The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-04-25

fourth day Of last September the changes
which have taken place throughout France,
apd especially in Paris, are such as excite
wonder and attract attention. The men who
in the young days of the new republic occu-
pied the leading positions, whose appeals ex-
ercised an influence over the populace and
whose republicanism was never for moment
doubted, have nothing to do with the men
who now bid defiance TO the government of
which M Theirs is the chosen head. During
the long days Of the siege Of Paris, while Prus-
sia held the eapits! q EEaapes within its iron
grip, these men, or the most Of them, at
least, employed their time not in strengthening
the hands of the government by the enforce
ment of discipline and the development Of the
military qualities of the National Guard, but
by encouraging the spread of demoraliza-
ton among the troops, cultivating discussions,
and preparing the minds of those who were
foolish enough to be Influenced by them for
their grand scheme of the establishment Of the
Commune. The republic was not sufficiently
liberal for them-they wanted something more
than what Justice would sanction or honest
dealing between man and man would warrant
in enforcing. Perhaps no better answer can
be given to the question of why the Army Of
Paris was not able to cut the line of the Prus-
sian investment than can be deduced from
the dssensions which now exist, not only
between the leaders of the republic and the
chiefs of the Commune, but which actually
exist in the ranks of the reds even now while
creation. The chief men of the Commune,
the leaders of the reds, are heretics from the
republic, radical in their sentiments, impressed
by one idea, and that one which suggests a
dangerous and an unwholesome doctrine.
Among the noted if not the most promi-
nent of the reds of Paris previous to the war
with Prussia was Gambetta, man Of won
derful energy, good talents and remarkable
ability for organization. These qualities he
showed after his aerial trip from Paris to the
provinces. The influence welded by this man
throughout the whole nation, outside Of the
capital, up to the close of the war, was power
full; but when hostilities ceased he who exer-
cised the power of dictator almost fell COM
pletely out of sight. Other men came to the
surface-men Of experience and ability, such
as Theirs, Favre and others we might name.
Peace was restored, and the prospects Of
France began to grow brighter until the cloud
of Communism in Paris rose to obscure it.
From heated argument in the National As
sembly at Bordeaux aud extravaganza editorials
in the radical journals of Paris, conducted by
such men as Rochefort, Valiant and others,
the opposition of the reds settled down into a
recourse to arms in order to enforce their doc
trinc, not only in the capital but all over
France. Communism, which up to this time
had been but theory, now shaped itself into
dreadful reality. Men were not slow either
in choosing sides. Those who desired the
welfare of France, who longed to see her
free, who wished her prospersity and
sighed for the day when she would again take
her position among the nations of Europe,
resolved to stand by the republic which was
proclaimed in September and duly sustained
by the country when M. Theirs was elected
the executive head Of the nation; while, on
the other hand, those who had little to lose
and were animated by belief in a form Of
government which has few qualifications to
recommend it, and which by thinking people
was and is considered impracticable, raised
the blood red flag of the Commune, and have
endeavored to enforce its principles on the
people of France. The fruits of the differences
between the republicans and the Communists
are already plainly to be seen. The nation is
retrograding instead of advancing. Capital is
scared from the country, industries are at a
standstill, churches are pilfered, priests are
prosecuted, private citizens are outraged,
murders are committed, aud security for per-
son or property does not exist in the once
famous capital of France.
While the present picture is melancholy
one to contemplate there are, happily, signs
which augur the complete humiliation of the
elements which now disturb, perplex and
threaten France with destruction. The
clemency of the Versailles government, mis-
taken at one time for timidity, is beginnin 6
to produce good eff ect; while, on the other
hand, the administration of the Commune is
lapsing into weakness. The red leaders, too
are passing away. Some Of them have already
fed, others have met death by fighting against
the republic, a few have been imprisoned by
their own companions, and quarrels for
supremacy are not uncomm on in their own
ranks. Gustave Flourens, one of the most
rabid Of the reds, and Generals Duval and
Henry, have all been killed. NJ. Assy,
head aud front so recently Of the Commune
in Paris, at latest accounts, while endeavorinG
to escape from the capital, was arrested and
thrown into prison. General Bergeret is
also in the same fix. M. Blanqui, another
leading rebel, is mistrusted, and is now
under a cloud Of suspicion. Citizens Rauc
and Parent, two others of that ilk with Blan-