The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-04-24
Paris and versnilies-Tho War Against
the Commune.

the Commune.
Our latest dispatches from the seat of war
are dated yesterday, but they do not materi-
ally change the situation. The troops of the
government have appeared in force at Charen-
ton. General Cluseret has sanctioned truce
in order to give the inhabitants of Neuilly an
opportunity to leave. The operations looking
TO an obstinate defence Of the city are actively
continued. A despatch from Versailles Of
same date says that the fire from Fort Mont
Valerien on Saturday was mainly directed
against the gate Of Auteuil and Pont du Jour,
where the rebels had established bat
teres. Yesterday 1t was turned against
Porte Maillot, which had been partly
repaired. Fighting is going on within
one hundred yards of the ramparts,
and the government troops are erecting for
midable barbados at Neuilly and are con-
structing pontoon bridges at Suresnes and
PuteGux. Chateau Bacon, the pivot of their
operations, is strongly fortified. The Com
mune has made requisition on the gas COM
pany, and enforced it by the seizure of two
hundred thousand francs. There was slight
attempt to pronounce for the Commune at
Marseillss, but it was instantly put down; the
leaders were captured and quantity of am
munition was seized that had been secreted in
an old castle.
If the execution of the forts on the north
and east of Paris by the Germans is confirmed,
and they are garrsoned by the Versaillsts,
M. Theirs and Marshal MacMahon may yet
be mercful and not push the fight
ing to extremes. They will completely
invest the city, cut off all communication
and, of course, all supplies, and allow time
and hun yer to do the rest. They well know
that the supply of provisions in Paris is very
short, not more than enough for few days,
even upon moderate rations. They are aware
that the men against whom they are contend
ing will not fight well unless we'll fed. They
know that their positions cannot be forced by
sortes hence they may conclude to wait
awhile longer and endeavOr to avoid blood
shed. They do not want to destroy Paris
they care mora for it than those who now
have it in their control. It is not their wish
IL y
can be avoided. Not life will be sacrificed
unnecessarily; consequently we still have
lingering hope that the starvation
process will be found sufficiently ef-
fective to prevent any further destruction
of property, OF the lives of those who are not
responsible for the late atrocities. A few days
will dspel the uncertainty regarding the
course that the Versailles government will
pursue. II assault is determined upon the
agony of suspense will soon be over; but if
we shall have longer to wait for the re-estab-
lishment of the legitimate government; but it
will be great relief to know that we shall be
spared the painful duty of recording scenes of
so much bloodshed.
The fact that the few attempts in favor of
the Commune in other cities have been
promptly put down is strong indication of
the power of the Theirs government. 1t is q
matter of wonder that the insurgent leaders
in Paris, knowing this, and feeling alone in
their movements, do not see the utter folly
of attempting longer to hold out and
endeavor in some manner to get out Of the
position they are in. But they are crazy, they
must be mad, or they would long ere this have
discovered that all hope for their success had
fed. They appear now to court destruction,
which they are surrounded. We believe that
they would vastly prefer the assault to pro-
tracted siege, because the result would be
more bloody and in accordance with the
colors they wear. We trnst, however, if such
is their desire, that they will not be grati6ed.
We hope that hunger will pinch their vitals,
and that starvation will stare them in the faces
that they will be compelled to stop fighting
by reason of bodily strength failing them. In
fact their position should be made as uncom-
Portable as possible before being permitted to
lay down their arms The more it is made 80
the better it will be for France in the future
THE DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT IN SPAIN
Sefor Castelar, has joined issue with King
Amadeus for trial of strength between the
powers of Spanish democracy and royalty.
The popular orator announces that he will in
troduce motion in the Cortes demanding
the dethronement of the King" by Parlamen-
tary vote. The Parliament will, of course,
reject it. will not stultify itself by reversing
its own special vote of acceptance of the Italian
almost Immediately after its affirmation by the
pledge of a solemn oath of fealty. SeIor Cas-
telar is o very brilliant orator and an accom-
plshed man. Brilliant orators seldom make
vigorous rulers. The great Napoleon classed