2-887-995 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Tree of Liberty, cut down in Paris, 1850. 'During the past week riots of a revolutionary character have taken place in that capital; the ostensible cause of which was the removal of some of the decayed trees of liberty which disfigured the Boulevards...On the tree of liberty at the Porte St. Martin, the inscription of "Vive la Republique Nouvelle" had been placed. This tree was also decorated with fresh wreaths and ribbons; a small bust of Liberty was placed on the trunk; and under it, a placard, with an extract from the Code Pénal. The mob formed a circle about the tree, dancing, and singing the Marseillaise; and lanterns and torches gleamed in every direction...Between two and three o'clock in the afternoon, the crowd became so thick and compact about the Porte St. Martin, that troops had to be ordered up to keep the streets clear...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.