Page:The Rise and Fall on the Paris Commune in 1871.djvu/237

 nearly always crowded. Curiosity is a prominent trait in a Frenchman's character, and he would run to see a dead man if he were positive a second shell would immediately follow the one that caused the accident. Above all, the inevitable individual sprinkling the streets was always at his post, hose in hand, performing his avocation between the shots.

A new deputation from the Union Républicaine arrived at Versailles on the 4th, and had an interview with M. Thiers, to propose a new basis of conciliation—the step, however, was not attended with any success. A similar result attended the deputation to the Commune.

The official journal of the insurgents published on May 6th, the following proclamation:

", May 5, 1871.

"The Members of the Commune, Delegates of Public Safety:

"Considering that pending the duration of the war, and as long as the Commune of Paris is obliged to fight the bands of Versailles who besiege it, and shed the blood of the citizens, it is not possible to tolerate the culpable manœuvres of the auxilliaries of the enemy;

"Considering that amongst the number of these manœuvres should be placed in the first rank the calumnious attacks directed by certain journals against the population of Paris and the Commune, and although both one and the other are above such attacks, they are not less a permanent insult to the courage, devotedness, and patriotism of our fellow-citizens;

"That it would be contrary to public morality to let these journals continue to spread defamation and outrage on the defenders of our rights, who are shedding their blood for the safety and liberty of France and the Commune;

"Considering that the Government, seated at Versailles,