Evening star., 1914-10-11

the activities of Mr.. washburne. du--
ing the days OF TIE commune none at
tracted such international attention as
his vain efforts tossave the life OF Mgr
Darboy. the archbishop of Paris. The
latter was arrested as a hostage by the
revolutionists. According to the dis
patches of Mr.. Washburne an effort
was made to induce the British govern
ment to interfere in his behalf. but it's
representatives did not do -. Taere-
upon an appeal was made 10 Minister
Washburne. In his personal .1st al or
diplomatic capacity he tn;e'ceded
with the communist Ruthorit.cs. hut all
he could secure was permission 20 visit
the archbishop in prison. The pass
which was given him for this .Iui pose
is an interesting souvenir of t.le days
or the commune. 1t follows:
Republic OF France
Paris. April 2S, 1871.
Prefecture of the Police-cai'inet Of the secrs-
We, member OF the commune, civil delegate
70 the exprefecture 81 police authorize the
citizen washburne. mins,er OF the United
with the citizen Darhoy. Archbishop of Paris
RAouL RlGAtLr. ,seal)
Examined May .. 1871.
The chief of the division.
EDWARD ERNAUp. (seal)
OF his visit to the archbishop, Minis
ter washburne wrote to the depart
ment:
- 'I must say that I was deeply touched
at the appearance of this venerable
man. With his slender person, his form
somewhat bent. his long beard, for he
has not been shaved apparently since
his confinement. his face haggard with
ill-health, all could not have failed Co
have moved the most Indifferent. i told
him 1 had taken great pleasure. at the
instance of his friends. in intervening
on his behalf. and while 1 could not
promise myself the satisfaction of see
ing him released, I was very glad to be
able to visit him to ascertain his
wants. and to assuage the cruel po-
sition in which he found himself. He
for the disposition 1 had manifested
toward him.
II was charmed by his cheerful spirit
and his interesting conversation. He
uation, and to be prepared for the
worst. He had no word Of bitterness or
reproach for his prosecutors. but on
the other hand remarked that the
they really were. He was patiently
awaiting the logic of events and pray
ing that Providence might find a solu-
tion to these terrible troubles without
the further shedding of human blood.
He is confined in a cell about six feet
by ten, possibly little larger. which
has the ordinary furniture of the
Mazas prison, a wooden chair, a small
wooden table and a prison bed. The
cell is lighted by one small window.
"As a political prisoner he is per-
mitted to have his food brought to him
from outside of the prison. and in an
swer to my suggestion, that j should
be glad to send him anything he might
desire. or furnish him with any money
he might want, he said that he was not
in need at present. was the first man
he had seen from the outside since his
Imprisonment, and he had not been
permitted to see the newspapers. or to
have any intelligence OF passing events.
II shall make application to the pre-
feet of police to be allowed to send him
newspapers and other reading matter.
and shall also avail myself Of the per
mission granted me to visit him. TO
the end that l may AFFORD him any
proper assistance in my power. l can
not conceal from myself. however, the
great danger he is in, and I sincerely
hope that 1 may be instrumental in
saving him from the fate which seems
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