Page:The Rise and Fall on the Paris Commune in 1871.djvu/288

 *umn had always leant a little towards the Ministère des Cultes, and many feared it would take the wrong direction, and were uncertain where to place themselves for safety. It was expected, also, that the bronze Emperor would become detached from his base, and be shot into the air to a great distance, carrying terror and danger in his track. The members of the Commune were seated on the balcony of the Ministry of Justice, to witness the spectacle. At half-past three General Bergeret arrived on horseback with his staff, and passing through the crowd, stationed himself, with his escort, in front of the spot where the column was to fall. At a given signal several bands struck up a medley of patriotic airs, the men at the windlass began to move, and all eyes were anxiously turned towards the column's height, when one of the ropes snapped suddenly, overthrowing, in its whirl, several men at the windlass. Two or three of these were seriously hurt, and succumbed to their wounds on the following day.

The attempt had failed, and it was hoped that the Commune had abandoned its project; but no—more ropes and apparatus were sent for, the bands continued to play, horsemen galloped round the square, while the great figure still looked down on the life and turmoil below, smiling on his baffled enemies.

It was long after four o'clock before the new ropes arrived, and some time passed before they were finally hoisted to their places. They were not attached to the capstan like the others, but were held on each side of the road by sailors, fifty at each rope. As the windlass turned, these ropes were to be alternately jerked. These preparations were regarded with great contempt, and it was with difficulty that the crowd could be kept out of the way of immediate danger. Suddenly a cry of horror burst from the multitude—all hearts stood still—the great mass tottered and fell, breaking, as it reached the ground, into