Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1871-05-19
European N ews,
FRANCE.

I Public Safety officially declare that the
explosion of the cartridge factory, OF
avenue Rape, was the work of agents
of the Versailles Government.
A strange story is in circulation to
the effect that Captain Debaine has
found in the pockets of woman--the
wife of a gendarme-a plan of the cart
ridge factory, and also plan of Paris
prepared by General Trochu. Four per.
sons have been arrested ON suspicion.
The deserters from the army of Yer
sailles have been removed to the interior
of the city from the Ecole Militaire,
where they have been confined.
The mangled remains of the victims
of the explosion were exhibited to-day
in the Church of st. Pierre, outside OF
the ratings. An immense crowd assem-
bled inside the sacred edifce, including
large band of National Guards. The
men smoked drank, conversed and
laughed as if they were at the Jardin
Mobile. The number Of persons killed
by the explosion was less than was ex-
pected, in consequence of the workmen
having left the building some ten minutes
before the catastrophy took place.
An attachee of the American Legation
was blown into the air by the explosion,
but was not seriously hurt.
To-day being the fete Of the Ascen-
sion large crowds visited the Place Ven
dome and the Tuileries, where there was
a promenade concert.
NJ. Gambon, a member of the Com
mittee of Public Safety, has Joined the
Franco-tireurs, who are menacing and
disconnected. Should they go so far as
to openly declare against the Commune,
they will give considerable trouble, as
they are well-armed and organized.
The inhabitants of the Faubourg Sc.
Antoine, who we're among the most ar
dent supporters of the Commune, are in
want of work, and as they cannot obtain
any, the quarter in which they live is
assuming disquieting aspect.
There was heavy firing from Fort
Bicetre this morning 1t was caused by
the appearance Of a accommodating party
of cavalry belonging to the Versailles
government, who were driven off by the
guns Of the fort.
A serious attack on the ramparts of
Paris is believed to be imminent. There
are now forty thousand Versailles troops
in the Bots de Boulougne, and they are
pushing forward their parallels with
great vigor.
PARIS, May l9.-The Commune has
ordered the execution of all prisoners
held by them as hostages, in reprisal for
the seventies practiced by the Versail-
lists toward their prisoners.
An attack was made by the Govern
ment troops on Mont Rouge and the
village of Vanves, yesterday, but was de-
cisively repulsed by the Communists
after brief engagement. The Commune
announces the victory, and asserts that
a number of cannon were captured from
the Versaillists.
A reign of terror has again com
menced. The lives Of the Archbishop
and others who are held as hostages are
in danger. The Commune may order
their execution at any moment.
VERSAILLES May l9.-The Prussians
are preparing to attack the cast side Of
Paris. A large force of troops has been
massed and will shortly move forward.
The Germans are concentrating in
great strength at CONTAIN, fourteen miles
northwest from Paris. Preparations are
being made for attacking Paris from this
direction, and it is expected that orders
will shortly DO given for forward az
gressive movement.
1t is understood here that the Assem-
bly, has appointed the Due de Broglie to
take the place Of Jules Favre, the change
to take place after the ratification Of the
peace treaty with Germany.
The Prussian battalions on the east
side of Paris are moving on the city.
Several corps of artillery have APP
preached within bombarding range and
have thrown up earthworks. 1t is ex-
pected that an assault will be ordered
tonight