Page:The Rise and Fall on the Paris Commune in 1871.djvu/200



was to create a strongly-organized military force which should be influenced as little as possible by the strange circumstances in which we are placed. We took the men who have shown themselves superior to the hazards of fortune, and who have proved that if they had been well commanded, France would not have been vanquished, but victorious. (Hear, hear.) In accord with my colleagues, I did not hesitate to call to the head of the army that brave Marshal who in our time may be called also the knight without fear and without reproach, and who, even in misfortune, has been able to defy calumny. (Applause.) I should fail in my duty, were I to disclose the plan of the military chiefs who direct the army. I therefore only say that it has been decided on in concert with all the generals who surround our illustrious chief. The investment of Paris occupied the first period; but now that it is complete, active operations have been commenced before Fort Issy. Our artillery, although opposed by the powerful guns abstracted from the country, is continuing its works of approach, and only last night, the brave General Faron, at the head of 100 naval fusileers, 300 soldiers of the 110th Regiment of the Line, and four companies of the 35th, carried the important position of the Moulineaux with such rapidity, that the loss they have suffered was extremely small. (Applause.) I should be rash, were I to try and fix a date for the result at which we aim—the pacification of the country. Whatever may be the means employed, they will be painful; and whether we impede the victualling of the capital, or fire on that Paris which is always so dear to France, our heart will bleed. But we appeal to the judgment of the country: Are we the authors of this cruel war? (No, no.) Even in attacking, we defend the law, public order, and society. (Applause.) Each day the word conciliation is addressed to me, as your representative. Ah! if it only depended