Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1912-06-20
A DILEMMA
A Story of the ! arts
Commune
By LOUISE REVERE

At the fall Of the second empire of
/ France. when Napoleon III was de-
throned. the communists OF Paris took
possession Of the city. They compris-
ed that element which brought about
the reign Of terror during the French
uprising against the Bonrbons in the
previous century, only the former rev.
olutionists were led by mingling of
patriots and demagogueS. while the
latter were led by impractical idealsts.
Among these commune leaders was
young artist. CASTOR Boyer. who was
as much of poet as an artist. There
is something fascinating in the enthu-
siasm of these dreamers who would
bring about IA Ethiopia. AT any rate.
Boyer was much beloved by all who
knew him. Mile. Adele BOiviSsant, a
person of very different idc"; from
him. met and fell in love with him
and. her love being returned, after
their engagement did all she could to
eradicate his wild notions
However. ut the first mov",lent Of
the commune In 1870 Boyer threw him
self into it and became the captain of
one of the bands or companies in that
force which obtained the control of
Paris For several days they held the
power to inaugurate any governmental
system they chose and had they be-
gun to lay the foundations for such a
system would undoubtedly have held
1t longer But, having reached Il point
where their dreams must either be-
come realization or fall to pieces. like
the wave that trembles before 1t
breaks. the communists. not knowing
what to do with their power remain
ed inactive. let 1t fall and went down
with It to their ruin.
During the last struggle with those
who were striving to place France
again under governing power Gas
ton Boyer was dangerously wounded.
Being nearer the residence OF his
fiancee than his own home. he told
those who were dragging him from
the clutch Of the victors to carry him
there They did so. Mile. Boivissant
received him and, finding that he was
bleeding profusely, hurried out to Sc
cure the services Of n surgeon.
This was just preceding that saugh-
ter of communists which was the rlost
pitiful accompaniment Of any modern
revolution. The prisons were filled with
them. and in groups they were taken
out into the yards. plaC> with their
faces against wall and shot down
without mercy. In the general massa-
ere even children were made to suffer
with the rest. This method Of destroy
ing anarchy Is bloody page In the his
tory Of government.
CASTOR Boyer. fighting desperately
and holding his men together at the
barricade he defended, was marked
man to his enemies. The officer who
led battalion of infantry against him
when he took the barricade sent Lieu
tenant Bertrand with II file OF men to
get possession Of the communist who
had given them so much trouble. Ber-
trand had to fight his way after those
who were carrying Boyer, but managed
to keep them In sight and saw them
bear him into the home OF his fiancee,
Entering the house. the lieutenant
found surgeon there with Instruments
pertaining to his profession in his
hands. but no one else.
How now. NJ lie DocteurY eX-
claimed the lieutenant. what are you
when 50 many wounded men are need
ing your attention elsewhere?"
Il was just going out to serve the
poor fellows when you entered"
THAT story will not go down with
me, A wounded communist has been
carried here, one of the most stubborn
OF the lot. 1t Is evident that you have
been treating him. Where is he?"
"If you think there is any one here
you want all you have to do is to search
the house"
And so will"
Bertrand sent his men up and down
stairs. instructing them to ransack ev-
cry corner, while he reserved for him
self bedroom out of which he had
seen the doctor coming when he en-
tered the house. He opened closet
door looked behind lounge and lifted
the valence of Il bed. From the latter
place he dragged forth Mile. Boivis-
SAINT. trembling like leaf and pale al
death.
Now the searcher by this discovery
was thrown off the scent at the mo,
ment when he was within few feet
Of the man he sought, Boyer had been
carried into the room and. at the mo-
ment the surgeon. who had just arriv-
ed, was attempting to stop the flow Of
/ blood from the communists wound.
there came up the sound OF armed men
/ below.
! Heavens" exclaimed Adele. What
I shall we dor"
There is but one hope" said the
surgeon. Let me lift him under the
/ bed. Possibly they may not think OF
/ looking there for II brave man"
J With hahn nNCa. xYof un1nr tho hol