The Van Buren press., 1871-05-23

There was tremendous scene at the
fall of column Vendome this afternoon.
The fall was announced Tor two o'clock,
and all the balconies in Place Vendome
were thronged with ladies. Rues de la
Paix and Castiglione were crowded
Three bands Of music arrived while the
workmen were engaged in shipping the
base of column. NJ Abadie next arrived
and inspected the windlass. The excite
ment was intense. Rochefort next ap-
peared and the people crowded around
him giving him loud cheers.
THE FALL.
AT twenty minutes past five the cable
was again stretched for the work of dem
olition suddenly to surprise the specta-
tors the vast column moved and sway
ed; it next swept magnificently down,
bursting into fragments as it struck the
earth. 1t fell lengthwise in Rue de la
Paix exactly on the manure cushion pre-
pared for it, splintering with dull, heavy,
numbering sound, while thick cloud of
dust and crushed and powdered masonry
rose in the air.
The crowd as soon as the column fell
gave tremendous shouts Of "Vive la
commune" and the bands played the
Marseillaise hymn. When the dust clear
ed away there lay the glorious column
shattered to pieces, its bronze and ma
sonry in two masses together in the mid
die, and the statue of the emperor several
feet from one end of the column with its
head knocked off.
The crowd rushed forward to collect
fragments as relics, and the guards were
unable to resist the rush. Next the riot.
ers commenced their speeches, indulging
in all sorts of extravagant language. The
statue of the emperor served as if it were
the emperor himself. The guards shot
into its face and struck it with their ri
hes. After the ceremonies were conclu-
ded, the crowd dispersed and the soldiers
moved off waving their red flags and Civ
ing expression to their joy by continued
shouting.
GRAND ASSAULT TO TAKE PLACE.
1t is believed that the grand assault
will take place in few hours. The enc
mics of Theirs assert he is delaying in Or
dering it made because he is afraid the
end of his power will arrive when the
army captures Paris.
PARIS, May IL.
The Autcuil and Versailles gates of
Paris have been destroyed by lombard
ment, and the neighboring bastions are
silent under the terrific fire.
Issy, now in the hands. Of the Versail
les troops, bombards Petit Vanvres,
Grenelles and Pont du Jour. The latter
position is untcnablc.
1t is believed the Versalllists are under
mining the walls near the Muelle gate.
Discussions continue among the commit
tees of the commune.
VERSAILLES, May II.
\ terrific explosion occurred this even
ing in the eastern portion of Paris, in the
direction Of Avenue du Trocadere. Its
effects were plainly noted here, and it is
believed that powder magazine near the
inner Notifications was reached by shell
from the Versailists batteries at Neuilly.
New YORK, May II.
THE END APPROACHING.
Specials say the communists have given
up all defence of Paris, except at the old
walls and barricades. The final struggle
must come in a few days, and will be des-
perate. McMahon is concentrating his
troops for assault.
LONDON, May Is, 8 A. NJ.
The Times special from Paris says
that six hundred persons were killed by
an explosion near the Avenue de Troca-
dcro last night; most of those who lost
their lives by the disaster were women
VERSAILLES, May 10, P NJ.
TIE TREATY ADOPTED.
The assembly has adopted the entire
treaty signed at Frankfort between
France and Germany. Gen. Chansey OBJ
jected to the proposed territorial ex-
change, but was answered by Theirs and
Gen. Ducrot, who insisted upon the ad
vantage of retaining and strengthening
Belturt
PARIS, May Is.
GERMAN AlD ~ MAhoiiAb VI nhhON.
Marshal Mac Mahon has called upon
the German army to aid him, and the
German engineers are now throwing a
bridge over the Seine to facilitate the
passage of Versailles and German armies.
A decisive attack will come from the east
and the Germans and Frech will act to-
gether.
WASHINGTON, May II.
VOTE ON TREATY POSTPONED.
The vote on the ratification Of the
treaty has been postponed virtually till
next week If the Senate had continued
its discussion yesterday and to day, a
vote would probably have been reached
on Saturday. At least that was the un-
on Monday. Senators are
anxious, however, to hear the tenor ofthc
discussion in Parliament, where more op-
position is anticipated to the ministry |
than has yet been indicated publicly.
Lord Russell will make his speech on
next Monday on the treaty.
LITTLE OPPOSITION IN SENATE.
So far no material opposition has been
developed in the Senate, except in the
shape of some memorials from the New
England fishing interest, which object to
the adjustment of the fishery difficulty.
The arbitration of the San juan treaty,
is also meeting with i'll favor from the
Pacific coast Senators. Still, at present,
d. 10, Il Cont