Page:The Rise and Fall on the Paris Commune in 1871.djvu/266

 had just been decreed. The Commune, after having lately consented to all that the other body desired, now brought in the Commission of the War—one of its own creations—and confided to it the task of regulating the relations of the Central Committee with the War Department. On its side the Commission of War interdicted in the most absolute manner the Central Committee from nominating to any employment, and left it only the faculty of presenting candidates.

The bearing of these two decisions, so indicative of antagonism, was clear to every one; and the most superficial observer could at once perceive the great difference that existed between these restrictive measures and the decision of the Committee of Public Safety, confiding the war administration to the Central Committee. Subjoined are the two decrees—the first being from the Commune:

"The Commune of Paris:

"Considering that the co-operation of the Central Committee of the National Guard in the War Department established by the Committee of Public Safety, is a measure necessary and useful to the common cause;

"Considering, moreover, that an important point is to have its attributes clearly defined, and that for such purpose the Commission of War shall be called on to fix, in concert with the Delegate of War, the limits of such intervention;

":

"Article Unique.—We, the Commune, do hereby decree that the said Commission and the War Delegate shall regulate together the relations of the Central Committee with the War Department."

The Commission of War, on its side, carried out the views of the Commune in issuing the following order: