Introduction
Z'T was on the 18th of,March, 1871, that the working
men and women of Paris answered the provoca-
tions of the despicable Thiers bp arising and vest¬
ing power in the hands of the Xational Guard.
Ten days later the Commune was set up. Its life
was short wnd stormy. But even in the few weeks of
its existence it prored able to "advance the struggle of
the working class against the capitalist class and its
state to a new phase, to achieve a new point of depart¬
ure of world historical significance." (Marx).
The Paris Commune iras the first attempt of the
proletariat to organize its power. Bpontajieously, ele¬
mentally, hesistatingly, it is true, the Commune
marched along the road to Socialism.
The Commune was no longer the bourgeois state.
"It was essentially the govern ment of the working
class, the result of the struggle of the producing
against the appropriating class. It was the definite
political form. . . under which labor could work
out its economic emancipation." (Marx).
The Commune was international. It spoke in the
name of the "Universal Republic." It freely admitted
to citizenship foreigners who showed any interest in
the struggles of the masses. It proclaimed the univer¬
sal fraternity of all labor!
But the Commune fell—its life extended hardly two
months. Its failures and its shortcomings are now
obvious; all reflecting its fundamental weakness—
the lack of a consistent revolutionary theory embodied
in a strong, conscious, unified leading organization—
the Party of the proletariat.
Tin■ Paris Commune was not defeated. It was
drowned in the blood of the Parisian masses who de¬
fended their revolution to the bitter end. The horrors
that were perpetrated in those bloody May Days are
indescribable. Corpses of Communard workers choked
the streets—the rivers ran red with blood. Forty thou¬
sand of the best of the Parisian workers were slaugh¬
tered by the blood-maddened bourgeoisie. 'Thousands
more were brought before the "tribunals" of the Ver-
saillese and condemned to death and deportation. The
toiling masses of the earth will never forget the mar¬
tyrdom of their Parisian comrades—the blood lust of
their "humane" oppressors.
History has raised an imperishable monument to the
Commune. The extermination of the Communards has
not diverted the proletariat from its historical path.
In the Soviet Union the proletariat, supported by the
peasantry and the toilers of the world over, lias ended
a Commune, not of one town, not of one country, but
of millions and millions of toilers, of over one-sixth of
the globe. The victorias Russian proletariat and the
advancing proletariat the world over recognize their
historic debt to the valiant heroes of the Commune.
The American workers also have their heroic tradi¬
tions of struggle. But the traditions of the revolution¬
ary proletariat are international. Tl> hare much to
learn from the experiences of the Communards—we
who face the most powerful and most ruthless class
enemy the world has ever known, the American bour¬
geoisie.
C. E. RUTHEXBERG.
cuAlemr
THE PARIS COMMUNE
{March 28th to May 28th, 1871)
In
Historical Pictures
Published by
Workers (Communist) Party of America,
1113 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago, 111.
COPYRIGHTED 1926 BY W. (C.) P. OF A.
r^g||r|fet»290
The Cannon on Montmartre
These camion, the property of the National Guard and the people of Paris, Thiers tried to
have taken away by force in order to disarm the Parisian masses. The attempt failed but
it was the point of the departure far the development of the rising of the Commune and the
struggle against the bourgeoisie at Versailles.
A Group of National Guardsmen
In the Courtyard of the School of Fine Arts.
Barricade of the Place De La Concorde
One of the most considerable defensive works of the Commune.
Street Barricade in the Rue Des Abbesses
Street Battle in the Avenue Du Roule a Neuilly
Rue De Rivoli on the Morning of the 24th of May, 1871
One of the most terrible days in the memory of Paris.
In the Service of the Commune.
The central pharmacy of the first aid service established by the Parisian press to aid the
Commune.
W V;
The Ministry of Finances
A result of the. bombardment and destruction of Paris by the "civilised" Versailles bour¬
geoisie.
Place De La Bastille
The bombardment of Paris at the hands of the Versaillese.
"Fire When You Please!"
One episode among a thousand of that bloody week!
The White Terror!
Parisian workers and soldiers murdered by the brutalized Yersaillcsc
without a hearing or trial. Men, women and children were slaughtered
without cause or reason, practically upon the arbitrary whim, of the
maddened soldiers. Over 1,000 corpses littered the streets of Buttes-
Chaumont and Pere-Lachaise. All Paris was turned into a gigantic
slaughter house.
Women Prisoners in the Hands of the Ver saille se
No government, no revolution had ever before been able to rouse the women in such masses
amd with such enthusiasm and to throw them into the struggle so resolutely by the side of
the men. The women of Paris were among the most heroic and devoted fighters for the free¬
dom of Labor and for the Universal Republic.
Group of Deportees
Over ten thousand prisoners were sent by the madden::d bourgeoisie to languish in the fever infested wilds
of Xe'io Caledonia.
The Wretched Thiers and the Bourgeois Ministry at Versailles
Trial of the Seventeen Chief Members of the Commune
September 2, 1871.
CHARLES FERRE.
RAOUL RIGAULT.
CHARLES FERRE was one of
the most militant enemies of
the Empire. At his trial for par¬
ticipating in a conspiracy
against Napoleon III he cried
•out: "I am a socialist, com¬
munist, atheist! When I will be
stronger, then woe to you!"
He was named member of
the Commune and threw all his
powers into the struggle for the
emancipation of labor and for
the Universal Republic.
He survived the bloody days
of the Commune but was brought
up in August before the Third
Council of War at Versailles
and condemned to death. He
died heroically vindicating the
honor of his fellow-martyrs.
RAOUL RIGAULT, member
of and procurator for the Com¬
mune of Paris, was born in Sep¬
tember, 1846. Under the Empire
he took a leading part in all the
agitation work in the Latin
Quarter.
After the uprising of the 18th
of March, Rigault was delegated
by the Central Committee of the
National Guard to the Prefecture
of Police. He was elected mem¬
ber of the Commune and was
always in the front ranks in the
barricade struggles and was
finally brutally murdered by the
Versaillese. He was one of the
most splendid figures of the
Commune.
LOUIS C. DELESCLUZE.
LOUIS CHARLES DELES¬
CLUZE was one of the best
known publicists under the Em¬
pire. He was several times ar¬
rested and convicted for his
journalistic work.
He took a heroic part in the
struggles on the barricades and
distinguished himself as a mem¬
ber of the Commune to which
he had been elected. He died
heroically on the barricades in
defense of liberty and the Uni¬
versal Republic.
Delescluze . was appointed by
the Commune its Civil Delegate
of War and showed, in his ap¬
peal to the National Guard in
that capacity, his deep faith in
the Revolution and his devotion
to the Commune.
LOUIS A. BLANQUI.
FELIX PYAT.
GUSTAVE FLOURENS.
The whole life of, LOUIS
AUGUSTE BLANQUI is one
long story of struggle, conspir¬
acy, prison. . . .
Elected to the Commune in
his absence, he was immediately
arrested by Thiers. Thiers well
knew Blanqui's value to the
Commune and would not re¬
lease him.
He was finally condemned to
deportation which was commut¬
ed to perpetual imprisonment.
After the amnesty he continued
the struggle and was elected
deputy from Bordeaux in spite
of his ineligibility.
Blanqui is certainly one of the
most significant and heroic fig¬
ures, not only of the Commune,
but of all the struggles of the
oppressed and exploited masses.
FELIX PYAT, born October 4,
1810, was one of the most bril¬
liant journalists in the stormy
days of '49 and after.
He served the Commune on
its Committee of Public Safety
and took a prominent role in the
defense of Paris against Ver¬
sailles. He succeeded in escap¬
ing the mad fury of the oppress¬
ors and remained at London un¬
til amnesty of 1880. Then again
took up his journalistic work
and again fell foul of the au¬
thorities several times. In the
French House of Deputies, to
which he was elected, he de¬
livered several violent attacks
against the French monarchists
and militarists. He died in 1889.
GUSTAVE FLOURENS, who
was born August 4, 1838, already
had a stormy past in 1870.
At the news of the French
reverses he returned from Eng¬
land to Paris and began an agi¬
tation for a general revolution¬
ary rising all over Europe. He
was arrested and condemned to
death. The Commune saved him.
He was made a member of the
Commune and a colonel in its
forces. He rendered great and
heroic services to the Com¬
mune in his military capacity.
Finally, he was foully murdered
by a gendarme in the pay of
Versailles. Flourens is one of
the most heroic and chivalrous
figures of the Commune.
RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE
LIBERTÉ — ÉGALITÉ — FRATERNITÉ
COMITÉ CENTRAL
CITOYENS,
Noire mission est terminée; nous allons céder la place dans votre Hôtel dé Ville à vos
nouveaux élus, à vos mandataires réguliers.
Aidés par votre patriotisme et votre dévouement* nous avons pu mener à bonne fin
l'œuvre difficile entreprise en votre nom. Merci de votre concours persévérant ; la solidarité
n'est plus un vain mot : le salut de la République-est assuré.
Si nos conseils peuvent avoir-quelque poids dans vos résolutions, permettez à vos plus
zélés serviteurs de vous faire connaître, avant le scrutin, ce qu'ils attendent du vote d'au¬
jourd'hui-
CITOYENS,
Ne perdez pas de vue que les hommes qui vous serviront le mieux sont ceux que vous
choisirez parmi vous, vivant de votre propre vie, souffrant des mêmes maux.
Défiez-vous autant des ambitieux que des parvenus; les uns comme les autres ne consul¬
tent que leur propre intérêt et finissent toujours par se considérer comme indispensables.
Défiez-vous également des parleurs, incapables de passer à l'action; ils sacrifieront tout
à un discours, à un effet oratoire ou à un mot spirituel. — Évitez également ceux que la
fortune a trop favorisés, car trop' rarement celui qii^ possède la fortune est disposé à
regarder le travailleur comme un frère.
Enfin, cherchez .des Hommes aux convictions sincères, des hommes du Peuple, résolus,
actifs, ayant un sens aroit et une honnêteté reconnue. — Portez, vos préférences sur ceux
qui ne brigueront pas vos suffrages; le véritable mérite est modeste, et c'est aux électeurs
à connaître leurs hommes, et non à ceux-ci de se présenter.
jnous sommes convaincus que, si vous tenez compte de ces observations, vous aurez
enfin inauguré la véritable représentation populaire, vous aurez trouvé des mandataires
qui-ne se considéreront jamais comme vos maîtres.
Hôlel de ViUe, 25 mars 1871.
Le Comité central de la Garde nationale.
AVOINE fits, ARNAUD, G. ARNOLD, ASS1, ANDIGNOUX, BOUIT, JoIm BERGERET, BAB1CK, BAROUD,
BÎmORAY, L. BOURSIER, BLANCHET, CASTIONI, CHOUTEAU, C. DUPONT, PABRE, FERRAT, FLEURY,
. FOUÔERET, C. GAUDIER, GOUHIER, H. GERESME, G RELIER, GROLfRD, JOSSELIN, Pr. JOURDE, LA-
VALETTE, HENRY (Fortuné), MALJOURNAL, Edouard MOREAU, MORTIER, PRUDHOMME, ROUSSEAU,
RANyiER, VARLIN.
I. IMPRIMERIE NATIONALE. — Mars J871. —31.
FRENCH REPUBLIC
LIBERTY—EQUALITY—FRATERNITY
CENTRAL COMMUTEE
ELECTIONS TO THE COMMUNE
CITIZENS:
Our mission is at an end; we are giving place in your
Hotel de Ville to your newly elected, regular mandatories.
With the help of your patriotism and devotion we have
been able to bring to a successful conclusion the difficult tasks
undertaken in your name. Thanks for your persevering co¬
operation! Solidarity is no longer a vain word: the welfare
of the Republic is assured.
If our advice can have any weight in your determinations
permit your most zealous servants to acquaint you, before
the voting, with what depends upon your vote of today.
CITIZENS:
Don't forget that the men who will serve you best are those
whom you choose among you; living-your own lives, suffering
from the same evils.
Mistrust the ambitious and upstarts; the former like
the latter consult only their private interest and always end
up by considering themselves indispensable.
Mistrust to an equal degree mere talkers, incapable of pass¬
ing to action; they will sacrifice everything for a speech, for
an oratorical effect, for a clever word. Avoid likewise those
whom fortune has favored too much because only very rarely
are such as these disposed to regard The worker as a friend.
Finally, look for men with sincere convictions, for men of
the people, active, resolute, straightforward and honest. —
Show your preference for those who don't run after your
votes. True merit is modest and it is for the electors to
know their men and not for the latter to introduce them¬
selves.
We are convinced that, if you take these observations into
consideration, you will at last inaugurate a real popular rep¬
resentation, you will have found mandatories who will never
consider themselves your masters.
Hotel de Ville, March 25, 1871.
The Central Committee of the National Guard
AVIONE, Jr., ARNAUD, G. ARNOLD, etc. '
REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE
N° 39 LIBERTÉ — ÉGALITÉ — FRATERNITÉ N" 39
COMMUNE de PARIS
LA COMMUNE DE PARIS,
Considérant que le premier des principes de la République française est la
liberté ;
Considérant que la liberté de conscience est la première des libertés ;
Considérant que le budget .des cultes est contraire au principe, puisqu'il
impose les citoyens contre leur propre foi ; ,
Considérant, en fait, que le clergé a été le complice des crimes de la
monarchie contre la liberté,
DÉCRÈTE :
ART. i". L'Église est séparée de l'État.
ART. 2. Le budget des cultes est supprimé.
ART. 3. Les biens dits de mainmorte, appartenant aux
congrégations religieuses, meubles et immeubles, sont
déclarés propriétés nationales.
ART. 4. Une enquête sera faite immédiatement sur ces
biens, pour en constater ,1a nature et les mettre à la dispo¬
sition de la Nation.
LA COMMUNE DE PARIS.
Paris, le 3 avril 1871.
• IMPRIMERIE NATIONALE. — A-rril 4871.
FRENCH REPUBLIC
NO. 59. LIBERTY—EQUALITY—FRATERNITY NO. 59.
COMMUNE OF PARIS
THE COMMUNE OF PARIS,
Considering that the first principle of the French Re¬
public is liberty; considering that liberty of conscience is
the first of these liberties; considering that the church
budget is contrary to this principle since it rests on the
citizens against their own faith; considering, indeed,
that the clergy has been the accomplice of the crimes of
the monarchy against liberty,
DECREES :
Art. 1. The Church is separated from the
State.
'-Art. 2. The church budget is suppressed.
Art. 3. Property in mortmain, movable or
immovable, belonging to the religious congrega¬
tions, are declared public property.
Art. 4. An inquiry will be made immediately
on these goods in order to determine their na¬
ture and to place them at the disposition of the
nation.
THE COMMUNE OF PARIS.
Paris, April 3, 1871.
REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE
A
N? £13 LlClillTÉ - ÉGALITÉ — FRATERNITÉ n« 213
COMMUNE DE PARIS
-o
LA COMMISSION EXECUTIVE,
Considérant que certaines administrations ont mis en usage le système. dei
amendes ou des retenues sur les appointements et sur les salaires ;
Que ces amendes sont, infligées souvent sous les plus futiles prétextes et consti¬
tuent une. perte réelle pour l'employé et l'ouvrier;
Qu'en droit, rien n'autorise ces prélèvements arbitraires et vexaloires ;
Qu'en fait, les amendes déguisent une diminution de salaire et profilent aux
intérêts'de ceux qui l'imposent;
Qu'aucune justice régulière ne préside à ces sortes de punitions, aussi, immo¬
rales au fond que dans la forme-;
Sur la proposition de la Commission du travail, de l'industrie et de l'échange,
ARRÊTE :
Article premier. Aucune administration privée ou publique ne
pourra imposer des amendes ou des retenues aux employés, aux'
ouvriers, dont les appointements, convenu! d'avance, doivent.être
intégralement soldés.
Art. a. Toute infraction à cette disposition sera déférée aux
tribunaux.
Art. 3. Toutes ies , amendes, et retenues infligées depuis le
18 roars, sous prétexte de punition, devront être restituées aux ayants
droit dans un délai de i5 jours, à partir de la promulgation du ■
présent décret.
Paris, le 27 avril 1871.
La Commission executive,
Iules ANDRIEU, CLUSERET, Léo FRANKEL, Paschal GROUSSET,
JOURDE, PROTOT, VAILLANT, VIARD.
». IMPRIMERIE NA.TiO.NAUS. — Avril 1871
FRENCH REPUBLIC
LIBERTY—EQUALITY—FRATERNITY
NO. 213. N0- 213-
COMMUNE OF PARIS
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE,
WHEREAS, Certain managements have put into prac¬
tice the system of fines and deductions on salaries and
wages; and
WHEREAS, These fines are inflicted very frequently
on the most empty pretexts and constitute a real loss
for the employe and the worker; and
WHEREAS, In right, nothing authorizes these arbitrary
and vexatious deductions; and
WHEREAS, In fact, these fines hide a diminution of
wages and are in the interests of those who impose them;
and
WHEREAS, No regular justice presides over this sort
of punishments which are immoral in their basis as in
their form,
On the proposal of the Commission of Labor, Industry
and Exchange,
DECREES:
•Article 1. No management, private or public, may im¬
pose fines or decreases upon employes and workers whose
salaries, agreed upon in advance, must be integrally paid.
Article 2. Every infraction of this provision will be
referred to the tribunals.
Article 3. All the fines and decreases imposed after
the 18th of March, under the pretext of punishment, must
be returned to those having the right to them within 15
days from the promulgation of this present decree.
Paris, April 27, 1871.
The Executive Committee,
Jules ANDRIEU, CLUSERET, Leo FRANKEL, Paschal
GROUSSET, JOURDE, PROTOT, VAILLANT, VIARD.
REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE
293 LIBERTÉ — ÉGALITÉ — FRATERNITÉ N° 203
COMMUNE DE PARIS
A LA GARDE NATIONALE
CITOYENS,
La Commune m'a délégué au Ministère de la Guerre; elle a pensé
que son représentant dans l'Administration militaire devait appar¬
tenir à l'élément civil. Si je ne consultais que mes forces, j'aurais
décliné cette fonction périlleuse; mais j'ai compté sur votre patrio¬
tisme pour m'en rendre l'accomplissement plus facile
La situation est grave, vous le savez; 1 horrible guerre que vous
font les féodaux, conjurés avec les débris des régimes monarchiques,
vous a déjà coûté bien du sang généreux, et cependant, tout en déplo¬
rant ces pertes douloureuses, quand j envisage le sublime avenir qui
s'ouvrira pour nos enfants, et lors même qu'il ne nous serait pas
donné de récolter ce que nous avons semé, je saluerais encore avec
enthousiasme la Révolution du 18 Mars, qui a ouvert à la France et
à l'Europe des perspectives que nul de nous n'osait espérer il y a
trois mois.
Donc, à vos rangs, Citoyens, et tenez ferme devant l'ennêmi!
Nos remparts sont solides comme vos bras, comme vos cœurs.
Vous n'ignorez pas, d'ailleurs, que vous combattez pour votre liberté
et pour l'égalité sociale, cette promesse qui vous a si longtemps
échappé ; que, si vos poitrines sont exposées aux balles et aux obus
des Versaillais, le prix qui vous est assuré, c'est l'affranchissement
de la France et du monde, la sécurité de votre foyer et la vie de vos
femmes et de vos enfants.
Vous vaincrez donc. Le monde, qui vous contemple et applaudit
à vos magnanimes efforts, s'apprête à célébrer votre triomphe, qui
sera le salut de tous les peuples.
Paris, le il mai 1871.
VIVE LA RÉPUBLIQUE UNIVERSELLE!
VIVE LA COMMUNE!
Le Délégué civil à la Guerre,
DELESCLUZE.
1. IMPRIMEES. NATIONALE. - M.i 1871.
FRENCH REPUBLIC
LIBERTY—EQUALITY—FRATERNITY
KO. 293. NO. 293.
COMMUNE OF PARIS
TO THE NlîlONAL GUARD
CITIZENS,
The Commune has delegated me to the Ministry of
War; it has thought that its representative to the mili¬
tary administration should be a civilian. Were I to con¬
sult my forces only I would have declined this dangerous
function. But I have counted upon your patriotism to
facilitate the accomplishment.
The situation is serious, as you know. The horrible
war waged by the feudal lords in league with the remains
of the monarchic regimes has already cost you much
generous blood. And yet, although I deplore these sad
losses, when I glimpse the sublime future that opens
before our children even if it is not given to us to har¬
vest what we have sown, I salute enthusiastically the
Revolution of the 18th of March which has opened to
France and to all Europe new perspectives that we did
not dare hope for three months ago.
Therefore to the ranks, Citizens, stands firm before the
enemy! Our ramparts are as solid as our arms, as our
hearts. You know that you are struggling for your lib¬
erty and for social equality, this promise that has es¬
caped you for so long; that, if your chests are exposed
to the bullets and shells of Versailles, you are assured
the prize of the emancipation of France and of the world,
th'e security of your hearths and the lives of your wives
and your children.
You will therefore conquer. The world that contem¬
plates and applauds your magnanimous efforts is pre¬
paring to celebrate your triumph—the welfare of all
peoples.
Paris, May 11, 1871.
LONG LIVE THE UNIVERSAL REPUBLIC!
LONG LIVE THE COMMUNE!
The Civil Delegate for War,
DELESCLUZE.
REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE
N° 395 LIBERTÉ — ÉGALITÉ - FRATERNITÉ N» 395
COMMUNE DE PARIS
LE PEUPLE DE PARIS
AUX SOLDATS DE VERSAILLES
FRÈRES !
L'heure du grand combat des Peuples contre
leurs oppresseurs est arrivée !
M'abandonnez pas la cause des Travailleurs!
Faites comme vos frères du 18 Mars!
Unissez-vous au Peuple, dont vous laites partie !
Laissez les aristocrates, les privilégiés, les bour¬
reaux de l'humanité se défendre eux-mêmes, et le
règne de la Justice sera facile à établir.
Quittez vos rangs !
Entrez dans nos demeures.
Venez à nous, au milieu de nos familles. Vous
serez accueillis fraternellement et avec joie.
Le Peuple de Paris a confiance en votre patrio¬
tisme.
VIVE LA RÉPUBLIQUE !
VIVE LA COMMUNE !
3 prairial an 79
LA COMMUNE DE PARIS.
•2 IMPRIMERIE NATIONALE. - Mai 1871.
FRENCH REPUBLIC
LIBERTY—EQUALITY—FRATERNITY
NO. 395. NO- 395-
communeTôfparis
THE PEOPLE OF PARIS
To the Soldiers of Versailles
BROTHERS!
The hour for thé great struggle of the people
against their oppressors has arrived!
Don't abandon the cause of the Workers!
Do as did your brothers of the 18th of March!
Unite with the People of whom you are a part!
Let the aristocrats, the privileged, the hang¬
men of humanity defend themselves and the
reign of Justice will then be easy to establish.
Leave your ranks!
Come into our houses!
Come to us, in the midst of our families. You
will be welcomed fraternally and with joy.
The People of Paris has confidence in your
patriotism.
LONG LIVE THE REPUBLIC!
LONG LIVE THE COMMUNE!
3 Prairial, year 79.
THE COMMUNE OF PARIS.
RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE
N* 308 LIBERTÉ — ÉGALITÉ — FRATERNITÉ N» 308
COMMUNE DE PARIS
COMITE
DE SALUT PUBLIC
Que tous les bons citoyens se lèvent !
Aux barricades ! L'ennemi est dans
nos murs!
Pas d'hésitation!
En avant pour la République, pour
la Commune et pour la Liberté !
AUX ARMES !
Paris, le 22 mai 1871.
Le. Comité de Salut public,
Axr ARNAUD, B1LT 'ORAY, E. EUDES,
F. GAMBON, G. RANVIER.
2 IMPBIM1ÎIÏ1E XTTIONTI.E — Mai I871_
FRENCH REPUBLIC
LIBERTY—EQUALITY—FRATERNITY
NO. 368. NO. 368.
COMMUNE OF PARIS
COMMITTEE
OF PUBLIC SAFETY
All good citizens must arise!
To the barricades! The enemy is
within our walls !
No hesitation !
Forward for the Republic, for the
Commune, and for Liberty!
TO ARMS!
Paris, May 22, 1871.
The Committee of Public Safety,
Ant. ARNAUD, BILLIORAY, E. EUDES,
F. GAMBON, G. RANVIER.
MARX AND LENIN ON THE PARIS COMMUNE >
KARL MARX:
"The workers of Paris and
their Commune -will be hon¬
ored as the harbinger of the
new society. Their martyrs
erected an everlasting monu¬
ment to themselves in the
great heart of the working
class. Their hangmen, his¬
tory has nailed to the post of
shame and no power will ever
remove them!"
"The Commune was the
higher and -more pliable political form. The actual
secret of the Commune lay in the fact that in its labors
it was the government, of the working class: the result
of the war of the producing class against the exploiters.
It was the open political form that could bring about
the emancipation of labor."
1 . 1. LENIN:
"The Soviet Power is the
second step of world revolu¬
tion, the development of the
dictatorship of the proleta¬
riat. The Paris Commune
was the first step. The Com¬
mune created a new type of
state—the Workers' State."
"The Commune was the first
attempt of the proletarian revolution to break up the
bourgeois State and constitutes the political fe/rm
discovered at last which can and must take the place
of the broken bourgeois machine."
"The fight now begun can end only in victory for our cause. We shall not retreat, for we carry the ban¬
ner of the future! The deciding hour has struck! Make room for the working class! Down with the hang¬
men!"—(Manifesto of the Central Committee of the Women's Union, May 6, 1871.)
fd-d. vg
d
f
Armed Worker Going to Battle.
Armed Young Worker
(16 to 18 years)
Woman in the Ranks of the
National Guard.
Avenger of Paris"