VICTOR HUGO IN PARIS.

Hawke's Bay Times, Volume 16, Issue 896, 19 December 1870, Page 2

VICTOR HUGO IN PARIS.

No sooner was the Republic proclaimed than from all quarters the exiles of all opinions hastened to return to Paris. The Orleauist Princes started on Jtho road, but from some mysterious cause re? turned to England ; but the Republicans have been welcomed with open arms. Chief among the returns was, of course, the author of f The tjunchback of Notre Dame," and tlje following details of Victor Hugo's reception, after his nineteen years' absence, which we take from the Rappel, will be read with interest :- At half-past 9 o'clock the whistle of the engine was heard—the train was approaching. Then there was a struggle to know who would be the first to greet the illustrious exile, and so great was the excitement that he passed by U 3 without our having seen him. We only became aware that he had so by hearing acclamations in the court yard.' Thither we can, Victor Hugo wanted to enter a voiture, but the people would not have it; they absolutely bore him away and made him address them from the windows of a cafe' at one of the angles of the court. Ho said : —Words fail to express my feelings for the enthusiastic reception given me by the noble people of faris. Citizens, I said, " The day on which the Republic will return I shall return." Here I am, (Cheers.) Two great feelings call mefirst, the Republic; second, danger. (Hear, hear.) I have come* here to do my duty. What is my <l»ty ? It is yours —it is all of ours. It is to defend guard Paris. To save Paris it* more than to save France; it is to save the world, Paris is the very centre of humanity. Paris is the sacred city. Who attacks Paris attacks the huuidii race in.the mass. (Cheers.) Paris is the capital of civilisation, which is neither a kingdom nor an empire, but the human, race in its past, iu its future j and do you know why Paris is the capital of cjvilisa* tion ? It is because Paris is the city of the Revolution. (Prolonged braves.) That such a city, such a capital, such a focus of light, such a centre of heart, mind, and soul, such a brain of universal thought should be violated, broken, taken by assault —by whom ? by a savage in* vasiou ? It cannot be ; it will not be—never, never. (Cries of " no, no," " never, never.") Citizens, Paris will triumph because it represents the popular instinct—s the popular instinct is always in harmony with the idea of civijitation. Paris w|ll triumph, but on one condition—if you and al} here shall be one soul-r-if we be but one soldier and one citizen—one citizen to love Paris, one soldier to defend it. On this condition—one Republic and one people —-Paris will triumph. As for myself, I thank you for your cheers, but I refer them to this deep anguish which stirs the hearts of all—the country in danger. I ask of you but one tiling—: union. By union you will conquer. Banish (Jissension, check resentments, be united, and you will be invincible. Let us all rally round the Republic in face of invasion, and be brothers—rwe shall conquer. It is by fraternity that we save liberty. (Great cheering, and cries of " Vice Victor Hugo! Vive la Repub-, Uque! "