Page:Ernest Belfort Bax - A Short History of the Paris Commune (1895).djvu/61

 Rh limitless bravery, in some cases young boys fighting with desperation, the same impossibility of getting reinforcements, cannon, and ammunition when and where required. The heights of Montmartre were the main stronghold left to the Commune, now that the Trocadéro was gone and the Pantheon threatened. As a position Montmartre was very strong, and, with a properly directed defence, might have held the enemy at bay for many days. But everywhere was the same cry "we must defend our own quarter." Nevertheless, as evening drew near barricades sprang up in every direction. Paris did indeed seem to be rising en masse. This deceived many who even still sincerely believed in victory.

Meanwhile the ferocious Assembly was voting by acclamation that the "Chief of the Executive" and the army had merited well of the country, and hilariously exulting in the orgy of carnage promised them by the infamous old man.