The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-05-21
The Struggle With the Paris Coumune-
pre,ar.ti ov. Ecr tha E,.,, Co.N,c.

Preparations for tho Final Conflict.
Our special and other dispatches which we
publish this morning enable us to form a
mere accurate idea of the intentions and de-
signs of the opposing armies inside and out
side of Paris than what we have been able to
arrive at for some days back. The prospect,
though by no means cheering, is not so dark
as it was couple of days since. Marshal
MacMahon is concentrating heavy masses Of
troops in the Bots de Boulogne with the inten-
ton Of carrying the ramparts by assault as
soon as he is prepared to move. At pre-
sent his lines are but little over
forty yards distance from the works,
and the preaching batteries which
he intends to use are Of the heaviest
description. If we may Judge from appear
ances there is every indication, then, on the
part of the veteran Marshal to move imme-
diately on the enemy's works, and with such
an overwhelming force as will be able to
render his victory decisive. Another feature
of the news this morning is that of the move
ments of the Germans at Bondy and at Auber-
villiers. Keinforcements have been received
there, and preparations are going on in the
German camp. Notwithstanding that 1t has
been stated that the Germans will not inter-
fere, we are at liberty to draw our own
inference in relation to the activity evident
among the Germans. A greal deal, how
ever, depends on Marshal MacMabons
attempt. Should he prove successful
in carrying the city by storm and
capturing the leaders of this I'M
holy, unjustifable and bloody rebellion,
there may be no necessity for interference on
the part Of the Germans; but in case of
failure joint movement on the part of the
versaillists and the Germans is the only hope
left for the eventual triumph of law and order
and the deliveranoe Of Paris from the tyrauni-
cal rule Of the Commune. 1t is evident that
the leaders in Paris, realizing the true situation
of affairs, are preparing to persist in the strug-
gle with all the desperation Of despair. In
face Of the announcement that no more pro-
perry would be destroyed the news reaches
us that preparations for the destruction of the
Cathedral of Notre Dame and the Hotel DIES
Invalides are going forward. To add to the
crimes which already stain the record of the
Commune during its brief reign in tho capital,
we learn that the hostages held in prison,
among whom are the venerable Archbishop of
Paris and several priests, are to meet the
fate of Generals Lecomte and Clement
Thomas. 1t is difficult to imagine anything
more barbarous and bloody, so utterly devoid
of humanity, than the carrying out of these
dreadful intentions. If these form part of the
plans of the Commune leaders it is not natural
to estimate that they will not hesitate to 60
still further and leave to the vctors barren
victory by the destruction Of the city itself.
There is now no retreat for the leaders from
Paris. 1t is do and die with them. As a rat
will fee from sinking ship so Henri Roche
fort deserts the capital which, even now,
may be on the very brink Of destruction, and
is a prisoner at Versailles We look on the
dark side Of the picture, hoping, however, for
the best, and fervently praying that Paris may
survive the ruin which it is not improbable
may fall to the lot of the fairest city Of
Europe.