The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-04-12
BOULOGNE.

Arrest Of NJ. R0uheI-An Explanation by the
EN-Ilinister-What He was Doing When He
wrs Arrested--Reasousf for the Guirage-i he
Paris Isioters-TMiers and Envrc.
The following letter OF N. Rouher, who was ar
rested at Boulogne by order OF M. Thiers explains
the reasons which led to the outrage
The laws which guarantee personal liberty to
every French citizen have been Violated IN my case
nope you VIII insert my protest in the columns OF
your journal. have no wish at present 10 make
any statement as TO the facts when preceded, ac-
companied, or follower my arrest. sun less do
desire 10 describe the outrages to which nave had
to submit. | do not co sder the loyal and hone /
population of Boasgne responsible Tor the savage
occurrences OF Monday last | know that the
the dregs OF the populacs. They did not even
know my name, for when they insulted and struck
me they said that was French general. Al present
wish only TO point out the real reasons OF my
arrest. The direct cause OF the arbitrary and vo-
lent act of which was rne victim was the official
caluniny published in the government proclamation,
which accused the mperiaiists of having taken part
in the aDommable insurrection which has led to
biocoshed and loss OF life IN Paris, The Intention
was 10 give some probability TO this lie by SEEING
upon and casting INTO prison former Minister VI
the empire. but the calculation is only deserving OF
contempt aud Indignation
Tie men VINO have just established reign OF ter
ror IN the capital OF my unfortunate country are the
same VINO, b. means or riot, founded the govern
meql OF the 4th september for tie proceedings OF
the Sn March are the natural result OF those or Sep
TENDER a. The Parisians may now witness the fear
ful results OF the overthrow OF a regular govern
ment. The language 81 NJ. Jules Favre TO the Ma
tiona Assembly is foolish or wicked. The imperial
lists are ardently DESTROYS that the government OF
Versailles may triumph over democracy. They. with
all France, despise and detest the wrctched rabble
VINO, to the cruel calamitles OF foreign, have
added the horrors OF civil war. sec In letter pe
fore me that NJ THEIRS asserts that was "discov-
cred" at BouoRne and that the steps taken against
Inc were justified either by my arrival there IN CON-
pany with MN. Chevreau ana Boltelle, by my
possessing box OF papers with mysterious seal
Now here is the truth as 10 these points. was
not 'disooveredn at Bouogne had been there for
I'VE days. had Inscribed my name on the hotel
book, and was the bearer OF u passport delivered TO
me eight days previously In London by the Consul
General OF France. My visit to the town was no
secret Ii was known to the Inhabitants ana to the
authorities. NM. Chevreau ana Botee were VITA
me IN England part OF the last six months. and In
the course OF that period have every day more and
more learned 10 love aud esteem them one OF them
came over to France IN the same boat "a did. Was
it not natural that we should both return TO our
country togetner The assertion that NJ. Boitelle
at Boulogne is not correct. II he had been the
accusation would not have been the more forcble.
As 10 my papers, they were IN white wooden box,
with other things useful ia travelling. The mystic
rious seal which appears TO have excited the sasp
cion of the President OF the Council, ana OF which
he has informed nil France, was hing more than
the seal placed upon the box by the ,s.prefet OF
Boulogne when he seized 1t in nv absence.
NJ Theirs has sent special agent to Arras TO eXa-
mine those PAPERS In a detailed tee rram TINS
agent has given 10 the President OF tie Council an
account Of MS examination Has he discovered" q
single line or a single word which can justify even
The shadow OF an accusation against me IN word or
dcedy No Arrest, IMPRISONMENT. search mon
search. all these odious proceedings nave only re-
suited in confusion and powerlessness. And yet III.
Theirs has forwarded TO the project OF Arras the
following Geographic despatch:-"L berate ~. Rou-
her. Send him out OF France on his giving his word
OF honor that he VIII not take any part III the pre-
sent disorders. Choose, alter consulting with HIM,
the course which viii entail upon nim the least
danger"
To ask me TO give my word OF honor that will
take no part In the present disorders Truly that
is a scandaous request. What Is there In TINS TO
justify the culpabe and Derhdlous pro ,eedings by
which cruel calumny was cast upon an innocent
person NJ. Theirs shoald not have recourse TO
these petty expedlentS. Let him leave The Com.
mttee OF the Hotel dc Vile the care OF denouncing
Us as suspects This Is a part OF his task. All
equfrOqe Is out of the question. The red ag of the
flag OF Socialism and or terror To treat to ter-
porlze with such men is TO destroy the country.
Safety lies only In energy Honest citizens are
ready TO fight. For myself aud my trends our
greatest grief Is not being able to take part IN the
dangers which at the present moment be set all good
anu loyal citizens. +. P0UHER.
BRUSSELS, March %, 1871.