The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1871-05-20
The Arrest of the Archbishop OF
Paris.
Minister Washburne has addressed to the
Secretary of State the following letters:
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Minister Washburne has addressed to the
Secretary of State the following letters:
LOCATION OF THE UEITEp STATES,
PARIS, April IS, 1871.
SIR-You are aware that Monseigneur
Dor boy, the Archbishop of Paris, was seized
by erder of the Commune and thrust into
prison, to be held as a hostage. Such treat
meut of that most devout and excellent
man could not but have created a great GEN
sation, particularly in the Catholic world.
APPEALS To MR.. wAsRDUrNE.
On Thursday night last | received let
ter from Monsegneur Chigi, Archbishop of
Myrs and Nuncio Apostolic of ST. Eiege,
aud also a communication from Nj. Eondner,
Chauvine of the diocese at Paris NJ. La
card, the Vicar General Of Paris. and Mn.
Boussst ana Allaiu. chanvines and msmbers
Of the metropolitan chapters of the church
Of Paris, all making a strong appeal to me,
in the naEne Of the right of nations. human
ity and sympathy. TO iuterpose my good
offices in behalf Of the Imprisoned Arch
bishop.
APPLICATION TO OESERAL. CLUSERET.
l have thought / should have been only
conforming to what | believed to be the
policy of our government, and carrying out
what | conceived TO be your wishes under
the circumstances by complying with the
request of the geutlemea who have advised
me- l therefore, early this morning. put
myself In communication with Gen. Cluseret,
who seems, a. the present time. to be the di-
recting man in affairs here. told him that
applied to him, not in my diplomatic capa-
city, but simply in the interest Uf good feel
ing and Humanity, to see if it were not pos
sible to have the Archbishop relieved from
arrest and confinement.
CLUsERET UNABLE TO DO ANTTHING.
He answered that it was not a matter
within his jurisdiction, and however much
be might like to see the Archbishop released
he thought in consideration Of the state OF
affairs it would be impossible. lie said that
hs was not arrested for crime, but simply to
be held As a hostage, as many othsrs had
been. Under the existing circumstances he
thought it would be useless TO take any steps
in that direction.
PERMISSION To VISIT TIE ARCHBISHOP.
myself thought the commune would not
dare, in the present excited state Of pn5lic
feeling in Paris, to release the Archbishop
I told General C!useret, however, that !
rnust see hra to ascertain his real situation.
the condition Of his health, and whether he
was in want of anything. He said there
wonld be 20 objection TO that, and he i'm
mediateiy went with ne in person to the
Prefecture Of Police, and upon his appiica-
tion received from the Prefect permission
to visit the Archbishop freely ~ any time.
TIE INTERVIEW.
IN company with MY private secretary,
Mr. McKeap, l then went TO the Mazas
Prison, where was admitted without diff
Guilty. Being usheTed into one of the vacant
cells, the Archbishop was very soon brought.
| must say | was deeply touched at the APP
pearance of this venerable man. With his
slender person, HIS form somewhat bent, bis
long beard-for be has not been shaved sp-
pareutly since his inpriSonment-his face
haegard with III health all could not have
failed 20 have moved the most Indifferent.
T told him | had taken great pleasure, at
the in,ta1ce Of his friends, in intervening
in his behalf. and while | could not promise
myself the satisfaction Of seeing him released
7 was very glad - be able to visit him, to
ascertain his wants apd to aSsuage the cruel
position 10 which he fonGd himself.
TIKI ARCHBISHOP PREPARED FOR THE woHsT
lie thanked me most heartliE and cordi-
alIy for the disposition I had n.anifested
toward him. ! was charmed by his cheer
Eul spirit and interesting conversation. lie
seemed to appreciate his critical situation
and 10 be prepared for the worst. He had
20 word Of bitterness for his prosecutors.
but, on the other hand. remark cd that the
world Judged them to be worse than they
really were. He vas patiently awaiting
the logic Of events and praying for the solu-
ton to these terrible troubles without the
further shedding of human blood. He is
confined in ce.l about six feet by ten, pos
sibly q little larger. which has the ordinary
furnitare OF the Mazas PrsOn-s wooden
chair, a small wooden table, prison bed.
The cell is lighted by one small window.
AS political prisoner, he is permitted to
have his food brought to him from outside
the prison, and iu answer TO thy suggestion
that should be glad to send him anything
he might desire, or furnish him with any
money be might want, be said be was not
in need at present was the first man be
had seen from the outside since his imprison-
meut. and he had not been permitted to see
the newspapers. or to have any intelligence
of passing events.
FURTHER EFFORTS IN HIS BEHALF.
shall make application to the Preiect of
Police to be allowed TO send him newspapers
and other reading matter, and shall also
avail myself of the permission granted me
10 visit him, to the epd that | may afford
him any proper assistance In my power.
cannot conceal from myself, however, the
great danger he is in. and / sincerely hope
that may be instrumental in saving him
from tbs fate which seems to threaten him.
have the honor to be, very respectfully,
your obedient servant,
e. B. WAsHBUENR