The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-03-19
REvELs OF THE COMMUNISTS
CELEBRATION OF THE FOURTH ANNIVERSARY OF
THE OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES BY JOHN swINroN

CELEBRATION OF THE FOURTH Anniversary OF
THE CoMMUNE-sPEECHEs BY JOHN swINroN
AND OTHERS.
The fourth anniversary OF the uprising OF the
Commune at Paris. was duly celebrated last even
ing by the French and German communists and
ipternatonalists In this city and their sympa-
thizers OF other nationalities. At the Germana
Assembly Rooms the German "social democrats"
met In large numbers to commemorate the Day.
The first speech was delivered In German by Mr..
r. Beck, who gave historical resume OF the Com.
mune and the salient points OF its history He en-
deavored to demonstrate that the views generally
entertained OF its character were erroneous and
that its objects were praiseworthy. he traced It's
rise progress and fan, explaining the causes that
led to Its disastrous defeat.
JOHN swINToNs SPEECH.
The principal speech was made by Mr.. Jonn
Swin.on in English. 1t was an elaborate ovation,
which aimed TO be a complete vindication OF the
Commune and its bloody deeds. In the outset he
denounced IN the strongest terms the mis-
representations by which 1t had been ialsihed.
What the history Of republicanlsm would be, said
he, II written by the Count Chambord, what the
history OF Christianity would be. If written by
Cagula. and what the history Of scientific thought
would be If written by Antonell, that is the
history Of the Commune as ordinarily read by
the world. He showed that the government Of
the Commune was established by the viii or
vast majority OF the people or Parts
and upheld by their heroIsm. The Com.
mune al NED at more than political objects
IL aimed at organic social reforms, at the emanci-
patton OF man rom the proetariat, from pauper-
ism under military despotism, at the abolition of
class privilege, OF oppressive monopolies and capl-
taized despOtsm. Mr.. Swnton described, in his
fluent manner. the terrible struggle IN all ITS
phases and SAID the history of the world could not
show herOlsm more sublime than that displayed
by the people OF Paris AS proof OF the sincerity
OF the leaders or the Commune Mr.. Swnton cit ed
the fact that four miards renamed untouched
in the Bank Of France. He concluded with glow
ing per0rat1on on social and political equality and
tue great future OF man under these ne " cond-
lions. HIS speech was received with hearty APP.
pIause.
The "Marseillasen was sung with a will upon
which followed the presentation OF req nag py
the ladies' OF the society. Mr.. Justus Sch alb re-
clted German poem, "Tne Last Days OF the Com.
mune" and the programme was finished with
German revolutionary songs A ball concluded
the festivities at a late hour this morning.
At Beethoven Hall there were also speeches, fol-
lowed by dancing. Some twelve hundred persons
participated. They belonged to the refugees OF
the Commune, the German and French sections
OF the internationasts and the Freemasons OF
Egalitaire. Mr.. Fort, OF the refugees, presided
over the specmlying. Mr.. Demanche spoke
IN French MIR. Bote In German, Mr.. Bssert, OF
the Talers' Society IN English, and Mr. Martelet,
OF the refugees of lS4s, IN French. The speeches
were al eulogies on the Commune and its heroes.
The ball was very gay one and greatly enjoyed
0y all those participating IN 1t. The proceeds OF
hundred dollars, are to be devoted 10 the widows
and orphans oil the French Communists and to the
transported patriots who serving their
country IN the delightful retreat OF New Caledonia