The programme of the Commune, which is supposed to be
:guided by Blanqai, who however remains concealed, is apparently to federalize France. At all events, each of the ten great cities is to be secured its autonomy under certain conditions in the ulti- mate arrangement with the Assembly. Moreover, in the Charter ,to be accepted by the nation the ten cities are to be exempted in some way from the danger of being ruled by the country districts, that is, are to rule them. We have endeavoured elsewhere to explain the kind of constitution to which its theories, when trans- lated into political language, seem to point ; but we may mention here that the Commune sits in secret ; that its decree prohibiting obedience to the Assembly on any point is a virtual declaration of independence ; that it has not disavowed the Journal Officiel, which preaches assassination ; and that it has demanded a written adhe- sion from every member of the National Guard. Those who will not sign it are to surrender their arms and to be deprived of their pay. This measure will leave the whole armed force of the city in the hands of the insurgents. No " communistic " measure in the English sense has yet been sanctioned, except the decree on rent, and it is believed that violent differences of opinion as to financial measures exist among the members. They will probably take the progressive income-tax out of the old Revolutionary repertoire.
