The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-05-06
Tho Three Parties i'm France.


During the fist days of the National
Assembly in Bordeaux it became evident that
discussions would prevail among those who
were called together to arrange peace with
the successful Germans. Nothing could be
palmer than this. 1t was thought by many Of
the leading reds that the time had at length
arrived for them to put In force the doctrines
they so long cherished. In the event OF the
newly elected Legislature not listening to the
measures they had to propose for the future
government Of France ii was resolved that
they should quit the Assembly, repair to
Paris, proclaim defiance to the Bordeaux gov
eminent and raise the flag of the republic in the
streets of the capital The republic, as these men
understood it, was the relaxation of all restraint
which law and order imposes and which is
necessary for good government. The scenes
in tho Assembly in Bordeaux, in which Victor
Hugo, Felix Pyatt and Henri Rochefort played
conspicuous parts, were but the shadows Of
coming events. Day by day it became more
and more apparent that nothing short of two
distinct and hostile parties would DO the inev-
Forsaking the National Assembly the reds
returned to Paris, and the red flag of the Com =
mune was shortly afterwards raised. The sums
of Montmartre and Belleville supplied the
nucleus of the army which was subsequently
destined to disturb distract and delay
the progress of reconstruction in France.
When the government chosen by the French
nation, and of which NJ. Theirs was the execu-
tive head, arrived in Versailles, he found
Paris in arms arrayed against the republic
More than this, he felt that spirit of
resistance to the rightful government of the
country existed in many of the large cities
Marseilles Lyons Lille, Amens and Havre
were impregnated with red republican senti-
mcnts. No disturbances Of any moment,
however, have broken out in these sections.
Paris alone stands defanty opposed to
France. 1t were well, indeed, for the French
people had the wild leaders Of the Com
mune failed to awaken the spirit of
revolution in the capital. The nation
might even now be on the road to
a successful and prosperous future. While
the republican army and the Communal
troops butcher each other outside the walls OF
the city another party makes its appearance.
This new element is known by the name of
the Republican League, and its object is TO
effect compromise between the republic and
the Commune to put an end to the existing
strife and, by a unity Of action on the part of
all three, to resolve to uphold towards and
against all the republican form of govern
ment, and give it as ON unsuitable basis
Communal liberties in their integrity.
This is all very fine, but we are
of the opinion that the proper way
to restore order in France is to strengthen the
government at Versailles by every means, and
help il to crush the riot which reduces Paris
almost to ruin. This is not the time for par
ties. Support of the government is now the
duty of the hour. No matter how wise,
praiseworthy or humane may be the intentions
of associations such as the Republican League,
they are ont of place at the present time.
There should be no compromise when traitors
are up in arms and when the means to put
them down is at hand.