The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-10-18


of men as the bourgeoisie.
A body OF furious insurgents took possession
of the Palais Royal" destroyed and plumber
ed the furniture, the paintings, and the statues
lastly setting the edifce on fire, which was
consumed in flames, together, as it is said, with
some wounded municipal guardsmen, who were
incapable to save themselves. The detachment
of troops who kept guard at this palace was
withdrawn without any resistance being offer
ed to the Infatuated populace.
All this took place at the distance of only
few steps from where great numbers of troops
were stationed, and who, with astonishment,
were obliged to remain passive lookers-ou, while
this work of wanton destruction and audacious
violence was committed. But the officers were
fettered by the orders of the King, who hoped
to disarm his enemies by showing repugnance
against shedding their blood, and who deemed
himself safe in the Tuileries, guarded by nu.
merous body of troops, consisting of infantry,
cavalry, and artillery.
NJ. Odillon Barrot, surrounded by some pop-
ular leaders of the National Guard, was mean
while Fastening through the boulevards in or
der to calm the people, and to restore order.
But he found soon that the excited minds of the
revolutionary elements were no more suscepti-
bic of listening to him, than the pillows of the
raging ocean. Finding his attempt futile, NJ.
fec which belonged to him as Minister of the
Interior, that being the place which he held in
the new Cabinet.
Marshal Bugeaud made also two Intellectual
attempts to induce the people to desist from the
insurrectionary movement in which it was en-
gagged. Though no violence was offered to
him, as had been apprehended by those who
had vainly endeavored to persuade him not to
show himself, but rather received with respect,
and even with the cries of rice 10 rdi,,q,sur
dLly," he could not turn the revolutionary
multitude from their violent purposes.
Even General Lamoriciere, appointed Minis
ter of War, and very popular, mounted his
horse, and, riding about among the multitude,
vainly endeavored to persuade the people that
the King was ready to grant the desired re-
form, and thenceforth to pursue more liberal
policy, showing them the terrible misfortune
they might produce by provoking an internal
war. But the gallant warrior spoke to deaf
ears, having, besides, the misfortune of being
| thrown by his horse, and wounded by the means
of his own sabre.
MEANWHILE this happened on the Place of the
CdlTOuset: a large body of insurgents. finding
the boulevard and ia rue de Ia Madeleine !"
unoccupied by troops, proceeded to the en-
trance of the Place de Ia Concorde," and fred
the sentry-boxeS and guard-houses on the sides
of the Champs ElySees," and numbering all
the municipal guards that could be got hold of
The piteous cries of these victims of the pop
ular revenge, calling out for aid against their
murderers, prompted the soldiers of the battsl
ions stationed in the vicinity loudly to ask for
permission to hasten to their rescue, and to at
tack the pOpulace; but the officers, bound by
the orders Of the King, hesitated, and limited
themselves to protect those municipal guards
who, fleeing from their pursuers, came to seek
for their protection. 1t IS evident that in the
face of so unjustifable crimes the troops ought
to have been allowed to interfere; and that il
was, in fact, to encourage the revolt, by per-
hitting such deeds to be committed in the pres
ence of the armed force.
1t is evident that Louis Philippe as we'll as
NJ. Theirs were mistaken in supposing that they
would succeed in disarming the insurgents by
not employing the troops against them. The
time was past, when such a humane course
might have produced the desired effect but as
the affairs then stood, nothing but the most en-
ergetic measures could save the Orleans family
from their impending fate.
The old Queen, in whose veins flowed the
blood of the proud Maria Theresa of Austria,
seems to have been convinced that nothing but
the display oil great energy, on the part of the
King, could save him the loss of the crown.
She exhorted him to show himself to the troops
and the National Guards, in order to confirm
the fidelity of the former, and do away with the
INDIGESTION of the latter, by awakening their
zeal in his behalf
The King, still infatuated with the hope of
there being no actual danger, told her to remain
calm, and to have confidence in his experience
and wisdom, which had hitherto never deceived
him.
Even as late as about IL o'clock in the fore
ha off hot ho - Oh 20,
master the insurrectionary movement by mod
ihcation of the Cabinet, agreeably to the desire
of the people. Entertaining this hope, he is
said to have entered with cheerful face the
breakfast room, seating himself without the
least sign Of uneasiness at the table, surrounded
by the most of his family present in Paris.
But only few moments later, Messrs. Duver-
gier de Hauranne and De Remusat entered pre-
cipitately in the room, requesting to be per-
mitted to speak few words with the Duke of
Montpenser. The Prince rose Immediately from
his chair, and, making sign to the King and
the Queen to remain calm, FASTENED toward
these gentlemen. But Louis Philippe and his
spouse, unable to suppress their impotence, left
also the table, directing their eyes inqusitively
upon M. de Remusat. He instantly said, 81
consider it my duty to tell your Majesty the
truth, inasmuch as remaining silent at this mo-
ment would make me an accomphce of what is
taking place. Your very security proves that you
are deceived relative to the actual state of at
fairs. Scarcely three hundred feet distant from
your palace, the dragons exchange their sabres
and the soldiers their muskets with the people,"
" 1t is impossible" cried the King, aloud, start
ing backwards with astonishment. But one of
the officers belonging to his staff said, respect
fully, al saw it."
At these words all the members of the royal
family, still sitting at the table, rose suddenly.
The King hastened to his private apartment,
and, dressing himself in military uniform, he
speedily mounted his horse. The Dukes of
Nemours and Montpenser and several Gener-
ais accompanied him. He rode slowly along
the front lines of the troops, and the few bat
talions of the National Guard stationed upon
ia Place du Odrrousel" and in the courtyard
of the Tuileries. He appeared, as it is said
depressed in mind, and his reception was not
encouraging, especially from the side of the
National Guard. A few cries of VIUe le Roi +"
mixed with great many of Viue Ie ReforDe,"
went forth from the ranks. The Queen and
the Processes, not being able to distinguish
the words, but only hearing these cries, regain
ed their spirits.
But the King could not fail to perceive that
he had ceased to be the idol of the National
Guard and that the soldiers viewed him with
indifference. He re-entered the Tuileries much
detected and agitated, evidently undecided
whether to assume the offensive, or continue to
act defensive part.
At this very moment, N. Theirs, who had
meanwhile the opportunity of convincing him
self that the time was past when he might have
saved the King and the monarchy, came to in
form Louis Philippe that he felt it his duty to
return the power delegated to him, indicating
NJ Barrot as, in his opinion, the only person
who might possibly yet be able to prevent the