Page:The Rise and Fall on the Paris Commune in 1871.djvu/183

 of the soldiers passing through some gardens took them in the rear, and the latter finding themselves between two fires, surrendered to the number of fifty.

The official journal of the Commune printed the following despatches on the events of the day:

", Headquarters, 24th April.

"The night has been tranquil. Our bombs have disquieted the enemy's workmen. The Versaillese approached to within fifty metres; a discharge of mitrailleuses routed them."

", 4 o'clock, morning.

An attack by the Versaillese repulsed the 27th battalion; we had two killed and seven wounded."

"Afternoon, 4 o'clock.

"The action continues, Versaillese in retreat."

"

"The Versaillese give way; no losses on our side."

The official organ also announced that Citizen Raoul Rigault, Delegate for Public Safety, had resigned and been succeeded by Citizen Cournet. He was, however, appointed a member of the committee at the head of the same service. The cause of this important change was explained in the account published of the last sitting of the Commune, Citizen Rigault, adverting to a decision of that body on the preceding day, when he was absent, that "all members could visit prisoners," declared that for the interests of justice such a course was impossible for persons in secret confinement; unless the vote was annulled, he should be obliged, he added, to give in his resignation. A long and stormy discussion ensued, and at the end of which the former vote was maintained by 24 to 17. In consequence, Citizen Rigault persisted, and his successor was appointed at once.