One of the Vice-Presidents was knocked down and trampled on, and one
account of the affray said that the President was so roughly handled
that he fainted.
Finally, the deputies drove the representatives of the Government from
the tribune, and took possession of it themselves.
What new deed of violence they might have attempted it is impossible to
say, but at this moment a door at the end of the chamber opened, and in
marched a force of sixty policemen.
In their trim uniforms and their spiked steel helmets, they presented a
very formidable appearance, and the effect on the house was magical.
The members were astounded that the Government should dare to infringe
on their rights and privileges by sending police into the chamber that
was sacred to the liberties of the people.
The Commissioner of Police was not in the least embarrassed. He treated
the deputies as he would any other disorderly mob, and, marching his men
to the foot of the tribune, ordered the deputies to come down from it.
The deputies firmly refused to do any such thing, whereupon the
Commissioner took one man by the shoulder and ordered him off.
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