The irritation felt by the population of Paris was changed into exasperation, when on the following day the news of the reduction of Metz appeared in the Official Journal: 

“The Government has just been acquainted with the sad intelligence of the capitulation of Metz.  Marshal Bazaine and his army were compelled to surrender, after heroic efforts, which the want of food and ammunition alone rendered it impossible to maintain.  They have been made prisoners of war.”

And after this the Government talks of an armistice!  What!  Strasburg, Toul, Metz, and so many other towns have resisted to the last dire extremity, and Paris, who expects succour from the provinces, is to capitulate, while a single effort is left untried?  Has she no more bread?  No more powder?  Have her citizens no more blood in their veins?  No, no!  No armistice!

In the morning, a deputation, formed of officers of the National Guards, went to the Hotel de Ville to learn from the Government what were its intentions.  They were received by M. Etienne Arago, who promised them that the decision should be made known to them about two o’clock.

The rappel was beaten at the time mentioned; battalions of the National Guards poured into the Place, some armed, many without arms.

Over the sea of heads the eye was attracted by banners, and enormous placards bearing the inscriptions—­

“Vive la Republique!

“No Armistice!”

or else

“Vive la Commune!

“Death to Cowards!”

Rochefort,[1] with several other members of the Government, shows himself at the principal gate, which is guarded by a company of Mobiles.  General Trochu appears in undress; he is received with cries of “Vive la Republique!  La levee en masse! No Armistice!  The National Guards, who demand the levee en masse, would but cause a slaughter.  We must have cannon first; we will have them.”  Alas! it had been far better to have had none whatever, as what follows will prove.  While some cry, “Vive Trochu!” others shout, “Down with Trochu!” Before long the Hotel de Ville is invaded; the courts, the saloons, the galleries, all are filled.  Each one offers his advice, but certain groups insist positively on the resignation of the Government.  Lists of names are passed from hand to hand; among the names are those of Dorian (president), Schoelcher, Delescluze, Ledru Rollin, Felix Pyat.

[Illustration]

Cries are raised that if the Government refuse to resign, its members will be arrested.

“Yes! yes! seize them!” And an officer springs forward to make them prisoners as they sit in council.

“Excuse me, Monsieur, but what warrant have you for so doing?” asks one of the members.

“I have nothing to do with warrants.  I act in the name of the people!”

“Have you consulted the people?  Those assembled here do not constitute the people.”