Page:The Rise and Fall on the Paris Commune in 1871.djvu/543

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.

When interrogated regarding the resources of the Commune, he said that they consisted on the 18th of March of four millions found in the Treasury.

Two millions taken from the railway companies.

Twenty-four millions obtained from the Bank of France.

And finally, the duties, contributions, and ordinary resources of the city furnished the rest.

As for the expenses, they were obliged to pay daily for the National Guards 350,000 francs, to the great regret of Jourde, who declared that towards the end of the reign of the Commune there were not more than 30,000 men who really performed their service. Beyond this the other expenses amounted to—

609,000 francs during the first week.

700,000 francs for the second week.

This amount continued to augment until it reached the sum of 4,200,000 francs, which constitutes an average expense of 600,000 francs a day.

Jourde denied being a member of the International, and stated that the society had placed very little money in the hands of the Commune, as according to his account the committee in London, which governs the whole institution, had only 30,000 or 40,000 francs at its disposal.

He at the same time denied having received any payment from foreign countries; and added that he could prove from what sources he had drawn the sums which he had expended.

Johannard, member of the Commune, attached as civil delegate to the General La Cecilia, was judged by every one incapable of doing harm. A fine-looking young man, of striking attitudes, and much admired by the fair sex—surnamed in fact the Key-of-Hearts—he was extremely anxious to wear a uniform. He was finally named captain in the 100th battalion, and member of the Commune. Then, as always before, he showed himself to be good-