The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-05-29

them the bliss of Heaven.
The Herald Paris Correspondence as .
Contribution to tho History OF the
Commune.
Our correspondence from Paris during the
last three months Of slaughter and agony will
pc valuable source for reference to the future
historian Of the Commune. The letters we
published last week give q vivid account Of
the affairs Of the Commune on the eve of it's
COLLAPSE. They contain personal sketches of
the most prominent leaders, such as Bergeret,
pombrowskl and Delescluze. Our CORES
pondent was accorded the special favor of an
Interview with every one of the now defunct
chiofs of Paris, and now that tho Commune,
hfter bloody and courageous resistance, has
given up the ghost, the letters acquire
additional interest. These interviews were in
Hhe nick Of time, giving, as 1t were, the world
y chance to hear what tho Communist COM
4nanders had to say for themselves before
bmaking their final exit from the historic scene.
However great may have been their misdesds,
Rtill, says our correspondent, there were ex-
tenuating traits in their character aud In the
lCause they defended, and now, that they have
ymet the death they did not dread at the hands
jof the justly Infatuated Versaillists, it be-
hooves the historian to pass an unbiased
land dispassionate judgment upon the last lead
lers Of tho Commune. In this he will derive
much that will enlighten him in our Paris COR
Fespondence.
What more graphic and instructive, for in
)stance, than our correspondents conversation
with DombroHski and Delescluze, the two fore
most men Of the Commune! The mere mention
>Of the journal he represented seemed to have q
potent charm; for these leaders did not hesitate
TO stop in the fever heat and hurry of their ex-
citing work In order to give the desired ex-
planations-nay were anxious to obtain favor
able, or, as they expressed themselves, an i'm
partial hearing through the New YORK HERALD.
His description of the headquarters of the
chief oommander-of the hurry, hustle and
)other characteristic traits of the Communist
machinery-presents the whole scene most
wildly to the reader. Here is Dombrowski
himself, telling his personal history, explain
ang many things which were not until then
known, or known only to few. The SEEM
angly trifing particulars-we say seemingly,
for In reality they help to complete the picture
and confirm Its general veracity-bring to the
surface the real motives and characters of
these men Of the hour. How interesting, for
Instance, Is the account of the round our cor
respondent, at the risk Of his life, made in the
Held Of hostllities with General Dombrowski!
Not less important is his visit to Deles-
cluze, who, during a conversation, cleared
mp the doubt as to whether the fall of Fort
1ssy-a most decisive acquisition to the YER
isaillists-was caused by treachery or its un-
tenability. Here the old martyr Of Socialism
tells the story Of his many crosses under the
empire. In the interview with Bergeret we see
the fanatcism Of the Socialist at Its worst, with
many suggestive and descriptive particulars
that add to our knowledge of the causes that
rendered possible the advent Of the Com
mune.
Our Paris letter to-day contains so much
valuable information-is so full vivid and
eearching in its description of the general
state Of Paris on the eve of the crowning
borror-that our readers will peruse 1t with
great interest. Sadly suggestive Of moral rot
tenness Is the part which women have played
throughout the revolt, and the gay scenes then
enacted In the fashionable haunts of folly form
b ghastly contrast to the general desola-
tion. Young girls, formerly surrounded by all
fhe accessories Of comfort and responsibility,
driven by want to play the wanton In the
streets What sad comment on the dire
misfortunes Of Parisl The sufferings of
American residents, many Of whom have
scarcely enough to satisfy the cravings of
hunger, appeal still nearer home and should
be an incentive for the exercise Of our
charity. The comparison between the present
and former population of Paris, and many
jyDther items of news, are also instructive. Thus
our series Of Paris letters, giving, as they do,
with the vividness of personal experience, the
whole story of this Inflated revolt, will form
valuable contribution to the history Of the
Paris Commune.
81
GOVERNOR CALDWELL, Of North Carolina,
whom We cQmplimented the other day for
Ipeing; bold enough to apologize for undlgniasd
language to a Raleigh editor, Is not fully
appfeclated BY that Individual. He persists
In branding the Governor, and as the latter