Page:The Rise and Fall on the Paris Commune in 1871.djvu/66



", March 23, 1871.

":—I hasten to inform you that, in accord with the Deputies of the Seine and the Mayors of Paris, we have obtained from the Government of the National Assembly:

"1. The complete recognition of your municipal franchise;

"2. The election of all the officers of the National Guard, including the Commander-in-Chief.

"3. Certain modifications of the measure in commercial bills;

"4. A law of rents favorable to tenants paying any sum as far as and including 1,200 francs.

"Until you have confirmed my nomination or shall have replaced me, I remain at my post of honor to watch over the execution of the conciliatory measures which we have obtained, and thus contribute to the consolidation of the Republic.

, Vice-Admiral, Prov. Commander-in-Chief of the National Guard of the Seine.

What more could the chiefs of the revolt have demanded. If they had been sincere, as they declared themselves to be, they were bound to adhere to these dispositions which would have given satisfaction at once to the interests of law and order—but they were not sincere, neither did General McMahon, nor the other military leaders, believe them; but M. Thiers was willing to go to any length to prevent the effusion of more blood.

The Central Committee sitting at the Hotel de Ville issued the following proclamation relating to their forthcoming election:

", 22d March, 1871.

":—Your legitimate anger placed us on the 18th of March at the post which we will only occupy