C’est la lutte finale
Groupons-nous et demain
L’Internationale
Sera le genre humain.
-Eugène Pottier – Paris, June 1871
Hellraisers Journal: Monday May 2, 1898
From London’s Social Democrat: the Story of an Old Communard, Conclusion
The story of the Old Communard, begun in a French village in the year 1880, ends in that same village in the year 1891, during the month of May:
Father Martin was carried to the cemetery and laid to rest in the little corner of earth reserved for the poor, of whom he had been all his life the valiant defender.
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From the Social Democrat of May 1898:
THE OLD COMMUNARD.
(Il en Était)
—–(From the French of J, B. Clément.)
—–
—–
V.
The honest and laborious sallies of the brave William, who was respected largely on account of his herculean strength, at length brought forth fruit.
Father Martin was able from time to time to go and enjoy the shelter of the grand old tree of liberty without being molested. In time, too, the people, who until now had regarded him with an air of contempt, began to acknowledge him at meeting, and sometimes even to salute him with respect.
The old man informed his son of this little alteration of opinion.
“Father,” replied the latter, “I also have observed it; the people who lately shunned me are coming to me again, and are testifying a sympathy which is quite touching. I am happy for your sake, but indifferent as regards myself.”
Father and son were worthy of each other.
