We reproduce here five reports from the French daily press written immediately after the Chateau d’Eau meeting where Michel spoke her famous words. They come from:
L’Echo de Paris, 5 June 1886
In translation: "Miss Louise Michel followed the preceding speaker; she discussed the République being a prostitute and she ended by saying that she saw only one solution: kill the governors."
On this newspaper:
L’Echo de Paris 1884-1942. Journal founded by V. Simond. In the first years mainly devoted to literature and art. Later the newspaper became Catholic and conservative.
Source: gallica.bnf.fr, view newspaper page.
Le Matin 4 June 1886
In translation: “Citizens, the day when you will be called upon to wipe out this confederacy of wenches and those who inhabit it is not far, and on that day you will see me amongst you, as always ready to give my life!” The citizen Louise retook her place under enthusiastic applause mixed with cries “Long live the Revolution! Long live the Commune!”
On this newspaper:
Le Matin 1882-1944. From 1884 in the hands of an American board of directors. This board chose two rightwing editors (Paul de Cassagnac and J.J. Cornélis) and two leftwing editors (Jules Vallès and Emmanuel Arène).
Source: gallica.bnf.fr, view newspaper page.
L’Intransigeant, 5 June 1886
In translation: "Citizen Louise Michel is welcomed with warm applause. In a short and eloquent address, she claims for all the exploited the right to revolt against the exploiters: “We simply want, she said, that those who work, do not perish of hunger.”
On this newspaper:
L’Intransigeant 1880-1940. Founded by Henri Rochefort. Shifted form a leftwing position to Boulangism.
Source: gallica.bnf.fr, view newspaper page.
Le Cri du Peuple, 5 June 1886
In translation:"The day when one will revolt against them, one will not busy oneself with nuances between diverse socialist fractions. We are all honest. I don’t know with how much the level of the water will rise when those miserable we have to get rid of are in; As far as I’m concerned: throw them in the water, all those crooks, and I cry: Long live the Social Revolution ! (thunderous applause)"
On this newspaper:
Le Cri du Peuple 1871, 1883-1889. Journal of Jules Vallès. It became later the newspaper of the socialist group of Jules Guesde.
Source: gallica.bnf.fr, view newspaper page
Le Petit Parisien 5 June 1886
Report of the meeting, but no reproduction of the speeches.
View article of 5 June 1886, source: gallica.bnf.fr
On this newspaper:
Le Petit Parisien 1876-1944. Newspaper with a general informative character.