The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1848-05-27
Franoe--A Crisis Passed.

The following letter from tile Paris cores
pondaat oflhe New York Tribune furnishes
a clearer account than we have before seen
of the late critical crisis through which the
Provisional Government passed, in conse-
quemce of the threatening movements of the
Communists:
Paris, April II, 1913.
Yesterday was the most critical day that
the Republic las passed through for four
weeks. The Provisional Government was
thoroughly informed of every design of the
various parties, and took such measures that
the day which was to have dnwned for their
destruction, set upon their triumph. Let us
90 through the history ofthis remarkable day
from its manifold beginnings TO its general
results.
Ii is said that at the instance of Louis Blanc
and Albert, whose plans were not supported
by the other members ofthe Provisional Gov
eminent with the anticipated zeal, about 3d.
600 workmcn assembled on Mars Field with
banners, and resolved TO carry up petition
10 the Provisional Government calling for the
immediate organization of Labor by the as
ISOLATION of the laborers with their employ
ers. Against their demonstration IN itself
there was nothing at all 10 he said, but the
Provisional Government had right TO re-
pTOuCIl lSlWO tllSIIlDOTS uuOI'NCh
mode for carrying their plans into operation,
directly opposed 10 the maintenance OF suniiy
in the Government.
On the other side it is said that the belief
WINS gaining ground that the party ofreacllon
was becoming stronger, and That The elections
TO the National Assembly would result for the
great part in the choice of reactionary MEN,
bcrs. For this reason the laborers desired
formally TO urge upon the Government the
duty of taking care that the Republic should
he a Democratic one. In this view the DEM
onstraton was in itself wholly free from dan
ger to the Provisional Government; but
certain momentum was added to the design
which might easily have changed the whole
character ofthe day.
The Government had for many weeks been
divided within ITSELF we can even say divid-
ed into two parties, namely, the Citizens par
ty and the Democratic Republicans. This
division had been the cause ofmany halfway
measures, of dstrIst, and ofthe lame adj
vancement of public business. The former
secret societies, which have latterly -organiz-
ed us public clubs. at whose head were Blan-
qui, Rapsael and CADET, saw in the situation
of things the opportunity of strengthening
themselves, and grew bolder in their plans
from day to day. Either the plan on which
they have acted was to overthrow the CHI
zcns' (boEgeois) party in the Provisional
Government, fill their places with their own
men, and postpone he elections till the ret
rogade party in the country was totally de-
siroyed-or else to wait for the elections and
then to dissolve the National Assembly by vi
oence ifthe majority should not suit their
views.
Without doubt this party had prepared for
yesterday definite plan OF attack; but when
they found that so great mass of workmen
Iyo IN hn oS.nn,I1pI MDrS' Field
likely that they resolved TO make use ofthem
TO strike their blow against the government
In addition to this, Blunqui, on account of the
long Imprisonment he had endured, as well
as ON account oftbc recent publica ofthe
evidence of his disgrace, was enraged TO the
utmost, and would with joy seize every OPP
portunity TO reach his enemies. AT any rate
about midday thrill of terror ran through
the city. Here and there the windows and
shops were closed, and the report was spread
that the Communists were about TO COM
mence general conhograton and plumber
ing. On every corner stood groups of men,
some with anxious and some with threaten
ing aspect, while Communist speakers were
actually attempting to harrangne the people,
but were every where Kissed q driven away
AT that hour the Government was assem-
bed at the bureau of the Finance Minister
They were informed that men from the ultra
clubs were cndeaVoring 10 excite the WORK
men OIL Marss Field to get the control o., the
government, to remove Lamartne and Muir
rast, and put Blanqui and CADET in their plac-
es. Now, all depended on not loosing mo-
nent's time. The necessity and the danger
of the crisis led Ledru Rollin and his party to
harmony and cooperation with the other
members of the Government. At half-past
IL the order was given to beat the call for the
National Guard throughout the city. AS the
danger or mt least the belief in the danger.
was spread in every part of the city,every one
was at home prepared. 1t was not half an
hour after the beating of the cali wien $780,
600 National Guards were under arms.iogeth !
en- with the whole "a ba;talions oflhe Moyea-
bic Guard. As ifthey had grown up Out of
the earth at some nagician's incuntntion, there
were 60 O0O, men Standing in the Paiace dc
Grieye before the Hotel de Vile. and the
auays before the TuileEies were occupied
hy masses that could not he numbered. On
the Place de CaroHsel Gen. Duviver had
drawn up the Movable Guard. and after he
had assured himself of their obedience TO his
he ordered them TO different parts
of the city, to which they marched in double !