ffre's request, they retired some twelve miles farther
southward with a view to taking a position behind the Seine. In the
meantime the Germans had built pontoon bridges across the Marne, and
were threatening the Allies all along the line of the British forces and
the Fifth and Ninth French Armies. Consequently several outpost actions
took place.

By the 1st of September, 1914, the day of the Russian victories at
Lemberg, Von Kluck's army had reached Senlis, only twenty-five miles
from Paris. Despite this imminent danger, the capital was remarkably
quiet and calm; every day, as fateful event crowded upon event, seemed
to renew the resolution and coolness of the population. It seemed
advisable, however, to transfer the seat of government for the time
being from Paris to Bordeaux, after assuring the defense of the city by
every means that could be devised.

The defenses of Paris consisted of three great intrenched camps, on the
north, east, and southwest, respectively. Of these the most important is
the last, which includes all the fortified area to the south and west of
the Seine. A railway over sixty miles in length connects all the works,
and, under the shelter of the forts, it could not only keep them
supplied with the necessary ammunition and stores, but also it could be
utilized to convey troops from point to point as they might be needed.
However, it was an open secret that even the outer and newer defenses
were not of any great strength. If the Germans broke through the
outlying circle of forts, the inner line would be of small value, and
the city itself would be exposed to long-range bombardment. Paris was
not ready for a siege, and if attacked it would speedily fall.

Early in the morning of September 3, 1914, President Poincare,
accompanied by all the ministers, left Paris, and was followed at noon
by the members of the Senate and Chamber of Deputies, and the reserves
of the Banque de France. The higher courts were also transferred to
Bordeaux. The municipal authority was constituted by the president of
the City Council, and the Council of the Seine Department, who were
empowered to direct civil affairs under the authority of General
Gallieni as military governor, the prefect of Paris, and the prefect of
police.

On his appointment to the command, Gallieni did what he could to
strengthen the defenses. Trenches were dug, wire entanglements were
constructed, and hundreds of buildings that had been allowed to