THE FUNERAL SERVICES OF THE CLERICAL VICTIMS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 27, 29 July 1871, Page 16

THE FUNERAL SERVICES OF THE CLERICAL VICTIMS.

Paris, June 7th.—The funeral services to-day over the remains of the five clerical victims of the Commune, were solemn and impressive. Notre Dame was grandly arrayed. The central object in the solemn pomp was a gorgeous catafalque, containing the remains of the Archbishop, surrounded by minor structures, bearing the corpses of Dugueivy, Cure of the Madelaine; Suret, Grand Vicar of the Diocese; Recourt and Sebastian. The coffin of the Archbishop was covered with a pall of black velvet, embroidered and enriched with a massive silver cross. Thousands of tapers were burning in silver candelabras, and the incense vessels were also of silver. The floor was covered with black cloth and the pulpit with black gauze, bespangled with silver stars. The transepts, one hundred and fifty yards wide,' appeared like huge recesses. Black drapery covered every statue except those of the Virgin and child and Saint Denis, First Bishop of Paris. In the midst of all were the black and charred remains of the Bishop’s chair, and his throne, also half-burned, from which the Communists endeavored to burn the cathedral. It was, and will be left intact as monuments of the crime.

Along the route of the procession the windows and street were crammed with spectators. Bells were tolling and a salute of guns was fired. A strong force of regulars with reversed arms and muffled drums were in the procession. The funeral car of the Archbishop was covered with silver and was drawn by six horses. Another beautiful car containing the remains of Suret followed. The procession reached the Cathedral at 11 o’clock. Inside the church was crowded with members of the Assembly, Priests, and Sisters of Charity. At 11 o’clock the Priests and Deputies with military music left the chancel and proceeded to the great doors, which were draped in black, to meet the coffins. Chanting then commenced, and outside was heard the beating of drums, the pealing of trumpets, and the roaring of cannon. At the Elevation of the Host the firing was repeated. The altar was magnificently decorated and the services were long and solemn. M‘Mahon, Vinoy, Douai, L’Admirault, and Favre were present.