Page:The Rise and Fall on the Paris Commune in 1871.djvu/519

 the Grande Chancellerie, which stands opposite the Palace in the Rue de Lille, was also set on fire and entirely destroyed, together with the glorious annals it contained.

The Palace of the Quai d'Orsay, which was another victim to the vengeance of the Communists, was commenced under the first Empire and finished under Louis Philippe. It was first destined for the King of Rome, then for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Under the Restoration it was intended to be used for the expositions of the different industries; and during the late Empire it lodged the Conseil d'Etat and the Cour des Comptes.

With the exception of the Staircase of Honor, decorated by the remarkable compositions of Theodore Chassériaux, the entire interior of the Cour des Comptes has been burned. The walls, which are thick, still remain standing.

The ravages are most frightful in that portion of the building adjudged to the use of the Conseil d'Etat. Its large saloon, of a rich and imposing decoration, is entirely destroyed, and with it have disappeared the beautiful historical portraits of Sully, Colbert, Vauban, Richelieu, Turgot, Suger, Portalis and Cambacérès. In the Hall of Legislation is to be regretted a beautiful painting by Paul Delaroche, while in another room one of the finest pictures by Eugène Delacroix, representing the Emperor Justinian, became also a prey to the flames.

Nowhere did the Federals show such a ferocity in their rage for destruction. Whole bucketsful of petroleum were drawn from the casks which had been for some time stored in the court, and the walls, staircases and floors were inundated.

After having sheltered for some time the Citizen Peyronton, delegate of the Commune to the Conseil d'Etat, and his secretary Pelletier, the Palace was occupied militarily, at the entrance of the Versailles troops, by the