubtless," he answered. + </p> + <p> + "Well, then," resumed I, "here I am! Take me." + </p> + <p> + "We will all go," exclaimed Jules Favre. + </p> + <p> + The delegate observed that it would suffice for one of us to be there at + the moment when the societies should make their appearance, and that he + could then notify the other members of the Committee to come and join him. + It was settled that as soon as the places of meeting and the + rallying-points should be agreed upon, he would send some one to let me + know, and to take me wherever the societies might be. "Before an hour's + time you shall hear from me," said he on leaving us. + </p> + <p> + As the delegates were going away Mathieu de la Drôme arrived. On coming in + he halted on the threshold of the door, he was pale, he cried out to us, + "You are no longer in Paris, you are no longer under the Republic; you are + in Naples and under King Bomba." + </p> + <p> + He had come from the boulevards. + </p> + <p> + Later on I again saw Mathieu de la Drôme. I said to him, "Worse than + Bomba,—Satan." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0049" id="link2HCH0049"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. THE VERIFICATION OF MORAL LAWS + </h2> + <p> + The carnage of the Boulevard Montmartre constitutes the originality of the + <i>coup d'état</i>. Without this butchery the 2d of December would only be + an 18th Brumaire. Owing to the massacre Louis Bonaparte escapes the charge + of plagiarism. + </p> + <p> + Up to that time he had only been an imitator. The little hat at Boulogne, + the gray overcoat, the tame eagle appeared grotesque. What did this parody + mean? people asked. He made them laugh; suddenly he made them tremble. + </p> + <p> + He who becomes detestable ceases to be ridiculous. + </p> + <p> + Louis Bonaparte was more than detestable, he was execrable. + </p> + <p> + He envied the hugeness of great crimes; he wished to equal the worst. This + striving after the horrible has given him a special place to himself in + the menagerie of tyrants. Petty rascality trying to emulate deep villainy, + a little Nero swelling himself to a huge Lacénaire; such is this + phenomenon. Art for art, assassination for assassination. + </p> + <p> + Louis Bonaparte has created a special genus. + </p> + <p> + It was in this manner that Louis Bonaparte made his entry into the + Unexpected. This revealed him. + </p> + <p> + Certain brains are abysses. Manifestly for a long time past Bonaparte had + harbored the design of assassinating in order to reign. Premeditation + haunts criminals, and it is in this manner that treason begins. The crime + is a long time present in them, but shapeless and shadowy, they are + scarcely conscious of it; souls only blacken gradually. Such abominable + deeds are not invented in a moment; they do not attain perfection at once + and at a single bound; they increase and ripen, shapeless and indecisive, + and the centre of the ideas in which they exist keeps them living, ready + for the appointed day, and vaguely terrible. This design, the massacre for + a throne, we feel sure, existed for a long time in Louis Bonaparte's mind. + It was classed among the possible events of this soul. It darted hither + and thither like a <i>larva</i> in an aquarium, mingled with shadows, with + doubts, with desires, with expedients, with dreams of one knows not what + Caesarian socialism, like a Hydra dimly visible in a transparency of + chaos. Hardly was he aware that he was fostering this hideous idea. When + he needed it, he found it, armed and ready to serve him. His unfathomable + brain had darkly nourished it. Abysses are the nurseries of monsters. + </p> + <p> + Up to this formidable day of the 4th December, Louis Bonaparte did not + perhaps quite know himself. Those who studied this curious Imperial animal + did not believe him capable of such pure and simple ferocity. They saw in + him an indescribable mongrel, applying the talents of a swindler to the + dreams of an Empire, who, even when crowned, would be a thief, who would + say of a parricide, What roguery! Incapable of gaining a footing on any + height, even of infamy, always remaining half-way uphill, a little above + petty rascals, a little below great malefactors. They believed him clever + at effecting all that is done in gambling-hells and in robbers' caves, but + with this transposition, that he would cheat in the caves, and that he + would assassinate in the gambling-hells. + </p> + <p> + The massacre of the Boulevards suddenly unveiled this spirit. They saw it + such as it really was: the ridiculous nicknames "Big-beak," "Badinguet," + vanished; they saw the bandit, they saw the true <i>contraffatto</i> + hidden under the false Bonaparte. + </p> + <p> + There was a shudder! It was this then which this man held in reserve! + </p> + <p> + Apologies have been attempted, they could but fail. It is easy to praise + Bonaparte, for people have praised Dupin; but it is an exceedingly + complicated operation to cleanse him. What is to be done with the 4th of + December? How will that difficulty be surmounted? It is far more + troublesome to justify than to glorify; the sponge works with greater + difficulty than the censer; the panegyrists of the <i>coup d'état</i> have + lost their labor. Madame Sand herself, although a woman of lofty + intellect, has failed miserably in her attempt to rehabilitate Bonaparte, + for the simple reason that whatever one may do, the death-roll reappears + through this whitewashing. + </p> + <p> + No! no! no extenuation whatever is possible. Unfortunate Bonaparte. The + blood is drawn. It must be drunk. + </p> + <p> + The deed of the 4th of December is the most colossal dagger-thrust that a + brigand let loose upon civilization has ever effected, we will not say + upon a people, but upon the entire human race. The stroke was most + monstrous, and struck Paris to the ground. Paris on the ground is + Conscience, is Reason, is all human liberty on the ground; it is the + progress of centuries lying on the pavement; it is the torch of Justice, + of Truth, and of Life reversed and extinguished. This is what Louis + Bonaparte effected the day when he effected this. + </p> + <p> + The success of the wretch was complete. The 2d of December was lost; the + 4th of December saved the 2d of December. It was something like Erostratus + saving Judas. Paris understood that all had not yet been told as regards + deeds of horror, and that beneath the oppressor there was the + garbage-picker. It was the case of a swindler stealing César's mantle. + This man was little, it is true, but terrifying. Paris consented to this + terror, renounced the right to have the last word, went to bed and + simulated death. Suffocation had its share in the matter. This crime + resembled, too, no previous achievements. Even after centuries have + passed, and though he should be an Aeschylus or a Tacitus, any one raising + the cover would smell the stench. Paris resigned herself, Paris abdicated, + Paris surrendered; the novelty of the treason proved its chief strength; + Paris almost ceased to be Paris; on the next day the chattering of this + terrified Titan's teeth could be heard in the shadows. + </p> + <p> + Let us lay a stress upon this, for we must verify the laws of morality. + Louis Bonaparte remained, even after the 4th of December, Napoleon the + Little. This enormity still left him a dwarf. The size of the crime does + not change the stature of the criminal, and the pettiness of the assassin + withstands the immensity of the assassination. + </p> + <p> + Be that as it may, the Pigmy had the better of the Colossus. This avowal, + humiliating as it is, cannot be evaded. + </p> + <p> + Such are the blushes to which History, that greatly dishonored one, is + condemned. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0053" id="link2H_4_0053"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE FOURTH DAY—THE VICTORY. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0050" id="link2HCH0050"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. WHAT HAPPENED DURING THE NIGHT—THE RUE TIQUETONNE + </h2> + <p> + Just as Mathieu de la Drôme had said, "You are under King Bomba," Charles + Gambon entered. He sank down upon a chair and muttered, "It is horrible." + Bancel followed him. "We have come from it," said Bancel. Gambon had been + able to shelter himself in the recess of a doorway. In front of + Barbedienne's alone he had counted thirty-seven corpses. What was the + meaning of it all? To what purpose was this monstrous promiscuous murder? + No one could understand it. The Massacre was a riddle. + </p> + <p> + We were in the Sphinx's Grotto. + </p> + <p> + Labrousse came in. It was urgently necessary that we should leave Dupont + White's house. It was on the point of being surrounded. For some moments + the Rue Monthabor, ordinarily so deserted, was becoming thronged with + suspicious figures. Men seemed to be attentively watching number Eleven. + Some of these men, who appeared to be acting in concert, belonged to the + ex-"Club of Clubs," which, owing to the manoeuvres of the Reactionists, + exhaled a vague odor of the police. It was necessary that we should + disperse. Labrousse said to us, "I have just seen Longe-pied roving + about." + </p> + <p> + We separated. We went away one by one, and each in his own direction. We + did not know where we should meet again, or whether we should meet again. + What was going to happen and what was about to become of us all? No one + knew. We were filled with a terrible dread. + </p> + <p> + I turned up towards the Boulevards, anxious to see what was taking place. + </p> + <p> + What was taking place I have just related. + </p> + <p> + Bancel and Versigny had rejoined me. + </p> + <p> + As I left the Boulevards, mingled with the whirl of the terrified crowd, + not knowing where I was going, returning towards the centre of Paris, a + voice suddenly whispered in my ear, "There is something over there which + you ought to see." I recognized the voice. It was the voice of E.P. + </p> + <p> + E.P. is a dramatic author, a man of talent, for whom under Louis Philippe + I had procured exemption from military service. I had not seen him for + four or five years. I met him again in this tumult. He spoke to me as + though we had seen each other yesterday. Such are these times of + bewilderment. There is no time to greet each other "according to the rules + of society." One speaks as though all were in full flight. + </p> + <p> + "Ah! it is you!" I exclaimed. "What do you want with me?" + </p> + <p> + He answered me, "I live in a house over there." + </p> + <p> + And he added,- + </p> + <p> + "Come." + </p> + <p> + He drew me into a dark street. We could hear explosions. At the bottom of + the street could be seen the ruins of a barricade. Versigny and Bancel, as + I have just said, were with me. E.P. turned to them. + </p> + <p> + "These gentlemen can come," said he. + </p> + <p> + I asked him,— + </p> + <p> + "What street is this?" + </p> + <p> + "The Rue Tiquetonne." + </p> + <p> + We followed him. + </p> + <p> + I have elsewhere told this tragical event.<a href="#linknoteref-26" + name="linknote-26" id="linknote-26"><small>26</small></a> + </p> + <p> + E.P. stopped before a tall and gloomy house. He pushed open a street-door + which was not shut, then another door and we entered into a parlor + perfectly quiet and lighted by a lamp. + </p> + <p> + This room appeared to adjoin a shop. At the end could be distinguished two + beds side by side, one large and one small. Above the little bed hung a + woman's portrait, and above the portrait a branch of holy box-tree. + </p> + <p> + The lamp was placed over the fireplace, where a little fire was burning. + </p> + <p> + Near the lamp upon a chair there was an old woman leaning forward, + stooping down, folded in two as though broken, over something which was in + the shadow, and which she held in her arms. I drew near. That which she + held in her arms was a dead child. + </p> + <p> + The poor woman was silently sobbing. + </p> + <p> + E.P., who belonged to the house, touched her on the shoulder, and said,— + </p> + <p> + "Let us see it." + </p> + <p> + The old woman raised her head, and I saw on her knees a little boy, pale, + half-undressed, pretty, with two red holes in his forehead. + </p> + <p> + The old woman stared at me, but she evidently did not see me, she + muttered, speaking to herself,— + </p> + <p> + "And to think that he called me 'Granny' this morning!" + </p> + <p> + E.P. took the child's hand, the hand fell back again. + </p> + <p> + "Seven years old," he said to me. + </p> + <p> + A basin was on the ground. They had washed the child's face; two tiny + streams of blood trickled from the two holes. + </p> + <p> + At the end of the room, near a half-opened clothes-press, in which could + be seen some linen, stood a woman of some forty years, grave, poor, clean, + fairly good-looking. + </p> + <p> + "A neighbor," E.P. said to me. + </p> + <p> + He explained to me that a doctor lived in the house, that the doctor had + come down and had said, "There is nothing to be done." The child had been + hit by two balls in the head while crossing the street to "get out of the + way." They had brought him back to his grandmother, who "had no one left + but him." + </p> + <p> + The portrait of the dead mother hung above the little bed. + </p> + <p> + The child had his eyes half open, and that inexpressible gaze of the dead, + where the perception of the real is replaced by the vision of the + infinite. The grandmother spoke through her sobs by snatches: "God! is it + possible? Who would have thought it?—What brigands!" + </p> + <p> + She cried out,— + </p> + <p> + "Is this then the Government?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," I said to her. + </p> + <p> + We finished undressing the child. He had a top in his pocket. His head + rolled from one shoulder to the other; I held him and I kissed him on the + brow; Versigny and Bancel took off his stockings. The grandmother suddenly + started up. + </p> + <p> + "Do not hurt him!" she cried. + </p> + <p> + She took the two little white and frozen feet in her old hands, trying to + warm them. + </p> + <p> + When the poor little body was naked, they began to lay it out. They took a + sheet from the clothes-press. + </p> + <p> + Then the grandmother burst into bitter lamentation. + </p> + <p> + She cried out,— + </p> + <p> + "They shall give him back to me!" + </p> + <p> + She drew herself up and gazed at us, and began to pour forth incoherent + utterances, in which were mingled Bonaparte, and God, and her little one, + and the school to which he went, and her daughter whom she had lost, and + even reproaches to us. She was livid, haggard, as though seeing a vision + before her, and was more of a phantom than the dead child. + </p> + <p> + Then she again buried her face in her hands, placed her folded arms on her + child, and once more began to sob. + </p> + <p> + The woman who was there came up to me, and without saying a word, wiped my + mouth with a handkerchief. I had blood upon my lips. + </p> + <p> + What could be done? Alas! We went out overwhelmed. + </p> + <p> + It was quite dark. Bancel and Versigny left me. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-26" name="linknoteref-26" id="linknoteref-26_"><small>26</small></a> + <i>"Les Châtiments."</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0051" id="link2HCH0051"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. WHAT HAPPENED DURING THE NIGHT—THE MARKET QUARTER + </h2> + <h3> + I came back to my lodging, 19, Rue Richelieu. + </h3> + <p> + The massacre seemed to be at an end; the fusillades were heard no longer. + As I was about to knock at the door I hesitated for a moment; a man was + there who seemed to be waiting. I went straight up to this man, and I said + to him,— + </p> + <p> + "You seem to be waiting for somebody?" + </p> + <p> + He answered,— + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "For whom?" + </p> + <p> + "For you." + </p> + <p> + And he added, lowering his voice, "I have come to speak to you." + </p> + <p> + I looked at this man. A street-lamp shone on him. He did not avoid the + light. + </p> + <p> + He was a young man with a fair beard, wearing a blue blouse, and who had + the gentle bearing of a thinker and the robust hands of a workman. + </p> + <p> + "Who are you?" I asked him. + </p> + <p> + He answered,—"I belong to the Society of the Last-makers. I know you + very well, Citizen Victor Hugo." + </p> + <p> + "From whom do you come?" I resumed. + </p> + <p> + He answered still in a whisper,— + </p> + <p> + "From Citizen King." + </p> + <p> + "Very good," said I. + </p> + <p> + He then told me his name. As he has survived the events of the night of + the 4th, and as he since escaped the denunciations, it can be understood + that we will not mention his name here, and that we shall confine + ourselves to terming him throughout the course of this story by his trade, + calling him the "last-maker."<a href="#linknoteref-27" name="linknote-27" + id="linknote-27"><small>27</small></a> + </p> + <p> + "What do you want to say to me?" I asked him. + </p> + <p> + He explained that matters were not hopeless, that he and his friends meant + to continue the resistance, that the meeting-places of the Societies had + not yet been settled, but that they would be during the evening, that my + presence was desired, and that if I would be under the Colbert Arcade at + nine o'clock, either himself or another of their men would be there, and + would serve me as guide. We decided that in order to make himself known, + the messenger, when accosting me, should give the password, "What is + Joseph doing?" + </p> + <p> + I do not know whether he thought he noticed any doubt or mistrust on my + part. He suddenly interrupted himself, and said,— + </p> + <p> + "After all, you are not bound to believe me. One does not think of + everything: I ought to have asked them to give me a word in writing. At a + time like this one distrusts everybody." + </p> + <p> + "On the contrary," I said to him, "one trusts everybody. I will be in the + Colbert Arcade at nine o'clock." + </p> + <p> + And I left him. + </p> + <p> + I re-entered my asylum. I was tired, I was hungry, I had recourse to + Charamaule's chocolate and to a small piece of bread which I had still + left. I sank down into an arm-chair, I ate and I slept. Some slumbers are + gloomy. I had one of those slumbers, full of spectres; I again saw the + dead child and the two red holes in his forehead, these formed two mouths: + one said "Morny," and the other "Saint-Arnaud." History is not made, + however, to recount dreams. I will abridge. Suddenly I awoke. I started: + "If only it is not past nine o'clock!" I had forgotten to wind up my + watch. It had stopped. I went out hastily. The street was lonely, the + shops were shut. In the Place Louvos I heard the hour striking (probably + from Saint Roch); I listened. I counted nine strokes. In a few moments I + was under the Colbert Arcade. I peered into the darkness. No one was under + the Arcade. + </p> + <p> + I felt that it was impossible to remain there, and have the appearance of + waiting about; near the Colbert Arcade there is a police-station, and the + patrols were passing every moment. I plunged into the street. I found no + one there. I went as far as the Rue Vivienne. At the corner of the Rue + Vivienne a man was stopping before a placard and was trying to deface it + or to tear it down. I drew near this man, who probably took me for a + police agent, and who fled at the top of his speed. I retraced my steps. + Near the Colbert Arcade, and just as I reached the point in the street + where they post the theatrical bills, a workman passed me, and said + quickly, "What is Joseph doing?" + </p> + <p> + I recognized the last-maker. + </p> + <p> + "Come," he said to me. + </p> + <p> + We set out without speaking and without appearing to know each other, he + walking some steps before me. + </p> + <p> + We first went to two addresses, which I cannot mention here without + pointing out victims for the proscription. In these two houses we got no + news; no one had come there on the part of the societies. + </p> + <p> + "Let us go to the third place," said the last-maker, and he explained to + me that they had settled among them three successive meeting-places, in + case of need, so as to be always sure of finding each other if, perchance, + the police discovered the first or even the second meeting-place, a + precaution which for our part we adopted as much as possible with regard + to our meetings of the Left end of the Committee. + </p> + <p> + We had reached the market quarter. Fighting had been going on there + throughout the day. There were no longer any gas-lamps in the streets. We + stopped from time to time, and listened so as not to run headlong into the + arms of a patrol. We got over a paling of planks almost completely + destroyed, and of which barricades had probably been made, and we crossed + the extensive area of half-demolished houses which at that epoch + encumbered the lower portions of the Rue Montmartre and Rue Montorgueil. + On the peaks of the high dismantled gables could be seen a flickering red + glow, doubtless the reflection of the bivouac-fires of the soldiers + encamped in the markets and in the neighborhood of Saint Eustache. This + reflection lighted our way. The last-maker, however, narrowly escaped + falling into a deep hole, which was no less than the cellar of a + demolished house. On coming out of this region, covered with ruins, + amongst which here and there a few trees might be perceived, the remains + of gardens which had now disappeared, we entered into narrow, winding, and + completely dark streets, where it was impossible to recognize one's + whereabouts. Nevertheless the last-maker walked on as much at his ease as + in broad daylight, and like a man who is going straight to his + destination. Once he turned round to me, and said to me,— + </p> + <p> + "The whole of this quarter is barricaded; and if, as I hope, our friends + come down, I will answer that they will hold it for a long time." + </p> + <p> + Suddenly he stopped. "Here is one," said he. In truth, seven or eight + paces before us was a barricade entirely constructed of paving-stones, not + exceeding a man's height, and which in the darkness appeared like a ruined + wall. A narrow passage had been formed at one end. We passed through it. + There was no one behind the barricade. + </p> + <p> + "There has already been fighting here a short time ago," said the + last-maker in a low voice; and he added, after a pause, "We are getting + near." + </p> + <p> + The unpaving had left holes, of which we had to be careful. We strode, and + sometimes jumped, from paving-stone to paving-stone. Notwithstanding the + intense darkness, there yet hovered about an indefinable glimmer; on our + way we noticed before us on the ground, close to the foot-pavement, + something which looked like a stretched-out form. "The devil!" muttered my + guide, "we were just going to walk upon it." He took a little wax match + from his pocket and struck it on his sleeve; the flame flashed out. The + light fell upon a pallid face, which looked at us with fixed eyes. It was + a corpse lying there; it was an old man. The last-maker rapidly waved the + match from his head to his feet. The dead man was almost in the attitude + of a crucified man; his two arms were stretched out; his white hair, red + at the ends, was soaking in the mud; a pool of blood was beneath him; a + large blackish patch on his waistcoat marked the place where the ball had + pierced his breast; one of his braces was undone; he had thick laced boots + on his feet. The last-maker lifted up one of his arms, and said, "His + collar-bone is broken." The movement shook the head, and the open mouth + turned towards us as though about to speak to us. I gazed at this vision; + I almost listened. Suddenly it disappeared. + </p> + <p> + This face re-entered the gloom; the match had just gone out. + </p> + <p> + We went away in silence. After walking about twenty paces, the last-maker, + as though talking to himself, said in a whisper, "Don't know him." + </p> + <p> + We still pushed forward. From the cellars to the roofs, from the + ground-floors to the garrets, there was not a light in the house. We + appeared to be groping in an immense tomb. + </p> + <p> + A man's voice, firm and sonorous, suddenly issued out of the darkness, and + shouted to us, "Who goes there?" + </p> + <p> + "Ah, there they are!" said the last-maker, and he uttered a peculiar + whistle. + </p> + <p> + "Come on," resumed the voice. + </p> + <p> + It was another barricade. This one, a little higher than the first, and + separated from it by a distance of about a hundred paces, was, as far as + could be seen, constructed of barrels filled with paving-stones. On the + top could be seen the wheels of a truck entangled between the barrels; + planks and beams were intermingled. A passage had been contrived still + narrower than the gangway of the other barricade. + </p> + <p> + "Citizens," said the last-maker, as he went into the barricade, "how many + of you are there here?" + </p> + <p> + The voice which had shouted, "Who goes there?" answered,— + </p> + <p> + "There are two of us." + </p> + <p> + "Is that all?" + </p> + <p> + "That is all." + </p> + <p> + They were in truth two,—two men who alone during that night, in that + solitary street, behind that heap of paving-stones, awaited the onslaught + of a regiment. + </p> + <p> + Both wore blouses; they were two workmen; with a few cartridges in their + pockets, and a musket upon each of their shoulders. + </p> + <p> + "So then," resumed the last-maker, in an impatient tone, "our friends have + not yet come!" + </p> + <p> + "Well, then," I said to him, "let us wait for them." + </p> + <p> + The last-maker spoke for a short time in a low tone, and probably told my + name to one of the two defenders of the barricade, who came up to me and + saluted me. "Citizen Representative," said he, "it will be very warm here + shortly." + </p> + <p> + "In the meantime," answered I laughingly, "it is cold." + </p> + <p> + It was very cold, in truth. The street which was completely unpaved behind + the barricade, was nothing better than a sewer, ankle deep in water. + </p> + <p> + "I say that it will be warm," resumed the workman, "and that you would do + well to go farther off." + </p> + <p> + The last-maker put his hand on his shoulder: "Comrade, it is necessary + that we should remain here. The meeting-place is close by, in the + ambulance." + </p> + <p> + "All the same," resumed the other workman, who was very short, and who + stood up on a paving-stone; "the Citizen Representative would do well to + go farther off." + </p> + <p> + "I can very well be where you are," said I to him. + </p> + <p> + The street was quite dark, nothing could be seen of the sky. Inside the + barricade on the left, on the side where the passage was, could be seen a + high paling of badly joined planks, through which shone in places a feeble + light. Above the paling rose out, lost in the darkness, a house of six or + seven storys; the ground floor, which was being repaired, and which was + under-pinned, being closed in by these planks. A ray of light issuing from + between the planks fell on the opposite wall, and lighted up an old torn + placard, on which could be read, "Asnières. Water tournaments. Grand + ball." + </p> + <p> + "Have you another gun?" asked the last-maker of the taller of the two + workmen. + </p> + <p> + "If we had three guns we should be three men," answered the workman. + </p> + <p> + The little one added, "Do you think that the good will is wanting? There + are plenty of musicians, but there are no clarionets." + </p> + <p> + By the side of the wooden paling could be seen a little, narrow and low + door, which looked more like the door of a stall than the door of a shop. + The shop to which this door belonged was hermetically sealed. The door + seemed to be equally closed. The last-maker went up to it and pushed it + gently. It was open. + </p> + <p> + "Let us go in," he said. + </p> + <p> + I went in first, he followed me, and shut the door behind me. We were in a + room on the ground floor. At the end, on the left, a half-opened door + emitted the reflection of a light. The room was only lighted by this + reflection. A counter and a species of stove, painted in black and white, + could be dimly distinguished. + </p> + <p> + A short, half-suffocated, intermittent gurgling could be heard, which + seemed to come from an adjoining room on the same side as the light. The + last-maker walked quickly to the half-opened door. I crossed the room + after him, and we found ourselves in a sort of vast shed, lighted by one + candle. We were on the other side of the plank paling. There was only the + plank paling between ourselves and the barricade. + </p> + <p> + This species of shed was the ground floor in course of demolition. Iron + columns, painted red, and fixed into stone sockets at short distances + apart, supported the joists of the ceiling; facing the street, a huge + framework standing erect, and denoting the centre of the surrounding + paling, supported the great cross-beam of the first story, that is to say, + supported the whole house. In a corner were lying some masons' tools, a + heap of rubbish, and a large double ladder. A few straw-bottomed chairs + were scattered here and there. The damp ground served for the flooring. By + the side of a table, on which stood a candle in the midst of medicine + bottles, an old woman and a young girl of about eight years old—the + woman seated, the child squatting before a great basketful of old linen—were + making lint. The end of the room, which was lost in the darkness, was + carpeted with a litter of straw, on which three mattresses had been + thrown. The gurgling noise came from there. + </p> + <p> + "It is the ambulance," said the last-maker. + </p> + <p> + The old woman turned her head, and seeing us, shuddered convulsively, and + then, reassured probably by the blouse of the last-maker, she got up and + came towards us. + </p> + <p> + The last-maker whispered a few words in her ear. She answered, "I have + seen nobody." + </p> + <p> + Then she added, "But what makes me uneasy is that my husband has not yet + come back. They have done nothing but fire muskets the whole evening." + </p> + <p> + Two men were lying on two of the mattresses at the end of the room. A + third mattress was unoccupied and was waiting. + </p> + <p> + The wounded man nearest to me had received a musket ball in his stomach. + He it was who was gurgling. The old woman came towards the mattress with a + candle, and whispered to us, showing us her fist, "If you could only see + the hole that that has made! We have stuffed lint as large as this into + his stomach." + </p> + <p> + She resumed, "He is not above twenty-five years old. He will be dead + to-morrow morning." + </p> + <p> + The other was still younger. He was hardly eighteen. "He has a handsome + black overcoat," said the woman. "He is most likely a student." The young + man had the whole of the lower part of his face swathed in blood-stained + linen. She explained to us that he had received a ball in the mouth, which + had broken his jaw. He was in a high fever, and gazed at us with lustrous + eyes. From time to time he stretched his right arm towards a basin full of + water in which a sponge was soaking; he took the sponge, carried it to his + face, and himself moistened his bandages. + </p> + <p> + It seemed to me that his gaze fastened upon me in a singular manner. I + went up to him, I stooped down, and I gave him my hand, which he took in + his own. "Do you know me?" I asked him. He answered "Yes," by a pressure + of the hand which went to my heart. + </p> + <p> + The last-maker said to me, "Wait a minute for me here, I shall be back + directly; I want to see in this neighborhood, if there is any means of + getting a gun." + </p> + <p> + He added,— + </p> + <p> + "Would you like one for yourself?" + </p> + <p> + "No," answered I. "I shall remain here without a gun. I only take a half + share in the civil war; I am willing to die, I am not willing to kill." + </p> + <p> + I asked him if he thought his friends were going to come. He declared that + he could not understand it, that the men from the societies ought to have + arrived already, that instead of two men in the barricade there should be + twenty, that instead of two barricades in the street there should have + been ten, and that something must have happened; he added,— + </p> + <p> + "However, I will go and see; promise to wait for me here." + </p> + <p> + "I promise you," I answered, "I will wait all night if necessary." + </p> + <p> + He left me. + </p> + <p> + The old woman had reseated herself near the little girl, who did not seem + to understand much of what was passing round her, and who from time to + time raised great calm eyes towards me. Both were poorly clad, and it + seemed to me that the child had stockingless feet. "My man has not yet + come back," said the old woman, "my poor man has not yet come back. I hope + nothing has happened to him!" With many heart-rending "My God's," and all + the while quickly picking her lint, she wept. I could not help thinking + with anguish of the old man we had seen stretched on the pavement at a few + paces distant. + </p> + <p> + A newspaper was lying on the table. I took it up, and I unfolded it. It + was the <i>P——</i>, the rest of the title had been torn off. A + blood-stained hand was plainly imprinted on it. A wounded man on entering + had probably placed his hand on the table on the spot where the newspaper + lay. My eyes fell upon these lines:— + </p> + <p> + "M. Victor Hugo has just published an appeal to pillage and + assassination." + </p> + <p> + In these terms the journal of the Elysée described the proclamation which + I had dictated to Baudin, and which may be read in page 103 of this + History. + </p> + <p> + As I threw back the paper on the table one of the two defenders of the + barricade entered. It was the short man. + </p> + <p> + "A glass of water," said he. By the side of the medicine bottles there was + a decanter and a glass. He drank, greedily. He held in his hand a morsel + of bread and a sausage, which he was biting. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly we heard several successive explosions, following one after + another, and which seemed but a short distance off. In the silence of this + dark night it resembled the sound of a load of wood being shot on to the + pavement. + </p> + <p> + The calm and serious voice of the other combatant shouted from outside, + "It is beginning." + </p> + <p> + "Have I time to finish my bread?" asked the little one. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said the other. + </p> + <p> + The little one then turned to me. + </p> + <p> + "Citizen Representative," said he to me, "those are volleys. They are + attacking the barricades over there. Really you must go away." + </p> + <p> + I answered him, "But you yourselves are going to stay here." + </p> + <p> + "As for us, we are armed," resumed he; "as for you, you are not. You will + only get yourself killed without benefiting any one. If you had a gun, I + should say nothing. But you have not. You must go away." + </p> + <p> + "I cannot," I answered him. "I am waiting for some one." + </p> + <p> + He wished to continue and to urge me. I pressed his hand. + </p> + <p> + "Let me do as I like," said I. + </p> + <p> + He understood that my duty was to remain, and no longer persisted. + </p> + <p> + There was a pause. He again began to bite his bread. The gurgling of the + dying man alone was audible. At that moment a sort of deep and hollow + booming reached us. The old woman started from her chair, muttering, "It + is the cannon!" + </p> + <p> + "No," said the little man, "it is the slamming of a street-door." Then he + resumed, "There now! I have finished my bread," and he dusted one hand + against the other, and went out. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime the explosions continued, and seemed to come nearer. A + noise sounded in the shop. It was the last-maker who was coming back. He + appeared on the threshold of the ambulance. He was pale. + </p> + <p> + "Here I am," said he, "I have come to fetch you. We must go home. Let us + be off at once." + </p> + <p> + I arose from the chair where I had seated myself. "What does this mean? + Will they not come?" + </p> + <p> + "No," he answered, "no one will come. All is at an end." + </p> + <p> + Then he hastily explained that he had gone through the whole of the + quarter in order to find a gun, that it was labor lost, that he had spoken + to "two or three," that we must abandon all hope of the societies, <i>that + they would not come down</i>, that what had been done during the day had + appalled every one, that the best men were terrified, that the boulevards + were "full of corpses," that the soldiers had committed "horrors," that + the barricade was about to be attacked, that on his arrival he had heard + the noise of footsteps in the direction of the crossway, that it was the + soldiers who were advancing, that we could do nothing further there, that + we must be off, that this house was "stupidly chosen," that there was no + outlet in the rear, that perhaps we should already find it difficult to + get out of the street, and that we had only just time. + </p> + <p> + He told this all panting, briefly, jerkily, and interrupted at every + moment with this ejaculation, "And to think that they have no arms, and to + think that I have no gun!" + </p> + <p> + As he finished we heard from the barricade a shout of "Attention!" and + almost immediately a shot was fired. + </p> + <p> + A violent discharge replied to this shot. + </p> + <p> + Several balls struck the paling of the ambulance, but they were too + obliquely aimed, and none pierced it. We heard the glass of several broken + windows falling noisily into the street. + </p> + <p> + "There is no longer time," said the last-maker calmly; "the barricade is + attacked." + </p> + <p> + He took a chair and sat down. The two workmen were evidently excellent + marksmen. Two volleys assailed the barricade, one after the other. The + barricade answered with animation. Then the fire ceased. There was a + pause. + </p> + <p> + "Now they are coming at us with the bayonet! They are coming at the + double!" said a voice in the barricade. + </p> + <p> + The other voice said, "Let us be off." A last musket-shot was fired. Then + a violent blow which we interpreted as a warning shook our wooden wall. It + was in reality one of the workmen who had thrown down his gun when going + away; the gun in falling had struck the paling of the ambulance. We heard + the rapid steps of the two combatants, as they ran off. + </p> + <p> + Almost at the same moment a tumult of voices, and of butt ends of muskets + striking the paving-stones, filled the barricade. + </p> + <p> + "It is taken," said the last-maker, and he blew out the candle. + </p> + <p> + To the silence which enveloped this street a moment before succeeded a + sort of ill-omened tumult. The soldiers knocked at the doors of the houses + with the butt-ends of their muskets. It was by a miracle that the + shop-door escaped them. If they had merely pushed against it, they would + have seen that it was not shut, and would have entered. + </p> + <p> + A voice, probably the voice of an officer, cried out, "Light up the + windows!" The soldiers swore. We heard them say, "Where are those + blackguard Reds? Let us search the houses." The ambulance was plunged in + darkness. Not a word was spoken, not a breath could be heard; even the + dying man, as though he divined the danger, had ceased to gurgle. I felt + the little girl pressing herself against my legs. + </p> + <p> + A soldier struck the barrels, and said laughingly,— + </p> + <p> + "Here is something to make a fire with to-night." + </p> + <p> + Another resumed,— + </p> + <p> + "Which way have they gone? They were at least thirty. Let us search the + houses." + </p> + <p> + We heard one raising objections to this,— + </p> + <p> + "Nonsense! What do you want to do on a night like this? Enter the houses + of the 'middle classes' indeed! There is some waste ground over yonder. + They have taken refuge there." + </p> + <p> + "All the same," repeated the others, "let us search the houses." + </p> + <p> + At this moment a musket-shot was fired from the end of the street. + </p> + <p> + This shot saved us. + </p> + <p> + In fact, it was probably one of the two workmen who had fired in order to + draw off their attention from us. + </p> + <p> + "That comes from over there," cried the soldiers, "They are over there!" + and all starting off at once in the direction from which the shot had been + fired, they left the barricade and ran down the street at the top of their + speed. + </p> + <p> + The last-maker and myself got up. + </p> + <p> + "They are no longer there," whispered he. "Quick! let us be off." + </p> + <p> + "But this poor woman," said I. "Are we going to leave her here?" + </p> + <p> + "Oh," she said, "do not be afraid, I have nothing to fear; as for me, I am + an ambulance. I am taking care of the wounded. I shall even relight my + candle when you are gone. What troubles me is that my poor husband has not + yet come back!" + </p> + <p> + We crossed the shop on tiptoe. The last-maker gently opened the door and + glanced out into the street. Some inhabitants had obeyed the order to + light up their windows, and four or five lighted candles here and there + flickered in the wind upon the sills of the windows. The street was no + longer completely dark. + </p> + <p> + "There is no one about now," said the last-maker; "but let us make haste, + for they will probably come back." + </p> + <p> + We went out: the old woman closed the door behind us, and we found + ourselves in the street. We got over the barricade and hurried away as + quickly as possible. We passed by the dead old man. He was still there, + lying on the pavement indistinctly revealed by the flickering glimmer from + the windows; he looked as though he was sleeping. As we reached the second + barricade we heard behind us the soldiers, who were returning. + </p> + <p> + We succeeded in regaining the streets in course of demolition. There we + were in safety. The sound of musketry still reached us. The last-maker + said, "They are fighting in the direction of the Rue de Cléry." Leaving + the streets in course of demolition, we went round the markets, not + without risk of falling into the hands of the patrols, by a number of + zigzags, and from one little street to another little street. We reached + the Rue Saint Honoré. + </p> + <p> + At the corner of the Rue de l'Arbre Sec the last-maker and I separated, + "For in truth," said he to me, "two run more danger than one." And I + regained No. 19, Rue Richelieu. + </p> + <p> + While crossing the rue des Bourdonnais we had noticed the bivouac of the + Place Saint Eustache. The troops who had been dispatched for the attack + had not yet come back. Only a few companies were guarding it. We could + hear shouts of laughter. The soldiers were warming themselves at large + fires lighted here and there. In the fire which was nearest to us we could + distinguish in the middle of the brazier the wheels of the vehicles which + had served for the barricades. Of some there only remained a great hoop of + red-hot iron. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-27" name="linknoteref-27" id="linknoteref-27_"><small>27</small></a> + <i>We may now, after twenty-six years, give the name of this loyal and + courageous man. His name was Galoy (and not Galloix, as certain historians + of the <i>coup d'état</i> have printed it while recounting, after their + fashion, the incidents which we are about to read).</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0052" id="link2HCH0052"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. WHAT HAPPENED DURING THE NIGHT.—THE PETIT CARREAU + </h2> + <p> + On the same night, almost at the same moment, at a few paces distant, a + villainous deed was being perpetrated. + </p> + <p> + After the taking of the barricade, where Pierre Tissié was killed, seventy + or eighty combatants had retired in good order by the Rue Saint Sauveur. + They had reached the Rue Montorgueil, and had rejoined each other at the + junction of the Rue du Petit Carreau and the Rue du Cadran. At this point + the street rises. At the corner of the Rue du Petit Carreau and the Rue de + Cléry there was a deserted barricade, fairly high and well built. There + had been fighting there during the morning. The soldiers had taken it, but + had not demolished it. Why? As we have said, there were several riddles of + this nature during this day. + </p> + <p> + The armed band which came from the Rue Saint Denis had halted there and + had waited. These men were astonished at not being pursued. Had the + soldiers feared to follow them into the little narrow streets, where each + corner of the houses might conceal an ambuscade? Had a counter order been + given? They hazarded various conjectures. Moreover they heard close by, + evidently on the boulevard, a terrific noise of musketry, and a cannonade + which resembled continuous thunder. Having no more ammunition, they were + reduced to listen. If they had known what was taking place there, they + would have understood why they were not pursued. The butchery of the + boulevard was beginning. The generals employed in the massacre had + suspended fighting for awhile. + </p> + <p> + The fugitives of the boulevard streamed in their direction, but when they + perceived the barricade they turned back. Some, however, joined them + indignant, and crying out for vengeance. One who lived in the neighborhood + ran home and brought back a little tin barrel full of cartridges. + </p> + <p> + These were sufficient for an hour's fighting. They began to construct a + barricade at the corner of the Rue du Cadran. In this manner the Rue du + Petit Carreau, closed by two barricades, one towards the Rue de Cléry, the + other at the corner of the Rue du Cadran, commanded the whole of the Rue + Montorgueil. The space between these two barricades formed a perfect + citadel. The second barricade was stronger than the first. + </p> + <p> + These men nearly all wore coats. Some of them rolled the paving-stones + with gloves on. + </p> + <p> + Few workmen were amongst them, but those who were there were intelligent + and energetic. These workmen were what might be termed the "pick of the + crowd." + </p> + <p> + Jeanty Sarre had rejoined them; he at once became their leader. + </p> + <p> + Charpentier accompanied him, too brave to abandon the enterprise, but too + much a dreamer to become a commander. + </p> + <p> + Two barricades, enclosing in the same manner some forty yards of the Rue + Montorgueil, had just been constructed at the top of the Rue Mauconseil. + </p> + <p> + Three other barricades, extremely feebly constructed, again intersected + the Rue Montorgueil in the space which separates the Rue Mauconseil from + Saint Eustache. + </p> + <p> + Evening was closing in. The fusillade was ceasing upon the boulevard. A + surprise was possible. They established a sentry-post at the corner of the + Rue du Cadran, and sent a main-guard in the direction of the Rue + Montmartre. Their scouts came in to report some items of information. A + regiment seemed to be preparing to bivouac in the Place des Victoires. + </p> + <p> + Their position, to all appearance strong, was not so in reality. There + were too few in number to defend at the same time the two barricades on + the Rue de Cléry and the Rue Montorgueil, and the soldiers arriving in the + rear hidden by the second barricade would have been upon them without + being even noticed. This determined them to establish a post in the Rue de + Cléry. They put themselves in communication with the barricades of the Rue + du Cadran and with the two Mauconseil barricades. These two last + barricades were only separated from them by a space of about 150 paces. + They were about six feet high, fairly solid, but only guarded by six + workmen who had built them. + </p> + <p> + Towards half-past four, in the twilight—the twilight begins early in + December—Jeanty Sarre took four men with him and went out to + reconnoitre. He thought also of raising an advanced barricade in one of + the little neighboring streets. On the way they found one which had been + abandoned, and which had been built with barrels. The barrels, however, + were empty, only one contained any paving-stones, and the barricade could + not have been held for two minutes. As they left this barricade they were + assailed by a sharp discharge of musketry. A company of infantry, hardly + visible in the dusk, was close upon them. + </p> + <p> + They fell back hastily; but one of them, who was a shoemaker of the + Faubourg du Temple, was hit, and had remained on the pavement. They went + back and brought him away. He had the thumb of the right hand smashed. + "Thank God!" said Jeanty Sarre, "they have not killed him." "No," said the + poor man, "it is my bread which they have killed." + </p> + <p> + And he added, "I can no longer work; who will maintain my children?" + </p> + <p> + They went back, carrying the wounded man. One of them, a medical student, + bound up his wound. + </p> + <p> + The sentries, whom it was necessary to post in every direction, and who + were chosen from the most trustworthy men, thinned and exhausted the + little central land. There were scarcely thirty in the barricade itself. + </p> + <p> + There, as in the Quarter of the Temple, all the streetlamps were + extinguished; the gas-pipes cut; the windows closed and unlighted; no + moon, not even stars. The night was profoundly dark. + </p> + <p> + They could hear distant fusillades. The soldiers were firing from around + Saint Eustache, and every three minutes sent a ball in their direction, as + much as to say, "We are here." Nevertheless they did not expect an attack + before the morning. + </p> + <p> + Dialogues like the following took place amongst them:— + </p> + <p> + "I wish I had a truss of straw," said Charpentier; "I have a notion that + we shall sleep here to-night." + </p> + <p> + "Will you be able to get to sleep?" asked Jeanty Sarre. + </p> + <p> + "I? Certainly I shall go to sleep." + </p> + <p> + He did go to sleep, in fact, a few moments later. + </p> + <p> + In this gloomy network of narrow streets, intersected with barricades, and + blockaded by soldiers, two wine-shops had remained open. They made more + lint there, however, than they drank wine; the orders of the chiefs were + only to drink reddened water. + </p> + <p> + The doorway of one of these wine-shops opened exactly between the two + barricades of the Petit Cancan. In it was a clock by which they regulated + the sentries' relief. In a back room they had locked up two + suspicious-looking persons who had intermingled with the combatants. One + of these men at the moment when he was arrested said, "I have come to + fight for Henri V." They kept them under lock and key, and placed a sentry + at the door. + </p> + <p> + An ambulance had been established in an adjoining room. There the wounded + shoemaker was lying upon a mattress thrown upon the ground. + </p> + <p> + They had established, in case of need, another ambulance in the Rue du + Cadran. An opening had been effected at the corner of the barricade on + this side, so that the wounded could be easily carried away. + </p> + <p> + Towards half-past nine in the evening a man came up to the barricade. + </p> + <p> + Jeanty Sarre recognized him. + </p> + <p> + "Good day, Denis," said he. + </p> + <p> + "Call me, Gaston," said the man. + </p> + <p> + "Why?" + </p> + <p> + "Because—" + </p> + <p> + "Are you your brother?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I am my brother. For to-day." + </p> + <p> + "Very well. Good-day, Gaston." + </p> + <p> + They heartily shook hands. + </p> + <p> + It was Denis Dussoubs. + </p> + <p> + He was pale, calm, and bleeding; he had already been fighting during the + morning. At the barricade of the Faubourg Saint Martin a ball had grazed + his breast, but had been turned off by some money in his pocket, and had + only broken the skin. He had had the rare good fortune of being scratched + by a ball. It was like the first touch from the claws of death. He wore a + cap, his hat having been left behind in the barricade where he had fought: + and he had replaced his bullet-pierced overcoat, which was made of + Belleisle cloth, by a pea-jacket bought at a slop-shop. + </p> + <p> + How had he reached the barricade of the Petit Carreau? He could not say. + He had walked straight before him. He had glided from street to street. + Chance takes the predestined by the hand, and leads them straight to their + goal through the thick darkness. + </p> + <p> + At the moment when he entered the barricade they cried out to him, "Who + goes there?" He answered, "The Republic!" + </p> + <p> + They saw Jeanty Sarre shake him by the hand. They asked Jeanty Sarre,— + </p> + <p> + "Who is he?" + </p> + <p> + Jeanty Sarre answered,— + </p> + <p> + "It is some one." + </p> + <p> + And he added,— + </p> + <p> + "We were only sixty a short time since. We are a hundred now." + </p> + <p> + All pressed round the new-comer. Jeanty Sarre offered him the command. + </p> + <p> + "No," said he, "I do not understand the tactics of barricade fighting. I + should be a bad chief, but I am a good soldier. Give me a gun." + </p> + <p> + They seated themselves on the paving-stones. They exchanged their + experiences of what had been done. Denis described to them the fighting on + the Faubourg Saint Martin. Jeanty Sarre told Denis of the fighting in the + Rue Saint Denis. + </p> + <p> + During all this time the generals were preparing a final assault,—what + the Marquis of Clermont-Tonnerre, in 1822, called the "Coup de Collier," + and what, in 1789, the Prince of Lambese had called the "Coup de Bas." + Throughout all Paris there was now only this point which offered any + resistance. This knot of barricade, this labyrinth of streets, embattled + like a redoubt, was the last citadel of the People and of Right. The + generals invested it leisurely, step by step, and on all sides. They + concentrated their forces. They, the combatants of this fateful hour, knew + nothing of what was being done. Only from time to time they interrupted + their recital of events and they listened. From the right and from the + left, from the front, from the rear, from every side, at the same time, an + unmistakable murmur, growing every moment louder, and more distinct, + hoarse, piercing, fear-inspiring, reached them through the darkness. It + was the sound of the battalions marching and charging at the + trumpet-command in all the adjoining streets. They resumed their gallant + conversation, and then in another moment they stopped again and listened + to that species of ill-omened chant, chanted by Death, which was + approaching. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless some still thought that they would not be attacked till the + next morning. Night combats are rare in street-warfare. They are more + "risky" than all the other conflicts. Few generals venture upon them. But + amongst the old hands of the barricade, from certain never-failing signs, + they believed that an assault was imminent. + </p> + <p> + In fact, at half-past ten at night, and not at eight o'clock as General + Magnan has said in the despicable document which he calls his report—a + special movement was heard in the direction of the markets. This was the + marching of the troops. Colonel de Lourmel had determined to make the + attack. The 51st of the Line, posted at Saint Eustache, entered the Rue + Montorgueil. The 2d battalion formed the advanced guard. The Grenadiers + and the Light Infantry, hurled forward at the double, quickly carried the + three little barricades which were on the other side of the vacant space + of the Rue Mauconseil, and the feebly defended barricades of the adjoining + streets. It was at that very moment that the barricade near which I was + happened to be carried. + </p> + <p> + From the barricade of the Petit Carreau they heard the night-strife draw + near through the darkness, with a fitful noise, strange and appalling. + First a great tumult, then volleys, then silence, and then all began + again. The flashing of the fusillades suddenly delineated in the darkness + the outlines of the houses, which appeared as though they themselves were + affrighted. + </p> + <p> + The decisive moment drew near. + </p> + <p> + The outpost had fallen back upon the barricades. The advanced posts of the + Rue de Cléry and the Rue du Cadran had come back. They called over the + roll. Not one of those of the morning was missing. + </p> + <p> + They were, as we have said, about sixty combatants, and not a hundred, as + the Magnan report has stated. + </p> + <p> + From the upper extremity of the street where they were stationed it was + difficult to ascertain what was happening. They did not exactly know how + many barricades they were in the Rue Montorgueil between them and Saint + Eustache, whence the troops were coming. They only knew that their nearest + point of resistance was the double Mauconseil barricade, and that, when + all was at an end there, it would be their turn. + </p> + <p> + Denis had posted himself on the inner side of the barricade in such a + manner that half his body was above the top, and from there he watched. + The glimmer which came from the doorway of the wine-shop rendered his + gestures visible. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly he made a sign. The attack on the Mauconseil redoubt was + beginning. + </p> + <p> + The soldiers, in fact, after having some time hesitated before this double + wall of paving-stones, lofty, well-built, and which they supposed was well + defended, had ended by rushing upon it, and attacking it with blows of + their guns. + </p> + <p> + They were not mistaken. It was well defended. We have already said that + there were only six men in this barricade, the six workmen who had built + it. Of the six one only had three cartridges, the others had only two + shots to fire. These six men heard the regiment advancing and the roll of + the battery which was followed on it, and did not stir. Each remained + silent at his post of battle, the barrel of his gun between two + paving-stones. When the soldiers were within range they fired, and the + battalion replied. + </p> + <p> + "That is right. Rage away, Red Breeches," said, laughingly, the man who + had three shots to fire. + </p> + <p> + Behind them, the men of the Petit Carreau were crowded round Denis and + Jeanty Sarre, and leaning on the crest of their barricade, stretching + their necks towards the Mauconseil redoubt, they watched them like the + gladiators of the next combat. + </p> + <p> + The six men of this Mauconseil redoubt resisted the onslaught of the + battalion for nearly a quarter of an hour. They did not fire together, "in + order," one of them said, "to make the pleasure last the longer." The + pleasure of being killed for duty; a noble sentence in this workman's + mouth. They did not fall back into the adjoining streets until after + having exhausted their ammunition. The last, he who had three cartridges, + did not leave until the soldiers were actually scaling the summit of the + barricade. + </p> + <p> + In the barricade of the Petit Carreau not a word was spoken; they followed + all the phases of this struggle, and they pressed each other's hands. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly the noise ceased, the last musket-shot was fired. A moment + afterwards they saw the lighted candles being placed in all the windows + which looked on on the Mauconseil redoubt. The bayonets and the brass + ornaments on the shakos sparkled there. The barricade was taken. + </p> + <p> + The commander of the battalion, as is always the custom in similar + circumstances, had sent orders into the adjoining houses to light up all + the windows. + </p> + <p> + This was done at the Mauconseil redoubt. + </p> + <p> + Seeing that their hour had come, the sixty combatants of the barricade of + the Petit Carreau mounted their heap of paving-stones, and shouted with + one voice, in the midst of the darkness, this piercing cry, "Long live the + Republic!" + </p> + <p> + No one answered them. + </p> + <p> + They could only hear the battalion loading their guns. + </p> + <p> + This acted upon them as a species of signal for action. They were all worn + out with fatigue, having been on their feet since the preceding day, + carrying paving-stones or fighting, the greater part had neither eaten nor + slept. + </p> + <p> + Charpentier said to Jeanty Sarre,— + </p> + <p> + "We shall all be killed." + </p> + <p> + "Shall we really!" said Jeanty Sarre. + </p> + <p> + Jeanty Sarre ordered the door of the wine-shop to be closed, so that their + barricade, completely shrouded in darkness, would give them some advantage + over the barricade which was occupied by the soldiers and lighted up. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime the 51st searched the streets, carried the wounded into + the ambulances, and took up their position in the double barricade of the + Rue Mauconseil. Half an hour thus elapsed. + </p> + <p> + Now, in order to clearly understand what is about to follow, the reader + must picture to himself in this silent street, in this darkness of the + night, at from sixty to eighty yards apart, within speaking distance, + these two redoubts facing each other, and able as in an Iliad to address + each other. + </p> + <p> + On one side the Army, on the other side the People, the darkness over all. + </p> + <p> + The species of truce which always precedes decisive encounters drew to a + close. The preparations were completed on both sides. The soldiers could + be heard forming into order of battle, and the captains giving out their + commands. It was evident that the struggle was at hand. + </p> + <p> + "Let us begin," said Charpentier; and he raised his gun. + </p> + <p> + Denis held his arm back. "Wait," he said. + </p> + <p> + Then an epic incident was seen. + </p> + <p> + Denis slowly mounted the paving-stones of the barricade, ascended to the + top, and stood there erect, unarmed and bareheaded. + </p> + <p> + Thence he raised his voice, and, facing the soldiers, he shouted to them, + "Citizens!" + </p> + <p> + At this word a sort of electric shudder ensued which was felt from one + barricade to the other. Every sound was hushed, every voice was silent, on + both sides reigned a deep religious and solemn silence. By the distant + glimmer of a few lighted windows the soldiers could vaguely distinguish a + man standing above a mass of shadows, like a phantom who was speaking to + them in the night. + </p> + <p> + Denis continued,— + </p> + <p> + "Citizens of the Army! Listen to me!" + </p> + <p> + The silence grew still more profound. + </p> + <p> + He resumed,— + </p> + <p> + "What have you come to do here? You and ourselves, all of us who are in + this street, at this hour, with the sword or gun in hand, what are we + about to do? To kill each other! To kill each other, citizens! Why? + Because they have raised a misunderstanding between us! Because we obey—you + your discipline—we our Right! You believe that you are carrying out + your instructions; as for us, we know that we are doing our duty. Yes! it + is Universal Suffrage, it is the Right of the Republic, it is our Right + that we are defending, and our Right, soldiers, is your Right. The Army is + the People, as the People is the Army. We are the same nation, the some + country, the same men. My God! See, is there any Russian blood in my + veins, in me who am speaking to you? Is there any Prussian blood in your + veins, in you who are listening to me? No! Why then should we fight? It is + always an unfortunate thing for a man to fire upon a man. Nevertheless, a + gun-shot between a Frenchman and an Englishman can be understood; but + between a Frenchman and a Frenchman, ah! that wounds Reason, that wounds + France, that wounds our mother!" + </p> + <p> + All anxiously listened to him. At this moment from the opposite barricade + a voice shouted to him,— + </p> + <p> + "Go home, then!" + </p> + <p> + At this coarse interruption an angry murmur ran through Denis's + companions, and several guns could be heard being loaded. Denis restrained + them by a sign. + </p> + <p> + This sign possessed a strange authority. + </p> + <p> + "Who is this man?" the combatants behind the barricade asked each other. + Suddenly they cried out,— + </p> + <p> + "He is a Representative of the People!" + </p> + <p> + Denis had, in fact, suddenly assumed his brother Gaston's sash. + </p> + <p> + What he had premeditated was about to be accomplished; the hour of the + heroic falsehood had arrived. He cried out,— + </p> + <p> + "Soldiers, do you know what the man is who is speaking to you at this + moment? He is not only a citizen, he is a Legislator! He is a + Representative chosen by Universal Suffrage! My name is Dussoubs, and I am + a Representative of the People. It is in the name of the National + Assembly, it is in the name of the Sovereign Assembly, it is in the name + of the People, and in the name of the Law, that I summon you to hear me. + Soldiers, you are the armed force. Well, then, when the Law speaks, the + armed force listens." + </p> + <p> + This time the silence was not broken. + </p> + <p> + We reproduce these words almost literally; such as they are, and such as + they have remained graven on the memory of those who heard them; but what + we cannot reproduce, and what should be added to these words, in order to + realize the effect, is the attitude, the accent, the thrill of emotion, + the vibration of the words issuing from this noble breast, the intense + impression produced by the terrible hour and place. + </p> + <p> + Denis Dussoubs continued: "He spoke for some twenty minutes," an + eye-witness has told me. Another has said, "He spoke with a loud voice; + the whole street heard him." He was vehement, eloquent, earnest; a judge + for Bonaparte, a friend for the soldiers. He sought to rouse them by + everything which could still vibrate in them; he recalled to them their + true wars, their true victories, the national glory, the ancient military + honor, the flag. He told them that all this was about to be slain by the + bullets from their guns. He adjured them, he ordered them to join + themselves to the People and to the Law; and then suddenly coming back to + the first words which he had pronounced, carried away by that fraternity + with which his soul overflowed, he interrupted himself in the middle of a + half-completed sentence, and cried out:— + </p> + <p> + "But to what purpose are all these words? It is not all this that is + wanted, it is a shake of the hand between brothers! Soldiers, you are + there opposite us, at a hundred paces from us, in a barricade, with the + sword drawn, with guns pointed; you are aiming directly at me; well then, + all of us who are here love you! There is not one of us who would not give + his life for one of you. You are the peasants of the fields of France; we + are the workmen of Paris. What, then, is in question? Simply to see each + other, to speak to each other, and not to cut each other's throats. Shall + we try this? Say! Ah! as for myself in this frightful battle-field of + civil war, I would rather die than kill. Look now, I am going to get off + this barricade and come to you. I am unarmed; I only know that you are my + brothers. I am confident, I am calm; and if one of you presents his + bayonet at me, I will offer him my hand." + </p> + <p> + He finished speaking. + </p> + <p> + A voice cried out from the opposite barricade, "Advance in order!" + </p> + <p> + Then they saw him slowly descend the dimly-lighted crest of the barricade, + paving-stone by paving-stone, and plunge with head erect into the dark + street. + </p> + <p> + From the barricade all eyes followed him with an inexpressible anxiety. + Hearts ceased beating, mouths no longer breathed. + </p> + <p> + No one attempted to restrain Denis Dussoubs. Each felt that he was going + where he ought to go. Charpentier wished to accompany him. "Would you like + me to go with you?" he cried out to him. Dussoubs refused, with a shake of + the head. + </p> + <p> + Dussoubs, alone and grave, advanced towards the Mauconseil Barricade. The + night was so dark that they lost sight of him immediately. They could + distinguish only for a few seconds his peaceable and intrepid bearing. + Then he disappeared. They could no longer see anything. It was an + inauspicious moment. The night was dark and dumb. There could only be + heard in this thick darkness the sound of a measured and firm step dying + away in the distance. + </p> + <p> + After some time, how long no one could reckon, so completely did emotion + eclipse thought amongst the witnesses of this marvellous scene, a glimmer + of light appeared in the barricade of the soldiers; it was probably a + lantern which was being brought or taken away. By the flash they again saw + Dussoubs, he was close to the barricade, he had almost reached it, he was + walking towards it with his arms stretched out like Christ. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly the word of command, "Fire!" was heard. + </p> + <p> + A fusillade burst forth. + </p> + <p> + They had fired upon Dussoubs when he was at the muzzles of their guns. + </p> + <p> + Dussoubs fell. + </p> + <p> + Then he raised himself and cried, "Long live the Republic!" + </p> + <p> + Another bullet struck him, he fell again. Then they saw him raise himself + once more, and heard him shout in a loud voice, "I die with the Republic." + </p> + <p> + These were his last words. + </p> + <p> + In this manner died Denis Dussoubs. + </p> + <p> + It was not vainly that he had said to his brother, "Your sash will be + there." + </p> + <p> + He was anxious that this sash should do its duty. He determined in the + depths of his great soul that this sash should triumph either through the + law or through death. + </p> + <p> + That is to say, in the first case it would save Right, in the second save + Honor. + </p> + <p> + Dying, he could say, "I have succeeded." + </p> + <p> + Of the two possible triumphs of which he had dreamed, the gloomy triumph + was not the less splendid. + </p> + <p> + The insurgent of the Elysée thought that he had killed a Representative of + the People, and boasted of it. The sole journal published by the <i>coup + d'état</i> under these different titles <i>Patrie</i>, <i>Univers</i>, <i>Moniteur</i>, + <i>Parisien</i>, etc., announced on the next day, Friday, the 5th, "that + the ex-Representative Dussoubs (Gaston) had been killed at the barricade + of the Rue Neuve Saint Eustache, and that he bore 'a red flag in his + hand.'" + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0053" id="link2HCH0053"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. WHAT WAS DONE DURING THE NIGHT—THE PASSAGE DU SAUMON + </h2> + <p> + When those on the barricade of the Petit Carreau saw Dussoubs fall, so + gloriously for his friends, so shamefully for his murderers, a moment of + stupor ensued. Was it possible? Did they really see this before them? Such + a crime committed by our soldiers? Horror filled every soul. + </p> + <p> + This moment of surprise did not last long. "Long live the Republic!" + shouted the barricade with one voice, and it replied to the ambuscade by a + formidable fire. + </p> + <p> + The conflict began. A mad conflict on the part of the <i>coup d'état</i>, + a struggle of despair on the side of the Republic. On the side of the + soldiers an appalling and cold blooded resolution, a passive and ferocious + obedience, numbers, good arms, absolute chiefs, pouches filled with + cartridges. On the side of the People no ammunition, disorder, weariness, + exhaustion, no discipline, indignation serving for a leader. + </p> + <p> + It appears that while Dussoubs was speaking, fifteen grenadiers, commanded + by a sergeant named Pitrois, had succeeded in gliding in the darkness + along the houses, and, unperceived and unheard, had taken up their + position close to the barricade. These fifteen men suddenly formed + themselves together with lowered bayonets at twenty paces from the + barricade ready to scale it. A volley received them. They fell back, + leaving several corpses in the gutter. Major Jeannin cried out, "Finish + them off." The entire battalion which occupied the Mauconseil barricade, + then appeared with raised bayonets upon the uneven crest of this + barricade, and from there without breaking their line, with a sudden, but + regulated and inexorable movement, sprang into the street. The four + companies, in close order, and as though mingled and hardly visible, + seemed like a wave precipitating itself with a great noise from the height + of the barricade. + </p> + <p> + At the barricade of the Petit Carreau they noted the manoeuvre, and had + paused in their fire. "Present," cried Jeanty Sarre, "but do not fire; + wait for the order." + </p> + <p> + Each put his gun to his shoulder, then placed the barrels between the + paving-stones, ready to fire, and waited. + </p> + <p> + As soon as it had quitted the Mauconseil redoubt, the battalion rapidly + formed itself into an attacking column, and a moment afterwards they heard + the intermittent sound of an advance at the double. It was the battalion + which was coming upon them. + </p> + <p> + "Charpentier," said Jeanty Sarre, "you have good eyes. Are they midway?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," said Charpentier. + </p> + <p> + "Fire," said Jeanty Sarre. + </p> + <p> + The barricade fired. The whole street was filled with smoke. Several + soldiers fell. They could hear the cries of the wounded. The battalion, + riddled with balls, halted and replied by platoon firing. + </p> + <p> + Seven or eight combatants whose bodies reached above the barricade, which + had been made hastily and was too low were hit. Three were killed on the + spot. One fell wounded by a ball in his stomach, between Jeanty Sarre and + Charpentier. He shrieked out with pain. + </p> + <p> + "Quick, to the ambulance:" said Jeanty Sarre. + </p> + <p> + "Where?" + </p> + <p> + "In the Rue du Cadran." + </p> + <p> + Jeanty Sarre and Charpentier picked up the wounded man, the one by the + feet, the other by the head, and carried him to the du Cadran through the + passage in the barricade. + </p> + <p> + During all this time there was continued file firing. There no longer + seemed anything in the street but smoke, the balls whistling and crossing + each other, the brief and repeated commands, some plaintive cries, and the + flash of the guns lighting up the darkness. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a loud void died out, "Forwards!" The battalion resumed its + double-quick march and threw itself upon the barricade. + </p> + <p> + Then ensued a horrible scene. They fought hand to hand, four hundred on + the one side, fifty on the other. They seized each other by the collar, by + the throat, by the mouth, by the hair. There was no longer a cartridge in + the barricade, but there remained despair. A workman, pierced through and + through, snatched the bayonet from his belly, and stabbed a soldier with + it. They did not see each other, but they devoured each other. It was a + desperate scuffle in the dark. + </p> + <p> + The barricade did not hold out for two minutes. In several places, it may + be remembered, it was low. It was rather stridden over than scaled. That + was all the more heroic. One of the survivors<a href="#linknoteref-28" + name="linknote-28" id="linknote-28"><small>28</small></a> told the writer + of these lines, "The barricade defended itself very badly, but the men + died very well." + </p> + <p> + All this took place while Jeanty Sarre and Charpentier were carrying the + wounded man to the ambulance in the Rue du Cadran. His wounds having been + attended to, they came back to the barricade. They had just reached it + when they heard themselves called by name. A feeble voice close by said to + them, "Jeanty Sarre! Charpentier!" They turned round and saw one of their + men who was dying leaning against a wall, and his knees giving way beneath + him. He was a combatant who had left the barricade. He had only been able + to take a few steps down the street. He held his hand over his breast, + where he had received a ball fired at close quarters. He said to them in a + scarcely audible voice, "The barricade is taken, save yourselves." + </p> + <p> + "No," said Jeanty Sarre, "I must unload my gun." Jeanty Sarre re-entered + the barricade, fired a last shot and went away. + </p> + <p> + Nothing could be more frightful than the interior of the captured + barricade. + </p> + <p> + The Republicans, overpowered by numbers, no longer offered any resistance. + The officers cried out, "No prisoners!" The soldiers billed those who were + standing, and despatched those who had fallen. Many awaited their death + with their heads erect. The dying raised themselves up, and shouted, "Long + live the Republic!" Some soldiers ground their heels upon the faces of the + dead, so that they should not be recognized. There, stretched out amongst + the corpses, in the middle of the barricade, with his hair in the gutter, + was seen the all-but namesake of Charpentier, Carpentier, the delegate of + the committee of the Tenth Arrondissement, who had been killed, and had + fallen backwards, with two balls in his breast. A lighted candle which the + soldiers had taken from the wine-shop was placed on a paving stone. + </p> + <p> + The soldiers were infuriated. One would say that they were revenging + themselves. On whom? A workman, named Paturel, received three balls and + six bayonet-thrusts, four of which were in the head. They thought that he + was dead, and they did not renew the attack. He felt them search him. They + took ten francs which he had about him. He did not die till six days + later, and he was able to relate the details which are given here. We may + note, by the way, that the name of Paturel does not figure upon any of the + lists of the corpses published by M. Bonaparte. + </p> + <p> + Sixty Republicans were shut up in this redoubt of the Petit Carreau. + Forty-six were killed there. These men had come there that morning free, + proud to fight, and joyous to die. At midnight all was at an end. The + night wagons carried away on the next day nine corpses to the hospital + cemetery, and thirty-seven to Montmartre. + </p> + <p> + Jeanty Sarre escaped by a miracle, as well as Charpentier, and a third + whose name we have not been able to ascertain. They glided along the + houses and reached the Passage du Saumon. The grated doors which closed + the Passage during the night only reached to the centre of the archway. + They climbed it and got over the spikes, at the risk of tearing + themselves. Jeanty Sarre was the first to climb it; having reached the + summit, one of the spikes pierced his trousers, hooked them, and Jeanty + Sarre fell headforemost upon the pavement. He got up again, he was only + stunned. The other two followed him, and gliding along the bars, all three + found themselves in the Passage. It was dimly lighted by a lamp which + shone at one end. In the meanwhile, they heard the soldiers, who were + pursuing them, coming up. In order to escape by the Rue Montmartre, they + would have to climb the grated gateway at the other end of the Passage; + their hands were grazed, their knees were bleeding; they were dying of + weariness; they were in no condition to recommence a similar ascent. + </p> + <p> + Jeanty Sarre knew where the keeper of the Passage lived. He knocked at his + window, and begged him to open. The keeper refused. + </p> + <p> + At this moment the detachment which had been sent in pursuit of them + reached the grated gateway which they had just climbed. The soldiers, + hearing a noise in the Passage, passed the barrels of their guns through + the bars. Jeanty Sarre squeezed himself against the wall behind one of + those projecting columns which decorate the Passage; but the column was + very thin, and only half covered him. The soldiers fired, and smoke filled + the Passage. When it cleared away, Jeanty Sarre saw Charpentier stretched + on the stones, with his face to the ground. He had been shot through the + heart. Their other companion lay a few paces from him, mortally wounded. + </p> + <p> + The soldiers did not scale the grated gateway, but they posted a sentinel + before it. Jeanty Sarre heard them going away by the Rue Montmartre. They + would doubtless come back. + </p> + <p> + No means of flight. He felt all the doors round his prison successively. + One of them at length opened. This appeared to him like a miracle. Whoever + could have forgotten to shut the door? Providence, doubtless. He hid + himself behind it, and remained there for more than an hour, standing + motionless, scarcely breathing. He no longer heard any sound; he ventured + out. The sentinel was no longer there. The detachment had rejoined the + battalion. + </p> + <p> + One of his old friends, a man to whom he had rendered services such as are + not forgotten, lived in this very Passage du Saumon. Jeanty Sarre looked + for the number, woke the porter, told him the name of his friend, was + admitted, went up the stairs, and knocked at the door. The door was + opened, his friend appeared in his nightshirt, with a candle in his hand. + </p> + <p> + He recognized Jeanty Sarre, and cried out, "You here! What a state you are + in! Where hove you come from? From what riot? from what madness? And then + you come to compromise us all here? To have us murdered? To have us shot? + Now then, what do you want with me?" + </p> + <p> + "I want you to give me a brush down," said Jeanty Sarre. + </p> + <p> + His friend took a brush and brushed him, and Jeanty Sarre went away. While + going down the stairs, Jeanty Sarre cried out to his friend, "Thanks!" + </p> + <p> + Such is the kind of hospitality which we have since received in Belgium, + in Switzerland, and even in England. + </p> + <p> + The next day, when they took up the bodies they found on Charpentier a + note-book and a pencil, and upon Denis Dussoubs a letter. A letter to a + woman. Even these stoic souls love. + </p> + <p> + On the 1st of December, Denis Dussoubs began this letter. He did not + finish it. Here it is:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "MY DEAR MARIE, + + "Have you experienced that sweet pain of feeling regret for him who + regrets you? For myself since I left you I have known no other + affliction than that of thinking of you. Even in my affliction itself + there was something sweet and tender, and although I was troubled, I + was nevertheless happy to feel in the depths of my heart how greatly + I loved you by the regret which you cost me. Why are we separated? + Why have I been forced to fly from you? For we were so happy! When I + think of our little evenings so free from constraint, of our gay + country chats with your sisters, I feel myself seized with a bitter + regret. Did we not love each other clearly, my darling? We had no + secret from each other because we had no need to have one, and our + lips uttered the thoughts of our hearts without our thinking to keep + anything back. + + "God has snatched away from us all these blessings, and nothing will + console me for having lost them; do you not lament with me the evils + of absence? + + "How seldom we see those whom we love! Circumstances take us far from + them, and our soul tormented and attracted out of ourselves lives in + a perpetual anguish. I feel this sickness of absence. I imagine + myself wherever you are. I follow your work with my eyes, or I listen + to your words, seated beside you and seeking to divine the word which + you are about to utter; your sisters sew by our side. Empty + dreams—illusions of a moment—my hand seeks yours; where are you, my + beloved one? + + "My life is an exile. Far from those whom I love and by whom I am + loved, my heart calls them and consumes away in its grief. No, I do + not love the great cities and their noise, towns peopled with + strangers where no one knows you and where you know no one, where + each one jostles and elbows the other without ever exchanging a + smile. But I love our quiet fields, the peace of home, and the voice + of friends who greet you. Up to the present I have always lived in + contradiction with my nature; my fiery blood, my nature so hostile to + injustice, the spectacle of unmerited miseries have thrown me into a + struggle of which I do not foresee the issue, a struggle in which + will remain to the end without fear and without reproach, that which + daily breaks me down and consumes my life. + + "I tell you, my much-loved darling, the secret miseries of my heart; + no, I do not blush for what my hand has just written, but my heart is + sick and suffering, and I tell it to you. I suffer... I wish to blot + out these lines, but why? Could they offend you? What do they contain + that could wound my darling? Do I not know your affection, and do I + not know that you love me? Yes, you have not deceived me, I did not + kiss a lying mouth; when seated on my knees you lulled me with the + charm of your words, I believed you. I wished to bind myself to a + burning iron bar; weariness preys upon me and devours me. I feel a + maddening desire to recover life. Is it Paris that produces this + effect upon me? I always yearn to be in places where I am not. I live + here to a complete solitude. I believe you, Marie...." +</pre> + <p> + Charpentier's note-book only contained this line, which he had written in + the darkness at the foot of the barricade while Denis Dussoubs was + speaking:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Admonet et magna testatur voce per umbras. +</pre> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-28" name="linknoteref-28" id="linknoteref-28_"><small>28</small></a> + <i>February 18. Louvain.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0054" id="link2HCH0054"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. OTHER DEEDS OF DARKNESS + </h2> + <p> + Yvan had again seen Conneau. He corroborated the information given in the + letter of Alexandre Dumas to Bocage; with the fact we had the names. On + the 3d of December at M. Abbatucci's house, 31, Rue Caumartin, in the + presence of Dr. Conneau and of Piétri, a Corsican, born at Vezzani, named + Jacques François Criscelli,<a href="#linknoteref-29" name="linknote-29" + id="linknote-29"><small>29</small></a> a man attached to the secret and + personal service of Louis Bonaparte, had received from Piétri's own mouth + the offer of 25,000 francs "to take or kill Victor Hugo." He had accepted, + and said, "That is all very well if I am alone. But suppose there are two + of us?" + </p> + <p> + Piétri had answered,— + </p> + <p> + "Then there will be 50,000 francs." + </p> + <p> + This communication, accompanied by urgent prayers, had been made to me by + Yvan in the Rue de Monthabor, while we were still at Dupont White's. + </p> + <p> + This said, I continue my story. + </p> + <p> + The massacre of the 4th did not produce the whole of its effect until the + next day, the 5th. The impulse given by us to the resistance still lasted + for some hours, and at nightfall, in the labyrinth of houses ranging from + the Rue du Petit Carreau to the Rue du Temple, there was fighting. The + Pagevin, Neuve Saint Eustache, Montorgueil, Rambuteau, Beaubourg, and + Transnonain barricades were gallantly defended. There, there was an + impenetrable network of streets and crossways barricaded by the People, + surrounded by the Army. + </p> + <p> + The assault was merciless and furious. + </p> + <p> + The barricade of the Rue Montorgueil was one of those which held out the + longest. A battalion and artillery was needed to carry it. At the last + moment it was only defended by three men, two shop-clerks and a + lemonade-seller of an adjoining street. When the assault began the night + was densely dark, and the three combatants escaped. But they were + surrounded. No outlets. Not one door was open. They climbed the grated + gateway of the Passage Verdeau as Jeanty Sarre and Charpentier had scaled + the Passage du Saumon, had jumped over, and had fled down the Passage. But + the other grated gateway was closed, and like Jeanty Sarre and Charpentier + they had no time to climb it. Besides, they heard the soldiers corning on + both sides. In a corner at the entrance of the Passage there were a few + planks which had served to close a stall, and which the stall-keeper was + in the habit of putting there. They hid themselves beneath these planks. + </p> + <p> + The soldiers who had taken the barricade, after having searched the + streets, bethought themselves of searching the Passage. They also climbed + over the grated gateway, looked about everywhere with lanterns, and found + nothing They were going away, when one of them perceived the foot of one + of these three unfortunate men which was projecting from beneath the + planks. + </p> + <p> + They killed all three of them on the spot with bayonet-thrusts. They cried + out, "Kill us at once! Shoot us! Do not prolong our misery." + </p> + <p> + The neighboring shop-keepers heard these cries, but dared not open their + doors or their windows, for fear, as one of them said the next day, "that + they should do the same to them." + </p> + <p> + The execution at an end, the executioners left the three victims lying in + a pool of blood on the pavement of the Passage. One of those unfortunate + men did not die until eight o'clock next morning. + </p> + <p> + No one had dared to ask for mercy; no one had dared to bring any help. + They left them to die there. + </p> + <p> + One of the combatants of the Rue Beaubourg was more fortunate. They were + pursuing him. He rushed up a staircase, reached a roof, and from there a + passage, which proved to be the top corridor of an hotel. A key was in the + door. He opened it boldly, and found himself face to face with a man who + was going to bed. It was a tired-out traveller who had arrived at the + hotel that very evening. The fugitive said to the traveller, "I am lost, + save me!" and explained him the situation in three words. + </p> + <p> + The traveller said to him, "Undress yourself, and get into my bed." And + then he lit a cigar, and began quietly to smoke. Just as the man of the + barricade had got into bed a knock came at the door. It was the solders + who were searching the house. To the questions which they asked him the + traveller answered, pointing to the bed, "We are only two here. We have + just arrived here. I am smoking my cigar, and my brother is asleep." The + waiter was questioned, and confirmed the traveller's statement. The + soldiers went away, and no one was shot. + </p> + <p> + We will say this, that the victorious soldiers killed less than on the + preceding day. They did not massacre in all the captured barricades. The + order had been given on that day to make prisoners. It might also be + believed that a certain humanity existed. What was this humanity? We shall + see. + </p> + <p> + At eleven o'clock at night all was at an end. + </p> + <p> + They arrested all those whom they found in the streets which had been + surrounded, whether combatants or not, they had all the wine-shops and the + <i>cafés</i> opened, they closely searched the houses, they seized all the + men whom they could find, only leaving the women and the children. Two + regiments formed in a square carried away all these prisoners huddled + together. They took them to the Tuileries, and shut them up in the vast + cellar situated beneath the terrace at the waterside. + </p> + <p> + On entering this cellar the prisoners felt reassured. They called to mind + that in June, 1848, a great number of insurgents had been shut up there, + and later on had been transported. They said to themselves that doubtless + they also would be transported, or brought before the Councils of War, and + that they had plenty of time before them. + </p> + <p> + They were thirsty. Many of them had been fighting since that morning, and + nothing parches tire mouth so much as biting cartridges. They asked for + drink. Three pitchers of water were brought to them. + </p> + <p> + A sort of security suddenly fell upon them. Amongst them were several who + had been transported in June, 1848, and who had already been in that + cellar, and who said, "In June they were not so humane. They left us for + three days without food or drink." Some of them wrapped themselves up in + their overcoats or cloaks, lay down, and slept. At one o'clock in the + morning a great noise was heard outside. Soldiers, carrying torches, + appeared in the cellars, the prisoners who were sleeping woke with a + start, an officer ordered them to get up. + </p> + <p> + They made them go out anyhow as they had come in. As they went out they + coupled them two by two at random, and a sergeant counted them in a loud + voice. They asked neither their names, nor their professions, nor their + families, nor who they were, nor whence they came; they contented + themselves with the numbers. The numbers sufficed for what they were about + to do. + </p> + <p> + In this manner they counted 337. The counting having come to an end, they + ranged them in close columns, still two by two and arm-in-arm. They were + not tied together, but on each side of the column, on the right and on the + left, there were three files of soldiers keeping them within their ranks, + with guns loaded; a battalion was at their head, a battalion in their + rear. They began to march, pressed together and enclosed in this moving + frame of bayonets. + </p> + <p> + At the moment when the column set forward, a young law-student, a fair + pale Alsatian, of some twenty years, who was in their ranks, asked a + captain, who was marching by him with his sword drawn,— + </p> + <p> + "Where are we going?" + </p> + <p> + The officer made no reply. + </p> + <p> + Having left the Tuileries, they turned to the right, and followed the quay + as far as the Pont de la Concorde. They crossed the Pont de la Concorde, + and again turned to the right. In this manner they passed before the + esplanade of the Invalides, and reached the lonely quay of Gros-Caillou. + </p> + <p> + As we have just said, they numbered 337, and as they walked two by two, + there was one, the last, who walked alone. He was one of the most daring + combatants of the Rue Pagevin, a friend of Lecomte the younger. By chance + the sergeant, who was posted in the inner file by his side, was a native + of the same province. On passing under a street-lamp they recognized each + other. They exchanged quickly a few words in a whisper. + </p> + <p> + "Where are we going?" asked the prisoner. + </p> + <p> + "To the military school," answered the sergeant. And he added, "Ah! my + poor lad!" + </p> + <p> + And then he kept at a distance from the prisoner. + </p> + <p> + As this was the end of the column, there was a certain space between the + last rank of the soldiers who formed the line, and the first rank of the + company which closed the procession. + </p> + <p> + As they reached the lonely boulevard of Gros-Caillon, of which we have + just spoken, the sergeant drew near to the prisoner, and said to him in a + rapid and low tone,— + </p> + <p> + "One can hardly see here. It is a dark spot. On the left there are trees. + Be off!" + </p> + <p> + "But," said the prisoner, "they will fire at me." + </p> + <p> + "They will miss you." + </p> + <p> + "But suppose they kill me?" + </p> + <p> + "It will be no worse than what awaits you." + </p> + <p> + The prisoner understood, shook the sergeant's hand, and taking advantage + of the space between the line of soldiers and rear-ground, rushed with a + single bound outside the column, and disappeared in the darkness beneath + the trees. + </p> + <p> + "A man is escaping!" cried out the officer who commanded the last company. + "Halt! Fire!" + </p> + <p> + The column halted. The rear-guard company fired at random in the direction + taken by the fugitive, and, as the sergeant had foreseen, missed him. In a + few moments the fugitive had reached the streets adjoining the tobacco + manufactory, and had plunged into them. They did not pursue him. They had + more pressing work on hand. + </p> + <p> + Besides, confusion might have arisen in their ranks, and to recapture one + they risked letting the 336 escape. + </p> + <p> + The column continued its march. Having reached the Pont d'Iéna, they + turned to the left, and entered into the Champ de Mars. + </p> + <p> + There they shot them all. + </p> + <p> + These 336 corpses were amongst those which were carried to Montmartre + Cemetery, and which were buried there with their heads exposed. + </p> + <p> + In this manner their families were enabled to recognize them. The + Government learned who they were after killing them. + </p> + <p> + Amongst these 336 victims were a large number of the combatants of the Rue + Pagevin and the Rue Rambuteau, of the Rue Neuve Saint Eustache and the + Porte Saint Denis. There were also 100 passers-by, whom they had arrested + because they happened to be there, and without any particular reason. + </p> + <p> + Besides, we will at once mention that the wholesale executions from the 3d + inst. were renewed nearly every night. Sometimes at the Champ de Mars, + sometimes at the Prefecture of Police, sometimes at both places at once. + </p> + <p> + When the prisons were full, M. de Maupas said "Shoot!" The fusillades at + the Prefecture took place sometimes in the courtyard, sometimes in the Rue + de Jérusalem. The unfortunate people whom they shot were placed against + the wall which bears the theatrical notices. They had chosen this spot + because it is close by the sewer-grating of the gutter, so that the blood + would run down at once, and would leave fewer traces. On Friday, the 5th, + they shot near this gutter of the Rue de Jérusalem 150 prisoners. Some one<a + href="#linknoteref-30" name="linknote-30" id="linknote-30"><small>30</small></a> + said to me, "On the next day I passed by there, they showed the spot; I + dug between the paving-stones with the toe of my boot, and I stirred up + the mud. I found blood." + </p> + <p> + This expression forms the whole history of the <i>coup d'état</i>, and + will form the whole history of Louis Bonaparte. Stir up this mud, you will + find blood. + </p> + <p> + Let this then be known to History:— + </p> + <p> + The massacre of the boulevard had this infamous continuation, the secret + executions. The <i>coup d'état</i> after having been ferocious became + mysterious. It passed from impudent murder in broad day to hidden murder + at night. + </p> + <p> + Evidence abounds. + </p> + <p> + Esquiros, hidden in the Gros-Caillou, heard the fusillades on the Champ de + Mars every night. + </p> + <p> + At Mazas, Chambolle, on the second night of his incarceration, heard from + midnight till five o'clock in the morning, such volleys that he thought + the prison was attacked. + </p> + <p> + Like Montferrier, Desmoulins bore evidence to blood between the + paving-stones of the Rue de Jérusalem. + </p> + <p> + Lieutenant-Colonel Cailland, of the ex-Republican Guard, is crossing the + Pont Neuf; he sees some <i>sergents de ville</i> with muskets to their + shoulders, aiming at the passers-by; he says to them, "You dishonor the + uniform." They arrest him. They search him. A <i>sergent de ville</i> says + to him, "If we find a cartridge upon you, we shall shoot you." They find + nothing. They take him to the Prefecture of Police, they shut him up in + the station-house. The director of the station-house comes and says to + him, "Colonel, I know you well. Do not complain of being here. You are + confided to my care. Congratulate yourself on it. Look here, I am one of + the family, I go and I come, I see, I listen; I know what is going on; I + know what is said; I divine what is not said. I hear certain noises during + the night; I see contain traces in the morning. As for myself I am not a + bad fellow. I am taking care of you. I am keeping you out of the way. At + the present moment be contented to remain with me. If you were not here + you would be underground." + </p> + <p> + An ex-magistrate, General Leflô's brother-in-law, is conversing on the + Pont de la Concorde with some officers before the steps of the Chamber; + some policemen come up to him: "You are tampering with the army." He + protests, they throw him into a vehicle, and they take him to the + Prefecture of Police. As he arrives there he sees a young man, in a blouse + and a cap, passing on the quay, who is being shoved along by three + municipal guards with the butt-ends of their muskets. At an opening of the + parapet, a guard shouts to him, "Go in there." The man goes in. Two guards + shoot him in the back. He falls. The third guard despatches him with a + shot in his ear. + </p> + <p> + On the 13th the massacres were not yet at an end. On the morning of that + day, in the dim light of the dawn, a solitary passer-by, going along the + Rue Saint Honoré, saw, between two lines of horse-soldiers, three wagons + wending their way, heavily loaded. These wagons could be traced by the + stains of blood which dripped from them. They came from the Champ de Mars, + and were going to the Montmartre Cemetery. They were full of corpses. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-29" name="linknoteref-29" id="linknoteref-29_"><small>29</small></a> + <i>It was this same Criscelli, who later on at Vaugirard in the Rue du + Trancy, killed by special order of the Prefect of Police a man named Kech, + "suspected of plotting the assassination of the Emperor."</i> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-30" name="linknoteref-30" id="linknoteref-30_"><small>30</small></a> + <i>The Marquis Sarrazin de Montferrier, a relative of my eldest brother. I + can now mention his name.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0055" id="link2HCH0055"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE + </h2> + <p> + Al danger being over, all scruples vanished. Prudent and wise people could + now give their adherence to the <i>coup d'état</i>, they allowed their + names to be posted up. + </p> + <p> + Here is the placard: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "FRENCH REPUBLIC. + + "<i>In the name of the French People</i>. + + "The President of the Republic, + + "Wishing, until the reorganization of the Legislative Body and the + Council of State, to be surrounded by men who justly possess the esteem + and the confidence of the country, + + "Has created a Consultative committee, which is composed of MM.— + + "Abbatucci, ex-Councillor of the Court of Cassation (of the Loiret). + General Achard (of the Moselle). + André, Ernest (of the Seine). + André (of the Charente). + D'Argout, Governor of the Bank, ex-Minister. + General Arrighi of Padua (of Corsica). + General de Bar (of the Seine). + General Baraguay-d'Hilliers (of Doubs). + Barbaroux, ex-Procureur-General (of the Réunion). + Baroche, ex-Minister of the Interior and of Foreign Affairs, + Vice-President of the Committee (of the Charente-Inférieure). + Barret (Ferdinand), ex-Minister (of the Seine). + Barthe, ex-Minister, first President (of the Cour de Comptes). + Bataille (of the Haute-Vienne). + Bavoux (Evariste) (of the Seine-et-Marne). + De Beaumont (of the Somme). + Bérard (of the Lot-et-Garonne). + Berger, Prefect of the Seine (of Puy-de-Dôme). + Bertrand (of the Yonne). + Bidault (of the Cher). + Bigrel (of the Côtes-du-Nord). + Billault, barrister. + Bineau, ex-Minister (of the Maine-et-Loire). + Boinvilliers, ex-President of the body of barristers (of the Seine). + Bonjean, Attorney-General of the Court of Cassation (of the Drome). + Boulatignier. + Bourbousson (of Vaucluse). + Bréhier (of the Manche). + De Cambacérès (Hubert). + De Cambacérès (of the Aisne). + Carlier, ex-Prefect of Police. + De Casabianca, ex-Minister (of Corsica). + General de Castellane, Commander-in-Chief at Lyons. + De Caulaincourt (of Calvados). + Vice-Admiral Cécile (of the Seine-Inférieure). + Chadenet (of the Meuse). + Charlemagne (of the Indre). + Chassaigne-Goyon (of Puy de Dôme). + General de Chasseloup-Laubat (of the Seine-Inférieure). + Prosper de Chasseloup-Laubat (Charente-Inférieure). + Chaix d'Est-Ange, Barrister of Paris (of the Marne). + De Chazelles, Mayor of Clermont-Ferrand (of Puy-de-Dôme). + Collas (of the Gironde). + De Crouseilhes, ex-Councillor of the Court of Cassation, ex-Minister + (of the Basses-Pyrénées). + Curial (of the Orne). + De Cuverville (of the Côtes-du-Nord). + Dabeaux (of the Haute-Garonne). + Dariste (of the Basses-Pyrénées). + Daviel, ex-Minister. + Delacoste, ex-Commissary-General (of the Rhône). + Delajus (of the Charente-Inférieure). + Delavau (of the Indre). + Deltheil (of the Lot). + Denjoy (of the Gironde). + Desjobert (of the Seine-Inférieure). + Desmaroux (of the Allier). + Drouyn de Lhuys, ex-Minister (of the Seine-et-Marne). + Théodore Ducos, Minister of the Marine and of the Colonies (of the + Seine). + Dumas (of the Institut) ex-Minister (of the Nord). + Charles Dupin, of the Institut (of the Seine-Inférieure). + General Durrieu (of the Landes). + Maurice Duval, ex-Prefect. + Eschassériaux (of the Charente-Inférieure). + Marshal Excelmans, Grand Chancellor of the Legion of Honor. + Ferdinand Favre (of the Loire-Inférieure) General de Flahaut, + ex-Ambassador. + Fortoul, Minister of Public Instruction (of the Basses-Alpes). + Achille Fould, Minister of Finance (of the Seine). + De Fourment (of the Somme). + Fouquier-d'Hérouël (of the Aisne). + Fremy (of the Yonne). + Furtado (of the Seine). + Gasc (of the Haute Garonne). + Gaslonde (of the Manche). + De Gasparin (ex-Minister). + Ernest de Girardin (of the Charente). + Augustin Giraud (of Maine-et-Loire). + Charles Giraud, of the Institut, member of the Court of Public + Instruction, ex-Minister. + Godelle (of the Aisne). + Goulhot de Saint-Germain (of the Manche). + General de Grammont (of the Loire). + De Grammont (of the Haute-Saône). + De Greslan (of the Réunion). + General de Grouchy (of the Gironde). + Kallez Claparède (of the Bas-Rhin). + General d'Hautpoul, ex-Minister (of the Aude). + Hébert (of the Aisne). + De Heeckeren (of the Haut-Rhin). + D'Hérembault (of the Pas-de-Calais). + Hermann. + Heurtier (of the Loire). + General Husson (of the Aube). + Janvier (of the Tarn-et-Garonne). + Lacaze (of the Hautes-Pyrénées). + Lacrosse, ex-Minister (of Finistère). + Ladoucette (of the Moselle). + Frédéric de Lagrange (of the Gers). + De Lagrange (of the Gironde). + General de La Hitte, ex-Minister. + Delangle, ex-Attorney-General. + Lanquetin, President of the Municipal Commission. + De la Riboissière (of Ille-et-Vilaine). + General Lawoestine. + Lebeuf (of the Seine-et-Marne). + Genéral Lebreton (of the Eure-et-Loir). + Le Comte (of the Yonne). + Le Conte (of the Côtes-du-Nord). + Lefebvre-Duruflé, Minister of Commerce (of the Eure). + Lélut (of the Haute-Saône). + Lemarois (of the Manche). + Lemercier (of the Charente). Lequien (of the Pas-de-Calais). + Lestiboudois (of the Nord). + Levavasseur (of the Seine-Inférieure). + Le Verrier (of the Manche). + Lezay de Marnésia (of Loir-et-Cher). + General Magnan, Commander-in-chief of the Army of Paris. + Magne, Minister of Public Works (of the Dordogne). + Edmond Maigne (of the Dordogne). + Marchant (of the Nord). + Mathieu Bodet, Barrister at the Court of Cassation. + De Maupas, Prefect of Police. + De Mérode (of the Nord). + Mesnard, President of the Chamber of the Court of Cassation. + Meynadier, ex-Prefect (of the Lozère). + De Montalembert (of the Doubs). + De Morny (of the Puy-de-Dôme). + De Mortemart (of the Seine-Inférieure). + De Mouchy (of the Oise). + De Moustiers (of the Doubs). + Lucien Murat (of the Lot). + General d'Ornano (of the Indre-et-Loire). + Pepin Lehalleur (of the Seine-et-Marne). + Joseph Périer, Governor of the Bank. + De Persigny (of the Nord). + Pichon, Mayor of Arras (of the Pas de Calais). + Portalis, First President of the Court of Cassation. + Pongerard, Mayor of Pennes (of the Ille-et-Vilaine). + General de Préval. + De Rancé (of Algeria). + General Randon, ex-Minister, Governor-General of Algeria. + General Regnauld de Saint-Jean-d'Angély, ex-Minister (of the + Charente-Inférieure). + Renouard de Bussière (of the Bas-Rhin). + Renouard (of the Lozère). + General Rogé. + Rouher, Keeper of the Seals, Minister of Justice (of the Puy-de-Dôme). + De Royer, ex-Minister, Attorney-General at the Court of Appeal of + Paris. + General de Saint-Arnaud, Minister of War. + De Saint-Arnaud, Barrister at the Court of Appeal of Paris. + De Salis (of the Moselle). + Sapey (of the Isère). + Schneider, ex-Minister. + De Ségur d'Aguesseau (of the Hautes-Pyréneés). + Seydoux (of the Nord). + Amédée Thayer. + Thieullen (of the Côtes-du-Nord). + De Thorigny, ex-Minister. + Toupot de Béveaux (of the Haute-Marne). + Tourangin, ex-Prefect. Troplong, First President of the Court of + Appeal. + De Turgot, Minister for Foreign Affairs. + Vaillant, Marshal of France. + Vaisse, ex-Minister (of the Nord). + De Vandeul (of the Haute-Marne). + General Vast-Vimeux (of the Charente-Inférieure). + Vauchelle, Mayor of Versailles. + Viard (of the Meurthe). + Vieillard (of the Manche). + Vuillefroy. + Vuitry, Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Finance De Wagram. + + "The President of the Republic, + + "LOUIS NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. + + "Minister of the Interior, DE MORNY." +</pre> + <p> + The name of Bourbousson is found on this list. + </p> + <p> + It would be a pity if this name were lost. + </p> + <p> + At the same time as this placard appeared the protest of M. Daru, as + follows:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "I approve of the proceedings of the National Assembly at the Mairie + of the Tenth Arrondissement on the 2d of December, 1851, in which I was + hindered from participating by force. + + "DARU." +</pre> + <p> + Some of these members of the Consultative Committee came from Mazas or + from Mount Valerien. They had been detained in a cell for four-and-twenty + hours, and then released. It may be seen that these legislators bore + little malice to the man who had made them undergo this disagreeable taste + of the law. + </p> + <p> + Many of the personages comprised in this menagerie possessed no other + renown but the outcry caused by their debts, clamoring around them. Such a + one had been twice declared bankrupt, but this extenuating circumstance + was added, "not under his own name:" Another who belonged to a literary or + scientific circle was reputed to have sold his vote. A third, who was + handsome, elegant, fashionable, dandified, polished, gilded, embroidered, + owed his prosperity to a connection which indicated a filthiness of soul. + </p> + <p> + Such people as these gave their adherence with little hesitation to the + deed which "saved society." + </p> + <p> + Some others, amongst those who composed this mosaic, possessed no + political enthusiasm, and merely consented to figure in this list in order + to keep their situations and their salaries; they were under the Empire + what they had been before the Empire, neuters, and during the nineteen + years of the reign, they continued to exercise their military, judicial, + or administrative functions unobtrusively, surrounded with the right and + proper respect due to inoffensive idiots. + </p> + <p> + Others were genuine politicians, belonging to that learned school which + begins with Guizot, and does not finish with Parieu, grave physicians of + social order, who reassure the frightened middle-classes, and who preserve + dead things. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Shall I lose my eye?" asked Messer Pancrace. + "Not at all, my friend, I hold it in my hand." +</pre> + <p> + In this quasi Council of State there were a goodly number of men of the + Police, a race of beings then held in esteem, Carlier, Piétri, Maupas, + etc. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after the 2d of December under the title of Mixed Commissions, the + police substituted itself for justice, drew up judgments, pronounced + sentences, violated every law judicially without the regular magistracy + interposing the slightest obstacle to this irregular magistracy: Justice + allowed the police to do what it liked with the satisfied look of a team + of horses which had just been relieved. + </p> + <p> + Some of the men inscribed on the list of this commission refused: Léon + Faucher Goulard, Mortemart, Frédéric Granier, Marchand, Maillard Paravay, + Beugnot. The newspapers received orders not to publish these refusals. + </p> + <p> + M. Beugnot inscribed on his card: "Count Beugnot, who does not belong to + the Consultative Committee." + </p> + <p> + M. Joseph Périer went from corner to corner of the streets, pencil in + hand, scratching out his name from all the placards, saying, "I shall take + back my name wherever I find it." + </p> + <p> + General Baraguay d'Hilliers did not refuse. A brave soldier nevertheless; + he had lost an arm in the Russian war. Later on, he has been Marshall of + France; he deserved better than to have been created a Marshal by Louis + Bonaparte. It did not appear likely that he would have come to this. + During the last days of November General Baraguay d'Hilliers, seated in a + large arm-chair before the high fireplace of the Conference Hall of the + National Assembly, was warming himself; some one, one of his colleagues, + he who is writing these lines, sat down near him on the other side of the + fireplace. They did not speak to each other, one belonging to the Right, + the other to the Left; but M. Piscatory came in, who belonged a little to + the Right and a little to the Left. He addressed himself to Baraguay + d'Hilliers: "Well, general, do you know what they are saying?" + </p> + <p> + "What?" + </p> + <p> + "That one of these days the President will shut the door in our faces." + </p> + <p> + General Baraguay d'Hilliers answered, and I heard the answer,—"If M. + Bonaparte should close the door of the Assembly against us, France will + fling it wide open again." + </p> + <p> + Louis Bonaparte at one moment thought of entitling this committee the + "Executive Commission." "No," said Morny to him, "that would be to credit + them with courage. They will willingly be supporters; they will not be + proscribers." + </p> + <p> + General Rulhière was dismissed for having blamed the passive obedience of + the army. + </p> + <p> + Let us here mention an incident. Some days after the 4th of December, + Emmanuel Arago met M. Dupin, who was going up the Faubourg Saint Honoré. + </p> + <p> + "What!" said Arago, "are you going to the Elysée?" + </p> + <p> + M. Dupin answered, "I never go to disreputable houses." + </p> + <p> + Yet he went there. + </p> + <p> + M. Dupin, it may be remembered, was appointed Attorney-General at the + Court of Cessation. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0056" id="link2HCH0056"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. THE OTHER LIST + </h2> + <p> + Opposite to the list of adherents should be placed the list of the + proscribed. In this manner the two sides of the <i>coup d'état</i> can be + seen at a glance. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "DECREE. + + "ARTICLE I.—The ex-Representatives of the Assembly, whose names are + found beneath, are expelled from French territory, from Algeria, and + from the Colonies, for the sake of public safety:— + + "Edmond Valentine. Charrassin. + Paul Racouchot. Bandsept. + Agricol Perdiguier. Savoye. + Eugène Cholat. Joly. + Louis Latrade. Combier. + Michel Renaud. Boysset. + Joseph Benoist (du Rhône). Duché. + Joseph Burgard. Ennery. + Jean Colfavru. Guilgot. + Joseph Faure (du Rhone). Hochstuhl. + Pierre-Charles Gambon. Michot Boutet. + Charles Lagrange. Baune. + Martin Nadaud. Bertholon. + Barthélemy Terrier. Schoelcher. + Victor Hugo. De Flotte. + Cassal. Joigneaux. + Signard. Laboulaye. + Viguier. Bruys. + Esquiros. Gaston Dussoubs. + Madier de Montjau. Guiter. + Noël Parfait. Lafon. + Emile Péan. Lamarque. + Pelletier. Pierre Lafranc. + Raspail. Jules Leroux. + Théodore Bac. Francisque Maigne. + Bancel. Malardier. + Belin (Drôme). Mathieu (de la Drôme). + Bosse. Millotte. + Bourzat. Roselli-Mollet. + Brive. Charras. + Chavoix. Saint-Ferreol. + Clément Dulac. Sommier. + Dupout (de Bussac). Testelin (Nord). + + "ARTICLE II.—In the event, contrary to the present decree, of one of + the persons named in Article I. re-entering the prohibited limits, he + may be transported for the sake of public safety. + + "Given at the Palace of the Tuileries, at the Cabinet Council assembled, + January 9th, 1852. + + "LOUIS BONAPARTE. + + "DE MORNY, Minister of the Interior." +</pre> + <p> + There was besides a list of the "provisionally exiled," on which figured + Edward Quinet, Victor Chauffour, General Laidet, Pascal Duprat, Versigny, + Antony Thouret, Thiers, Girardin, and Rémusat. Four Representatives, + Mathé, Greppo, Marc-Dufraisse, and Richardet, were added to the list of + the "expelled." Representative Miot was reserved for the tortures of the + casemates of Africa. Thus in addition to the massacres, the victory of the + <i>coup d'état</i> was paid for by these figures: eighty-eight + Representatives proscribed, one killed. + </p> + <p> + I usually dined at Brussels in a café, called the Café des Mille Colonnes, + which was frequented by the exiles. On the 10th of January I had invited + Michel de Bourges to lunch, and we were sitting at the same table. The + waiter brought me the <i>Moniteur Français</i>; I glanced over it. + </p> + <p> + "Ah," said I, "here is the list of the proscribed." I ran my eye over it, + and I said to Michel de Bourges, "I have a piece of bad news to tell you." + Michel de Bourges turned pale. I added, "You are not on the list." His + face brightened. + </p> + <p> + Michel de Bourges, so dauntless in the face of death, was faint-hearted in + the face of exile. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0057" id="link2HCH0057"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. DAVID D'ANGERS + </h2> + <p> + Brutalities and ferocities were mingled together. The great sculptor, + David d'Angers, was arrested in his own house, 16, Rue d'Assas; the + Commissary of Police on entering, said to him,— + </p> + <p> + "Have you any arms in your house?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," Said David, "for my defence." + </p> + <p> + And he added,— + </p> + <p> + "If I had to deal with civilized people." + </p> + <p> + "Where are these arms?" rejoined the Commissary. "Let us see them." + </p> + <p> + David showed him his studio full of masterpieces. + </p> + <p> + They placed him in a <i>fiacre</i>, and drove him to the station-house of + the Prefecture of Police. + </p> + <p> + Although there was only space for 120 prisoners, there were 700 there. + David was the twelfth in a dungeon intended for two. No light nor air. A + narrow ventilation hole above their heads. A dreadful tub in a corner, + common to all, covered but not closed by a wooden lid. At noon they + brought them soup, a sort of warm and stinking water, David told me. They + stood leaning against the wall, and trampled upon the mattresses which had + been thrown on the floor, not having room to lie down on them. At length, + however, they pressed so closely to each other, that they succeeded in + lying down at full length. Their jailers had thrown them some blankets. + Some of them slept. At day break the bolts creaked, the door was + half-opened and the jailers cried out to them, "Get up!" They went into + the adjoining corridor, the jailer took up the mattresses, threw a few + buckets of water on the floor, wiped it up anyhow, replaced the mattresses + on the damp stones, and said to them, "Go back again." They locked them up + until the next morning. From time to time they brought in 100 new + prisoners, and they fetched away 100 old ones (those who had been there + for two or three days). What became of them?—At night the prisoners + could hear from their dungeon the sound of explosions, and in the morning + passers-by could see, as we have stated, pools of blood in the courtyard + of the Prefecture. + </p> + <p> + The calling over of those who went out was conducted in alphabetical + order. + </p> + <p> + One day they called David d'Angers. David took up his packet, and was + getting ready to leave, when the governor of the jail, who seemed to be + keeping watch over him, suddenly came up and said quickly, "Stay, M. + David, stay." + </p> + <p> + One morning he saw Buchez, the ex-President of the Constituent Assembly, + coming into his cell "Ah!" said David, "good! you have come to visit the + prisoners?"—"I am a prisoner," said Buchez. + </p> + <p> + They wished to insist on David leaving for America. He refused. They + contented themselves with Belgium. On the 19th December he reached + Brussels. He came to see me, and said to me, "I am lodging at the Grand + Monarque, 89, Rue des Fripiers."<a href="#linknoteref-31" + name="linknote-31" id="linknote-31"><small>31</small></a> + </p> + <p> + And he added laughing, "The Great Monarch—the King. The old + clothesmen—the Royalists, '89. The Revolution." Chance occasionally + furnishes some wit. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-31" name="linknoteref-31" id="linknoteref-31_"><small>31</small></a> + <i>Anglice, "old clothes men.</i>" + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0058" id="link2HCH0058"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. OUR LAST MEETING + </h2> + <p> + On the 3d of December everything was coming in in our favor. On the 5th + everything was receding from us. It was like a mighty sea which was going + out. The tide had come in gloriously, it went out disastrously. Gloomy ebb + and flow of the people. + </p> + <p> + And who was the power who said to this ocean, "Thou shalt go no farther?" + Alas! a pigmy. + </p> + <p> + These hiding-places of the abyss are fathomless. + </p> + <p> + The abyss is afraid. Of what? + </p> + <p> + Of something deeper than itself. Of the Crime. + </p> + <p> + The people drew back. They drew back on the 5th; on the 6th they + disappeared. + </p> + <p> + On the horizon there could be seen nothing but the beginning of a species + of vast night. + </p> + <p> + This night has been the Empire. + </p> + <p> + We found ourselves on the 5th what we were on the 2d. Alone. + </p> + <p> + But we persevered. Our mental condition was this—desperate, yes; + discouraged, no. + </p> + <p> + Items of bad news came to us as good news had come to us on the evening of + the 3d, one after another. Aubry du Nord was at the Concièrgerie. Our dear + and eloquent Crémieux was at Mazas. Louis Blanc, who, although banished, + was coming to the assistance of France, and was bringing to us the great + power of his name and of his mind, had been compelled, like Ledru Rollin, + to halt before the catastrophe of the 4th. He had not been able to get + beyond Tournay. + </p> + <p> + As for General Neumayer, he had not "marched upon Paris," but he had come + there. For what purpose? To give in his submission. + </p> + <p> + We no longer possessed a refuge. No. 15, Rue Richelieu, was watched, No. + 11, Rue Monthabor, had been denounced. We wandered about Paris, meeting + each other here and there, and exchanging a few words in a whisper, not + knowing where we should sleep, or whether we should get a meal; and + amongst those heads which did not know what pillow they should have at + night there was at least one upon which a price was set. + </p> + <p> + They accosted each other, and this is the sort of conversation they held:— + </p> + <p> + "What has became of So-and-So?" + </p> + <p> + "He is arrested." + </p> + <p> + "And So-and-So?" + </p> + <p> + "Dead." + </p> + <p> + "And So-and-So?" + </p> + <p> + "Disappeared." + </p> + <p> + We held, however, one other meeting. This was on the 6th, at the house of + the Representative Raymond, in the Place de la Madeleine. Nearly all of us + met there. I was enabled to shake the hands of Edgar Quinet, of Chauffour, + of Clément Dulac, of Bancel, of Versigny, of Emile Péan, and I again met + our energetic and honest host of the Rue Blanche, Coppens, and our + courageous colleague, Pons Stande, whom we had lost sight of in the smoke + of the battle. From the windows of the room where we were deliberating we + could see the Place de la Madeleine and the Boulevards militarily + occupied, and covered with a fierce and deep mass of soldiers drawn up in + battle order, and which still seemed to face a possible combat. Charamaule + came in. + </p> + <p> + He drew two pistols from his great cloak, placed them on the table, and + said, "All is at an end. Nothing feasible and sensible remains, except a + deed of rashness. I propose it. Are you of my opinion, Victor Hugo?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," I answered. + </p> + <p> + I did not know what he was going to say, but I knew that he would only say + that which was noble. + </p> + <p> + This was his proposition. + </p> + <p> + "We number," resumed he, "about fifty Representatives of the People, still + standing and assembled together. We are all that remains of the National + Assembly, of Universal Suffrage, of the Law, of Right. To-morrow, where + shall we be? We do not know. Scattered or dead. The hour of to-day is + ours; this hour gone and past, we have nothing left but the shadow. The + opportunity is unique. Let us profit by it." + </p> + <p> + He stopped, looked at us fixedly with his steadfast gaze, and resumed,— + </p> + <p> + "Let us take the advantage of this chance of being alive and the good + fortune of being together. The group which is here is the whole of the + Republic. Well, then; let us offer in our persons all the Republic to the + army, and let us make the army fall back before the Republic, and Might + fall back before Right. In that supreme moment one of the two must + tremble, Might or Right, and if Right does not tremble Might will tremble. + If we do not tremble the soldiers will tremble. Let us march upon the + Crime. If the Law advances, the Crime will draw back. In either case we + shall have done our duty. Living, we shall be preservers, dead, we shall + be heroes. This is what I propose." + </p> + <p> + A profound silence ensued. + </p> + <p> + "Let us put on our sashes, and let us all go down in a procession, two by + two, into the Place de la Madeleine. You can see that Colonel before that + large flight of steps, with his regiment in battle array; we will go to + him, and there, before his soldiers, I will summon him to come over to the + side of duty, and to restore his regiment to the Republic. If he refuses + ..." + </p> + <p> + Charamaule took his two pistols in his hands. + </p> + <p> + "... I will blow out his brains." + </p> + <p> + "Charamaule," said I, "I will be by your side." + </p> + <p> + "I knew that well," Charamaule said to me. + </p> + <p> + He added,— + </p> + <p> + "This explosion will awaken the people." + </p> + <p> + "But," several cried out, "suppose it does not awaken them?" + </p> + <p> + "We shall die." + </p> + <p> + "I am on your side," said I to him. + </p> + <p> + We each pressed the other's hand. But objections burst forth. + </p> + <p> + No one trembled, but all criticised the proposal. Would it not be madness? + And useless madness? Would it not be to play the last card of the Republic + without any possible chance of success? What good fortune for Bonaparte! + To crush with one blow all that remained of those who were resisting and + of those who were combating! To finish with them once for all! We were + beaten, granted, but was it necessary to add annihilation to defeat? No + possible chance of success. The brains of an army cannot be blown out. To + do what Charamaule advised would be to open the tomb, nothing more. It + would be a magnificent suicide, but it would be a suicide. Under certain + circumstances it is selfish to be merely a hero. A man accomplishes it at + once, he becomes illustrious, he enters into history, all that is very + easy. He leaves to others behind him the laborious work of a long protest, + the immovable resistance of the exile, the bitter, hard life of the + conquered who continues to combat the victory. Some degree of patience + forms a part of politics. To know how to await revenge is sometimes more + difficult than to hurry on its catastrophe. There are two kinds of courage—bravery + and perseverance; the first belongs to the soldier, the second belongs to + the citizen. A hap-hazard end, however dauntless, does not suffice. To + extricate oneself from the difficulty by death, it is only too easily + done: what is required, what is the reverse of easy, is to extricate one's + country from the difficulty. No, said those high-minded men, who opposed + Charamaule and myself, this to-day which you propose to us is the + suppression of to-morrow; take care, there is a certain amount of + desertion in suicide.... + </p> + <p> + The word "desertion" grievously wounded Charamaule. "Very well," said he, + "I abandon the idea." + </p> + <p> + This scene was exceedingly grand, and Quinet later on, when in exile, + spoke to me of it with deep emotion. + </p> + <p> + We separated. We did not meet again. + </p> + <p> + I wandered about the streets. Where should I sleep? That was the question. + I thought that No. 19, Rue Richelieu would probably be as much watched as + No. 15. But the night was cold, and I decided at all hazards to re-enter + this refuge, although perhaps a hazardous one. I was right to trust myself + to it. I supped on a morsel of bread, and I passed a very good night. The + next morning at daybreak on waking I thought of the duties which awaited + me. I thought that I was abut to go out, and that I should probably not + come back to the room; I took a little bread which remained, and I + crumbled it on the window-sill for the birds. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0059" id="link2HCH0059"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. DUTY CAN HAVE TWO ASPECTS + </h2> + <p> + Had it been in the power of the Left at any moment to prevent the <i>coup + d'état</i>? + </p> + <p> + We do not think so. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless here is a fact which we believe we ought not to pass by in + silence. On the 16th November, 1851, I was in my study at home at 37, Rue + de la Tour d'Auvergne; it was about midnight. I was working. My servant + opened the door. + </p> + <p> + "Will you see M. ——, sir?" + </p> + <p> + And he mentioned a name. + </p> + <p> + "Yes," I said. + </p> + <p> + Some one came in. + </p> + <p> + I shall only speak reservedly of this eminent and distinguished man. Let + it suffice to state that he had the right to say when mentioning the + Bonapartes "my family." + </p> + <p> + It is known that the Bonaparte family is divided into two branches, the + Imperial family and the private family. The Imperial family had the + tradition of Napoleon, the private family had the tradition of Lucien: a + shade of difference which, however, had no reality about it. + </p> + <p> + My midnight visitor took the other corner of the fireplace. + </p> + <p> + He began by speaking to me of the memoirs of a very highminded and + virtuous woman, the Princess ——, his mother, the manuscript of + which he had confided to me, asking my advice as to the utility or the + suitability of their publication; this manuscript, besides being full of + interest, possessed for me a special charm, because the handwriting of the + Princess resembled my mother's handwriting. My visitor, to whom I gave it + back, turned over the leaves for a few moments, and then suddenly + interrupting himself, he turned to me and said,— + </p> + <p> + "The Republic is lost." + </p> + <p> + I answered,— + </p> + <p> + "Almost." + </p> + <p> + He resumed,— + </p> + <p> + "Unless you save it." + </p> + <h3> + "I?" + </h3> + <p> + "You." + </p> + <p> + "How so?" + </p> + <p> + "Listen to me." + </p> + <p> + Then he set forth with that clearness, complicated at times with + paradoxes, which is one of the resources of his remarkable mind, the + situation, at the same time desperate and strong, in which we were placed. + </p> + <p> + This situation, which moreover I realized as well as he himself, was this:— + </p> + <p> + The Right of the Assembly was composed of about 400 members, and the Left + of about 180. The four hundred of the majority belonged by thirds to three + parties, the Legitimist party, the Orleanist party, the Bonapartist party, + and in a body to the Clerical party. The 180 of the minority belonged to + the Republic. The Right mistrusted the Left, and had taken a precaution + against the minority. + </p> + <p> + A Vigilance Committee, composed of sixteen members of the Right, charged + with impressing unity upon this trinity of parties, and charged with the + task of carefully watching the Left, such was this precaution. The Left at + first had confined itself to irony, and borrowing from me a word to which + people then attached, though wrongly, the idea of decrepitude, had called + the sixteen Commissioners the "Burgraves." The irony subsequently turning + into suspicion, the Left had on its side ended by creating a committee of + sixteen members to direct the Left, and observe the Right; these the Right + had hastened to name the "Red Burgraves." A harmless rejoinder. The result + was that the Right watched the Left, and that the Left watched the Right, + but that no one watched Bonaparte. They were two flocks of sheep so + distrustful of one another that they forgot the wolf. During that time, in + his den at the Elysée, Bonaparte was working. He was busily employing the + time which the Assembly, the majority and the minority, was losing in + mistrusting itself. As people feel the loosening of the avalanche, so they + felt the catastrophe tottering in the gloom. They kept watch upon the + enemy, but they did not turn their attention in the true direction. To + know where to fix one's mistrust is the secret of a great politician. The + Assembly of 1851 did not possess this shrewd certainty of eyesight, their + perspective was bad, each saw the future after his own fashion, and a sort + of political short-sightedness blinded the Left as well as the Right; they + were afraid, but not where fear was advisable; they were in the presence + of a mystery, they had an ambuscade before them, but they sought it where + it did not exist, and they did not perceive where it really lay. Thus it + was that these two flocks of sheep, the majority, and the minority faced + each other affrightedly, and while the leaders on one side and the guides + on the other, grave and attentive, asked themselves anxiously what could + be the mewing of the grumbling, of the Left on the one side, of the + bleatings of the Right on the other, they ran the risk of suddenly feeling + the four claws of the <i>coup d'état</i> fastened in their shoulders. + </p> + <p> + My visitor said to me,- + </p> + <p> + "You are one of the Sixteen!" + </p> + <p> + "Yes," answered I, smiling; "a 'Red Burgrave.'" + </p> + <p> + "Like me, a 'Red Prince.'" + </p> + <p> + And his smile responded to mine. + </p> + <p> + He resumed,— + </p> + <p> + "You have full powers?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. Like the others." + </p> + <p> + And I added,— + </p> + <p> + "Not more than the others. The Left has no leaders." + </p> + <p> + He continued,— + </p> + <p> + "Yon, the Commissary of Police, is a Republican?' + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "He would obey an order signed by you?" + </p> + <p> + "Possibly." + </p> + <p> + "<i>I</i> say, without doubt." + </p> + <p> + He looked at me fixedly. + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, have the President arrested this night." + </p> + <p> + It was now my turn to look at him. + </p> + <p> + "What do you mean?" + </p> + <p> + "What I say." + </p> + <p> + I ought to state that his language was frank, resolute, and + self-convinced, and that during the whole of this conversation, and now, + and always, it has given me the impression of honesty. + </p> + <p> + "Arrest the President!" I cried. + </p> + <p> + Then he set forth that this extraordinary enterprise was an easy matter; + that the Army was undecided; that in the Army the African Generals + counterpoised the President; that the National Guard favored the Assembly, + and in the Assembly the Left; that Colonel Forestier answered for the 8th + Legion; Colonel Gressier for the 6th, and Colonel Howyne for the 5th; that + at the order of the Sixteen of the Left there would be an immediate taking + up of arms; that my signature would suffice; that, nevertheless, if I + preferred to call together the Committee, in Secret Session, we could wait + till the next day; that on the order from the Sixteen, a battalion would + march upon the Elysée; that the Elysée apprehended nothing, thought only + of offensive, and not of defensive measures, and accordingly would be + taken by surprise; that the soldiers would not resist the National Guard; + that the thing would be done without striking a blow; that Vincennes would + open and close while Paris slept; that the President would finish his + night there, and that France, on awakening, would learn the twofold good + tidings: that Bonaparte was out of the fight, and France out of danger. + </p> + <p> + He added,— + </p> + <p> + "You can count on two Generals: Neumayer at Lyons, and Lawoëstyne at + Paris." + </p> + <p> + He got up and leaned against the chimney-piece; I can still see him there, + standing thoughtfully; and he continued: + </p> + <p> + "I do not feel myself strong enough to begin exile all over again, but I + feel the wish to save my family and my country." + </p> + <p> + He probably thought he noticed a movement of surprise in me, for he + accentuated and italicized these words. + </p> + <p> + "I will explain myself. Yes; I wish to save my family and my country. I + bear the name of Napoleon; but as you know without fanaticism. I am a + Bonaparte, but not a Bonapartist. I respect the name, but I judge it. It + already has one stain. The Eighteenth Brumaire. Is it about to have + another? The old stain disappeared beneath the glory; Austerlitz covered + Brumaire. Napoleon was absolved by his genius. The people admired him so + greatly that it forgave him. Napoleon is upon the column, there is an end + of it, let them leave him there in peace. Let them not resuscitate him + through his bad qualities. Let them not compel France to remember too + much. This glory of Napoleon is vulnerable. It has a wound; closed, I + admit. Do not let them reopen it. Whatever apologists may say and do, it + is none the less true that by the Eighteenth of Brumaire Napoleon struck + himself a first blow." + </p> + <p> + "In truth," said I, "it is ever against ourselves that we commit a crime." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then," he continued, "his glory has survived a first blow, a second + will kill it. I do not wish it. I hate the first Eighteenth Brumaire; I + fear the second. I wish to prevent it." + </p> + <p> + He paused again, and continued,— + </p> + <p> + "That is why I have come to you to-night. I wish to succor this great + wounded glory. By the advice which I am giving you, if you can carry it + out, if the Left carries it out, I save the first Napoleon; for if a + second crime is superposed upon his glory, this glory would disappear. + Yes, this name would founder, and history would no longer own it. I will + go farther and complete my idea. I also save the present Napoleon, for he + who as yet has no glory will only have come. I save his memory from an + eternal pillory. Therefore, arrest him." + </p> + <p> + He was truly and deeply moved. He resumed,— + </p> + <p> + "As to the Republic, the arrest of Louis Bonaparte is deliverance for her. + I am right, therefore, in saying that by what I am proposing to you I am + saving my family and my country." + </p> + <p> + "But," I said to him, "what you propose to me is a <i>coup d'état</i>." + </p> + <p> + "Do you think so?" + </p> + <p> + "Without doubt. We are the minority, and we should commit an act which + belongs to the majority. We are a part of the Assembly. We should be + acting as though we were the entire Assembly. We who condemn all + usurpation should ourselves become usurpers. We should put our hands upon + a functionary whom the Assembly alone has the right of arresting. We, the + defenders of the Constitution, we should break the Constitution. We, the + men of the Law, we should violate the Law. It is a <i>coup d'état</i>." + </p> + <p> + "Yes, but a <i>coup d'état</i> for a good purpose." + </p> + <p> + "Evil committed for a good purpose remains evil." + </p> + <p> + "Even when it succeeds?" + </p> + <p> + "Above all when it succeeds." + </p> + <p> + "Why?" + </p> + <p> + "Because it then becomes an example." + </p> + <p> + "You do not then approve of the Eighteenth Fructidor?" + </p> + <p> + "No." + </p> + <p> + "But Eighteenth Fructidors prevent Eighteenth Brumaires." + </p> + <p> + "No. They prepare the way for them." + </p> + <p> + "But reasons of State exist?" + </p> + <p> + "No. What exists is the Law." + </p> + <p> + "The Eighteenth Fructidor has been accepted by exceedingly honest minds." + </p> + <p> + "I know that." + </p> + <p> + "Blanqui is in its favor, with Michelet." + </p> + <p> + "I am against it, with Barbès." + </p> + <p> + From the moral aspect I passed to the practical aspect. + </p> + <p> + "This said," resumed I, "let us examine your plan." + </p> + <p> + This plan bristled with difficulties. I pointed them out to him. + </p> + <p> + "Count on the National Guard! Why, General Lawoëstyne had not yet got + command of it. Count on the Army? Why, General Neumayer was at Lyons, and + not at Paris. Would he march to the assistance of the Assembly? What did + we know about this? As for Lawoëstyne, was he not double-faced? Were they + sure of him? Call to arms the 8th Legion? Forestier was no longer Colonel. + The 5th and 6th? But Gressier and Howyne were only lieutenant-colonels, + would these legions follow them? Order the Commissary Yon? But would he + obey the Left alone? He was the agent of the Assembly, and consequently of + the majority, but not of the minority. These were so many questions. But + these questions, supposing them answered, and answered in the sense of + success, was success itself the question? The question is never Success, + it is always Right. But here, even if we had obtained success, we should + not have Right. In order to arrest the President an order of the Assembly + was necessary; we should replace the order of the Assembly by an act of + violence of the Left. A scaling and a burglary; an assault by + scaling-ladders on the constituted authority, a burglary on the Law. Now + let us suppose resistance; we should shed blood. The Law violated leads to + the shedding of blood. What is all this? It is a crime." + </p> + <p> + "No, indeed," he exclaimed, "it is the <i>salus populi</i>." + </p> + <p> + And he added,— + </p> + <p> + "<i>Suprema Lex</i>." + </p> + <p> + "Not for me," I said. + </p> + <p> + I continued,— + </p> + <p> + "I would not kill a child to save a people." + </p> + <p> + "Cato did so." + </p> + <p> + "Jesus did not do so." + </p> + <p> + And I added,— + </p> + <p> + "You have on your side all ancient history, you are acting according to + the uprightness of the Greeks, and according to the uprightness of the + Romans; for me, I am acting according to the uprightness of Humanity. The + new horizon is of wider range than the old." + </p> + <p> + There was a pause. He broke it. + </p> + <p> + "Then he will be the one to attack!" + </p> + <p> + "Let it be so." + </p> + <p> + "You are about to engage in a battle which is almost lost beforehand." + </p> + <p> + "I fear so." + </p> + <p> + "And this unequal combat can only end for you, Victor Hugo, in death or + exile." + </p> + <p> + "I believe it." + </p> + <p> + "Death is the affair of a moment, but exile is long." + </p> + <p> + "It is a habit to be learned." + </p> + <p> + He continued,— + </p> + <p> + "You will not only be proscribed. You will be calumniated." + </p> + <p> + "It is a habit already learned." + </p> + <p> + He continued,— + </p> + <p> + "Do you know what they are saying already?" + </p> + <p> + "What?" + </p> + <p> + "They say that you are irritated against him because he has refused to + make you a Minister." + </p> + <p> + "Why you know yourself that—" + </p> + <p> + "I know that it is just the reverse. It is he who has asked you, and it is + you who have refused." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then—" + </p> + <p> + "They lie." + </p> + <p> + "What does it matter?" + </p> + <p> + He exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + "Thus, you will have caused the Bonapartes to re-enter France, and you + will be banished from France by a Bonaparte!"<a href="#linknoteref-32" + name="linknote-32" id="linknote-32"><small>32</small></a> + </p> + <p> + "Who knows," said I, "if I have not committed a fault? This injustice is + perhaps a justice." + </p> + <p> + We were both silent. He resumed,— + </p> + <p> + "Could you bear exile?" + </p> + <p> + "I will try." + </p> + <p> + "Could you live without Paris?" + </p> + <p> + "I should have the ocean." + </p> + <p> + "You would then go to the seaside?" + </p> + <p> + "I think so." + </p> + <p> + "It is sad." + </p> + <p> + "It is grand." + </p> + <p> + There was another pause. He broke it. + </p> + <p> + "You do not know what exile is. I do know it. It is terrible. Assuredly, I + would not begin it again. Death is a bourne whence no one comes back, + exile is a place whither no one returns." + </p> + <p> + "If necessary," I said to him, "I will go, and I will return to it." + </p> + <p> + "Better die. To quit life is nothing, but to quit one's country—" + </p> + <p> + "Alas!" said I, "that is every thing." + </p> + <p> + "Well, then, why accept exile when it is in your power to avoid it? What + do you place above your country?" + </p> + <p> + "Conscience." + </p> + <p> + This answer made him thoughtful. However, he resumed. + </p> + <p> + "But on reflection your conscience will approve of what you will have + done." + </p> + <p> + "No." + </p> + <p> + "Why?" + </p> + <p> + "I have told you. Because my conscience is so constituted that it puts + nothing above itself. I feel it upon me as the headland can feel the + lighthouse which is upon it. All life is an abyss, and conscience + illuminates it around me." + </p> + <p> + "And I also," he exclaimed—and I affirm that nothing could be more + sincere or more loyal than his tone—"and I also feel and see my + conscience. It approves of what I am doing. I appear to be betraying + Louis; but I am really doing him a service. To save him from a crime is to + save him. I have tried every means. There only remains this one, to arrest + him. In coming to you, in acting as I do, I conspire at the same time + against him and for him, against his power, and for his honor. What I am + doing is right." + </p> + <p> + "It is true," I said to him. "You have a generous and a lofty aim." + </p> + <p> + And I resumed,— + </p> + <p> + "But our two duties are different. I could not hinder Louis Bonaparte from + committing a crime unless I committed one myself. I wish neither for an + Eighteenth Brumaire for him, nor for an Eighteenth Fructidor for myself. I + would rather be proscribed than be a proscriber. I have the choice between + two crimes, my crime and the crime of Louis Bonaparte. I will not choose + my crime." + </p> + <p> + "But then you will have to endure his." + </p> + <p> + "I would rather endure a crime than commit one." + </p> + <p> + He remained thoughtful, and said to me,— + </p> + <p> + "Let it be so." + </p> + <p> + And he added,— + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps we are both in the right." + </p> + <p> + "I think so," I said. + </p> + <p> + And I pressed his hand. + </p> + <p> + He took his mother's manuscript and went away. It was three o'clock in the + morning. The conversation had lasted more than two hours. I did not go to + bed until I had written it out. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-32" name="linknoteref-32" id="linknoteref-32_"><small>32</small></a> + <i>14th of June, 1847. Chamber of Peers. See the work "Avant l'Exile.</i>" + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0060" id="link2HCH0060"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. THE COMBAT FINISHED, THE ORDEAL BEGINS + </h2> + <h3> + I did not know where to go. + </h3> + <p> + On the afternoon of the 7th I determined to go back once more to 19, Rue + Richelieu. Under the gateway some one seized my arm. It was Madame D. She + was waiting for me. + </p> + <p> + "Do not go in," she said to me. + </p> + <p> + "Am I discovered?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "And taken." + </p> + <p> + "No." + </p> + <p> + She added,— + </p> + <p> + "Come." + </p> + <p> + We crossed the courtyard, and we went out by a backdoor into the Rue + Fontaine Molière; we reached the square of the Palais Royal. The <i>fiacres</i> + were standing there as usual. We got into the first we came to. + </p> + <p> + "Where are we to go?" asked the driver. + </p> + <p> + She looked at me. + </p> + <p> + I answered,— + </p> + <p> + "I do not know." + </p> + <p> + "I know," she said. + </p> + <p> + Women always know where Providence lies. + </p> + <p> + An hour later I was in safety. + </p> + <p> + From the 4th, every day which passed by consolidated the <i>coup d'état</i>. + Our defeat was complete, and we felt ourselves abandoned. Paris was like a + forest in which Louis Bonaparte was making a <i>battue</i> of the + Representatives; the wild beast was hunting down the sportsmen. We heard + the indistinct baying of Maupas behind us. We were compelled to disperse. + The pursuit was energetic. We entered into the second phase of duty—the + catastrophe accepted and submitted to. The vanquished became the + proscribed. Each one of us had his own concluding adventures. Mine was + what it should have been—exile; death having missed me. I am not + going to relate it here, this book is not my biography, and I ought not to + divert to myself any of the attention which it may excite. Besides, what + concerns me personally is told in a narrative which is one of the + testaments of exile.<a href="#linknoteref-33" name="linknote-33" + id="linknote-33"><small>33</small></a> + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the relentless pursuit which was directed against us, I + did not think it my duty to leave Paris as long as a glimmer of hope + remained, and as long as an awakening of the people seemed possible. + Malarmet sent me word in my refuge that a movement would take place at + Belleville on Tuesday the 9th. I waited until the 12th. Nothing stirred. + The people were indeed dead. Happily such deaths as these, like the deaths + of the gods, are only for a time. + </p> + <p> + I had a last interview with Jules Favre and Michel de Bourges at Madame + Didier's in the Rue de la Ville-Lévêque. It was at night. Bastide came + there. This brave man said to me,— + </p> + <p> + "You are about to leave Paris; for myself, I remain here. Take me as your + lieutenant. Direct me from the depths of your exile. Make use of me as an + arm which you have in France." + </p> + <p> + "I will make use of you as of a heart," I said to him. + </p> + <p> + On the 14th, amidst the adventures which my son Charles relates in his + book, I succeeded in reaching Brussels. + </p> + <p> + The vanquished are like cinders, Destiny blows upon them and disperses + them. There was a gloomy vanishing of all the combatants for Right and for + Law. A tragical disappearance. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-33" name="linknoteref-33" id="linknoteref-33_"><small>33</small></a> + <i>"Les Hommes de l'Exile," by Charles Hugo.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0061" id="link2HCH0061"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. THE EXILED + </h2> + <p> + The Crime having succeeded, all hastened to join it. To persist was + possible, to resist was not possible. The situation became more and more + desperate. One would have said that an enormous wall was rising upon the + horizon ready to close in. The outlet: Exile. + </p> + <p> + The great souls, the glories of the people, emigrated. Thus there was seen + this dismal sight—France driven out from France. + </p> + <p> + But what the Present appears to lose, the Future gains, the hand which + scatters is also the hand which sows. + </p> + <p> + The Representatives of the Left, surrounded, tracked, pursued, hunted + down, wandered for several days from refuge to refuge. Those who escaped + found great difficulty in leaving Paris and France. Madier de Montjan had + very black and thick eyebrows, he shaved off half of them, cut his hair, + and let his beard grow. Yvan, Pelletier, Gindrier, and Doutre shaved off + their moustaches and beards. Versigny reached Brussels on the 14th with a + passport in the name of Morin. Schoelcher dressed himself up as a priest. + This costume became him admirably, and suited his austere countenance and + grave voice. A worthy priest helped him to disguise himself, and lent him + his cassock and his band, made him shave off his whiskers a few days + previously, so that he should not be betrayed by the white trace of his + freshly-cut beard, gave him his own passport, and only left him at the + railway station.<a href="#linknoteref-34" name="linknote-34" + id="linknote-34"><small>34</small></a> + </p> + <p> + De Flotte disguised himself as a servant, and in this manner succeeded in + crossing the frontier at Mouscron. From there he reached Ghent, and thence + Brussels. + </p> + <p> + On the night of December 26th, I had returned to the little room, without + a fire, which I occupied (No. 9) on the second story of the Hôtel de la + Porte-Verte; it was midnight; I had just gone to bed and was falling + asleep, when a knock sounded at my door. I awoke. I always left the key + outside. "Come in," I said. A chambermaid entered with a light, and + brought two men whom I did not know. One was a lawyer, of Ghent, M. + ——; the other was De Flotte. He took my two hands and pressed + them tenderly. "What," I said to him, "is it you?" + </p> + <p> + At the Assembly De Flotte, with his prominent and thoughtful brow, his + deep-set eyes, his close-shorn head, and his long beard, slightly turned + back, looked like a creation of Sebastian del Piombo wandering out of his + picture of the "Raising of Lazarus;" and I had before my eyes a short + young man, thin and pallid, with spectacles. But what he had not been able + to change, and what I recognized immediately, was the great heart, the + lofty mind, the energetic character, the dauntless courage; and if I did + not recognize him by his features, I recognized him by the grasp of his + hand. + </p> + <p> + Edgar Quinet was brought away on the 10th by a noble-hearted Wallachian + woman, Princess Cantacuzène, who undertook to conduct him to the frontier, + and who kept her word. It was a troublesome task. Quinet had a foreign + passport in the name of Grubesko, he was to personate a Wallachian, and it + was arranged that he should not know how to speak French, he who writes it + as a master. The journey was perilous. They ask for passports along all + the line, beginning at the terminus. At Amiens they were particularly + suspicious. But at Lille the danger was great. The gendarmes went from + carriage to carriage; entered them lantern in hand, and compared the + written descriptions of the travellers with their personal appearance. + Several who appeared to be suspicious characters were arrested, and were + immediately thrown into prison. Edgar Quinet, seated by the side of Madame + Cantacuzène awaited the turn of his carriage. At length it came. Madame + Cantacuzène leaned quickly forward towards the gendarmes, and hastened to + present her passport, but the corporal waved back Madame Cantacuzène's + passport saying, "It is useless, Madame. We have nothing to do with + women's passports," and he asked Quinet abruptly, "Your papers?" Quinet + held out his passport unfolded. The gendarmes said to him, "Come out of + the carriage, so that we can compare your description." It happened, + however, that the Wallachian passport contained no description. The + corporal frowned, and said to his subordinates, "An irregular passport! Go + and fetch the Commissary." + </p> + <p> + All seemed lost, but Madame Cantacuzène began to speak to Quinet in the + most Wallachian words in the world, with incredible assurance and + volubility, so much so that the gendarme, convinced that he had to deal + with all Wallachia in person, and seeing the train ready to start, + returned the passport to Quinet, saying to him, "There! be off with you!"—a + few hours afterwards Edgar Quinet was in Belgium. + </p> + <p> + Arnauld de l'Ariège also had his adventures. He was a marked man, he had + to hide himself. Arnauld being a Catholic, Madame Arnauld went to the + priest; the Abbé Deguerry slipped out of the way, the Abbé Maret consented + to conceal him; the Abbé Maret was honest and good. Arnauld d'Ariège + remained hidden for a fortnight at the house of this worthy priest. He + wrote from the Abbé Maret's a letter to the Archbishop of Paris, urging + him to refuse the Pantheon, which a decree of Louis Bonaparte took away + from France and gave to Rome. This letter angered the Archbishop. Arnauld, + proscribed, reached Brussels, and there, at the age of eighteen months, + died the "little Red," who on the 3d of December had carried the workman's + letter to the Archbishop—an angel sent by God to the priest who had + not understood the angel, and who no longer knew God. + </p> + <p> + In this medley of incidents and adventures each one had his drama. + Cournet's drama was strange and terrible. + </p> + <p> + Cournet, it may be remembered, had been a naval officer. He was one of + those men of a prompt, decisive character, who magnetized other men, and + who on certain extraordinary occasions send an electric shock through a + multitude. He possessed an imposing air, broad shoulders, brawny arms, + powerful fists, a tall stature, all of which give confidence to the + masses, and the intelligent expression which gives confidence to the + thinkers. You saw him pass, and you recognized strength; you heard him + speak, and you felt the will, which is more than strength. When quite a + youth he had served in the navy. He combined in himself in a certain + degree—and it is this which made this energetic man, when well + directed and well employed, a means of enthusiasm and a support—he + combined the popular fire and the military coolness. He was one of those + natures created for the hurricane and for the crowd, who have begun their + study of the people by their study of the ocean, and who are at their ease + in revolutions as in tempests. As we have narrated, he took an important + part in the combat. He had been dauntless and indefatigable, he was one of + those who could yet rouse it to life. From Wednesday afternoon several + police agents were charged to seek him everywhere, to arrest him wherever + they might find him, and to take him to the Prefecture of the Police, + where orders had been given to shoot him immediately. + </p> + <p> + Cournet, however, with his habitual daring, came and went freely in order + to carry on the lawful resistance, even in the quarters occupied by the + troops, shaving off his moustaches as his sole precaution. + </p> + <p> + On the Thursday afternoon he was on the boulevards at a few paces from a + regiment of cavalry drawn up in order. He was quietly conversing with two + of his comrades of the fight, Huy and Lorrain. Suddenly, he perceives + himself and his companions surrounded by a company of <i>sergents de ville</i>; + a man touches his arm and says to him, "You are Cournet; I arrest you." + </p> + <p> + "Bah!" answers Cournet; "My name is Lépine." + </p> + <p> + The man resumes,— + </p> + <p> + "You are Cournet. Do not you recognize me? Well, then, I recognize you; I + have been, like you, a member of the Socialist Electoral Committee." + </p> + <p> + Cournet looks him in the face, and finds this countenance in his memory. + The man was right. He had, in fact, formed part of the gathering in the + Rue Saint Spire. The police spy resumed, laughing,— + </p> + <p> + "I nominated Eugène Sue with you." + </p> + <p> + It was useless to deny it, and the moment was not favorable for + resistance. There were on the spot, as we have said, twenty <i>sergents de + ville</i> and a regiment of Dragoons. + </p> + <p> + "I will follow you," said Cournet. + </p> + <p> + A <i>fiacre</i> was called up. + </p> + <p> + "While I am about it," said the police spy, "come in all three of you." + </p> + <p> + He made Huy and Lorrain get in with Cournet, placed them on the front + seat, and seated himself on the back seat by Cournet, and then shouted to + the driver,— + </p> + <p> + "To the Prefecture!" + </p> + <p> + The <i>sergents de ville</i> surrounded the <i>fiacre</i>. But whether by + chance or through confidence, or in the haste to obtain the payment for + his capture, the man who had arrested Cournet shouted to the coachman, + "Look sharp, look sharp!" and the <i>fiacre</i> went off at a gallop. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime Cournet was well aware that on arriving he would be shot + in the very courtyard of the Prefecture. He had resolved not to go there. + </p> + <p> + At a turning in the Rue St Antoine he glanced behind, and noticed that the + <i>sergents de ville</i> only followed the <i>fiacre</i> at a considerable + distance. + </p> + <p> + Not one of the four men which the <i>fiacre</i> was bearing away had as + yet opened their lips. + </p> + <p> + Cournet threw a meaning look at his two companions seated in front of him, + as much as to say, "We are three; let us take advantage of this to + escape." Both answered by an imperceptible movement of the eyes, which + pointed out the street full of passers-by, and which said, "No." + </p> + <p> + A few moments afterwards the <i>fiacre</i> emerged from the Rue St. + Antoine, and entered the Rue de Fourcy. The Rue de Fourcy is usually + deserted, no one was passing down it at that moment. + </p> + <p> + Cournet turned suddenly to the police spy, and asked him,— + </p> + <p> + "Have you a warrant for my arrest?" + </p> + <p> + "No; but I have my card." + </p> + <p> + And he drew his police agent's card out of his pocket, and showed it to + Cournet. Then the following dialogue ensued between these two men,— + </p> + <p> + "This is not regular." + </p> + <p> + "What does that matter to me?" + </p> + <p> + "You have no right to arrest me." + </p> + <p> + "All the same, I arrest you." + </p> + <p> + "Look here; is it money that you want? Do you wish for any? I have some + with me; let me escape." + </p> + <p> + "A gold nugget as big as your head would not tempt me. You are my finest + capture, Citizen Cournet." + </p> + <p> + "Where are you taking me to?" + </p> + <p> + "To the Prefecture." + </p> + <p> + "They will shoot me there?" + </p> + <p> + "Possibly." + </p> + <p> + "And my two comrades?" + </p> + <p> + "I do not say 'No.'" + </p> + <p> + "I will not go." + </p> + <p> + "You will go, nevertheless." + </p> + <p> + "I tell you I will not go," exclaimed Cournet. + </p> + <p> + And with a movement, unexpected as a flash of lightning, he seized the + police spy by the throat. + </p> + <p> + The police agent could not utter a cry, he struggled: a hand of bronze + clutched him. + </p> + <p> + His tongue protruded from his mouth, his eyes became hideous, and started + from their sockets. Suddenly his head sank down, and reddish froth rose + from his throat to his lips. He was dead. + </p> + <p> + Huy and Lorrain, motionless, and as though themselves thunderstruck, gazed + at this gloomy deed. + </p> + <p> + They did not utter a word. They did not move a limb. The <i>fiacre</i> was + still driving on. + </p> + <p> + "Open the door!" Cournet cried to them. + </p> + <p> + They did not stir, they seemed to have become stone. + </p> + <p> + Cournet, whose thumb was closely pressed in the neck of the wretched + police spy, tried to open the door with his left hand, but he did not + succeed, he felt that he could only do it with his right hand, and he was + obliged to loose his hold of the man. The man fell face forwards, and sank + down on his knees. + </p> + <p> + Cournet opened the door. + </p> + <p> + "Off with you!" he said to them. + </p> + <p> + Huy and Lorrain jumped into the street and fled at the top of their speed. + </p> + <p> + The coachman had noticed nothing. + </p> + <p> + Cournet let them get away, and then, pulling the check string, stopped the + <i>fiacre</i>, got down leisurely, reclosed the door, quietly took forty + sous from his purse, gave them to the coachman, who had not left his seat, + and said to him, "Drive on." + </p> + <p> + He plunged into Paris. In the Place des Victoires he met the + ex-Constituent Isidore Buvignier, his friend, who about six weeks + previously had come out of the Madelonnettes, where he had been confined + for the matter of the <i>Solidarité Républicaine</i>. Buvignier was one of + the noteworthy figures on the high benches of the Left; fair, + close-shaven, with a stern glance, he made one think of the English + Roundheads, and he had the bearing rather of a Cromwellian Puritan than of + a Dantonist Man of the Mountain. Cournet told his adventure, the extremity + had been terrible. + </p> + <p> + Buvignier shook his head. + </p> + <p> + "You have killed a man," he said. + </p> + <p> + In "Marie Tudor," I have made Fabiani answer under similar circumstances,— + </p> + <p> + "No, a Jew." + </p> + <p> + Cournet, who probably had not read "Marie Tudor," answered,— + </p> + <p> + "No, a police spy." + </p> + <p> + Then he resumed,— + </p> + <p> + "I have killed a police spy to save three men, one of whom was myself." + </p> + <p> + Cournet was right. They were in the midst of the combat, they were taking + him to be shot; the spy who had arrested him was, properly speaking, an + assassin, and assuredly it was a case of legitimate defence. I add that + this wretch, a democrat for the people, a spy for the police, was a + twofold traitor. Moreover, the police spy was the jackal of the <i>coup + d'état</i>, while Cournet was the combatant for the Law. + </p> + <p> + "You must conceal yourself," said Buvignier; "come to Juvisy." + </p> + <p> + Buvignier had a little refuge at Juvisy, which is on the road to Corbeil. + He was known and loved there; Cournet and he reached there that evening. + </p> + <p> + But they had hardly arrived when some peasants said to Buvignier, "The + police have already been here to arrest you, and are coming again + to-night." + </p> + <p> + It was necessary to go back. + </p> + <p> + Cournet, more in danger than ever, hunted, wandering, pursued, hid himself + in Paris with considerable difficulty. He remained there till the 16th. He + had no means of procuring himself a passport. At length, on the 16th, some + friends of his on the Northern Railway obtained for him a special + passport, worded as follows:— + </p> + <p> + "Allow M. ——, an Inspector on the service of the Company, to + pass." + </p> + <p> + He decided to leave the next day, and take the day train, thinking, + perhaps rightly, that the night train would be more closely watched. + </p> + <p> + On the 17th, at daybreak, favored by the dim dawn, he glided from street + to street, to the Northern Railway Station. His tall stature was a special + source of danger. He, however, reached the station in safety. The stokers + placed him with them on the tender of the engine of the train, which was + about to start. He only had the clothes which he had worn since the 2d; no + clean linen, no trunk, a little money. + </p> + <p> + In December, the day breaks late and the night closes in early, which is + favorable to proscribed persons. + </p> + <p> + He reached the frontier at night without hindrance. At Neuvéglise he was + in Belgium; he believed himself in safety. When asked for his papers he + caused himself to be taken before the Burgomaster, and said to him, "I am + a political refugee." + </p> + <p> + The Burgomaster, a Belgian but a Bonapartist—this breed is to be + found—had him at once reconducted to the frontier by the gendarmes, + who were ordered to hand him over to the French authorities. + </p> + <p> + Cournet gave himself up for lost. + </p> + <p> + The Belgian gendarmes took him to Armentières. If they had asked for the + Mayor it would have been all at an end with Cournet, but they asked for + the Inspector of Customs. + </p> + <p> + A glimmer of hope dawned upon Cournet. + </p> + <p> + He accosted the Inspector of Customs with his head erect, and shook hands + with him. + </p> + <p> + The Belgian gendarmes had not yet released him. + </p> + <p> + "Now, sir," said Cournet to the Custom House officer, "you are an + Inspector of Customs, I am an Inspector of Railways. Inspectors do not eat + inspectors. The deuce take it! Some worthy Belgians have taken fright and + sent me to you between four gendarmes. Why, I know not. I am sent by the + Northern Company to relay the ballast of a bridge somewhere about here + which is not firm. I come to ask you to allow me to continue my road. Here + is my pass." + </p> + <p> + He presented the pass to the Custom House officer, the Custom House + officer read it, found it according to due form, and said to Cournet,— + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Inspector, you are free." + </p> + <p> + Cournet, delivered from the Belgian gendarmes by French authority, + hastened to the railway station. He had friends there. + </p> + <p> + "Quick," he said, "it is dark, but it does not matter, it is even all the + better. Find me some one who has been a smuggler, and who will help me to + pass the frontier." + </p> + <p> + They brought him a small lad of eighteen; fair-haired, ruddy, hardy, a + Walloon<a href="#linknoteref-35" name="linknote-35" id="linknote-35"><small>35</small></a> + and who spoke French. + </p> + <p> + "What is your name?" said Cournet. + </p> + <p> + "Henry." + </p> + <p> + "You look like a girl." + </p> + <p> + "Nevertheless I am a man." + </p> + <p> + "Is it you who undertake to guide me?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "You have been a smuggler?" + </p> + <p> + "I am one still." + </p> + <p> + "Do you know the roads?" + </p> + <p> + "No. I have nothing to do with the roads." + </p> + <p> + "What do you know then?" + </p> + <p> + "I know the passes." + </p> + <p> + "There are two Custom House lines." + </p> + <p> + "I know that well." + </p> + <p> + "Will you pass me across them?" + </p> + <p> + "Without doubt." + </p> + <p> + "Then you are not afraid of the Custom House officers?" + </p> + <p> + "I'm afraid of the dogs." + </p> + <p> + "In that case," said Cournet, "we will take sticks." + </p> + <p> + They accordingly armed themselves with big sticks. Cournet gave fifty + francs to Henry, and promised him fifty more when they should have crossed + the second Custom House line. + </p> + <p> + "That is to say, at four o'clock in the morning," said Henry. + </p> + <p> + It was midnight. + </p> + <p> + They set out on their way. + </p> + <p> + What Henry called the "passes" another would have called the "hindrances." + They were a succession of pitfalls and quagmires. It had been raining, and + all the holes were pools of water. + </p> + <p> + An indescribable footpath wound through an inextricable labyrinth, + sometimes as thorny as a heath, sometimes as miry as a marsh. + </p> + <p> + The night was very dark. + </p> + <p> + From time to time, far away in the darkness, they could hear a dog bark. + The smuggler then made bends or zigzags, turned sharply to the right or to + the left, and sometimes retraced his steps. + </p> + <p> + Cournet, jumping hedges, striding over ditches, stumbling at every moment, + slipping into sloughs, laying hold of briers, with his clothes in rags, + his hands bleeding, dying with hunger, battered about, wearied, worn out, + almost exhausted, followed his guide gaily. + </p> + <p> + At every minute he made a false step; he fell into every bog, and got up + covered with mud. At length he fell into a pond. It was several feet deep. + This washed him. + </p> + <p> + "Bravo!" he said. "I am very clean, but I am very cold." + </p> + <p> + At four o'clock in the morning, as Henry had promised him, they reached + Messine, a Belgian village. The two Custom House lines had been cleared. + Cournet had nothing more to fear, either from the Custom House nor from + the <i>coup d'état</i>, neither from men nor from dogs. + </p> + <p> + He gave Henry the second fifty francs, and continued his journey on foot, + trusting somewhat to chance. + </p> + <p> + It was not until towards evening that he reached a railway station. He got + into a train, and at nightfall he arrived at the Southern Railway Station + at Brussels. + </p> + <p> + He had left Paris on the preceding morning, had not slept an hour, had + been walking all night, and had eaten nothing. On searching in his pocket + he missed his pocket book, but found a crust of bread. He was more + delighted at the discovery of the crust than grieved at the loss of his + pocket-book. He carried his money in a waistband; the pocket-book, which + had probably disappeared in the pond, contained his letters, and amongst + others an exceedingly useful letter of introduction from his friend M. + Ernest Koechlin, to the Representatives Guilgot and Carlos Forel, who at + that moment were refugees at Brussels, and lodged at the Hôtel de Brabant. + </p> + <p> + On leaving the railway station he threw himself into a cab, and said to + the coachman,— + </p> + <p> + "Hôtel de Brabant." + </p> + <p> + He heard a voice repeat, "Hôtel de Brabant." He put out his head and saw a + man writing something in a notebook with a pencil by the light of a + street-lamp. + </p> + <p> + It was probably some police agent. + </p> + <p> + Without a passport, without letters, without papers, he was afraid of + being arrested in the night, and he was longing for a good sleep. A good + bed to-night, he thought, and to-morrow the Deluge! At the Hôtel de + Brabant he paid the coachman, but did not go into the hotel. Moreover, he + would have asked in vain for the Representatives Forel and Guilgot; both + were there under false names. + </p> + <p> + He took to wandering about the streets. It was eleven o'clock at night, + and for a long time he had begun to feel utterly worn out. + </p> + <p> + At length he saw a lighted lamp with the inscription "Hôtel de la + Monnaie." + </p> + <p> + He walked in. + </p> + <p> + The landlord came up, and looked at him somewhat askance. + </p> + <p> + He then thought of looking at himself. + </p> + <p> + His unshaven beard, his disordered hair, his cap soiled with mud, his + blood-stained hands, his clothes in rags, he looked horrible. + </p> + <p> + He took a double louis out of his waistband, and put it on the table of + the parlor, which he had entered and said to the landlord,— + </p> + <p> + "In truth, sir, I am not a thief, I am a proscript; money is now my only + passport. I have just come from Paris, I wish to eat first and sleep + afterwards." + </p> + <p> + The landlord was touched, took the double louis, and gave him bed and + supper. + </p> + <p> + Next day, while he was still sleeping, the landlord came into his room, + woke him gently, and said to him,— + </p> + <p> + "Now, sir, if I were you, I should go and see Baron Hody." + </p> + <p> + "Who and what is Baron Hody?" asked Cournet, half asleep. + </p> + <p> + The landlord explained to him who Baron Hody was. When I had occasion to + ask the same question as Cournet, I received from three inhabitants of + Brussels the three answers as follows:— + </p> + <p> + "He is a dog." + </p> + <p> + "He is a polecat." + </p> + <p> + "He is a hyena." + </p> + <p> + There is probably some exaggeration in these three answers. + </p> + <p> + A fourth Belgian whom I need not specify confined himself to saying to me,— + </p> + <p> + "He is a beast." + </p> + <p> + As to his public functions, Baron Hody was what they call at Brussels "The + Administrator of Public Safety;" that is to say, a counterfeit of the + Prefect of Police, half Carlier, half Maupas. + </p> + <p> + Thanks to Baron Hody, who has since left the place, and who, moreover, + like M. de Montalembert, was a "mere Jesuit," the Belgian police at that + moment was a compound of the Russian and Austrian police. I have read + strange confidential letters of this Baron Hody. In action and in style + there is nothing more cynical and more repulsive than the Jesuit police, + when they unveil their secret treasures. These are the contents of the + unbuttoned cassock. + </p> + <p> + At the time of which we are speaking (December, 1851), the Clerical party + had joined itself to all the forms of Monarchy; and this Baron Hody + confused Orleanism with Legitimate right. I simply tell the tale. Nothing + more. + </p> + <p> + "Baron Hody. Very well, I will go to him," said Cournet. + </p> + <p> + He got up, dressed himself, brushed his clothes as well as he could, and + asked the landlord, "Where is the Police office?" + </p> + <p> + "At the Ministry of Justice." + </p> + <p> + In fact this is the case in Brussels; the police administration forms part + of the Ministry of Justice, an arrangement which does not greatly raise + the police and somewhat lowers justice. + </p> + <p> + Cournet went there, and was shown into the presence of this personage. + </p> + <p> + Baron Hody did him the honor to ask him sharply,— + </p> + <p> + "Who are you?" + </p> + <p> + "A refugee," answered Cournet; "I am one of those whom the <i>coup d'état</i> + has driven from Paris. + </p> + <p> + "Your profession?" + </p> + <p> + "Ex-naval officer." + </p> + <p> + "Ex-naval officer!" exclaimed Baron Hody in a much gentler tone, "did you + know His Royal Highness the Prince de Joinville?" + </p> + <p> + "I have served under him." + </p> + <p> + It was the truth. Cournet had served under M. de Joinville, and prided + himself on it. + </p> + <p> + At this statement the administrator of Belgian safety completely unbent, + and said to Cournet, with the most gracious smile that the police can + find, "That's all right, sir; stay here as long as you please; we close + Belgium to the Men of the Mountain, but we throw it widely open to men + like you." + </p> + <p> + When Cournet told me this answer of Hody's, I thought that my fourth + Belgian was right. + </p> + <p> + A certain comic gloom was mingled at times with these tragedies. + Barthelémy Terrier was a Representative of the people, and a proscript. + They gave him a special passport for a compulsory route as far as Belgium + for himself and his wife. Furnished with this passport he left with a + woman. This woman was a man. Préveraud, a landed proprietor at Donjon, one + of the most prominent men in the Department of Allier, was Terrier's + brother-in-law. When the <i>coup d'état</i> broke out at Donjon, Préveraud + had taken up arms and fulfilled his duty, had combated the outrage and + defended the law. For this he had been condemned to death. The justice of + that time, as we know. Justice executed justice. For this crime of being + an honest man they had guillotined Charlet, guillotined Cuisinier, + guillotined Cirasse. The guillotine was an instrument of the reign. + Assassination by the guillotine was one of the means of order of that + time. It was necessary to save Préveraud. He was little and slim: they + dressed him as a woman. He was not sufficiently pretty for them not to + cover his face with a thick veil. They put the brave and sturdy hands of + the combatant in a muff. Thus veiled and a little filled out with padding, + Préveraud made a charming woman. He became Madame Terrier, and his + brother-in-law took him away. They crossed Paris peaceably, and without + any other adventure than an imprudence committed by Préveraud, who, seeing + that the shaft-horse of a wagon had fallen down, threw aside his muff, + lifted his veil and his petticoat, and if Terrier, in dire alarm, had not + stopped him, he would have helped the carter to raise his horse. Had a <i>sergent + de ville</i> been there, Préveraud would have been captured. Terrier + hastened to thrust Préveraud into a carriage, and at nightfall they left + for Brussels. They were alone in the carriage, each in a corner and face + to face. All went well as far as Amiens. At Amiens station the door was + opened, and a gendarme entered and seated himself by the side of + Préveraud. The gendarme asked for his passport, Terrier showed it him; the + little woman in her corner, veiled and silent, did not stir, and the + gendarme found all in due form. He contented himself with saying, "We + shall travel together, I am on duty as far as the frontier." + </p> + <p> + The train, after the ordinary delay of a few minutes, again started. The + night was dark. Terrier had fallen asleep. Suddenly Préveraud felt a knee + press against his, it was the knee of the policeman. A boot placed itself + softly on his foot, it was a horse-soldier's boot. An idyll had just + germinated in the gendarme's soul. He first tenderly pressed Préveraud's + knee, and then emboldened by the darkness of the hour and by the + slumbering husband, he ventured his hand as far as her dress, a + circumstance foreseen by Molière, but the fair veiled one was virtuous. + Préveraud, full of surprise and rage, gently pushed back the gendarme's + hand. The danger was extreme. Too much love on the part of the gendarme, + one audacious step further, would bring about the unexpected, would + abruptly change the eclogue into an official indictment, would reconvert + the amorous satyr into a stony-hearted policeman, would transform Tircis + into Vidocq; and then this strange thing would be seen, a passenger + guillotined because a gendarme had committed an outrage. The danger + increased every moment. Terrier was sleeping. Suddenly the train stopped. + A voice cried, "Quièvrain!" and the door was opened. They were in Belgium. + The gendarme, obliged to stop here, and to re-enter France, rose to get + out, and at the moment when he stepped on to the ground he heard behind + him these expressive words coming from beneath the lace veil, "Be off, or + I'll break your jaw!" + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-34" name="linknoteref-34" id="linknoteref-34_"><small>34</small></a> + <i>See "Les Hommes de l'Exile."</i> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-35" name="linknoteref-35" id="linknoteref-35_"><small>35</small></a> + <i>The name given to a population belonging to the Romanic family, and + more particularly to those of French descent, who occupy the region along + the frontiers of the German-speaking territory in the South Netherlands + from Dunkirk to Malmedy in Rhenish Prussia.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0062" id="link2HCH0062"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. THE MILITARY COMMISSIONS AND THE MIXED COMMISSIONS + </h2> + <h3> + Justice sometime meets with strange adventures. + </h3> + <p> + This old phrase assumed a new sense. + </p> + <p> + The code ceased to be a safeguard. The law became something which had + sworn fealty to a crime. Louis Bonaparte appointed judges by whom one felt + oneself stopped as in the corner of a wood. In the same manner as the + forest is an accomplice through its density, so the legislation was an + accomplice by its obscurity. What it lacked at certain points in order to + make it perfectly dark they added. How? By force. Purely and simply. By + decree. <i>Sic jubeo</i>. The decree of the 17th of February was a + masterpiece. This decree completed the proscription of the person, by the + proscription of the name. Domitian could not have done better. Human + conscience was bewildered; Right, Equity, Reason felt that the master had + over them the authority that a thief has over a purse. No reply. Obey. + Nothing resembles those infamous times. + </p> + <p> + Every iniquity was possible. Legislative bodies supervened and instilled + so much gloom into legislation that it was easy to achieve a baseness in + this darkness. + </p> + <p> + A successful <i>coup d'état</i> does not stand upon ceremony. This kind of + success permits itself everything. + </p> + <p> + Facts abound. But we must abridge, we will only present them briefly. + </p> + <p> + There were two species of Justice; the Military Commissions and the Mixed + Commissions. + </p> + <p> + The Military Commissions sat in judgment with closed doors. A colonel + presided. + </p> + <p> + In Paris alone there were three Military Commissions: each received a + thousand bills of indictment. The Judge of Instruction sent these + accusations to the Procureur of the Republic, Lascoux, who transmitted + them to the Colonel President. The Commission summoned the accused to + appear. The accused himself was his own bill of indictment. They searched + him, that is to say, they "thumbed" him. The accusing document was short. + Two or three lines. Such as this, for example,— + </p> + <p> + Name. Christian name. Profession. A sharp fellow. Goes to the Café. Reads + the papers. Speaks. Dangerous. + </p> + <p> + The accusation was laconic. The judgment was still less prolix. It was a + simple sign. + </p> + <p> + The bill of indictment having been examined, the judges having been + consulted, the colonel took a pen, and put at the end of the accusing line + one of three signs:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + - + o + + - signified consignment to Lambessa. + + + signified transportation to Cayenne. (The dry guillotine. Death.) + + o signified acquittal. +</pre> + <p> + While this justice was at work, the man on whose case they were working + was sometimes still at liberty, he was going and coming at his ease; + suddenly they arrested him, and without knowing what they wanted with him, + he left for Lambessa or for Cayenne. + </p> + <p> + His family was often ignorant of what had become of him. + </p> + <p> + People asked of a wife, of a sister, of a daughter, of a mother,— + </p> + <p> + "Where is your husband?" + </p> + <p> + "Where is your brother?" + </p> + <p> + "Where is your father?" + </p> + <p> + "Where is your son?" + </p> + <p> + The wife, the sister, the daughter, the mother answered,—"I do not + know." + </p> + <p> + In the Allier eleven members of one family alone, the Préveraud family of + Donjon, were struck down, one by the penalty of death, the others by + banishment and transportation. + </p> + <p> + A wine-seller of the Batignolles, named Brisadoux, was transported to + Cayenne for this line in his deed of accusation: <i>his shop is frequented + by Socialists</i>. + </p> + <p> + Here is a dialogue, word for word, and taken from life, between a colonel + and his convicted prisoner:— + </p> + <p> + "You are condemned." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed! Why?" + </p> + <p> + "In truth I do not exactly know myself. Examine your conscience. Think + what you have done." + </p> + <h3> + "I?" + </h3> + <p> + "Yes, you." + </p> + <p> + "How I?" + </p> + <p> + "You must have done something." + </p> + <p> + "No. I have done nothing. I have not even done my duty. I ought to have + taken my gun, gone down into the street, harangued the people, raised + barricades; I remained at home stupidly like a sluggard" (the accused + laughs); "that is the offence of which I accuse myself." + </p> + <p> + "You have not been condemned for that offence. Think carefully." + </p> + <p> + "I can think of nothing." + </p> + <p> + "What! You have not been to the <i>café</i>?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, I have breakfasted there." + </p> + <p> + "Have you not chatted there?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes, perhaps." + </p> + <p> + "Have you not laughed?" + </p> + <p> + "Perhaps I have laughed." + </p> + <p> + "At whom? At what?" + </p> + <p> + "At what is going on. It is true I was wrong to laugh." + </p> + <p> + "At the same time you talked?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes." + </p> + <p> + "Of whom?" + </p> + <p> + "Of the President." + </p> + <p> + "What did you say?" + </p> + <p> + "Indeed, what may be said with justice, that he had broken his oath." + </p> + <p> + "And then?" + </p> + <p> + "That he had not the right to arrest the Representatives." + </p> + <p> + "You said that?" + </p> + <p> + "Yes. And I added that he had not the right to kill people on the + boulevard...." + </p> + <p> + Here the condemned man interrupted himself and exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + "And thereupon they send me to Cayenne!" + </p> + <p> + The judge looks fixedly at the prisoner, and answers,—"Well, then?" + </p> + <p> + Another form of justice:— + </p> + <p> + Three miscellaneous personages, three removable functionaries, a Prefect, + a soldier, a public prosecutor, whose only conscience is the sound of + Louis Bonaparte's bell, seated themselves at a table and judged. Whom? + You, me, us, everybody. For what crimes? They invented crimes. In the name + of what laws? They invented laws. What penalties did they inflict? They + invented penalties. Did they know the accused? No. Did they listen to him? + No. What advocates did they listen to? None. What witnesses did they + question? None. What deliberation did they enter upon? None. What public + did they call in? None. Thus, no public, no deliberation, no counsellors, + no witnesses, judges who are not magistrates, a jury where none are sworn + in, a tribunal which is not a tribunal, imaginary offences, invented + penalties, the accused absent, the law absent; from all these things which + resembled a dream there came forth a reality: the condemnation of the + innocent. + </p> + <p> + Exile, banishment, transportation, ruin, home-sickness, death, and despair + for 40,000 families. + </p> + <p> + That is what History calls the Mixed Commissions. + </p> + <p> + Ordinarily the great crimes of State strike the great heads, and content + themselves with this destruction; they roll like blocks of stone, all in + one piece, and break the great resistances; illustrious victims suffice + for them. But the Second of December had its refinements of cruelty; it + required in addition petty victims. Its appetite for extermination + extended to the poor and to the obscure, its anger and animosity + penetrated as far as the lowest class; it created fissures in the social + subsoil in order to diffuse the proscription there; the local + triumvirates, nicknamed "mixed mixtures," served it for that. Not one head + escaped, however humble and puny. They found means to impoverish the + indigent, to ruin those dying of hunger, to spoil the disinherited; the <i>coup + d'état</i> achieved this wonderful feat of adding misfortune to misery. + Bonaparte, it seems, took the trouble to hate a mere peasant; the + vine-dresser was torn from his vine, the laborer from his furrow, the + mason from his scaffold, the weaver from his loom. Men accepted this + mission of causing the immense public calamity to fall, morsel by morsel, + upon the humblest walks of life. Detestable task! To crumble a catastrophe + upon the little and on the weak. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0063" id="link2HCH0063"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. A RELIGIOUS INCIDENT + </h2> + <h3> + A little religion can be mingled with this justice. Here is an example. + </h3> + <p> + Frederick Morin, like Arnauld de l'Ariège, was a Catholic Republican. He + thought that the souls of the victims of the 4th of December, suddenly + cast by the volleys of the <i>coup d'état</i> into the infinite and the + unknown, might need some assistance, and he undertook the laborious task + of having a mass said for the repose of these souls. But the priests + wished to keep the masses for their friends. The group of Catholic + Republicans which Frederick Morin headed applied successively to all the + priests of Paris; but met with a refusal. They applied to the Archbishop: + again a refusal. As many masses for the assassin as they liked, but far + the assassinated not one. To pray for dead men of this sort would be a + scandal. The refusal was determined. How should it be overcome? To do + without a mass would have appeared easy to others, but not to these + staunch believers. The worthy Catholic Democrats with great difficulty at + length unearthed in a tiny suburban parish a poor old vicar, who consented + to mumble in a whisper this mass in the ear of the Almighty, while begging + Him to say nothing about it. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0064" id="link2HCH0064"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. HOW THEY CAME OUT OF HAM + </h2> + <p> + On the night of the 7th and 8th of January, Charras was sleeping. The + noise of his bolts being drawn awoke him. + </p> + <p> + "So then!" said he, "they are going to put us in close confinement." And + he went to sleep again. + </p> + <p> + An hour afterwards the door was opened. The commandant of the fort entered + in full uniform, accompanied by a police agent carrying a torch. + </p> + <p> + It was about four o'clock in the morning. + </p> + <p> + "Colonel," said the Commandant, "dress yourself at once." + </p> + <p> + "What for?" + </p> + <p> + "You are about to leave." + </p> + <p> + "Some more rascality, I suppose!" + </p> + <p> + The Commandant was silent. Charras dressed himself. + </p> + <p> + As he finished dressing, a short young man, dressed in black, came in. + This young man spoke to Charras. + </p> + <p> + "Colonel, you are about to leave the fortress, you are about to quit + France. I am instructed to have you conducted to the frontier." + </p> + <p> + Charras exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + "If I am to quit France I will not leave the fortress. This is yet another + outrage. They have no more the right to exile me than they had the right + to imprison me. I have on my side the Law, Right, my old services, my + commission. I protest. Who are you, sir?" + </p> + <p> + "I am the Private Secretary of the Minister of the Interior." + </p> + <p> + "Ah! it is you who are named Léopold Lehon." + </p> + <p> + The young man cast down his eyes. + </p> + <p> + Charras continued,— + </p> + <p> + "You come on the part of some one whom they call 'Minister of the + Interior,' M. de Morny, I believe. I know M. de Morny. A bald young man; + he has played the game where people lose their hair; and now he is playing + the game where people risk their heads." + </p> + <p> + The conversation was painful. The young man was deeply interested in the + toe of his boot. + </p> + <p> + After a pause, however, he ventured to speak,— + </p> + <p> + "M. Charras, I am instructed to say that if you want money—" + </p> + <p> + Charras interrupted him impetuously. + </p> + <p> + "Hold your tongue, sir! not another word. I have served my country + five-and-twenty years as an officer, under fire, at the peril of my life, + always for honor, never for gain. Keep your money for your own set!" + </p> + <p> + "But, sir—" + </p> + <p> + "Silence! Money which passes through your hands would soil mine." + </p> + <p> + Another pause ensued, which the private secretary again broke,— + </p> + <p> + "Colonel, you will be accompanied by two police agents who have special + instructions, and I should inform you that you are ordered to travel with + a false passport, and under the name of Vincent." + </p> + <p> + "Good heavens!" said Charras; "this is really too much. Who is it imagines + that they will make me travel by order with a false passport, and under a + false name?" And looking steadily at M. Léopold Lehon, "Know, sir, that my + name is Charras and not Vincent, and that I belong to a family whose + members have always borne the name of their father." + </p> + <p> + They set out. + </p> + <p> + They journeyed by carriage as far as Creil, which is on the railway. + </p> + <p> + At Creil station the first person whom Charras saw was General + Changarnier. + </p> + <p> + "Ah! it is you, General." + </p> + <p> + The two proscripts embraced each other. Such is exile. + </p> + <p> + "What the deuce are they doing with you?" asked the General. + </p> + <p> + "What they are probably doing with you. These vagabonds are making me + travel under the name of Vincent." + </p> + <p> + "And me," said Changarnier, "under the name of Leblanc." + </p> + <p> + "In that case they ought at least to have called me Lerouge," said + Charras, with a burst of laughter. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime a group, kept at a distance by the police agents, had + formed round them. People had recognized them and saluted them. A little + child, whose mother could not hold him back, ran quickly to Charras and + took his hand. + </p> + <p> + They got into the train apparently as free as other travellers. Only they + isolated them in empty compartments, and each was accompanied by two men, + who sat one at the side and the other facing him, and who never took their + eyes off him. The keepers of General Changarnier were of ordinary strength + and stature. Those of Charras were almost giants. Charras is exceedingly + tall; they topped him by an entire head. These men who were galley + sergeants, had been carabineers; these spies had been heroes. + </p> + <p> + Charras questioned them. They had served when quite young, from 1813. Thus + they had shared the bivouac of Napoleon; now they ate the same bread as + Vidocq. The soldier brought to such a sorry pass as this is a sad sight. + </p> + <p> + The pocket of one of them was bulged out with something which he was + hiding there. + </p> + <p> + When this man crossed the station in company with Charras, a lady + traveller said,— + </p> + <p> + "Has he got M. Thiers in his pocket?" + </p> + <p> + What the police agent was hiding was a pair of pistols. Under their long, + buttoned-up and doubled-breasted frock coats these men were armed. They + were ordered to treat "those gentlemen" with the most profound respect, + but in certain circumstances to blow out their brains. + </p> + <p> + The prisoners had each been informed that in the eyes of the different + authorities whom they would meet on the road they would pass for + foreigners, Swiss or Belgians, expelled on account of their political + opinions, and that the police agents would keep their title of police + agents, and would represent themselves as charged with reconducting these + foreigners to the frontier. + </p> + <p> + Two-thirds of the journey were accomplished without any hindrance. At + Valenciennes an incident occurred. + </p> + <p> + The <i>coup d'état</i> having succeeded, zeal reigned paramount. No task + was any longer considered despicable. To denounce was to please; zeal is + one of the forms of servitude towards which people lean the most + willingly. The general became a common soldier, the prefect became a + commissary of police, the commissary of police became a police spy. + </p> + <p> + The commissary of police at Valenciennes himself superintended the + inspection of passports. For nothing in the world would he have deputed + this important office to a subordinate inspector. When they presented him + the passport of the so-called Leblanc, he looked the so-called Leblanc + full in the face, started, and exclaimed,— + </p> + <p> + "You are General Changarnier!" + </p> + <p> + "That is no affair of mine," said the General. + </p> + <p> + Upon this the two keepers of the General protested and exhibited their + papers, perfectly drawn up in due form. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Commissary, we are Government agents. Here are our proper passports." + </p> + <p> + "Improper ones," said the General. + </p> + <p> + The Commissary shook his head. He had been employed in Paris, and had been + frequently sent to the headquarters of the staff at the Tuileries, to + General Changarnier. He knew him very well. + </p> + <p> + "This is too much!" exclaimed the police agents. They blustered, declared + that they were police functionaries on a special service, that they had + instructions to conduct to the frontier this Leblanc, expelled for + political reasons, swore by all the gods, and gave their word of honor + that the so-called Leblanc was really named Leblanc. + </p> + <p> + "I do not much believe in words of honor," said the Commissary. + </p> + <p> + "Honest Commissary," muttered Changarnier, "you are right. Since the 2d of + December words of honor and oaths are no more than worthless paper money." + </p> + <p> + And then he began to smile. + </p> + <p> + The Commissary became more and more perplexed. The police agents ended by + invoking the testimony of the prisoner himself. + </p> + <p> + "Now, sir, tell him your name yourself." + </p> + <p> + "Get out of the difficulty yourselves," answered Changarnier. + </p> + <p> + All this appeared most irregular to the mind of a provincial alguazil. + </p> + <p> + It seemed evident to the Commissary of Valenciennes that General + Changarnier was escaping from Ham under a false name with a false + passport, and with false agents of police, in order to mislead the + authorities, and that it was a plot to escape which was on the point of + succeeding. + </p> + <p> + "Come down, all three of you!" exclaimed the Commissary. + </p> + <p> + The General gets down, and on putting foot to the ground notices Charras + in the depths of his compartment between his two bullies. + </p> + <p> + "Oho! Charras, you are there!" he cries. + </p> + <p> + "Charras!" exclaimed the Commissary. "Charras there! Quick! the passports + of these gentlemen!" And looking Charras in the face,— + </p> + <p> + "Are you Colonel Charras?" + </p> + <p> + "Egad!" said Charras. + </p> + <p> + Yet another complication. It was now the turn of Charras's bullies to + bluster. They declared that Charras was the man called Vincent, displayed + passports and papers, swore and protested. The Commissary's suspicions + were fully confirmed. + </p> + <p> + "Very well," said he, "I arrest everybody." + </p> + <p> + And he handed over Changarnier, Charras, and the four police agents to the + gendarmes. The Commissary saw the Cross of Honor shining in the distance. + He was radiant. + </p> + <p> + The police arrested the police. It happens sometimes that the wolf thinks + he has seized a victim and bites his own tail. + </p> + <p> + The six prisoners—for now there were six prisoners—were taken + into a parlor at the railway station. The Commissary informed the town + authorities. The town authorities hastened hither, headed by the + sub-prefect. + </p> + <p> + The sub-prefect, who was named Censier, comes in, and does not know + whether he ought to salute or to question, to grovel in the dust or to + keep his hat on his head. These poor devils of magistrates and local + officials were very much exercised in their minds. General Changarnier had + been too near the Dictatorship not to make them thoughtful. Who can + foresee the course of events? Everything is possible. Yesterday called + itself Cavaignac, to-day calls itself Bonaparte, to-morrow may call itself + Changarnier. Providence is really cruel not to let sub-prefects have a + peep at the future. + </p> + <p> + It is sad for a respectable functionary, who would ask for nothing better + than to be servile or arrogant according to circumstances, to be in danger + of lavishing his platitudes on a person who is perhaps going to rot + forever in exile, and who is nothing more than a rascal, or to risk being + insolent to a vagabond of a postscript who is capable of coming back a + conqueror in six months' time, and of becoming the Government in his turn. + What was to be done? And then they were spied upon. This takes place + between officials. The slightest word would be maliciously interpreted, + the slightest gesture would be laid to their discredit. How should he keep + on good terms at the same time this Cabbage, which is called To-day, and + that Goat, which is called To-morrow? To ask too many questions would + offend the General, to render to many salutations would annoy the + President. How could he be at the same time very much a sub-prefect, and + in some degree a lacquey? How could he combine the appearance of + obsequiousness, which would please Changarnier, with the appearance of + authority, which would please Bonaparte? + </p> + <p> + The sub-prefect thought to get out of the difficulty by saying, "General, + you are my prisoner," and by adding, with a smile, "Do me the honor of + breakfasting with me?" He addressed the same words to Charras. + </p> + <p> + The General refused curtly. + </p> + <p> + Charras looked at him fixedly, and did not answer him. + </p> + <p> + Doubts regarding the identity of the prisoners came to the mind of the + sub-prefect. He whispered to the Commissary "Are you quite sure?" + "Certainly," said the Commissary. + </p> + <p> + The sub-prefect decided to address himself to Charras, and dissatisfied + with the manner in which his advances had been received, asked him + somewhat sharply, "But, in short, who are you?" + </p> + <p> + Charras answered, "We are packages." + </p> + <p> + And turning to his keepers who were now in their turn in keeping:— + </p> + <p> + "Apply to our exporters. Ask our Custom House officers. It is a mere + matter of goods traffic." + </p> + <p> + They set the electric telegraph to work. Valenciennes, alarmed, questioned + Paris. The sub-prefect informed the Minister of the Interior that, thanks + to a strict supervision, which he had trusted to no one but himself, he + had just effected an important capture, that he had just discovered a + plot, had saved the President, had saved society, had saved religion, + etc., that in one word he had just arrested General Changarnier and + Colonel Charras, who had escaped that morning from the fort of Ham with + false passports, doubtless for the purpose of heading a rising, etc., and + that, in short, he asked the Government what was to be done with the two + prisoners. + </p> + <p> + At the end of an hour the answer arrived:—"Let them go on their + way." + </p> + <p> + The police perceived that in a burst of zeal they had pushed profundity to + the point of stupidity. That sometimes happens. + </p> + <p> + The next train carried away the prisoners, restored, not to liberty, but + to their keepers. + </p> + <p> + They passed Quiévrain. + </p> + <p> + They got down from the carriage, and got in again. + </p> + <p> + When the train again started Charras heaved the deep, joyous sigh of a + freed man, and said, "At last!" + </p> + <p> + He raised his eyes, and perceived his two jailers by his side. + </p> + <p> + They had got up behind him into the carriage. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, indeed!" he said to them; "you there!" + </p> + <p> + Of these two men there was only one who spoke, that one answered,— + </p> + <p> + "Yes, Colonel." + </p> + <p> + "What are you doing here?" + </p> + <p> + "We are keeping watch over you." + </p> + <p> + "But we are in Belgium." + </p> + <p> + "Possibly." + </p> + <p> + "Belgium is not France." + </p> + <p> + "Ah, that may be." + </p> + <p> + "But suppose I put my head out of the carriage? Suppose I call out? + Suppose I had you arrested? Suppose I reclaimed my liberty?" + </p> + <p> + "You will not do all that, Colonel." + </p> + <p> + "How will you prevent me?" + </p> + <p> + The police agent showed the butt-end of his pistol and said "Thus." + </p> + <p> + Charras burst out laughing, and asked them, "Where then are you going to + leave me?" + </p> + <p> + "At Brussels." + </p> + <p> + "That is to say, that at Brussels you will salute me with your cap; but + that at Mons you will salute me with your pistol." + </p> + <p> + "As you say, Colonel." + </p> + <p> + "In truth," said Charras, "it does not matter to me. It is King Leopold's + business. The Bonaparte treats countries as he has treated the + Representatives. He has violated the Assembly, he violates Belgium. But + all the same, you are a medley of strange rascals. He who is at the top is + a madman, those who are beneath are blockheads. Very well, my friends, let + me go to sleep." + </p> + <p> + And he went to sleep. + </p> + <p> + Almost the same incident happened nearly at the same moment to Generals + Changarnier and Lamoricière and to M. Baze. + </p> + <p> + The police agents did not leave General Changarnier until they had reached + Mons. There they made him get down from the train, and said to him, + "General, this is your place of residence. We leave you free." + </p> + <p> + "Ah!" said he, "this is my place of residence, and I am free? Well, then, + good-night." + </p> + <p> + And he sprang lightly back into the carriage just as the train was + starting, leaving behind him two galley sergeants dumfounded. + </p> + <p> + The police released Charras at Brussels, but did not release General + Lamoricière. The two police agents wished to compel him to leave + immediately for Cologne. The General, who was suffering from rheumatism + which he had caught at Ham, declared that he would sleep at Brussels. + </p> + <p> + "Be it so," said the police agents. + </p> + <p> + They followed him to the Hôtel de Bellevue. They spent the night there + with him. He had considerable difficulty to prevent them from sleeping in + his room. Next day they carried him off, and took him to Cologne-violating + Prussian territory after having violated Belgian territory. + </p> + <p> + The <i>coup d'état</i> was still more impudent with M. Baze. + </p> + <p> + They made M. Baze journey with his wife and his children under the name of + Lassalle. He passed for the servant of the police agent who accompanied + him. + </p> + <p> + They took him thus to Aix-la-Chapelle. + </p> + <p> + There, in the middle of the night, in the middle of the street, the police + agents deposited him and the whole of his family, without a passport, + without papers, without money. M. Baze, indignant, was obliged to have + recourse to threats to induce them to take him and identify him before a + magistrate. It was, perhaps, part of the petty joys of Bonaparte to cause + a Questor of the Assembly to be treated as a vagrant. + </p> + <p> + On the night of the 7th of January, General Bedeau, although he was not to + leave till the next day, was awakened like the others by the noise of + bolts. He did not understand that they were shutting him in, but on the + contrary, believed that they were releasing M. Baze, his neighbor in the + adjoining cell. He cried through the door, "Bravo, Baze!" + </p> + <p> + In fact, every day the Generals said to the Questor, "You have no business + here, this is a military fortress. One of these fine mornings you will be + thrust outside like Roger du Nord." + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless General Bedeau heard an unusual noise in the fortress. He got + up and "knocked" for General Leflô, his neighbor in the cell on the other + side, with whom he exchanged frequent military dialogues, little + flattering to the <i>coup d'état</i>. General Leflô answered the knocking, + but he did not know any more than General Bedeau. + </p> + <p> + General Bedeau's window looked out on the inner courtyard of the prison. + He went to this window and saw lanterns flashing hither and thither, + species of covered carts, horsed, and a company of the 48th under arms. A + moment afterwards he saw General Changarnier come into the courtyard, get + into a carriage, and drive off. Some moments elapsed, then he saw Charras + pass. Charras noticed him at the window, and cried out to him, "Mons!" + </p> + <p> + In fact he believed he was going to Mons, and this made General Bedeau, on + the next day, choose Mons as his residence, expecting to meet Charras + there. + </p> + <p> + Charras having left, M. Léopold Lehon came in accompanied by the + Commandant of the fort. He saluted Bedeau, explained his business, and + gave his name. General Bedeau confined himself to saying, "They banish us; + it is an illegality, and one more indignity added to the others. However, + with the people who send you one is no longer surprised at anything." + </p> + <p> + They did not send him away till the next day. Louis Bonaparte had said, + "We must 'space out' the Generals." + </p> + <p> + The police agent charged with escorting General Bedeau to Belgium was one + of those who, on the 2d of December, had arrested General Cavaignac. He + told General Bedeau that they had had a moment of uneasiness when + arresting General Cavaignae: the picket of fifty men, which had been told + off to assist the police having failed them. + </p> + <p> + In the compartment of the railway carriage which was taking General Bedeau + into Belgium there was a lady, manifestly belonging to good society, of + very distinguished appearance, and who was accompanied by three little + children. A servant in livery, who appeared to be a German, had two of the + children on his knees, and lavished a thousand little attentions on them. + However, the General, hidden by the darkness, and muffled up, like the + police agents, in the collar of his mantle, paid little attention to this + group. When they reached Quièvrain, the lady turned to him and said, + "General, I congratulate you, you are now in safety." + </p> + <p> + The General thanked her, and asked her name. + </p> + <p> + "Baroness Coppens," she answered. + </p> + <p> + It may be remembered that it was at M. Coppens's house, 70, Rue Blanche, + that the first meeting of the Left had taken place on December 2d. + </p> + <p> + "You have charming children there, madam," said the General, "and," he + added, "an exceedingly good servant." + </p> + <p> + "It is my husband," said Madame Coppens. + </p> + <p> + M. Coppens, in fact, had remained five weeks buried in a hiding-place + contrived in his own house. He had escaped from France that very night + under the cover of his own livery. They had carefully taught their + children their lesson. Chance had made them get into the same carriage as + General Bedeau and the two bullies who were keeping guard over him, and + throughout the night Madame Coppens had been in terror lest, in the + presence of the policeman, one of the little ones awakening, should throw + its arms around the neck of the servant and cry "Papa!" + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0065" id="link2HCH0065"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. A RETROSPECT + </h2> + <p> + Louis Bonaparte had tested the majority as engineers test a bridge; he had + loaded it with iniquities, encroachments, enormities, slaughters on the + Place du Havre, cries of "Long live the Emperor," distributions of money + to the troops, sales of Bonapartist journals in the streets, prohibition + of Republican and parliamentary journals, reviews at Satory, speeches at + Dijon; the majority bore everything. + </p> + <p> + "Good," said he, "It will carry the weight of the <i>coup d'état</i>." + </p> + <p> + Let us recall the facts. Before the 2d of December the <i>coup d'état</i> + was being constructed in detail, here and there, a little everywhere, with + exceeding impudence, and yet the majority smiled. The Representative + Pascal Duprat had been violently treated by police agents. "That is very + funny," said the Right. The Representative Dain was seized. "Charming." + The Representative Sartin was arrested. "Bravo." One fine morning when all + the hinges had been well tested and oiled, and when all the wires were + well fixed, the <i>coup d'état</i> was carried out all at once, abruptly. + The majority ceased to laugh, but the trick, was done. It had not + perceived that for a long time past, while it was laughing at the + strangling of others, the cord was round its own neck. + </p> + <p> + Let us maintain this, not to punish the past, but to illuminate the + future. Many months before being carried out, the <i>coup d'état</i> had + been accomplished. The day having come, the hour having struck, the + mechanism being completely wound up, it had only to be set going. It was + bound not to fail, and nothing did fail. What would have been an abyss if + the majority had done its duty, and had understood its joint + responsibility with the Left, was not even a ditch. The inviolability had + been demolished by those who were inviolable. The hand of gendarmes had + become as accustomed to the collar of the Representatives as to the collar + of thieves: the white tie of the statesman was not even rumpled in the + grasp of the galley sergeants, and one can admire the Vicomte de Falloux—oh, + candor!—for being dumfounded at being treated like Citizen Sartin. + </p> + <p> + The majority, going backwards, and ever applauding Bonaparte, fell into + the hole which Bonaparte had dug for it. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0066" id="link2HCH0066"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. CONDUCT OF THE LEFT + </h2> + <p> + The conduct of the Republican Left in this grave crisis of the 2d of + December was memorable. + </p> + <p> + The flag of the Law was on the ground, in the mire of universal treason, + under the feet of Louis Bonaparte; the Left raised this flag, washed away + the mire with its blood, unfurled it, waved it before the eyes of the + people, and from the 2d to the 5th of December held Bonaparte at bay. + </p> + <p> + A few men, a mere handful, 120 Representatives of the people escaped by + chance from arrest, plunged in darkness and in silence, without even + possessing that cry of the free press which sounds the tocsin to human + intellects, and which encourages the combatants, without generals under + their orders, without soldiers, without ammunition, went down into the + streets, resolutely barred the way against the <i>coup d'état</i>, and + gave battle to this monstrous crime, which had taken all its precautions, + which was mail-clad in every part, armed to the teeth, crowding round it + forests of bayonets, and making a pack of mortars and cannons give tongue + in its favor. + </p> + <p> + They had that presence of mind, which is the most practical kind of + courage; they had, while lacking everything else, the formidable + improvisation of duty, which never loses heart. They had no + printing-offices, they obtained them; they had no guns, they found them; + they had no balls, they cast them; they had no powder, they manufactured + it; they had nothing but paving-stones, and from thence they evolved + combatants. + </p> + <p> + It is true that these paving-stones were the paving-stones of Paris, + stones which change themselves into men. + </p> + <p> + Such is the power of Right, that, during four days these hundred and + twenty men, who had nothing in their favor but the goodness of their + cause, counterbalanced an army of 100,000 soldiers. At one moment the + scale turned on their side. Thanks to them, thanks to their resistance, + seconded by the indignation of honest hearts, there came an hour when the + victory of the law seemed possible, and even certain. On Thursday, the + 4th, the <i>coup d'état</i> tottered, and was obliged to support itself by + assassination. We seen that without the butchery of the boulevards, if he + had not saved his perjury by a massacre, if he had not sheltered his crime + by another crime, Louis Bonaparte was lost. + </p> + <p> + During the long hours of this struggle, a struggle without a truce, a + struggle against the army during the day and against the police during the + night,—an unequal struggle, where all the strength and all the rage + was on one side, and, as we have just said, nothing but Right on the + other, not one of these hundred and twenty Representatives, not a single + one failed at the call of duty, not one shunned the danger, not one drew + back, not one wearied,—all these heads placed themselves resolutely + under the axe, and for four days waited for it to fall. + </p> + <p> + To-day captivity, transportation, expatriation, exile, the axe has fallen + on nearly all these heads. + </p> + <p> + I am one of those who have had no other merit in this struggle than to + rally into one unique thought the courage of all; but let me here heartily + render justice to those men amongst whom I pride myself with having for + three years served the holy cause of human progress, to this Left, + insulted, calumniated, unappreciated, and dauntless, which was always in + the breach, and which did not repose for a single day, which recoiled none + the more before the military conspiracy than before the parliamentary + conspiracy, and which, entrusted by the people with the task of defending + them, defended them even when abandoned by themselves; defended them in + the tribune with speech, and in the street with the sword. + </p> + <p> + When the Committee of Resistance in the sitting at which the decree of + deposition and of outlawry was drawn up and voted, making use of the + discretionary power which the Left had confided to it, decided that all + the signatures of the Republican Representatives remaining at liberty + should be placed at the foot of the decree, it was a bold stroke; the + Committee did not conceal from itself that it was a list of proscription + offered to the victorious <i>coup d'état</i> ready drawn up, and perhaps + in its inner conscience it feared that some would disavow it, and protest + against it. As a matter of fact, the next day we received two letters, two + complaints. They were from two Representatives who had been omitted from + the list, and who claimed the honor of being reinstated there. I reinstate + these two Representatives here, in their right of being proscripts. Here + are their names—Anglade and Pradié. + </p> + <p> + From Tuesday, the 2d, to Friday, the 5th of December, the Representatives + of the Left and the Committee, dogged, worried, hunted down, always on the + point of being discovered and taken, that is to say—massacred; + repaired for the purpose of deliberating, to twenty-seven different + houses, shifted twenty-seven times their place of meeting, from their + first gathering in the Rue Blanche to their last conference at Raymond's. + They refused the shelters which were offered them on the left bank of the + river, wishing always to remain in the centre of the combat. During these + changes they more than once traversed the right bank of Paris from one end + to the other, most of the time on foot, and making long circuits in order + not to be followed. Everything threatened them with danger; their number, + their well-known faces, even their precautions. In the populous streets + there was danger, the police were permanently posted there; in the lonely + streets there was danger, because the goings and comings were more noticed + there. + </p> + <p> + They did not sleep, they did not eat, they took what they could find, a + glass of water from time to time, a morsel of bread here and there. Madame + Landrin gave us a basin of soup, Madame Grévy the remainder of a cold pie. + We dined one evening on a little chocolate which a chemist had distributed + in a barricade. At Jeunesse's, in the Rue de Grammont, during the night of + the 3rd, Michel de Bourges took a chair, and said, "This is my bed." Were + they tired? They did not feel it. The old men, like Ronjat, the sick, like + Boysset, all went forward. The public peril, like a fever, sustained them. + </p> + <p> + Our venerable colleague, Lamennais, did not come, but he remained three + days without going to bed, buttoned up in his old frock coat, his thick + boots on his feet, ready to march. He wrote to the author these three + lines, which it is impossible not to quote:—"You are heroes without + me. This pains me greatly. I await your orders. Try, then, to find me + something to do, be it but to die." + </p> + <p> + In these meetings each man preserved his usual demeanor. At times one + might have thought it an ordinary sitting in one of the bureaux of the + Assembly. There was the calm of every day, mingled with the firmness of + decisive crises. Edgar Quinet retained all his lofty judgment, Noël + Parfait all his mental vivacity, Yvan all his vigorous and intelligent + penetration, Labrousse all his animation. In a corner Pierre Lefranc, + pamphleteer and ballad-writer, but a pamphleteer like Courier, and a + ballad-writer like Béranger smiled at the grave and stern words of Dupont + de Bussac. All that brilliant group of young orators of the Left, Baneel + with his powerful ardor, Versigny and Victor Chauffour with their youthful + daring. Sain with his coolheadedness which reveals strength, Farconnet + with his gentle voice and his energetic inspiration, lavishing his efforts + in resisting the <i>coup d'état</i>, sometimes taking part in the + deliberations, at others amongst the people, proving that to be an orator + one must possess all the qualifications of a combatant. De Flotte, + indefatigable, was ever ready to traverse all Paris. Xavier Durrieu was + courageous, Dulac dauntless, Charamaule fool-hardy. Citizens and Paladins. + Courage! who would have dared to exhibit none amongst all these men, of + whom not one trembled? Untrimmed beards, torn coats, disordered hair, pale + faces, pride glistening in every eye. In the houses where they were + received they installed themselves as best they could. If there were no + sofas or chairs, some, exhausted in strength, but not in heart, seated + themselves on the floor. All became copyists of the decrees and + proclamations; one dictated, ten wrote. They wrote on tables, on the + corners of furniture, on their knees. Frequently paper was lacking, pens + were wanting. These wretched trifles created obstacles at the most + critical times. At certain moments in the history of peoples an inkstand + where the ink is dried up may prove a public calamity. Moreover, + cordiality prevailed among all, all shades of difference were effaced. In + the secret sittings of the Committee Madier de Montjau, that firm and + generous heart, De Flotte, brave and thoughtful, a fighting philosopher of + the Devolution, Carnot, accurate, cold, tranquil, immovable, Jules Favre, + eloquent, courageous, admirable through his simplicity and his strength, + inexhaustible in resources as in sarcasms, doubled, by combining them, the + diverse powers of their minds. + </p> + <p> + Michel de Bourges, seated in a corner of the fireplace, or leaning on a + table enveloped in his great coat, his black silk cap on his head, had an + answer for every suggestion, gave back to occurrences blow for blow, was + on his guard for danger, difficulty, opportunity, necessity, for his is + one of those wealthy natures which have always something ready either in + their intellect or in their imagination. Words of advice crossed without + jostling each other. These men entertained no illusion. They knew that + they had entered into a life-and-death struggle. They had no quarter to + expect. They had to do with the Man who had said, "Crush everything." They + knew the bloody words of the self-styled Minister, Merny. These words the + placards of Saint-Arnaud interpreted by decrees, the Praetorians let loose + in the street interpreted them by murder. The members of the + Insurrectionary Committee and the Representatives assisting at the + meetings were not ignorant that wherever they might be taken they would be + killed on the spot by bayonet-thrusts. It was the fortune of this war. Yet + the prevailing expression on every face was serenity; that profound + serenity which comes from a happy conscience. At times this serenity rose + to gaiety. They laughed willingly and at everything. At the torn trousers + of one, at the hat which another had brought back from the barricade + instead of his own, at the comforter of a third. "Hide your big body," + they said to him. They were children, and everything amused them. On the + morning of the 4th Mathien de la Drôme came in. He had organized for his + part a committee which communicated with the Central Committee, he came to + tell us of it. He had shaved off his fringe of beard so as not to be + recognized in the streets. "You look like an Archbishop," said Michel de + Bourges to him, and there was a general laugh. And all this, with this + thought which every moment brought back; the noise which is heard at the + door, the key which turns in the lock is perhaps Death coming in. + </p> + <p> + The Representatives and the Committee were at the mercy of chance. More + than once they could have been captured, and they were not; either owing + to the scruples of certain police agents (where the deuce will scruples + next take up their abode?) or that these agents doubted the final result, + and feared to lay their hand heedlessly upon possible victors. If Vassal, + the Commissary of Police, who met us on the morning of the 4th, on the + pavement of the Rue des Moulins, had wished, we might have been taken that + day. He did not betray us. But these were exceptions. The pursuit of the + police was none the less ardent and implacable. At Marie's, it may be + remembered that the <i>sergents de ville</i> and the gendarmes arrived ten + minutes after we had left the house, and that they even ransacked under + the beds with their bayonets. + </p> + <p> + Amongst the Representatives there were several Constituents, and at their + head Bastide. Bastide, in 1848, had been Minister for Foreign Affairs. + During the second night, meeting in the Rue Popincourt, they reproached + him with several of his actions. "Let me first get myself killed," he + answered, "and then you can reproach me with what you like." And he added, + "How can you distrust me, who am a Republican up to the hilt?" Bastide + would not consent to call our resistance the "insurrection," he called it + the "counter-insurrection." he said, "Victor Hugo is right. The insurgent + is at the Elysée." It was my opinion, as we have seen, that we ought to + bring the battle at once to an issue, to defer nothing, to reserve + nothing; I said, "We must strike the <i>coup d'état</i> while it is hot." + Bastide supported me. In the combat he was impassive, cold, gay beneath + his coldness. At the Saint Antoine barricade, at the moment when the guns + of the <i>coup d'état</i> were leveled at the Representatives of the + people, he said smilingly to Madier de Montjau, "Ask Schoelcher what he + thinks of the abolition of the penalty of death." (Schoelcher, like + myself, at this supreme moment, would have answered, "that it ought to be + abolished") In another barricade Bastide, compelled to absent himself for + a moment, placed his pipe on a paving-stone. They found Bastide's pipe, + and they thought him dead. He came back, and it was hailing musket-balls; + he said, "My pipe?" he relighted it and resumed the fight. Two balls + pierced his coat. + </p> + <p> + When the barricades were constructed, the Republican Representatives + spread themselves abroad; and distributed themselves amongst them. Nearly + all the Representatives of the Left repaired to the barricades, assisting + either to build them or to defend them. Besides the great exploit at Saint + Antoine barricade, where Schoelcher was so admirable, Esquiros went to the + barricade of the Rue de Charonne, De Flotte to those of the Pantheon and + of the Chapelle Saint Denis, Madier de Montjau to those of Belleville and + the Rue Aumaire, Doutre and Pelletier to that of the Mairie of the Fifth + Arrondissement, Brives to that of Rue Beaubourg, Arnauld de l'Ariège to + that of Rue de Petit-Repîsoir, Viguier to that of the Rue Pagevin, + Versigny to that of the Rue Joigneaux; Dupont de Bussac to that of the + Carré Saint Martin; Carlos Forel and Boysset to that of the Rue Rambuteau. + Doutre received a sword-cut on his head, which cleft his hat; Bourzat had + four balls in his overcoat; Baudin was killed; Gaston Dussoubs was ill and + could not come; his brother, Denis Dussoubs, replaced him. Where? In the + tomb. + </p> + <p> + Baudin fell on the first barricade, Denis Dussoubs on the last. + </p> + <p> + I was less favored than Bourzat; I only had three balls in my overcoat, + and it is impossible for me to say whence they came. Probably from the + boulevard. + </p> + <p> + After the battle was lost there was no general helter-skelter, no rout, no + flight. All remained hidden in Paris ready to reappear, Michel in the Rue + d'Alger, myself in the Rue de Navarin. The Committee held yet another + sitting on Saturday, the 6th, at eleven o'clock at night. Jules Favre, + Michel de Bourges, and myself, we came during the night to the house of a + generous and brave woman, Madame Didier. Bastide came there and said to + me, "If you are not killed here, you are going to enter upon exile. For + myself, I am going to remain in Paris. Take me for your lieutenant." I + have related this incident. + </p> + <p> + They hoped for the 9th (Tuesday) a resumption of arms, which did not take + place. Malarmet had announced it to Dupont de Bussac, but the blow of the + 4th had prostrated Paris. The populace no longer stirred. The + Representatives did not resolve to think of their safety, and to quit + France through a thousand additional dangers until several days + afterwards, when the last spark of resistance was extinguished in the + heart of the people, and the last glimmer of hope in heaven. + </p> + <p> + Several Republican Representatives were workmen; they have again become + workmen in exile. Nadaud has resumed his trowel, and is a mason in London. + Faure (du Rhône), a cutler, and Bansept, a shoemaker, felt that their + trade had become their duty, and practise it in England. Faure makes + knives, Bansept makes boots. Greppo is a weaver, it was he who when a + proscript made the coronation robe of Queen Victoria. Gloomy smile of + Destiny. Noël Parfait is a proof-reader at Brussels; Agricol Perdiguier, + called Avignonnais-la-Vertu, has girded on his leathern apron, and is a + cabinet-maker at Antwerp. Yesterday these men sat in the Sovereign + Assembly. Such things as these are seen in Plutarch. + </p> + <p> + The eloquent and courageous proscript, Emile Deschanel, has created at + Brussels, with a rare talent of speech, a new form of public instruction, + the Conferences. To him is due the honor of this foundation, so fruitful + and so useful. + </p> + <p> + Let us say in conclusion that the National Legislative Assembly lived + badly but died well. + </p> + <p> + At this moment of the fall, irreparable for the cowards, the Right was + worthy, the Left was great. + </p> + <p> + Never before has History seen a Parliament fall in this manner. + </p> + <p> + February had blown upon the Deputies of the legal country, and the + Deputies had vanished. M. Sauzet had sunk down behind the tribune, and had + gone away without even taking his hat. + </p> + <p> + Bonaparte, the other, the first, the true Bonaparte, had made the "Five + Hundred" step out of the windows of the Orangery of Saint Cloud, somewhat + embarrassed with their large mantles. + </p> + <p> + Cromwell, the oldest of the Bonapartes, when he achieved his Eighteenth + Brumaire, encountered scarcely any other resistance than a few + imprecations from Milton and from Ludlaw, and was able to say in his + boorishly gigantic language, "I have put the King in my knapsack and the + Parliament in my pocket." + </p> + <p> + We must go back to the Roman Senate in order to find true Curule chairs. + </p> + <p> + The Legislative Assembly, let us repeat, to its honor, did not lose + countenance when facing the abyss. History will keep an account of it. + After having betrayed so many things, it might have been feared that this + Assembly would end by betraying itself. It did nothing of the kind. The + Legislature, one is obliged to remember, had committed faults upon faults; + the Royalist majority had, in the most odious manner, persecuted the + Republican minority, which was bravely doing its duty in denouncing it to + the people; this Assembly had had a very long cohabitation and a most + fatal complicity with the Man of Crime, who had ended by strangling it as + a robber strangles his concubine in his bed; but whatever may be said of + this fateful Assembly, it did not exhibit that wretched vanishing away + which Louis Bonaparte hoped for; it was not a coward. + </p> + <p> + This is due to its having originated from universal suffrage. Let us + mention this, for it is an instructive lesson. The virtue of this + universal suffrage, which had begotten the Assembly and which the Assembly + had wished to slay, it felt in itself to its last hour. + </p> + <p> + The sap of a whole people does not spread in vain throughout an Assembly, + even throughout the most decrepit. On the decisive day this sap asserts + itself. + </p> + <p> + The Legislative Assembly, laden as it may be with formidable + responsibilities, will, perhaps, be less overwhelmed than it deserves by + the reprobation of posterity. + </p> + <p> + Thanks to universal suffrage, which it had deceived, and which constituted + its faith and its strength at the last moment, thanks to the Left, which + it had oppressed, scoffed at, calumniated, and decimated, and which cast + on it the glorious reflection of its heroism, this pitiful Assembly died a + grand death. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0067" id="link2HCH0067"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. PAGE WRITTEN AT BRUSSELS + </h2> + <p> + Well then, yes, I will kick open the door of this Palace, and I will enter + with you, History! I will seize by the collar all the perpetrators, + continually caught red-handed in the commission of all these outrages! I + will suddenly illuminate this cavern of night with the broad daylight of + truth! + </p> + <p> + Yes, I will bring in the daylight! I will tear down the curtain, I will + open the window, I will show to every eye such as it really is, infamous, + horrible, wealthy, triumphant, joyous, gilded, besmirched—this + Elysée! this Court! this group! this heap! call it what you will! this + galley-crew! where writhe and crawl, and pair and breed every baseness, + every indignity, every abomination: filibusters, buccaneers, swearers of + oaths, Signers of the Cross, spies, swindlers, butchers, executioners, + from the brigand who vends his sword, to the Jesuit who sells his God + second-hand! This sink where Baroche elbows Teste! where each brings his + own nastiness! Magnan his epaulets; Montalembert his religion, Dupin his + person! + </p> + <p> + And above all the innermost circle, the Holy of Holies, the private + Council, the smug den where they drink—where they eat—where + they laugh—where they sleep—where they play—where they + cheat—where they call Highnesses "Thou,"—where they wallow! + Oh! what ignominies! It is them! It is there! Dishonor, baseness, shame, + and opprobrium are there! Oh History! A hot iron for all these faces. + </p> + <p> + It is there that they amuse themselves, and that they jest, and that they + banter, and that they make sport of France! It is there that they pocket + hap-hazard, amid great shouts of laughter, the millions of louis and the + millions of votes! See them, look at them! They have treated the Law like + a girl, they are content! Right is slaughtered, Liberty is gagged, the + flag is dishonored, the people are under their feet. They are happy! And + who are they? What are these men? Europe knows not. One fine morning it + saw them come out of a crime. Nothing more. A parcel of rascals who vainly + tried to become celebrated, and who have remained anonymous. Look! they + are all there! See them, I tell you! Look at them, I tell you! Recognize + them if you can. Of what sex are they? To what species do they belong? Who + is this one? Is he a writer? No; he is a dog. He gobbles human flesh. And + that one? Is he a dog? No, he is a courtier—he has blood on his paw. + </p> + <p> + New men, that is what they term them. New, in truth! Unlooked-for, + strange, unprecedented, monstrous! Perjury, iniquity, robbery, + assassination, erected into ministerial departments, swindling applied to + universal suffrage, government under false pretences, duty called crime, + crime called duty, cynicism laughing in the midst of atrocity,—it is + of all this that their newness is compounded. + </p> + <p> + Now, all is well, they have succeeded, they have a fair wind, they enjoy + themselves to the full. They have cheated France, they are dividing the + spoil. France is a bag, and they put their hand in it. Rummage, for + Heaven's sake! Take, while you are there; help yourselves, draw out, + plunder, steal! One wants money, another wants situations, another wants a + decorative collar round his neck, another a plume in his hat, another + embroidery on his sleeve, another women, another power; another news for + the Bourse, another a railway, another wine. I should think, indeed, that + they are well satisfied. Picture to yourself a poor devil who, three years + ago, borrowed ten sous of his porter, and who to-day, leaning voluptuously + on the <i>Moniteur</i>, has only to sign a decree to take a million. To + make themselves perfectly happy, to be able to devour the finances of the + State, to live at the expense of the Treasury like a son of the family, + this is what is called their policy. Their ambition has a true name, it is + gluttony. + </p> + <p> + They ambitious? Nonsense! They are gluttons. To govern is to gamble. This + does not prevent betrayal. On the contrary, they spy upon each other, they + betray each other. The little traitors betray the great traitors. Pietri + looks askance at Maupas, and Maupas at Carlier. They all lie in the same + reeking sewer! They have achieved the <i>coup d'état</i> in common. That + is all. Moreover they feel sure of nothing, neither of glances, nor of + smiles, nor of hidden thoughts, nor of men, nor of women, nor of the + lacquey, nor of the prince, nor of words of honor, nor of birth + certificates. Each feels himself fraudulent, and knows himself suspected. + Each has his secret aims. Each alone knows why he has done this. Not one + utters a word about his crime, and no one bears the name of his father. + Ah! may God grant me life, and may Jesus pardon me, I will raise a gibbet + a hundred yards high, I will take hammer and nails, and I will crucify + this Beauharnais called Bonaparte, between this Leroy called Saint-Arnoud, + and this Fialin called Persigny! + </p> + <p> + And I would drag you there also, all of you accomplices! This Morny, this + Romieu, this Fould, the Jew senator, this Delangle, who bears on his back + this placard: JUSTICE! and this Troplong, this judicial glorifier of the + violation of the laws, this lawyer apologist of the <i>coup d'état</i>, + this magistrate flatterer of perjury, this judge panegyrist of murder, who + will go down to posterity with a sponge filled with mud and with blood in + his hand. + </p> + <p> + I begin the battle therefore. With whom? With the present ruler of Europe. + It is right that this spectacle should be given to the world. Louis + Bonaparte is the success, is the intoxicated triumph, is the gay and + ferocious despotism, opening out under the victory, he is the mad fulness + of power, seeking limits and finding none, neither in things nor in men; + Louis Bonaparte holds France, <i>Urbem Roman habit</i>; and whoever holds + France holds the world; he is master of the votes, master of the + consciences, master of the people; he nominates his successor, reigns + forever over future electoral scrutinies, disposes of eternity, and places + futurity in an envelope; his Senate, his Legislative Body, his Council of + State, with heads lowered and mingled confusedly behind him, lick his + feet; he drags along in a leash the bishops and cardinals; he tramples on + the justice which curses him, and on the judges who adore him, thirty + correspondents inform the Continent that he has frowned, and every + electric telegraph vibrates if he raises his little finger; around him is + heard the rustling of sabres, and the drums beat the salute; he sits under + the shadow of the eagle in the midst of bayonets and of citadels, the free + nations tremble and hide their liberties for fear that he should steal + them, the great American Republic herself falters in his presence, and + dares not withdraw her Ambassador from him; the kings, surrounded by their + armies, look at him smilingly, with their hearts full of fear. Where will + he begin? With Belgium? With Switzerland? With Piedmont? Europe expects to + be overrun. He is capable of all, and he dreams of all. + </p> + <p> + Well, then! Before this master, this triumpher, this conqueror, this + dictator, this Emperor, this all-powerful, there rises a solitary man, a + wanderer, despoiled, ruined, prostrate, proscribed, and attacks him. Louis + Napoleon has ten thousand cannons, and five hundred thousand soldiers; the + writer has his pen and his ink-stand. The writer is nothing, he is a grain + of dust, he is a shadow, he is an exile without a refuge, he is a vagrant + without a passport, but he has by his side and fighting with him two + powers, Right, which is invincible, and Truth, which is immortal. + </p> + <p> + Assuredly, for this struggle to the death, for this formidable duel, + Providence could have chosen a more illustrious champion, a grander + athlete. But what matter men, there, where it is the idea with combats! + Such as it is, it is good, let us repeat, that this spectacle should be + given to the world. What is this in truth? It is intellect, an atom which + resists strength—a colossus. + </p> + <p> + I have only one stone in my sling, but that stone is a good one; that + stone is justice. + </p> + <p> + I attack Louis Bonaparte at this hour, when he is erect; at this hour, + when he is master. He is in his zenith. So much the better; it is that + which suits me. + </p> + <p> + Yes, I attack Louis Bonaparte. I attack him before the world; I attack him + in the presence of God and men; I attack him resolutely, desperately; for + the love of the people and of France. He is about to be Emperor, let it be + so. Let there be at least one brow which resists. Let Louis Bonaparte know + that an Empire may be taken, but that a Conscience cannot be taken. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0068" id="link2HCH0068"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. THE INFALLIBLE BENEDICTION + </h2> + <h3> + The Pope approved. + </h3> + <p> + When the mails brought to Rome intelligence of the event of the 2d of + December, the Pope went to a review held by General Gémeau, and begged him + to congratulate Prince Louis Napoléon for him. + </p> + <p> + There was a precedent for this. + </p> + <p> + On the 12th December, 1572, Saint-Goard, Ambassador of Charles the Ninth, + King of France, to Philip the Second, King of Spain, wrote from Madrid to + his master, Charles the Ninth, "The news of the events of the day of Saint + Bartholomew have reached the Catholic King. Contrary to his wont and + custom, he has shown so much joy, that he has manifested it more openly + than he has ever done for all the happy events and good fortune which have + previously befallen him. So that I went to him on Sunday morning at Saint + Hieronimus, and having approached him, he burst out laughing, and with + every demonstration of extreme pleasure and contentment, began to praise + your Majesty."<a href="#linknoteref-36" name="linknote-36" id="linknote-36"><small>36</small></a> + </p> + <p> + The hand of Pius IX. remained extended over France, when it had become the + Empire. + </p> + <p> + Then, under the shadow of this benediction, began an era of prosperity. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-36" name="linknoteref-36" id="linknoteref-36_"><small>36</small></a> + <i>"Archives of the house of Orange," page 125, Supplement.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_CONC" id="link2H_CONC"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CONCLUSION—THE FALL. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0069" id="link2HCH0069"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + I was coming back from my fourth exile—an exile in Belgium, a small + matter. It was one of the last days of September, 1871. I was re-entering + France by the Luxembourg frontier. I had fallen asleep in the carriage. + Suddenly the jolt of the train coming to a standstill awoke me. I opened + my eyes. + </p> + <h3> + The train had stopped in the middle of a charming landscape. + </h3> + <p> + I was in the half-consciousness of an interrupted sleep; and ideas, as yet + half-dreams, hazy and diffuse, hovered between myself and reality. I + experienced the undefinable and confused sensation of awakening. + </p> + <p> + A river flowed by the side of the railway, clear, around a bright and + verdant island. This vegetation was so thick that the moor-hens, on + reaching it, plunged beneath it and disappeared. The river wound through a + valley, which appeared like a huge garden. Apple-trees were there, which + reminded one of Eve, and willows, which made one think of Galatea. It was, + as I have said, in one of those equinoctial months when may be felt the + peculiar charm of a season drawing to a close. If it be winter which is + passing away, you hear the song of approaching spring; if it be summer + which is vanishing, you see glimmering on the horizon the undefinable + smile of autumn. The wind lulled and harmonized all those pleasant sounds + which compose the murmur of the fields; the tinkling of the sheep-bells + seemed to soothe the humming of the bees; the last butterflies met + together with the first grapes; this hour of the year mingles the joy of + being still alive with the unconscious melancholy of fast approaching + death; the sweetness of the sun was indescribable. Fertile fields streaked + with furrows, honest peasants' cottages; under the trees a turf covered + with shade, the lowing of cattle as in Virgil, and the smoke of hamlets + penetrated by rays of sunshine; such was the complete picture. The + clanging of anvils rang in the distance, the rhythm of work amidst the + harmony of nature. I listened, I mused vaguely. The valley was beautiful + and quiet, the blue heavens seemed as though resting upon a lovely circle + of hills; in the distance were the voices of birds, and close to me the + voices of children, like two songs of angels mingled together; the + universal purity enshrouded me: all this grace and all this grandeur shed + a golden dawn into my soul.... + </p> + <p> + Suddenly a fellow-traveller asked,— + </p> + <p> + "What place is this?" + </p> + <p> + Another answered,— + </p> + <p> + "Sedan." + </p> + <p> + I shuddered. + </p> + <p> + This paradise was a tomb. + </p> + <p> + I looked around. The valley was circular and hollow, like the bottom of a + crater; the winding river resembled a serpent; the high hills, ranged one + behind the other, surrounded this mysterious spot like a triple line of + inexorable walls; once there, there is no means of exit. It reminded me of + the amphitheatres. An indescribable disquieting vegetation which seemed to + be an extension of the Black Forest, overran all the heights, and lost + itself in the horizon like a huge impenetrable snare; the sun shone, the + birds sang, carters passed by whistling; sheep, lambs, and pigeons were + scattered about, leaves quivered and rustled; the grass, a densely thick + grass, was full of flowers. It was appalling. + </p> + <p> + I seemed to see waving over this valley the flashing of the avenging + angel's sword. + </p> + <p> + This word "Sedan" had been like a veil abruptly torn aside. The landscape + had become suddenly filled with tragedy. Those shapeless eyes which the + bark of trees delineates on the trunks were gazing—at what? At + something terrible and lost to view. + </p> + <p> + In truth, that was the place! And at the moment when I was passing by + thirteen months all but a few days had elapsed. That was the place where + the monstrous enterprise of the 2d of December had burst asunder. A + fearful shipwreck. + </p> + <p> + The gloomy pathways of Fate cannot be studied without profound anguish of + the heart. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0070" id="link2HCH0070"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + On the 31st of August, 1870, an army was reassembled, and was, as it were, + massed together under the walls of Sedan, in a place called the Givonne + Valley. This army was a French army—twenty-nine brigades, fifteen + divisions, four army corps—90,000 men. This army was in this place + without any one being able to divine the reason; without order, without an + object, scattered about—a species of heap of men thrown down there + as though with the view of being seized by some huge hand. + </p> + <p> + This army either did not entertain, or appeared not to entertain, for the + moment any immediate uneasiness. They knew, or at least they thought they + knew, that the enemy was a long way off. On calculating the stages at four + leagues daily, it was three days' march distant. Nevertheless, towards + evening the leaders took some wise strategic precautions; they protected + the army, which rested in the rear on Sedan and the Meuse, by two battle + fronts, one composed of the 7th Corps, and extending from Floing to + Givonne, the other composed of the 12th Corps, extending from Givonne to + Bazeilles; a triangle of which the Meuse formed the hypothenuse. The 12th + Corps, formed of the three divisions of Lacretelle, Lartigue, and Wolf, + ranged on the right, with the artillery, between the brigades formed a + veritable barrier, having Bazeilles and Givonne at each end, and Daigny in + its centre; the two divisions of Petit and Lhéritier massed in the rear + upon two lines supported this barrier. General Lebrun commanded the 12th + Corps. The 7th Corps, commanded by General Douay, only possessed two + divisions—Dumont's division and Gilbert's division—and formed + the other battle front, covering the army of Givonne to Floing on the side + of Illy; this battle front was comparatively weak, too open on the side of + Givonne, and only protected on the side of the Meuse by the two cavalry + divisions of Margueritte and Bonnemains, and by Guyomar's brigade, resting + in squares upon Floing. Within this triangle were encamped the 5th Corps, + commanded by General Wimpfen, and the 1st Corps, commanded by General + Ducrot. Michel's cavalry division covered the 1st Corps on the side of + Daigny; the 5th supported itself upon Sedan. Four divisions, each disposed + upon two lines—the divisions of Lhéritier, Grandchamp, Goze, and + Conseil-Duménil—formed a sort of horseshoe, turned towards Sedan, + and uniting the first battle front with the second. The cavalry division + of Ameil and the brigade of Fontanges served as a reserve for these four + divisions. The whole of the artillery was upon the two battle fronts. Two + portions of the army were in confusion, one to the right of Sedan beyond + Balan, the other to the left of Sedan, on this side of Iges. Beyond Balan + were the divisions of Vassoigne and the brigade of Reboul, on this side of + Iges were the two cavalry divisions of Margueritte and Bonnemains. + </p> + <p> + These arrangements indicated a profound feeling of security. In the first + place the Emperor Napoleon III. would not have come there if he had not + been perfectly tranquil. This Givonne Valley is what Napoleon I. called a + "washhand basin." There could not be a more complete enclosure. An army is + so much at home there that it is too much so; it runs the risk of no + longer being able to get out. This disquieted some brave and prudent + leaders such as Wimpfen, but they were not listened to. If absolutely + necessary, said the people of the Imperial circle, they could always be + sure of being able to reach Mézières, and at the worst the Belgian + frontier. Was it, however, needful to provide for such extreme + eventualities? In certain cases foresight is almost an offence. They were + all of one mind, therefore, to be at their ease. + </p> + <p> + If they had been uneasy they would have cut the bridges of the Meuse; but + they did not even think of it. To what purpose? The enemy was a long way + off. The Emperor, who evidently was well informed, affirmed it. + </p> + <p> + The army bivouacked somewhat in confusion, as we have said, and slept + peaceably throughout this night of August 31, having, whatever might + happen, or believing that they had, the retreat upon Mézières open behind + it. They disdained to take the most ordinary precautions, they made no + cavalry reconnaissances, they did not even place outposts. A German + military writer has stated this.<a href="#linknoteref-37" + name="linknote-37" id="linknote-37"><small>37</small></a> Fourteen leagues + at least separated them from the German army, three days' march; they did + not exactly know where it was; they believed it scattered, possessing + little unity, badly informed, led somewhat at random upon several points + at once, incapable of a movement converging upon one single point, like + Sedan; they believed that the Crown Prince of Saxony was marching on + Chalons, and that the Crown Prince of Prussia was marching on Metz; they + were ignorant of everything appertaining to this army, its leaders, its + plan, its armament, its effective force. Was it still following the + strategy of Gustavus Adolphus? Was it still following the tactics of + Frederick II.? No one knew. They felt sure of being at Berlin in a few + weeks. What nonsense! The Prussian army! They talked of this war as of a + dream, and of this army as of a phantom. + </p> + <p> + During this very night, while the French army was sleeping, this is what + was taking place. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-37" name="linknoteref-37" id="linknoteref-37_"><small>37</small></a> + <i>M. Harwik.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0071" id="link2HCH0071"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + At a quarter to two in the morning, at his headquarters at Mouzon, Albert, + Crown Prince of Saxony, set the Army of the Meuse in motion; the Royal + Guard were beat to arms, and two divisions marched, one upon + Villers-Cernay, by Escambre and Fouru-aux-Bois, the other upon Francheval + by Suchy and Fouru-Saint-Remy. The Artillery of the Guard followed. + </p> + <p> + At the same moment the 12th Saxon Corps was beaten to arms, and by the + high road to the south of Douzy reached Lamécourt, and marched upon La + Moncelle; the 1st Bavarian Corps marched upon Bazeilles, supported at + Reuilly-sur-Meuse by an Artillery Division of the 4th Corps. The other + division of the 4th Corps crossed the Meuse at Mouzon, and massed itself + in reserve at Mairy, upon the right bank. These three columns maintained + close communication with each other. The order was given to the advanced + guards to begin no offensive movement before five o'clock, and silently to + occupy Fouru-aux-Bois, Fouru-Saint-Remy, and Douay. They had left their + knapsacks behind them. The baggage-wagons did not stir. The Crown Prince + of Saxony was on horseback on the heights of Amblimont. + </p> + <p> + At the same time, at his headquarters at Chémery, Blumenthal was having a + bridge built over the Meuse by the Wurtemburg division. The 11th Corps, + astir before daylight, crossed the Meuse at Dom-le-Mesnil and at Donchery, + and reached Vrigne-sur-Bois. The artillery followed, and held the road + from Vrigne to Sedan. The Wurtemburg division kept the bridge which it had + built, and held the road from Sedan to Mézières. At five o'clock, the 2d + Bavarian Corps, with the artillery at its head, detached one of its + divisions, and sent it by Bulson upon Frénois; the other division passed + by Noyers, and drew up before Sedan, between Frénois and Wadelincourt. The + artillery of the Reserve was drawn up on the heights of the left bank, + opposite Donchery. + </p> + <p> + At the same time the 6th Cavalry Division was sent from Mazeray, and + passing by Boutancourt and Bolzicourt, reached the Meuse at Flize; the 2d + Cavalry Division quitted its encampment, and took up its position to the + south of Boutancourt; the 4th Cavalry Division took up its position to the + south of Frénois; the 1st Bavarian Corps installed itself at Remilly; the + 5th Cavalry Division and the 6th Corps were posted to observe, and all in + line, and order, massed upon the heights waited for the dawn to appear. + The Crown Prince of Prussia was on horseback on the hill of Frénois. + </p> + <p> + At the same moment, upon every point of the horizon, other and similar + movements were taking place from every side. The high hills were suddenly + overrun by an immense black army. Not one shout of command. Two hundred + and fifty thousand men came silently to encircle the Givonne Valley. + </p> + <p> + This is what the circle consisted of,— + </p> + <p> + The Bavarians, the right wing, at Bazeilles on the Meuse; next to the + Bavarians the Saxons, at La Moncelle and Daigny; opposite Givonne, the + Royal Guard; the 5th Corps at Saint Menges; the 2d at Flaigneux; the + Wurtemburgers at the bend of the Meuse, between Saint Menges and Donchery; + Count Stolberg and his cavalry at Donchery; in front, towards Sedan, the + 2d Bavarian Army. + </p> + <p> + All this was carried out in a ghostly manner, in order, without a whisper, + without a sound, through forests, ravines, and valleys. A tortuous and + ill-omened march. A stealthy gliding onwards of reptiles. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely could a murmur be heard beneath the thick foliage. The silent + battle swarmed in the darkness awaiting the day. + </p> + <p> + The French army was sleeping. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly it awoke. + </p> + <p> + It was a prisoner. + </p> + <p> + The sun rose, brilliant on the side of God—terrible on the side of + man. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0072" id="link2HCH0072"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + Let us review the situation. The Germans have numbers on their side; they + are three against one, perhaps four; they own to 250,000 men, and it is + certain that their attacking front extended for 30 kilomètres; they have + on their side the positions, they crown the heights, they fill the + forests, they are covered by all these escarpments, they are masked by all + this shade; they possess an incomparable artillery. The French army is in + a valley, almost without artillery and without supplies, utterly naked + beneath their hail of lead. The Germans have on their side the ambuscade, + and the French have only on their side heroism. Death is glorious, but + surprise is profitable. + </p> + <p> + A surprise, that is the true description of this brilliant exploit. + </p> + <p> + Is it fair warfare? Yes. But if this is fair, what is unfair warfare? It + is the same thing. + </p> + <p> + This said, the story of the Battle of Sedan has been told. + </p> + <p> + I should have wished to stop there. But I cannot. Whatever horror the + historian may feel, History is a duty, and this duty must be fulfilled. + There is no incline more inexorable than this: to tell the truth; he who + ventures on it rolls to the very bottom. It must be so. The guardian of + Justice is doomed to justice. + </p> + <p> + The Battle of Sedan is more than a battle which has been fought; it is a + syllogism which is completed; a formidable premeditation of destiny. + Destiny never hurries, but it always comes. At its hour, there it is. It + allows years to pass by, and at the moment when men are least thinking of + it, it appears. Of this character is the fatal, the unexpected catastrophe + named Sedan. From time to time in History, Divine logic makes an + onslaught. Sedan is one of those onslaughts. + </p> + <p> + Thus on the 1st of September, at five o'clock in the morning the world + awoke under the sun, and the French army under the thunderbolt. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0073" id="link2HCH0073"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <p> + Bazeilles takes fire, Givonne takes fire, Floing takes fire; the battle + begins with a furnace. The whole horizon is aflame. The French camp is in + this crater, stupefied, affrighted, starting up from sleeping,—a + funereal swarming. A circle of thunder surrounds the army. They are + encircled by annihilation. This mighty slaughter is carried on on all + sides simultaneously. The French resist, and they are terrible, having + nothing left but despair. Our cannon, almost all old-fashioned and of + short range, are at once dismounted by the fearful and exact aim of the + Prussians. The density of the rain of shells upon the valley is so great, + that "the earth is completely furrowed," says an eye-witness, "as though + by a rake." How many cannon? Eleven hundred at least. Twelve German + batteries upon La Moncelle alone; the 3d and 4th <i>Abtheilung</i>, an + awe-striking artillery, upon the crests of Givonne, with the 2d horse + battery in reserve; opposite Doigny ten Saxon and two Wurtemburg + batteries; the curtain of trees of the wood to the north of Villers-Cernay + masks the mounted <i>Abtheilung</i>, which is there with the 3d Heavy + Artillery in reserve, and from this gloomy copse issues a formidable fire; + the twenty-four pieces of the 1st Heavy Artillery are ranged in the glade + skirting the road from La Moncelle to La Chapelle; the battery of the + Royal Guard sets fire to the Garenne Wood; the shells and the balls riddle + Suchy, Francheval, Fouru-Saint-Remy, and the valley between Heibes and + Givonne; and the third and fourth rank of cannon extend without break of + continuity as far as the Calvary of Illy, the extreme point of the + horizon. The German soldiers, seated or lying before the batteries, watch + the artillery at work. The French soldiers fall and die. Amongst the + bodies which cover the plain there is one, the body of an officers on + which they will find, after the battle, a sealed note, containing this + order, signed NAPOLEON: "To-day, September 1st, rest for the whole army." + </p> + <p> + The gallant 35th of the Line almost completely disappears under the + overwhelming shower of shells; the brave Marine Infantry holds at bay for + a moment the Saxons, joined by the Bavarians, but outflanked on every + side, draws back; all the admirable cavalry of the Targueritte Division + hurled against the German infantry, halts and sinks down midway, + "annihilated," says the Prussian Report, "by well-aimed and cool firing."<a + href="#linknoteref-38" name="linknote-38" id="linknote-38"><small>38</small></a> + This field of carnage has three outlets; all three barred: the Bouillon + road by the Prussian Guard, the Carignan road by the Bavarians, the + Mézières road by the Wurtemburgers. The French have not thought of + barricading the railway viaduct; three German battalions have occupied it + during the night. Two isolated houses on the Balan road could be made the + pivot of a long resistance; but the Germans are there. The wood from + Monvilliers to Bazeilles, bushy and dense, might prevent the junction of + the Saxons, masters of La Moncelle, and the Bavarians, masters of + Bazeilles; but the French have been forestalled: they find the Bavarians + cutting the underwood with their bill-hooks. The German army moves in one + piece, in one absolute unity; the Crown Prince of Saxony is on the height + of Mairy, whence he surveys the whole action; the command oscillates in + the French army; at the beginning of the battle, at a quarter to six, + MacMahon is wounded by the bursting of a shell; at seven o'clock Ducrot + replaces him; at ten o'clock Wimpfen replaces Ducrot. Every instant the + wall of fire is drawing closer in, the roll of the thunder is continuous, + a dismal pulverization of 90,000 men! Never before has anything equal to + this been seen; never before has an army been overwhelmed beneath such a + downpour of lead and iron! At one o'clock all is lost. The regiments fly + helter-skelter into Sedan. But Sedan begins to burn; Dijonval burns, the + ambulances burn, there is nothing now possible but to cut their way out. + Wimpfen, brave and resolute, proposes this to the Emperor. The 3d Zouaves, + desperate, have set the example. Cut off from the rest of the army, they + have forced a passage, and have reached Belgium. A flight of lions! + </p> + <p> + Suddenly, above the disaster, above the huge pile of dead and dying, above + all this unfortunate heroism, appears disgrace. The white flag is hoisted. + </p> + <p> + Turenne and Vauban were both present, one in his statue, the other in his + citadel. + </p> + <p> + The statue and the citadel witnessed the awe-striking capitulation. These + two virgins, one of bronze, the other of granite, felt themselves + prostituted. O noble face of our country! Oh, eternal blushes! + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-38" name="linknoteref-38" id="linknoteref-38_"><small>38</small></a> + <i>The Franco-German War of 1870-71. Report of the Prussian Staff, page + 1087.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0074" id="link2HCH0074"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <p> + This disaster of Sedan was easy of avoidance by any other man, but + impossible of avoidance for Louis Bonaparte. He avoided it so little that + he sought it. <i>Lex fati</i>. + </p> + <p> + Our army seemed expressly arranged for the catastrophe. The soldier was + uneasy, ignorant of his whereabouts, famished. On the 31st of August, in + the streets of Sedan, soldiers were seeking their regiments, and going + from door to door asking for bread. We have seen the Emperor's order + announcing the next day, September 1st, as a day of rest. In truth the + army was worn out with fatigue. And yet it had only marched by short + stages. The soldier was almost losing the habit of marching. One corps, + the 1st, for example, only accomplished two leagues per day (on the 29th + of August from Stonne to Raucourt). + </p> + <p> + During that time the German army, inexorably commanded and driven at the + stick's end like the army of the Xerxes, achieved marches of fourteen + leagues in fifteen hours, which enabled it to arrive unexpectedly, and to + surround the French army while asleep. It was customary to allow oneself + to be surprised. General Failly allowed himself to be surprised at + Beaumont; during the day the soldiers took their guns to pieces to clean + them, at night they slept, without even cutting the bridges which + delivered them to the enemy; thus they neglected to blow up the bridges of + Mouzon and Bazeilles. On September 1st, daylight had not yet appeared, + when an advance guard of seven battalions, commanded by General Schultz, + captured La Rulle, and insured the junction of the army of the Meuse with + the Royal Guard. Almost at the same minute, with German precision, the + Wurtemburgers seized the bridge of La Platinerie, and hidden by the + Chevalier Wood, the Saxon battalions, spread out into company columns, + occupied the whole of the road from La Moncelle to Villers-Cernay. + </p> + <p> + Thus, as we have seen, the awakening of the French Army was horrible. At + Bazeilles a fog was added to the smoke. Our soldiers, attacked in this + gloom, knew not what death required of them; they fought from room to room + and from house to house.<a href="#linknoteref-39" name="linknote-39" + id="linknote-39"><small>39</small></a> + </p> + <p> + It was in vain that the Reboul brigade came to support the Martin des + Pallières brigade; they were obliged to yield. At the same time Ducrot was + compelled to concentrate his forces in the Garenne Wood, before the + Calvary of Illy; Douay, shattered, fell back; Lebrun alone stood firm on + the plateau of Stenay. Our troops occupied a line of five kilomètres; the + front of the French army faced the east, the left faced the north, the + extreme left (the Guyomar brigade) faced the west; but they did not know + whether they faced the enemy, they did not see him; annihilation struck + without showing itself; they had to deal with a masked Medusa. Our cavalry + was excellent, but useless. The field of battle, obstructed by a large + wood, cut up by clumps of trees, by houses and by farms and by enclosure + walls, was excellent for artillery and infantry, but bad for cavalry. The + rivulet of Givonne, which flows at the bottom of the valley and crosses + it, for three days ran with more blood than water. Among other places of + carnage, Saint-Menges was appalling. For a moment it appeared possible to + cut a way out by Carignan towards Montmédy, and then this outlet reclosed. + This refuge only remained, Sedan; Sedan encumbered with carts, with + wagons, with carriages, with hospital huts; a heap of combustible matter. + This dying agony of heroes lasted ten hours. They refused to surrender, + they grew indignant, they wished to complete their death, so bravely + begun. They were delivered up to it. + </p> + <p> + As we have said, three men, three dauntless soldiers, had succeeded each + other in the command, MacMahon, Ducrot, Wimpfen; MacMahon had only time to + be wounded, Ducrot had only time to commit a blunder, Wimpfen had only + time to conceive an heroic idea, and he conceived it; but MacMahon is not + responsible for his wound, Ducrot is not responsible for his blunder, and + Wimpfen is not responsible for the impossibility of his suggestion to cut + their way out. The shell which struck MacMahon withdrew him from the + catastrophe; Ducrot's blunder, the inopportune order to retreat given to + General Lebrun, is explained by the confused horror of the situation, and + is rather an error than a fault. Wimpfen, desperate, needed 20,000 + soldiers to cut his way out, and could only get together 2000. History + exculpates these three men; in this disaster of Sedan there was but one + sole and fatal general, the Emperor. That which was knitted together on + the 2d December, 1851, came apart on the 2d September, 1870; the carnage + on the Boulevard Montmartre, and the capitulation of Sedan are, we + maintain, the two parts of a syllogism; logic and justice have the same + balance; it was Louis Bonaparte's dismal destiny to begin with the black + flag of massacres and to end with the white flag of disgrace. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknote-39" name="linknoteref-39" id="linknoteref-39_"><small>39</small></a> + <i>"The French were literally awakened from sleep by our attack." —Helvic.</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0075" id="link2HCH0075"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> + <p> + There was no alternative between death and opprobrium; either soul or + sword must be surrendered. Louis Bonaparte surrendered his sword. + </p> + <h3> + He wrote to William: + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "SIRE, MY BROTHER, + + "Not having been able to die in the midst of my troops, it only + remains for me to place my sword in your Majesty's hands. + + "I am, your Majesty, + + "Your good Brother, + + "NAPOLEON. + + "Sedan, 1st September, 1870." +</pre> + <p> + William answered, "Sire, my Brother, I accept your sword." + </p> + <p> + And on the 2d of September, at six o'clock in the morning, this plain, + streaming with blood, and covered with dead, saw pass by a gilded open + carriage and four, the horses harnessed after Daumont fashion, and in this + carriage a man, cigarette in mouth. It was the Emperor of the French going + to surrender his sword to the King of Prussia. + </p> + <p> + The King kept the Emperor waiting. It was too early. He sent M. de + Bismarck to Louis Bonaparte to say that he "would not" receive him yet + awhile. Louis Bonaparte entered into a hovel by the side of the road. A + table and two chairs were there. Bismarck and he leant their arms on the + table and conversed. A mournful conversation. At the hour which suited the + King, towards noon, the Emperor got back into his carriage, and went to + the castle of Bellevue, half way to the castle of Vandresse. There he + waited until the King came. At one o'clock William arrived from Vandresse, + and consented to receive Bonaparte. He received him badly. Attila has not + a light hand. The King, a blunt, straightforward man, showed the Emperor a + pity involuntarily cruel. There are pities which overwhelm. The conqueror + upbraided the conquered with the victory. Bluntness handles an open wound + badly. "Whatever was your reason for declaring this war?" The conquered + excused himself, accusing France. The distant hurrahs of the victorious + German army cut short this dialogue. + </p> + <p> + The King caused the Emperor to be reconducted by a detachment of the Royal + Guard. This excess of ignominy is called "an escort of honor." + </p> + <p> + After the sword the Army. + </p> + <p> + On the 3d of September, Louis Bonaparte handed over to Germany 88,000 + French soldiers. + </p> + <p> + "In addition" (says the Prussian report):— + </p> + <p> + "One eagle and two flags. + </p> + <p> + "419 field-guns and mitrailleuses. + </p> + <p> + "139 heavy pieces. + </p> + <p> + "1079 vehicles of all kinds. + </p> + <p> + "60,000 muskets. + </p> + <p> + "6000 horses, still good for service." + </p> + <p> + These German figures are not wholly to be depended upon. According to what + seems useful at the moment, the Aulic chancellors swell or reduce the + disaster. There were about 13,000 wounded amongst the prisoners. The + numbers vary in the official documents. A Prussian report, reckoning up + the French soldiers killed and wounded in the battle of Sedan, publishes + this total: <i>Sixteen thousand four hundred</i> men. This number causes a + shudder. For it is that very number, <i>Sixteen thousand four hundred</i> + men, which Saint Arnaud had set to work on the Boulevard Montmartre upon + the 4th of December, 1851. + </p> + <p> + Half a league to the north-west of Sedan, near Iges, the bend of the Meuse + almost forms an island. A canal crosses the isthmus, so that the peninsula + becomes an island. It was there that there were penned, under the stick of + the Prussian corporals, 83,000 French soldiers. A few sentinels watched + over this army. + </p> + <p> + They placed but few, insolently. These conquered men remained there ten + days, the wounded almost without care, the able-bodied almost without + nourishment. The German army sneered around them. The heavens took part + against them. The weather was fearful. Neither huts nor tents. Not a fire, + not a truss of straw. For ten days and ten nights these 83,000 prisoners + bivouacked with their heads beneath the rain, their feet in the mud. Many + died of fever, regretting the hail of bullets. + </p> + <p> + At length ox-wagons came and took them away. + </p> + <p> + The King placed the Emperor in some place or other. Wilhelmshöhe. + </p> + <p> + What a thing of rags and tatters, an Emperor "drawn" like a fowl! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0076" id="link2HCH0076"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> + <p> + I was there, thoughtful. I looked on these fields, these ravines, + thesehills, shuddering. I would willingly have insulted this terrible + place. + </p> + <h3> + But sacred horror held me back. + </h3> + <p> + The station-master of Sedan came to my carriage, and explained to me what + I had before my eyes. I seemed to see, through his words, the pale + lightnings of the battle. All these distant cottages, scattered about and + charming in the sun, had been burnt; they were rebuilt; Nature, so quickly + diverted, had repaired everything, had cleaned everything, had swept + everything, had replaced everything. The ferocious convulsion of men had + vanished, eternal order had resumed its sway. But, as I have said, the sun + was there in vain, all this valley was smoke and darkness. In the + distance, upon an eminence to my left, I saw a huge castle; it was + Vandresse. There lodged the King of Prussia. Halfway up this height, along + the road, I distinguished above the trees three pointed gables; it was + another castle, Bellevue; there Louis Bonaparte surrendered to William; + there he had given and delivered up our army; it was there that, not being + immediately admitted, and requested to exercise a little patience, he had + remained for nearly an hour silent and wan before the door, bringing his + disgrace, and waiting until it should please William to open the door to + him; it was there that before receiving it the King of Prussia had made + the sword of France dangle about in an ante-chamber. Lower down, nearer, + in the valley, at the beginning of a road leading to Vandresse, they + pointed out to me a species of hovel. There they told me, while waiting + for the King of Prussia, the Emperor Napoleon III. had got down, livid; he + had gone into a little courtyard, which they pointed out to me, and where + a dog growled on the chain; he had seated himself on a stone close by a + dunghill, and he had said, "I am thirsty." A Prussian soldier had brought + him a glass of water. + </p> + <p> + Terrible end of the <i>coup d'état</i>! Blood when it is drunk does not + quench the thirst. An hour was to come when the unhappy one should utter + the cry of fever and of agony. Disgrace reserved for him this thirst, and + Prussia this glass of water. + </p> + <p> + Fearful dregs of Destiny. + </p> + <p> + Beyond the road, at a few steps from me, five trembling and pale poplars + sheltered the front of the house, the single story of which was surmounted + by a sign. On this sign was written in great letters this name: DROUET. I + became haggard. <i>Drouet</i> I read <i>Varennes</i>. Tragical Chance, + which mingled Varennes with Sedan, seemed to wish to bring the two + catastrophes face to face, and to couple in a manner with the same chain + the Emperor a prisoner of the foreigner, to the King a prisoner of his + people. + </p> + <p> + The mist of reverie veiled this plain from me. The Meuse appeared to me to + wear a ruddy reflection, the neighboring isle, whose verdure I had + admired, had for its subsoil a tomb: Fifteen hundred horses, and as many + men, were buried there: thence the thick grass. Here and there, as far as + could be seen, mounds, covered with ill-favored vegetation, dotted the + valley; each of these patches of vegetation marked the place of a buried + regiment. There Guyomar's Brigade had been annihilated; there, the + Lhéritier Division had been exterminated; here the 7th Corps had perished; + there, without having even reached the enemy's infantry, had fallen + "beneath the cool and well-aimed firing," as the Prussian report states, + the whole of General Margueritte's cavalry. From these two heights, the + most elevated of this circle of hills, Daigny, opposite Givonne, which is + 266 mètres high, Fleigneux, opposite Illy, 296 mètres high, the batteries + of the Prussian Royal Guard had crushed the French Army. It was done from + above, with the terrible authority of Destiny. It seemed as though they + had come there purposely, these to kill, the others to die. A valley for a + mortar, the German Army for a pestle, such is the battle of Sedan. I + gazed, powerless to avert my eyes, at this field of disaster, at this + undulating country which had proved no protection to our regiments, at + this ravine where all our cavalry were demolished, at all this + amphitheatre where the catastrophe was spread out, at the gloomy + escarpments of La Marphée, at these thickets, at these declivities, at + these precipices, at these forests filled with ambushes, and in this + terrible shadow, O Thou the Invisible! I saw Thee. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0077" id="link2HCH0077"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> + <p> + Never was there a more dismal fall. No expiation can be compared with + this. The unprecedented drama was in five acts, so fierce that Aeschylus + himself would not have dared to dream of them. "The Ambush!" "The + Struggle!" "The Massacre!" "The Victory!" "The Fall!" What a tangle and + what an unwinding! A poet who would have predicted it would have seemed a + traitor. God alone could permit Himself Sedan. + </p> + <p> + Everything in proportion, such is His law. Far worse than Brumaire, it + needed a more crushing retribution than Waterloo. + </p> + <p> + The first Napoleon, as we have said elsewhere,<a href="#linknote-40" + name="linknoteref-40" id="linknoteref-40"><small>40</small></a> had faced his + destiny; he had not been dishonored by his punishment, he fell while + steadfastly regarding God. He came back to Paris, appraising the deserts + of those men who overthrew him, proudly distinguishing amongst them, + esteeming Lafayette and despising Dupin. He had at the last moment wished + to see clearly into his destiny, he had not allowed his eyes to be + bandaged; he had accepted the catastrophe while making his conditions with + it. Here there is nothing of the kind. One might almost say that the + traitor is struck treacherously. In this case there is a bad man who feels + himself in the grasp of Destiny, and who does not know what it is doing to + him. He was at the summit of his power, the blind master of an idiot + world. He had wished for a <i>plebiscitum</i>, he had had one. He had at + his feet this very William. It was at this moment that his crime suddenly + seized him. He did not struggle against it; he was the condemned man who + obeys his sentence. He submitted to everything which terrible Fate exacted + from him. Never was there a more docile patient. He had no army, he made + war; he had only Rouher, he provoked Bismarck; he had only Leboeuf, he + attacked Moltke. He confided Strasburg to Uhrich; he gave Metz to Bazaine + to guard. He had 120,000 men at Châlons; he had it in his power to cover + Paris. He felt that his crime rose up there, threatening and erect; he + fled, not daring to face Paris. He himself led—purposely, and yet + despite himself; willing and yet unwilling, knowingly and yet unknowingly, + a miserable mind, a prey to the abyss—he led his army into a place + of annihilation; he made that terrible choice, a battle-field without an + outlet; he was no longer conscious of anything, no more of his blunder of + to-day than of his crime of former days; he must finish, but he could only + finish as a fugitive; this condemned one was not worthy to look his end in + the face; he lowered his head, he turned his back. God executed him in + degrading him. Napoleon III. as an Emperor had a right to thunder, but for + this man the thunder was ignominious—he was thunderstruck in the + back. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#linknoteref-40" name="linknote-40" id="linknote-40_"><small>40</small></a> + <i>"L'Année Terrible."</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0078" id="link2HCH0078"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> + <p> + Let us forget this man, and let us look at Humanity. The invasion of + France by Germany, in 1870, was a night effect. The world was astonished + that so much gloom could come forth from a people. Five black months—such + was the siege of Paris. To create night may prove Power, but Glory + consists in the creation of daylight. France creates daylight. Thence her + immense human popularity. To her Civilization owes the dawn. The human + mind in order to see clearly turns in the direction of France. Five months + of darkness, that is what, in 1870, Germany succeeded in giving to the + Nations; France has given to them four centuries of light. + </p> + <p> + To-day the civilized world more than ever feels the need which it has of + France. France has proved this by her danger. The ungrateful apathy of + Governments only increased the anxiety of nations. At the sight of Paris + threatened, there arose among the peoples dread that their own heads were + in danger. Would they allow Germany to go on? But France saved herself + quite alone. She had only to rise. <i>Patuit dea</i>. + </p> + <p> + To-day she is greater than ever. What would have killed another nation has + hardly wounded her. The darkening of her horizon has rendered her light + more visible. What she has lost in territory she has gained in radiancy. + Moreover, she is fraternal without an effort. Above her misfortune there + is her smile. It is not on her that the Gothic Empire weighs. She is a + nation of citizens and not a flock of subjects. Frontiers? Will there be + any frontiers in twenty years? Victories? France counts in her past + victories of war, and in her future victories of peace. The future belongs + to Voltaire, and not to Krupp; the future belongs to the book, and not to + the sword. The future belongs to life, and not to death. There is in the + policy opposed to France a certain amount of the tomb; to seek life in the + old institutions is a vain task, and to feed upon the past is to bite the + dust. France has the faculty of giving light; no catastrophe, political or + military, will deprive her of this mysterious supremacy. The cloud passes + away, the star is seen once more. + </p> + <p> + The star possesses no anger; the dawn bears no malice. Light is satisfied + in being light. Light is everything; the human race has no other love. + France knows herself beloved because she is good, and the greatest of all + powers is to be loved. The French revolution is for all the world. It is a + battle perpetually waged for Right, and perpetually gained for Truth. + Right is the innermost part of man; Truth is the innermost part of God. + What can be done against a revolution which has so much right on its side? + Nothing. To love it. That is what the nations do. France offers herself, + the world accepts her. The whole phenomenon lies in these few words. An + invasion of armies can be resisted; an invasion of ideas cannot be + resisted. The glory of barbarians is to be conquered by humanity; the + glory of savages is to be conquered by civilization; the glory of darkness + is to be conquered by the torch. This is why France is desired and + assented to by all. This is why, having no hatred, she has no fear; this + is why she is fraternal and maternal; this is why it is impossible to + lessen her, impossible to humiliate her, impossible to irritate her; this + is why, after so many ordeals, after so many catastrophes, after so many + disasters, after so many calamities, after so many falls, incorruptible + and invulnerable she holds out her hand to all the peoples from above. + </p> + <p> + When our glance rests on this old continent, stirred to-day by a new + breath, certain phenomena appear, and we seem to gain a glimpse of that + august and mysterious problem, the formation of the future. It may be + said, that in the same manner as light is compounded of seven colors, + civilization is compounded of seven peoples. Of these peoples, three, + Greece, Italy, and Spain, represent the South; three, England, Germany, + and Russia, represent the north; the seventh, or the first, France, is at + the same time North and South, Celtic and Latin, Gothic and Greek. This + country owes to its heaven this sublime good fortune, the crossing of two + rays of light; the crossing of two rays of light is as though we were to + say the joining of two hands, that is to say Peace. Such is the privilege + of this France, she is at the same time solar and starry. In her heaven + she possesses as much dawn as the East, and as many stars as the North. + Sometimes her glimmer rises in the twilight, but it is in the black night + of revolutions and of wars that her resplendence blazes forth, and her + aurorean dawn becomes the Aurora Borealis. + </p> + <p> + One day, before long, the seven nations, which combine in themselves the + whole of humanity, will join together and amalgamate like the seven colors + of the prism, in a radiant celestial arch; the marvel of Peace will appear + eternal and visible above civilization, and the world, dazzled, will + contemplate the immense rainbow of the United Peoples of Europe. + </p> + <h3> + THE END. + </h3> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10381 ***</div> +</body> +</html> |