Page:The Rise and Fall on the Paris Commune in 1871.djvu/213

 take part in the battle, and to encourage by our example the brave and glorious soldiers—defenders of our city." (General adhesion—Applause—"Vive la Commune!" "Vive la Franc-maçonnerie!")

The Citizen Terifocq, waving the flag of the Commune which he held in his hand, then cried:

"Now, citizens, no more words—to action!"

The deputation of Freemasons, accompanied by the members of the Commune, then left the Hotel de Ville.

While they defiled, the orchestra played La Marseillaise.

The procession having made the tour of the boulevards in a pouring rain, advanced to Port Maillot via the Champs Elysées and the Avenue de la Grande Armée, and planted their flags on the ramparts. A balloon was sent up at the same time with a proclamation from the Paris Masons to the provincial lodges, after which a body of their delegates, about forty in number, passed through the Porte Maillot, and advanced with a flag of truce to the barricade held by the Versailles troops at the bridge of Courbevoie. There they were met by General Leclerc, who conducted them to General Montaudon, commander of the operations at that point. He received them courteously, but declared that he was only the arm which executed orders given; as he was, he added, a brother of the craft, he had taken it on himself to stop the fire when the Masonic banners were seen; but he could only accord a brief delay. He thought their best plan would be to send forward a deputation to Versailles, and he would himself place a carriage at their disposal. The proposal having been accepted, three of the body immediately set out, and the others returned to the Porte Maillot, where a sort of an assembly was held, after which the Freemasons decided on not return