Print collector's quarterly (6.1916)

however, came the sequel. In another instant the great
pile was bending in our direction. Some of the lower
plates of bronze had been removed and some of the
masonry, just above the pedestal, cut to a certain depth.
. . . A great bed of fascines, sand, and manure had been
prepared for the reception of the lofty pile. It came
down in its entirety . . . until a certain angle was
reached. Then, all at once, it split into three sections,
and in that wise fell upon the bed prepared for it. There
was a loud thud. Particles of manure and sand arose,
cloud-like, and were carried hither and thither. The
ground trembled beneath one, houses shook, windows
rattled, but there was no damage.
“As the dust cleared away, I perceived Glais-Bizoin,
one of Gambetta’s coadjutors during the war in the
provinces, standing on the column’s pedestal, waving
his hat, with a queer smile upon his punchinello face.
Near him stood ‘General’ Bergeret and several guards,
waving large red flags. Loud were the shouts of ‘ Vive la
Commune! ’ Right quickly did one of the Guards’ bands
strike up the ‘Marseillaise,’ but amidst and above it I
suddenly heard the strains of ‘Hail, Columbia!’ played
violently on a piano by some Yankee girl belonging to a
party of Americans who had installed themselves on the
first floor of the Hotel Mirabeau. They came out on to
the balcony and were loud in their plaudits. In those
days the cult of Napoleon had no disciples in the United
States. Both New Yorkists [sfc] and Bostonians knew
but one hero—-the George Washington, who, unlike
Napoleon, never lied.”
Courbet was one of the committee appointed to super-
intend the removal of valuable books and works of art
from the house of M. Thiers, which was likewise demol-

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