THE TRIUMPHAL ARCH OF THE PORTE-ST-DENIS.—The bas-relief containing an emblematical figure of the Rhine resting on a rudder has been mutilated, a shell having carried the arm and its support entirely away. The other bas-relief of Holland vanquished and in tears, has been struck by balls, as have also the figures of Fame in the tympans of the arcades.
THE TRIUMPHAL ARCH OF THE PORTE-ST-MARTIN.—The sculptures, which represent the taking of Limbourg and the defeat of the Germans, have suffered considerably. They are the works of Le Hongre and the elder Legros.
A tragic incident marked the burning of the THEATRE OF THE PORTE ST. MARTIN (see sketch). After laving massacred the proprietor and people of the restaurant Ronceray, the Federals set fire to the house and the theatre which is adjoining. At eight o’clock in the evening, on beholding the first flames arise, the inhabitants of the quarter united in endeavouring to extinguish the fire, notwithstanding that the projectiles fell thickly in the Boulevard Saint-Martin and in the Rue de Bondy. The Federals from behind their barricades at the corner of the Rue Bouchardon, fired upon everyone who attempted to enter the theatre.
The ARCHIVES (Record Office), the IMPRIMERIE NATIONALE, and the BIBLIOTHÈQUE MAZARINE were all preserved through the strenuous endeavours of MM. Alfred Maury, Haureau, and Charles Asselineau, who had all managed to keep their places in spite of the Commune.
At the DOCKS OF LA VILLETTE, and at the warehouses of the DOUANE, the destruction of property has been enormous. Many millions’ worth of goods were consumed there.
In the great buildings belonging to the MAGASINS RÉUNIS (Cooperative Stores) an ambulance had been established, and this was in the utmost danger during two days. It was only owing to the wonderful energy of M. Jahyer that the fire was mastered while the poor wounded men were transported to a place of safety.
THE CHURCHES.
NOTRE-DAME.—In the interior of Notre-Dame the insurgents set fire to three huge piles of chairs and wood-work. Fortunately the fact was discovered before much mischief had happened.
THE SAINTE-CHAPELLE.—This incomparable gem of Gothic art, by some marvellous good fortune was neither touched by fire nor shells. It will still be an object for the pilgrimages of the erudite and the curious.
THE MADELEINE.—The balls have somewhat damaged the double colonnade of the peristyle, but the sculptured pediment by Lemaire is all but untouched.