Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1879-04-02

rOOm niltu Win bmOhc. hunk III tor
ror to the floor, and when l gathered
my scattered senses and looked around
the basin in which o second before
had plunged my hand was in pieces
broken by fragments Of shcl
that had burst before the window
Supplied, and hardly believing my
wonderful escape, | hurried trem
bling to the cellar, where we crowded
together, and in misery and dread thu
weary night dragged through its fear
ful and interminable hours.
At dawn the boldest of us sailed
forth, driven by the imperative calls o.
hunger and thirst. followed in spite
of musketry, shot and bursting shell
which swept the street and shook the
houses to their foundations. The whole
quarter was held by the most desper
ate Of tho Commune's bands, who
driven to bay, were fighting with the
courage of despair. The Versaillais
were attacking the barricade OF the
Faubourg st. Martin, balls were falling
like shower of rain, and dead bodies
strewn along the street IN constantly
increasing numbers. Frantic with feai
amid the cries OF the fighting, the
groans OF the wounded and the whis
ting OF the balls, ] sought to regain the
shelter of our house.
Just then the National Guards were
driven from the barricade: with the
cry of"Sauve qui peut" they entrench
ed themselves again behind the other
fortress at the corner Of the Place dr
Chateau dEau, which seemed almost
impregnable. Thronging over the
breast-work, carried by assault, | saw
through the smoke the red kept of oui
soldiers Of the line and the blue bere
OF our sailors. The tears ran down
my cheeks from Joy. In less time thar
| can tell the tale. rushing on at double
quick, they cleared the street and
drove the fugitives from house TO house
keeping up aud receiving constant
and rapid fire as they advanced. / had
crouched down in the recess of door
way, lost in wild emotion, and there ]
witnessed one of the most fearful scenes
of this fearful time. At the head Of Q
company of the line, leading on his
troops sword IN hand, marched a cap
tain, his coat torn by bullets, his face
black with powder and glowing with
mar tial fury. The rattle of musketry
was incessant, and balls fell like hal
on walls and pavement: the soldiers
as they advanced, sought cover in
doorways and at corners, wherever 9
little shelter could be found. But h,
disdained all precaution, and was cheer
ing on his men when door opened
and woman yet young appeared anc
cried to him, "For the love Of God, Cap
tain, do not expose yourself so Take
shelter here" He turned at her call
and, waving his hand in thanks, wal
but yard or two away suddenly
from beneath her apron she drew a re
volver and shot him through the head
shouting, "Thats the fifth" as he fol
at her feet. Almost fainting, yet trans
ported with horror and indignation,
clung convulsively to the doorpost t
watch the end OF this bloody tragedy
1t was not long in coming, nor were
any orders needed. The soldiers, re
gardless Of the storm OF bullets, spranE
upon this wretch ere the smoke hac
blown away from the muzzle OF hel
pistol two held her to the wall ant
twenty others poured a voley into her
As saw her mangled body stretched
upon the pavement, my senses left m,
and | fell as lifeless as she. When
came to myself the street was clear
our brave troops were masters of tn,
place. In front of the last barricad,
lay the body of Delescluze, fl end t.
the chief of this monstrous revolt tha
had deluged Paris with blood and fill
cd the world with horror.
Our troops were bivouacking In tn,
place, and all the houses near the peo
pie were focking around, bringing win,
and food in eager exultation. All thi
while the work was going on; th,
, troops, advancing, carried everything
before them; the din OF musketry diet
away In the distance, save when nov
and then occasional volleys told o
{ summary executions. Every Com
, munard found with arms in his hand
} was shot on the spot, and while tn
light of the confagration Redeemed tb
/ sky the cutters of the streets ran Grim
{ son with the blood of FIenchmen.
) When evening came we were anx
ious about my sister, as the Imprime
+. rie Rationale was said to be in flames
: l took advantage of the early dusk t,
! reach the Faubourg st. Martin, so a
5 to get TO the Rue dc Temple by cross
8 streets, which thought would be qui
! eter. Before the smoking ruins of th
r theatre two guns were in position, an
!. around them lay several bodies be
d grimed with powder, hall stripped an
unshod: thes'ght OF these pallld corpse'
/ with their grimy upturned ieet, wa
most ghastly Farther along, on shu'
ters torn from Their hinges, SOLDIER
}. were carrying the dead TO the fiac
|, du Chateau dEau, trembling WI
Q tear, lhastened on through the square
= i was strewn with arms oil every KIN
dropped by tho iugitlyes, and th
r ground was slippery with blood q
through the streets u was thc sam
: On | ran, shutting my eyes 70 cscap
# the horrible visions oil slaughter ah
a death that met me AZ every sleP.
,f iound my sister SAFE ana wen, ana ma
0 ing reassured her as 70 ourselves,
Q started home again' Hoping 70 escal
i the horrors l nau passed n coming,
0 went straight toward ,ne race, ,n'n'
9 ing that as the way was snor'er
j should meet WIN lever scenes Oh 70
|. IOr and uttrlQlt AlAN. now QTltNlOu