Translation:Report on Martinet (12 September 1885)

Cabinet of the Prefect of the Nord

This morning in Roubaix, a man named Martinet, a recidivist with multiple convictions for theft and indecent assault, who is prohibited from residing in Lille and has established himself in the much more dangerous environment of the Roubaix conurbation, posted a yellow placard on the walls entitled "Electoral manifesto of a Pariah, abstentionist candidate". This manifesto contains the most vehement incitements to violence, which are even of such a nature as to be almost ridiculous, but they have nonetheless profoundly scandalized and moved an industrial population that, whether on the side of employers or workers, is inclined to take all violence and anarchic manifestations seriously.

One reads in this manifesto phrases such as this: "Citizens, whatever deputies you nominate, you will never be able to form a parliament that dares to enact this formidable but just law:

Sole Art. : Roubaix shall be razed.

"Yes! Roubaix must disappear from the face of the earth. To preserve Sodom, five righteous men were needed. We will show you five equitable, humane bosses in Roubaix! The crimes of the manufacturers have reached their limit; to acquire wealth, they have done everything, too bad for them and too bad for their wealth!" – And further on: "The rich hoard everything, and some poor people envy everything; destroy everything and you will have eliminated the selfishness of the former and the envy of the latter. Citizens, you are asked for contributions to post bills, to launch manifestos; keep your money to buy a rifle; do not vote, destroy!"

The posting of this bill on the walls this morning caused a strong emotion, and I had to, in the presence of the movement of opinion that was occurring, order the seizure of this bill and its removal by the central commissaire, inviting him to refer this incitement to pillage and riot to the public prosecutor. I had previously agreed with this magistrate.

The presence of the aforementioned Martinet, who, as demonstrated by the nature of his convictions, does not even merit the interest attached to certain fiery minds of anarchism, is becoming increasingly troublesome in the volatile environment of Roubaix. During my last visit to this town, on the occasion of a prize distribution, he went so far as to throw a letter into my car in which he threatened me. This dates back two months, and I had not mentioned it because I believe it appropriate to disregard all facts of this nature that might affect me. However, in light of the new escapade in which this repeat offender has just engaged, the threats he is reported to have made against the central commissioner of Roubaix and several police officers, I must take into account the entirety of this individual's actions and behavior. I therefore respectfully request that you prohibit him from residing in the Department of the Nord, at the very least in all the localities that include a large working-class population, such as Roubaix, Tourcoing, Armentières, Valenciennes, Denain, Anzin, Denain, Dunkerque, Fourmies, and Maubeuge.