Page:The Rise and Fall on the Paris Commune in 1871.djvu/141



opinion that this grand demonstration is meant to cover a surprise towards the Porte Maillot and Neuilly, which will not have any better success. We are ready here as elsewhere. Versailles is void of troops. The whole royal army is said to be under the walls of Paris, which expects them with the calmness and confidence of right and force."

The same organ adds:

"The attack of Tuesday evening took place between the forts of Issy and Vanves. The Versailles troops advanced to within a hundred yards of the trench, but they were vigorously repulsed, and in their flight sustained considerable loss."

The Commune having accused the Government of Versailles of introducing agents into the National Guards for the purpose of propagating disorder, published a decree instituting a Council of War in each legion, to be composed of seven members—a president, two officers, two sub-officers, and as many privates. A Council of Discipline was also formed in each battalion, composed of as many members as there were companies, nominated by election, and revocable on the proposition of the Delegate of War. The Council of War could pronounce all penalties en usage, subject to the ratification of a Court of Revision.

The Chambers of Commerce of Paris, representing nearly eight thousand merchants, manufacturers and traders, appointed a delegation to proceed to Versailles and endeavor to bring about some amicable settlement of the conflict now dividing the insurgents of Paris and the legal Government. The bases on which the envoys were to endeavor to bring about a reconciliation were these:

"The maintainance and affirmation of the Republic.