Page:The Rise and Fall on the Paris Commune in 1871.djvu/203



usurpation. If we have had different opinions on certain questions, we have sacrificed them to the exigencies of the moment; and as to our opponents, I defy them to say what they want. They are forced to conceal their aims. They require that the Commune should be sovereign; that every town should have its republic, its army, and its general—36,000 republics! This is the most absurd contradiction ever given to the French Revolution and national unity, the work of ten centuries. Our object, on the contrary, should be to conciliate that unity with the greatest share of liberty possible. I repeat that there is no other conspiracy than that which has led to such sanguinary results in Paris. As to those who shall lay down their arms, their lives will be safe; and they who shall be in want of bread will receive it till work can be resumed. If the malcontents have not sense enough to understand my words, we shall accomplish our duty to the end, however bitter may be the task." (Great applause.)

The bombardment of Fort Issy was continued on the 28th with still more severity. A battery of naval guns had been opened at Breteuil, and of 24-pounders near Moulin-de-Pierre. The insurgents had done their best during the night to repair the damage of the previous day, but the fort could reply but feebly. The guns in the Park, however, being well protected, kept up a brisk fire on the positions of the Versailles artillery, which, in its endeavor to reach the battery, concealed by a clump of trees, sent several shells into the village; one unfortunately entered the asylum and killed an old woman in her bed. The fort of Vanves, which was less seriously damaged, also exchanged shots with the plateau of Chatillon, and fired from time to time on the terrace of Meudon. A sharp engagement of outposts took place early in the morning at Clamart, where the insurgents were strongly