The Sun. — London, England, 1870-07-18 00:00:00

know who the critics are ? The men who have failed in literature and art "—" What he said was said very well, and it was addressed to a people who, though the shyest in the world, have a passion for public speaking, than which no achievement more tests reserve "—Lady St. Jerome and Miss Arundel making their obeisance, "They seemed to sink into the earth, and then slowly and super naturally to emerge "—" Nothing in .life is more remark able than the unnecessary anxiety which we endure, and generally occasion ourselves "—" I believe nothing in the newspapers is ever true,' said Madame Phoebus. `And that is why they are so popular,' added Euphrosy!r, ' the taste of the a g e being so decidedly for fiction " Age is frequently beautiful, wisdom appears like an aftermath, and the heart which has seemed dry and dis ordered suddenly puts forth'shoots of sympathy. [THE CONCLUSION OF THIS NOTICE WILL APPEAR TO-MORROW. OUR COTEMPORARIES—This Morning, THE WAIL The Telegraph considers the declaration of war a debdcle of the European system—a breaking up, in an awful crash, of the barriers which have hitherto held to their form the leading nations of civilisation—and no interests are guaranteed, no policy is secure, against the influence of the events which are approaching. At such a time what ought to be the one desire—the earnest hope of England ? Surely, so long as honour and right permit, to hold aloof from the lamentable contest. This must be the aim of our policy, and it is not too much to say that the chance by limiting the struggle, and of restoring peace at some point short of general catastrophe, depends upon our firm persistence in that course. If, then, we claim the function of a neutral Power, we must be scrupulously careful to observe the obligations of neutrality— obli gations which are too palpably violated by hasty judgments. It is not proper or justifiable to mix condemnation of war with absolute decisions upoi the steps which hare led to it. Very little is yet known of the secret history of those transactions which have terminated in the deplorable declara tion of the 15th. If that history should prove the war to have been sought all along by the Emperor, as a diversion from his domestic difficulties, there need be, in that evil case, no impatience ; the truth will manifest itself, and the justice of Heaven is strong enough to vindicate huma nity upon such a crime. If, on the other hand, the guilt should lie on the side of Prussia, condemnation can be uttered soon enough. But while we elect to be neutrals and spectators, it is not becoming to be judges too. The passions of the time ought to be warn ings to us, not incitements. Still more strongly must we disallow all expressions 'which appear to cover a menace. Our national policy is well known—we detest war, love peace, and shall remain at peace so long as duty and honour permit. We have, therefore, no right to denounce and no basis for threatening anybody. A pacific attitude is noble only while it is silent. The Standard thinks it quite clear from the text of the declaration made on Friday afternoon—a text which the telegraphic summary very imperfectly rendered—that the whole blame cannot be thrown on France, even if we leave out of consideration the circumstance which the attitude of the French Government naturally suggests that it was morally convinced that the Hohenzol lern candidature was but the continuation of a policy directed to the weakening and humiliation of France. The declaration of the French Government is of course an ex Porte statement, but it would be very indefensible to suppose that any Government presenting to the national representation a statement, professing to describe the stages of a negotiation broken off by war, would grossly misrepresent the facts, although it pos sibly enough might colour them, and draw from them unjust inferences. If the King of Prussia did inform the French Ambassador through an aide-de-camp that he would not receive him ; if he gave emphasis and offen siveness to this refusal—in itself almost a casus belli—by pronouncing that in order to prevent any doubt as to the meaning of the step he had officially communicated it to the Courts of Europe, it must be allowed that, techni cally, Prussia offered war. The provocation may have been sufficient. That is a question upon which no °Pinion can yet be fairly offered, but from any view of the case that step on the part of the King of Prussia made war inevitable, and the fact that it was taken shows that the Prussian Government was quite as willing as the French for the conflict. The Times takes it for granted that the South German States will join Prussia, since whatever bitterness they 'nay cherish on account of the policy of Berlin in 1866 will be removed when that 'power stands forth as the champion of the national independence. Bava ria has already cast in her lot with Prussia, though the Bavarian Rhine province will probably have to bear the first shock of the war. Wurtemberg has mobilised her army and convoked her estates. The first shot fired on the Rhine may unite Germany, possibly for ever ; and, should this be accomplished, the French would have to face a great nation of forty millions, united by a spirit of the strongest patriotism, stung by a sense of insult and i njury, and knowing that what they may lose in this war can never be recovered. On the other hand, the French are nearly forty millions also, and-they have the advantage of more concentrated national power. Although the leadership of Prussia is now established, a large por tion of the German army will enter on the campaign in the character of allies rather than of soldiers of King William. This gives a certain superiority to France, which the Germans will have to compensate by the energy and devotion of their service. So far for the two main combatants ; but there is a real danger that war may overpass the limits of the now hostile Empires. Rolland and Switzerland are taking measures to Preserve their neutrality. The latter need not be much troubled; but Holland lies unpleasantly near the chief field of operations, the Rhine the object of this aggression, meets the sea within her limits, and the House of Bonaparte has not ceased to remember that the Netherlands were once departments of the Empire. The position of Belgium is even more a cause for regret. Austria has eight millions of Ger man subjects; and though they are now politically sepa rated from the fatherland they cannot forget their real identity with the nation which France is attacking. Then the Hungarian Liberals, though no admirers of Berlin, are likely to sympathise with the German people to a war of national defence. Considering these two important facts, it would seem impossible for the Viennese to follow its ianti-Prussian instincts so far as [to join ; indeed there may be a strong pressure exerted in the contrary direction. If the war lasts A us tria may move, but for the present Germany must bear the shock alone. Behind all these is the vast and dim figure of Russia, which may at any time emerge with a clearer light, and show an unsuspected strength. The Daily News, speaking of the comparative merits of F rench and Prussian soldiers, says the former, as all the world k nows, are famous for elan, or dash, and they are supposed to have such a natural sagacity that it is prac ticable and advantageous to send them to the attack in a formation—the open order—which would be fatal to ordinary troops. During the Italian war we used to read of a battalion of Zouaves being let loose upon the unfortunate Austrians " like a pack of hounds." As a pendant to this picture we are presented with a representation of the Prussians, and indeed of all soldiers of Teutonic blood, as patient and pipeclayed, and too stupid either to wiri or run away. This view is not borne out by English observation of the Prus sian soldier. Those of our military men who saw him in Bohemia or South Germany in 1866 describe him as calm, firm, and quick; and those who have since studied the training and discipline of the Prussian army tell us that the serious modifications it has undergone during the last ten years have been made with a view to augment the faculty of independent action. If, on a comparison of the armies of France and -Prussia, we must admit that secrecy and a fixed purpose give a momentary advantage to the former Power —one, however, which every week will diminish—a comparison of the naval V9wer of the two countries is less unfavourable to Prussia. of that she can boast anything like the number of ironclads possessed by France, but she has none ex cept powerful, heavily-armed, and most effective ves sels, while many of those of France, from incom plete plating, are scarcely better than wooden ships. Prussia will probably not attempt to do more than de fend the ports of the North German Confederation, and to this task her force is believed to be equal. USPENSION of THE NORWICH CROWN BANK.—It has been already announced in our co l umns th a t Si r R. J. y• Harvey was found shot through the chest on Fri "ay afternoon at Crown Point, near Norwich. The result of the occurrence was that on Saturday morning the fol lowing notice was affixed to the doors of the Norwich Crown B an i_ " In consequence of the lamentable catas the whi c h h as h appene d" t o Sir Robert Harvey, it has b determined by the other partners to suspend the business of the bank for the present.—July 16." Last ?light Sir Rob er t H arvey was s till alive, but his condition is considered to be very critical. CRYSTAL PALACE AQUARIUM COMPANY (LIMITED). --The capital of this company has been fully subscribed, and the first deposit of £2 per share paid up. The con tracts for the building and hydraulic machinery required have been let to responsible parties, and the works will be eoixtmenced immediately. The company have retained the exclusive services of Mr. W. A. Lloyd, well known for his experience in this department of natural history, , 11 d director of the aquarium of the Zoological Garden at araburg. The aquariums will be opened without fail on t he first Saturday of April, 1871. The number of visitors Present on Saturday (as. day) was as follows :—By season tickets, 9,668 ; on payment, 4,468 ; total, 14,136. THE WAR. INVASION OF FRENCH TERRITORY BY THE PRUSSIANS. M. Rouher announced on Saturday in the Senate that the Prussians had entered French territory. According to private information the PrusOans entered France near Landau, but returned shortly afterwards into Prussian territory. The correspondent of the Telegraph says that on the Prussians crossing the frontier at Sierck, near Thion ville, they were repulsed. The peasants rose as one man. The garrison at Metz turned out too late. The Constitutionnel, however, contradicts the rumour of a Prussian invasion of French territory. It adds that only six or seven Prussian horsemen, evidently scouts, were noticed on the frontier, and that the Prussians are not massing troops at that point. The same paper announces that patriotic manifestations have occurred in diffe rent towns of France, and especially at Perpignan, Nimes, Lille, Tarbes, Nancy, Amiens, Dijon, and Havre. On each occasion of the departure of regiments they received an ovation from the people. In Paris fresh war like demonstrations occurred last night. The crowd sang the " Marseillaise," shouting " Vive la France ! " " Vive l'Emp6reur ! " The French were at Thionville, near Metz, yesterday. The Prussians have occupied a French village, near Longwy, and an encounter is expected to-day. THE PRUSSIAN IRON-CLADS. The Western, Morning News states that five French iron• dads left Cherbourg on Thursday with the intention of intercepting the three Prussian ironclads that left Ply mouth on Wednesday for Kiel. THE COMMAND OF THE FRENCH ARMY. The Emperor leaves on Wednesday with' the Prince Imperial, the Empress remaining as Regent. High com mands, it is said, will be given to Marshal MacMahon, Marshal Bazaine, and General Trochu. Changarnier, who ref Used a marshal's baton a few months ago, has offered to serve, and will probably be employed. Amongst the rumours more or less worthy of credit in circulation is one to the effect that the French troops will not cross the Rhine, but occupy the Rhenish provinces on this side. It is also reported that 100,000 men are to be sent to Denmark (?), and it is hoped that Belgium will declare for France, Another report is that Rome is to be evacuated, and the Pope left to his own protection. Italy, in return, will side with France. The Times' correspondent telegraphs that the Emperor's departure for the army is certain, and he will be accom panied by the Imperial Prince. France seeks no alliance, but prefers single-handed conflict. The despatch of troops to the frontier is actively continuing. Don Carlos, now in Paris, is ordered to quit France. SPEECH OF THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON. At Saturday'F reception of the members of the Senate by the Emperor at St. Cloud, M. Rouher, addressing his Majesty, said :—" The guarantees demanded from Prussia have been refused, and the dignity of France has been disregarded. Your Majesty draws the sword, and the country is with you, trembling with indig nation at the excesses that an ambition, over excited by one day's good fortune, was sure, sooner or later, to produce. Your Majesty was able to wait, but has occupied the last four years in per fecting the armament and the organisation of the army." M. Rouher added : "He ventured to hop e that the Empress would again act as Regent, and that the Emperor would take the command of the army." The Emperor replied : " Messieurs lee Unateurs,—l was gratified to learn with what great enthusiasm the Senate revived the declaration which the Minister of Foreign_ Affairs had been instructed to make. Whenever great interests and the honour of France are at stake, I am sure to receive energetic sup port from the Senate. We are beginning a serious struggle, and France needs the co-operation of all her children. lam very glad that the first patriotic utterance has come from the Senate. It will be loudly re-echoed throughout the country." A decree of yesterday's date has been issued ordering the National Mobile Guards of the first three army corps to repair immediately to the chief towns of each depart ment. The Senate unanimously voted on Saturday, as urgent, the financial credits voted on Friday by the Legislative Body. The sitting was then suspended for a short time. On the adjournment of the House the members proceeded in a body to St. Cloud. The Union Liberate announces that several waggons of gunpowder have arrived at Verviers. A part of this am• munition has been sent on to Dolhain, where a detach ment of Engineers is preparing mines for blocking the tunnel of the railway if threatened by Prussia. Prince Napoleon will return to France immediately. Marshal Bandon has left for Algeria in order to replace Marshal MacMahon. THE INSULT TO M. BENEDETTI. The Times correspondent says the public demand by M. Benedetti at Ems was not the only insult that was offered to the King. On the 12th of July the Duo de Gratnont told Baron Werther that France insisted upon the King of Prussia publishing a letter to the Emperor Napoleon and asking his pardon, and that no allusion must bo made in the letter to the fact that the Catholic Ilo henzollerns being near relations to the Bonapartes. Baro n Werther declined to communicate the message. The Crown Prince of Prussia will take the command of the South German armies. BAVARIA. AND THE WAR. The organs of the Government at Munich confirm the news that the King has decided to consider a cans ftederis with Prussia as having arisen, and that consequently Bavaria enters into the war with Prussia against France. The co-operation of the Bavarian army with that of North Germany will commence at once. THE GRAND DUCHY OF LUXEMBURG. The Prussians have torn up the railway lines on the frontier of the Grand Duchy. Two thousand men are encamped at Wasserbillig. Communication with Treves is interrupted. According to a telegram received from the Chargt d'Affaires of Luxemburg at Paris, the Duc de Gramont has declared that France would not think of taking the initiative in violating the neutrality of the Grand Duchy. The Chamber has been convoked for Friday next. FRANCE AND BELGIUM. The Due de Gramont has informed Lord Lyons, the British Ambassador, and Baron Bevens, the Minister of Belgium, that France will respect, even strategically, Bel gian neutrality. THE KING OF PRUSSIA ON THE WAR. The following is the King of Prussia's reply to an ad dress received from the Commercial Chamber at Hamburg: —" With heartfelt emotion I receive at this moment a telegram of the Commercial Chamber of to-day's date. No one knows better than I, who had to speak the decisive word, what sacrifices will shortly be required from the whole Fatherland ; but the self-devotion expressed by the Commercial Chambers the moment the honour of Germany is at stake fills me with pride and tranquility. On God's blessing all things depend, WILHELM REX." An official decree has been published prohibiting the exportation or transit of arms and ammunition. The Minister of Copenhagen, and the Governors of Konigs burg, Stettin, Hanover, and Kiel have isseud a noti fications announcing that the Federal Council has ordered in the event of the outbreak of the war with France, that French merchant vessels which may be stationed in German ports at the commencement of hostilities, or which may subsequently enter such ports before having heard of the outbreak of war, shall be allowed to remain in such ports and to embark or disem bark cargoes until six days, to be reckoned from the out break of war, shall have elapsed. GERMAN ENTHUSIASM AND CONTI NENTAL ENTHUSIASM. The utmost enthusiasm prevails throughout Germany against France. The whole of Germany is as one people in arms to repel the insult offered to the national honour. The North German Parliament has been ordered to assemble to-morrow. The mobilisation of the Prussian army is ordered, and also that of Bavaria, Saxony, and Wurtemberg. From Belgium we learn that the Government is taking energetic measures to preserve the neutrality of the kingdom. Denmark, it is stated in a telegram from Copenhagen, has determined to remain neutral. In Holland and Switzerland military measures are being adopted for the defence of the neutrality of those States. Telegrams from Florence state that an anti-French demonstration has taken place in that city, cries being raised of " Down with France !" and " Hurrah for Prussia!" In Paris and Florence the rumour has prevailed that the French intend to withdraw their troops from Rome. The rumour is, however, con • tradicted by the Peuplg - Francais. The Italian Govern ment has been requested, it is said, by the French Government to state what attitude it means to assume in the present contest. Madrid advices state that owing to the withdrawal of the candidature of Prince Leopold of Hohenzollern. the Spanish Cortes are not now to assemble. Lii Paris. THE SUN, LONDON, MONDAY MORNING, JULY 18. 1870. destination. These three vessels are intended to bring back to France about 6,000 men and 1,000 horses, and before the month has expired it is expected that at least 40,000 men and 6,000 horses will be withdrawn from Algeria. In the meantime operations are car ried on with unceasing activity in the dockyard and arsenals of Toulon. The ironclad frigates Valeu reuse, Revanche, and Gloire have been fitted for service, and these vessels, with the Magenta, wilt almost double the present strength of the Mediterranean Squadron. In addition to these vessels the paddle steamers Magellan, Alogador, Panama, and Albatross have been prepared for sea. The vessels employed for the protection of the coast fisheries have been withdrawn, and their crews will doubtless find employment elsewhere. The preparations by land are equally active. The Electeur du Finisterre says that the agriculturists are ordered to hold at the disposal of the military authorities all horses in their possession. The Gaulois states that since Wednesday afternoon 12,000 waggons have been dispatched by the Eastern Railway laden with flour and biscuits for the frontier, and 254 cases of surgical requisites were also forwarded express by the same line on Wednesday evening. According to the same paper the Eastern Railway Company had undertaken to convey the whole of the troops at the camp of Chalons, together with their horses, guns, ammunition, and stores complete, to the frontiers within sixteen hours. Troops have also been sent off by the Northern line. In 1 the ordnance department everything has been pre , pared, and some changes of distribution are to be made for the first time. Each division of infantry is to have attached to it three batteries of artillery, instead of two as before. Engineer com panies specially devoted to telegraphy and the repair and destruction of railways have been formed. The 4foniteur Universal states that the Minister of War has taken all the necessary measures for the mobilization of 100 batta lions of the Garde Mobile in the departments of the Seine and of the Fast. "If war were to break out these batta lions, comprising nearly fifty thousand men, could be called into active service, and be transported to the camp at Chalons within less than a week." Marshal MacMahon has left his command in Algeria, and is by this time in Paris. Vice-Admiral Count Bonet Willanmez, who has been given a great 'naval command, has left Paris for Cherbourg. Lastly —most ominous symptom of all M. Benedetti, French Ambassador at Berlin, is already One very significant item of news in the Patrie ought not to be overlooked. The Danish squadron, six ironclad strong, is now at anchor at Constantinople ready to set sail at the first signal. LATEST INTELLIGENCE. (CENTRAL PRESS TELEGRAMS.) THE NORWICH ELECTION PETITION. The Norwich election petition is expected to be filed this week. INDIA AND AMERICA: News of the declaration of war has reached America and India, and we have already telegrams in reply. A meeting of German merchants has taken place at Calcutta to raise subscriptions for the aelief of the wounded. Business, it is said, has been much disturbed in consequence of the news of the waz. FroM the United States we learn that President Grant has sent a message to CongresEi urging the necessity of legisiation with a view to increase the commercial marine, by purchasing foreign built vessels. M. Prevost-Paradol was officially presented to the President on Saturday. M. Prevost-Paradol said he rejoiced at being selected for this mission at a time when the traditional friendship between France and the United States was darkened by no cloud. He would faithfully endeavour to strengthen the political sympathy and to enlarge the industrial and commercial relations between France and the United States. Presi dent Grant replied by assuring M. Prevost;Paradol of his cordial support in every effort to increase the com merce and to perpetuate the traditional amicable relations between the two countries. On receipt of the President's Message by the Senate a bill providing for the issue of American registers to foreign-built vessels was called up and briefly debated, and then laid aside without action. The House of Representatives, in an ex tended session, debated the same bill, and it was tabled by 95 against 75 votes. AFTER THE DECLARATION. After the declaration of war had been an nounced in the Corps L6gislatif, a still more immense crowd gathered round the building. Access to the Chamber was most difficult, and a strong body of sergents-de-ville had the utmost trouble in keeping order. When the alca jacta est was heard, the applause outside the Chamber was not less passionate, and much louder than that within. The Ministers were cheered, and " Vive L'Empereur " was much oftener heard in the course of that one afternoon than in the space of the last twelve months. Then the multitude spread itself over the city, and carried the glad tidings to every corner. A second edition of the Consti tutionnel was eagerly bought up. It contained a species of semi-official statement : " The King of Prussia has refused to receive the repre sentative of France, and has told him by a subordinate that he had nothing to communicate to him. This fact was published the same evening by the Official Gazette of Berlin, and sent by . Count Bismarck to the foreign Cabinets. To such insolence there is but one answer— war ! Our Government has done everything to avoid a conflict. It has circumscribed the Franco-Prussian dif ference to a simple dynastic question. It has revived none of the grievances which still exist in consequence of the non-fulfilment of the Treaty of Prague ; it wishes for peace —a peace which would preserve the national honour. Prussia has taken our moderation for weakness ; to the declarations, calm, proper, and pacific of our ambassador, she has responded by an injury —an act of rudeness. In that she has acted in accordance with her traditions ; we will act in accordance with ours, The susceptibilities of France are not to be played with. The remembrances of 1814 were at rest ; the King of Prussia has brutally revived them. Prussia wishes for war. Let it be. We accept it, sure in the justice of our cause, confident in the superiority of our arms. Prussia insults us ; let us cross the Rhine ! The soldiers of Jena are ready." This stirring appeal was in no way calculated to diminish the violence of the popular ferment. It was distributed everywhere. As for the Debats and the Temps, they printed the declaration without adding a word, and the Siecle, which had some articles in favour of peace ready in type, struck them out, and appeared without a comment. But most of the other journals took the popular side, and fed the flame of excite ment. Such animation has not been known before under the Second Empire. The boulevards were thronged, the perambulating crowds were larger than ever, and there was more singing of Republican songs, mingled with " Vive l'Empereur " and cries of hostility to Prussia. The decision seems welcome, and yet it is said that the Emperor was disposed to rest content with the withdrawal of the Prince. The marshals and advisers around him, however, persuaded him to go to extremities. An evening sitting of the Corps L6gislatif was held at nine o'clock on Friday, when the bills for loans, &c., were brought up. M. Gambetta invited the Chamber calmly and coolly to deliberate, and pointed out that the present policy of France differed from that followed by the Emperor in 1866. He spoke of the responsibility of the vote which he said the Cabinet were throwing "upon the Chamber. He' acknowledged the necessity of saving the country, but desired that all the documents should be laid before the. Chamber, which could thereby come to a decision. The Government were desirous of making the Corps Legis latif responsible for the war, but theyhad not sufficiently justified the motives which had dictated their resolution. M. 011ivier, interrupting the speaker, said, "We take upon ourselves this respdnsibility."—M. Gambetta then pointed out that the Government had made two contra dictory assertions,—After vain attempts on the part of M. Pelletan to address the House, a credit of 50,000,000 f. was voted by 246 against 10 votes ; a credit of 16,000,000 f. for naval purposes was also voted by 248 votes against I.—A motion to call out the Garde Mobile to active service was adopted by 243 votes against I. Another motion authorising the enlistment of volunteers for the duration of the war was adopted by 244 votes against 1. THE LEGISLATIVE BODY. In the course , of the debate that followed, M. Gambetta urged the Government to communic ate to the House not only the despatches from the diplomatic agents of France on the Franco-Prussian diffi culty, but also the insulting Prussian Note, and especially th e Circular sent by Count Bismark to all the European Cabinets. The Duc de Gramont, in reply, said this Note had been shown to the Committee of the House, and requested the Chamber to remain satisfied with that partial communication. The Left insisted upon the Note being laid before the House, and great excitement prevailed. M. Gambetta asked if the Note had really been communicated to the European Cabinets, and concluded by stating that if this despatch was of a serious nature it ought to be laid not only before the Chamber, but before the whole country, in order that the war might be a really national war. M. 011ivier said : "I am surprised that it should be so difficult to make a question of honour understood by a certain side of the House. A striking and incontestable fact exists, in pre sence of which no text is necessary. We received this Note from all our diplomatic agents." Several members of the Left exclainied " Give the text then !" M. 011ivier resumed, and implored the Chamber to close the discus sion, on the ground of its being inopportune. M. Picard said he did not dispute the existence of this Note, but only claimed its production. M. Grevy endeavoured to speak, but the close of the debate was ordered. It is stated that the Emperor signed the decla ration of war on Friday afternoon. It is believed that the Emperor will assume the chief command of the army, with Marshals Bazaine and MacMahon as subordi nates. As stated at present, the head-quarters of the French army will be at Langers. All reserves were re called on Friday evening. The army of Paris is ready to start at the first signal. PREPARATIONS FOR WAR. As yet no regular plan of operations is disclosed, and it is even uncertain whither the first movement of troops will be. A large number of details, however, have transpired. Wherever the troops are to go, there they will quickly be, for the management of the lines of railway have been studied for several month with the greatest care, and the Government has acquired the art of concentrating their forces upon a given point with the most marvellous rapidity. The steamships of the Messageries Imperiales have been retained at Marseilles, and are destined for Algeria. This country, in which the harvests have been very fine, will be able to furnish abundance of barley and oats. At Cherbourg the work of armament has been rapidly pushed forward during the last few days. The Rochanabeau, the Savoie, the Guienne, the Surveil lante, the Garonne, and the Calvados are ready to start. The two latter will go to Algeria to take troops ; the four first-named iron-clads will reinforce the ocean squadron. The Journal du Havre of the 13th of July states that there is great activity in the offices of the maritime con scription, and an order had been received to send all sailors who have not yet served six years on board of vessels of the State. A letter from Toulon, in the llfessager du Midi, states that on the 11th of July the large steam transport Eutreprenante, fitted with stalls for horses, sailed for Algiers, and another transport, the Dryade, followed the next evening, while a gaffing vessel, the Intrepide, was preparing for the same GERMANY. At Berlin, at Cologne, and at all the leading German cities, the feeling up to the very last hour was in favoar of the maintenance of peace. From the attitude of the German press, it would seem certain that this war has been forced upon Prussia by France. In all cases the North German papers have maintained an attitude of dignity, but they have not hesitated to express their unequivocal preference for peace. The Cologne Gazette, in one of its latest numbers, expressed, like the Debats of Paris, its full conviction that such a war as this must be out of the question. Similar were the remarks of the other Prussian papers, and even those of Austria, but south of the Mein the feeling was far from univer sally favourable to Germany. In one of the leading Munich papers is expressed the plain opinion that Prussia will be beaten, and that Bavaria will not be with her in defeat. " There will be no more peace in Europe so long as the State which steals crowns, ruins peoples and their legitimate Sovereigns, figures on the map of Europe." Another journal de clares that Prussia will be isolated in this struggle. This journal is very virulent. The People's Observer, of Carls rule, expresses the hope that Prussia will be humiliated. The Government is taking energetic steps for the preservation of Belgian neutrality. The Etoile Beige says--Accoiding to advices which have arrived from Berlin, London, and also from Paris, the Government have received satisfactory assurances respecting the maintenance of our neutrality. The papers contain rumours of the formation of a National Ministry composed of Liberal Catholics. The Brussels correspondent of the Avenir National states that a French note has been addressed to Belgium, in which the Government asks if Belgium is in a position to defend her frontiers, and if the Prussian army would meet with a serious resistance. In the affirmative case France would leave Belgium out of her strategical com binations, but the French army would occupy Bel gium on the first indication of the Prussian army being able to seize the country. Belgium is said to have stated in reply that she was perfectly able to defend her neutrality. In the United States the President, on Friday, sent a message to Congress calling attention to the imminence of war in Europe, which he says indicates the necessity of legislation tending to increase the commercial marine of the United States, which was at present inadequate to meet the demands the war in Europe will impose. The President suggests that the opportnniy should be afforded to citizens to purchase foreign-built vessels. The foreign mail ser vice is dependent in a large degree on the Bremen and Hamburg steamers ; if these steamers should be impeded or blockaded by France great embarrassment of the postal ser vice must ensue. The President suggests that Congress should postpone its adjournment until the exigency has been provided for. The House of Representatives has refused to take action on the message, and adjourned sine die at five o'clock. A despatch announcing the declaration of war between France and Prussia was read to the House of Representatives by the Speaker. A number of the members applauded. The Broad Arrow says :—" The Peninsular and Oriental Company's steamer Nyanza, reports that she passed a French fleet of iron-dads and seven sailing vessels—it is not said where. As the German fleet is also at sea, we may expect to hear of a naval engagement almost before anything important can take place on land. In the meantime French troops are being hurried on to the Eastern frontier." THE FIFESHIRE COAL TRADE AND IMPEND ING WAR. In consequence of the declaration of war by the French Goverm;aent a number of Prussian vessels lying at Burnt island and other parts on the Firth of Forth received orders on Saturday not to leave for home until the seas were once more clear. As the cargoes of these vessels would consist almost entirely of coal, and as many of the collieries depend much on continental demand, it is ex pected that the growing activity in mining operations will receive a temporary check. FRENCH NOTE TO BELGIUM. The Brussels correspondent of the Avenir National states that a French note has been addressed to Belgium, in which the Government asks if Belgium is in a position to defend her frontiers, and if the Prussian army - would meet with a serious resistance. In the affirmative case France would leave Belgium out of her strategical combi nations, but that the French army would occupy Belgium on the first indication of the Prussian army being able to seize the country. Belgium is said to have stated in reply that she was perfectly able to defend her neutrality. WAR FEELING IN PRUSSIA. There is great warlike enthusiasm in Berlin. 'Thousands of volunteers are demanding to be enrolled. At a grand concert at the Zoological Gardens, attended by a fashionable audience, there was a general demand for the march with which the Prussians entered Paris in 1813. According to current reports military armaments have now begun. At the Leitrim Assizes the persons convicted of a Whiteboy offence and attacking the house of a farmer named Mollaghan, whom they ordered to give up his land, were sentenced by Baron Hughes to five years' penal servitude. Two brothers named M'Ternan were sentenced to be imprisoned, one for two years and the other for one year, for the manslaughter of a farmer, wh o m they killed with' a " boy" (a spade), in a dispute about the possession of some land. FUNERAL OF THE MARQUIS OF LOTHIAN.-:—The funeral of the late Marquis of Lothian took place on Thursday, and the esteem in which the highly-gifted and deeply-lamented nobleman was held can be, though only imperfectly, appreciated from the great number of mourners, both high and low, who followed his remains to their last resting-place, Jedburgh Abbey. The Prime Minister had expretsed a desire to be present to join in paying the last honour to the deceased Marquis, but was prevented leaving London in time for the funeral owing to the tenor of recent despatches received from Paris. The ceremony in the venerable ruin which con tains the family sepulchre is described as having been of the most impressive character. REPRESENTATION OF ROCHESTER. Another large out-door meeting was held at Rochester on Saturday night. Mr. Charles James Fox, the working man's candidate, was present and explained his views, speaking in favour of Protection as opposed to the Free-trade policy. No other candidate has come forward in opposi tion to Mr. Goldsmid. The nomination takes place to day. If a poll is demanded it will take place to-morrow. TRIAL FOR MURDER IN IRELAND. At Tipperary Assizes, on Saturday, John Gleeson was tried for the murder of Patrick Kirwan, laud bailiff, at Holycross, Tipperary, on the 11th of April. The Attorney-General prosecuted. Evidence showed that possession of Gleeson's farm was taken for Kirwan for Clarke, the landlord, an arrangement by which Gleeson got a considerable sum. Kirwan remained at the farm after the other bailiffs left, and was found some hours later dead, his head being literally beaten in, and a large blood-stained stone beside him. Gleeson after being arrested made a confession, which was_given in evidence, to the effect that Kirwan provoked him by refusing him permission to remove some bushes, using angry expressions, and that in a sudden fit of passion he struck Kirwan down with a pitchfork which he had in his hand. He was in such a passion that he could not say how many more blows he gave him. His sister Ellen, who has since disappeared, was looking on. Judge Law son ruled that the facts alleged in the confession would not reduce the crime to manslaughter, but after two hours deliberation the jury were unable to agree to a verdict. They were then locked up for the night. Eventually the jury were discharged without giving a verdict. STORM IN SCOTLAND. A thunder-storm passed over Edinburgh and a large part of the east of Scotland on Saturday. A number of houses were struck by lightning in Edinburgh and else where, and some animals killed in the fields. CHARGE OF FRAUD. Thomas O'Reilly, bankrupt, who has carried on busi ness at Merchants' Quay, Cork, as a general dealer, was arrested on Saturday evening on a charge of fraud in con nection with his bankruptcy. It is alleged that the bankrupt had obtained large quantities of goods from English and Scotch houses after he had become insolvent, and disposed of them by action under cost prices. He was examined in the Dublin Bankruptcy Court on Friday, and the case was adjourned, protection being ex tenued, but circumstances which were subsequently ascertained led to a warrant for his arrest being taken out. WRECK OF A STEAMER. The steamer Chilian, outward bound from Liverpool to New Orleans, struck on the Brazil bank at the entrance to the Mersey on Saturday night. She broke up yester day morning, but no lives were lost. THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SHOW AT OXFORD. The trial of agricultural implements moved both by steam and hand power was finished on Saturday. The judges' awards for the implements will be made known to. clay. A meeting in the show-yard was held in the afternoon, and attended by the committee and exhibitors of steam cultivators, for the consideration of a suggestion, which seems to be advisable with reference to the prizes to be offered at Wolverhampton ; and to report to a special council to be held in the show-yard to-morrow. RAILWAY ACCIDENT NEAR LEAMINGTON. At half-past three o'clock on Saturday morning the Scotch auxiliary mail from Carlisle to Euston ran into a luggage train which had broken down at Weedon. None of the mail passengers were seriously hurt, but the conductor jumped from his van, and is considerably injured. SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. CITY BETTING-SATURDAY. GOODWOOD STAKES. 6to 1 aget Capitaliste (taken and offered) 15 to 1 agst John Davis (offered) 10 to 1 agst Indian Ocean (taken and offered) 10 to 1 agst Sweet Sound (taken and offered) 10 to 1 agst Prince Henry (taken and offered) 1000 to 80 agst Rattle ate (offered) 100 to 8 agst Miss Sheppard (offered) 20 to 1 agst Acaster (offered—take 25 to 1) 20 to 1 aget Paganini (offered—take 25 to 1) 25 to 1 agst Revenge (offered) 100 to 3 agst Toby (offered) 50 to 1 agst Newsman (offered) 800 to 200 agst Capitaliste with a start (taken) 250 to 50 agst John Davis with a start (taken) GOODWOOD CUE 225 to 100 agst Sabinus (offered) 9to 2 agst Musket (offered) sto I agst Pero Gomez (taken) 6to 1 agst Siderolite (offered—take 7to 1) 100 to 4 agst Morna (offered) 100 to 3 agst Knight of the Garter (wanted) At the Guildhall Police-court on Friday, John Duke, a cigar maker, was charged with having attempted to murder his wife, and to commit suicide, on June 20th. The evidence of the wife could not be completed, owing to her weak condition, and the prisoner was remanded. THE ATLANTIC YACHT RACE.—A yacht (supposed to be the Dauntless), throwing up blue lights, was passed on the Bth instant, in lat. 49.7 N., long. 17.50 W., by the J. A. Devereaux, arrived at this port from Charleston. Liverpool Journal of Commerce. The bill empowering the Pembroke and Tenby Railway Company to extend their line to the dockyard at Pembroke has passed both Houses of Parliament. The extension will be immediately proceeded with, and when completed will effect a large saving in the cost of transit of materials to the dockyard. A Lynchburg man, arrested as a vagrant, pro tested that he had a regular trade, and that was smoking glass for total eclipses of the sun. He remarked that as these occur so seldom, it was not to be wondered at that he seemed out of employment a good deal. HOLBEIN'S PAINTINGS.—An exhibition of Hof bein's works will be held from the 15th of August to the 15th of October next, at Dresden. The committee ap• pointed to carry on this object are anxious that possessors of original works by this master should contribute to the exhibition, in order that it may be rendered as complete as possible. A STRAY LORD.--A strange and as yet unre ported scene occurred in the House of Commons on Thursday evening. A gentleman was observed sitting next to the Secretary of the Admiralty whose• face was unfamiliar to the Speaker's eye. Mr. Baxter addressed some observation to him, and he was heard to justify his position as a " peer of the realm." Such an extraordinary and probably unprecedented tresspass, however, could not be permitted, and the noble lord, after being more than once reminded of his mistake, was gently removed from the Chamber.—Echo. The fine scenery from the King's Oak at High Beach, in Epping Forest, so highly appreciated by the ancient sovereigns of this realm, has never been witnessed by any members of the present Royal Family excepting his Royal Highness the Duke ofCambridge, who used formeily to visit the late Colonel Conyers Tit' Copt Hall, in that vicinity. His late Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex used frequently to come down to the Old Hotel at Epping-place for a few days, for the sake of enjoying the scenery and fine air in that locality. An old stump still remains of what is reported to have been an oak planted by King Harold previous to the Battle of Hastings, on the summit of the hill overlooking the valley of the Lea and Hertfordshire. FATAL GAS EXPLOSION IN GLASGOW.-011 Wed nesday evening an escape of gas was discovered in a house in the occupation of two ladies named Henrietta and Catherine Thorburn, and situated in Victoria-road, Glasgow. One of the sisters (Catherine) went to the meter to turn off the gas, but, being unable to find the turncock in the dark, she struck a lucifer match, and im mediately the accumulated gas exploded with terrific force. Assistance having been speedily summoned, a search was made, and the deceased was found, with her clothes in flames, lying on the floor of the dining-room, to which place she had been thrown by the violence of the explosion. Medical aid was immediately summoned, but he poor girl died in great agony soon after the melancholy c currence. FRIGHTFUL ACCIDENT AT THE CANNON-STREET RAILWAY STATION.—On Saturday night, about 10.15, at Cannon-street Station, a man named Cudworth, foreman of the porters, and a very steady man, was in the act of crossing the station to attend to a train that was coming in. The unfortunate man had crossed safely over several lines of metals, and whilst in the act of jumping upon the steps leading to the platform his toe caught the iron rail, and caused him to fall a few feet in front of the moving train. The driver at once shut off the steam and tried to back the train, but before he could do so, and before the poor fellow could do more than get upon his feet, the engine knocked him down, and the wheels of the train passed over his neck and head, scattering his brains over the line ; death must have been instantaneous. The poor fellow leaves a large family unprovided for, and his widow is within a month or so of giving birth to another child. DUNV I LLE and Co., Belfast, are the largest holders of whisky in the world. Their Old MO Whisky is r ommended by the medical profession iu preference to French brand . Sup plied in casks and cases for home use or exportation. Quotation on application to Messrs DUNVILLE & 4'0., Royal Irish Dis tilleries, Belfast ; or at their London Offices, 4, Beaufort Buildings Strand, W.O. NOTICE TO ENGLISH TRAVELLERS. The following has been issued from the Foreign Office : "Foreign Office, July 16. " War having been announced between France and Prussia, British subjects proceeding to any part of the Continent are recommended to provide themselves with passports before setting out on their journey, and to have them duly vise for the countries they propose to visit." The following are the regulations under which pass ports are issued by the Foreign Office : REGULATIONS RESPECTING PASSPORTS. 1. Applications for Foreign Office passports must be made in writing, and inclosed in a cover addressed to " The Chief Clerk, Foreign Office, London," with the word " Passport" conspicuously written on the cover. 2. The charge on the issue of a passport, whatever num ber of persons may be named in it, is 2s. ; and if it is de sired that the passport should be sent by post, that sum must be forwarded with the application for the passport by a Post Office order, made payable at the Post Office i Charing Cross, London, te k the chief clerk of the Foreign Office, Francis B. Adston s Esq. , Postage stamps willl not be received in payment. 3. Foreign Office passports are granted only to British born subjects, or to such foreigners as have become naturalised either by Act of Parliament or by a certificate of naturalisation granted by the Secretary of State for ,the Home Department. When the party is a " natura lised British subj ect," he will be so designated in his passport ; and if his certificate of naturalisation be dated subsequently to the 24th of August, 1850, and previously to the Ist of August, 1858, his passport will be marked as good for one year only; or should the certificate be dated subsequently to the Ist of August, 1858, his passport will in that case be marked as good for six months only, except in cases where a license for a longer period of residence abroad has been granted by the Secretary of State for the Home Department ; but this regulation will not preclude any person whom it affects from obtaining at the Foreign Office, at any future time, on his producing his old pa se port, a fresh passport in exchange for it for a further limited period, without being required to pay a fresh charge. A Foreign Office passport granted to a British born subject or to a " naturalised British subject " who has been naturalised by Act of Parliament, or whose cer tificate of naturalisation is dated previously to the 24th of August, 1850, is not limited in point of time, but is available for any time, or for any number of journeys to the Continent. 4. Passports are granted to all parsons either known to the Secretary of State or recommended to him by some person who is known to him; or upon the application of any banking firm established in London or in any part of the United Kingdom ; or upon the production of a certifi cate of identity signed by any mayor, magistrate, justice of the peace, minister of religion, physician, surgeon, solicitor, or notary, resident in the United Kingdom. 5. If the applicant for a passport be a naturalised British subject, his certificate of naturalisation, with his signature subscribed to the oath printed on the third page of it, must be forwarded to the Foreign Office with the certificate of identity granted on his behalf ; and , his cer tificate of naturalisation will be returned with the pass port to the person who may have granted the certificate of identity, in order that he may cause such naturalised British subject to sign the passport in his presence. The agents at the outports a re no t a uth or i se d to grant pass ports to naturalised British subjects, and such persons, if resident in London or in the suburbs, should apply per sonally for their passports at the Foreign Office. 6. Passports "are issued at the Foreign Office between the hours of 11 and 4 on the day following that on which the application for the passport has been received at the Foreign Office; but the passports will be issued at the outports immediately on application, accompanied by the production of a certificate of identity within such hours as may be fixed with regard to the convenience of persons desirous of embarking for the Continent. 7. A passport cannot be sent by the Foreign Office, or by an agent at an outport, to a person already abroad ; such person, being a British-born subject, should apply for one to the nearest British mission or Consulate. A passport cannot be issued abroad to a naturalised British subject except for a direct joniney to England, or in the case of a Colonial naturalised Subject for a journey back to the colony where he has been naturalised. Neither can a passport granted at the Foreign Office to a naturalised British subject for a limited period be renewed by her Majesty's diplomatic or consular agents in foreign countries; but only at the Foreign Office. 8. The bearer of every passport granted by the Foreign Office should sign his passport as soon as he receives it ; without such signature either the visa may be refused, or the validity of the passport questioned abroad. THE WIMBLEDON PRIZE MEETING. Though there was plenty of shooting going on, Satur day was looked upon as an " off day," and those who had, during the past three days, been screwed up to high pressure in order to get through the business, took things decidedly easy. And this was not a matter of surprise, for, looking at the fact that at least ten competitions have been progressing every day, one of them with nearly 2,000 men e ngage d, it h as requ i re d all the energy and tact of the officers to keep affairs in order, and the work so far having been successfully accomplished, a day's rest, or partial rest, is an essential. The statistical department, upon which so much depends, has been conducted throughout the meeting in the most admirable manner, and reflects the highest credit upon all engaged in it. There was one mistake in the list issued on Friday, but this in no way reflects upon the statistical department. It was not discovered until this morning when Private Harvies, of the Civil Service Corps returned his aggregate card, which should havebeen given up yesterday, and which chewed him to have scored 45 points for 'the first stage of the Queen's. The effect of this is to displace Major Arnold of the 2nd Surrey from the 60 best, and he has to be contented with a £3 prize instead of winning £lO and a silver badge. The further effect is to remove Captain Harrison of the North York, entirely from the prize list. On Friday night another thunderstorm passad over the camp, but though rain fell copiously in some districts of the metropolis, Wimbledon fortunately escaped, and the volunteers were thus saved the inconvenience which they experienced at the beginning of the wedk. The maximum temperature on Saturday wss 114, the maximum tempera ture in the shade 82, the minimum temperature during the night 55 ; and the barometer stands at 29'858. On Saturday morning the Whitworth rifles, with which the second stage of Queen's was shot, were delivered out to those entitled to compete at the longer ranges, and several gratets were placed at the disposal of the men for sighting purposes. The final competition takes place to-morrow. The China Cup, which is shot for by county teams, has been completed, as also have the Windmill Prizes, the International Enfield Match, the Association Cup, the Volley Prizes, &c. Altogether there has been plenty of shooting and very little excitement. The following are the official returns : THE INTERNATIONAL ENFIELD CHALLENGE TROPHY. Country. Total points. England Scotland Ireland . . , LORDS AND COMMONS MATCH. LORDS. 200 Yards. 500 Yards. Total. Earl of Dude Earl of Denbigh 37 37 . 74 Lord Wharncliffe Lord Cloncurry ...... 36 Total 146 COMMONS. Mr. Malcolm Mr. Wells 37 . ..... 70 71 Mr. Fordyce Lord Elcho Totals l4O 139 279 THE CHINA CHALLENGE Cup. Gloucestershire Devonshire Somersetshire WINDMILL, FIRST STAGE, 200 YARDS. The following competitors, who made 19 points each, win the first £l5, the second 210, the next six £5 each, and the last £4 : Quartermaster Doughty, 2d Lieut. Blundell, Ist Lan. Norfolk. Priv. Hinde, Queen's Wtst. Private Burgess, Ist Newc. Ensign Owen, Cambridge Private Caldwell, Ist Renf. University. Priv. Hammerton, L.R.B. Private Porter, 18th Perth. Private Oliver, 18th Kent. Of those who made 18 points each some receive prizes of £4, 16 prizes of £3, and 120 prizes of £2. WINDMILL, FIRST STAGE, 500 YARDS. The winner of the first prize of £l5 was Sergeant Lea, who made 20. The following made 19 points, winning £5 each : Sergt. Lea, 21st Middlesex! Pte. Hay, London Scottish CoL Sergt. Gregory, 3d Dorset Sergt. Webb, 22d Middlesex Pte. Brokes, 9th Leicstershire Gun. Finn, 3d Cinq. Ports Capt. Radcliffe, South Midse x The following, who made 18 points each, won one vrize of £5, eight of £4, 16 of £3, and one of £2 : Ensign Allen, 14th Wilts Sergt. Wright, 6th Essex Private Smyth, Ist Lanrk. Corp. Hervison,L. Scottish Serg. Chapman, 12th Yk. Col.-Sgt. Graham, 2d Wilts Pr. Caldwell, Ist Renfrews. Pvte.Lakeman, C. Service Pr. Woodford, 2d Isle of W. Corp. Trotter, th N. York Pr. Bewick, 37th Middlesex Sgt.-Maj. Cooke, Norfolk Pr.' Doe, Royal Victorias Corp. Glen, 2nd Cheshire Sergt. Davey, 3d Essex Mr. Watkins, Cam. W. Lt. Huntingford, Ist Oxfrd. Private Cree, L. Scottish Pr. Jones, 4th Oxfordshire Sgt. Roe, lst Devon Pr. Kethro, 4th Surrey Sgt.-Inst. Gilder, 18th Mid. Cr. Hepplestone, 6th Lanca. Mr. Rigby, Dublin Pr. Wilson, 11th Surrey Pvte. Davis, 15th Salop. Nineteen competitors, 'ho made 17 points, win £2 each : THE MARTINI Cup, Of the following competit wins the cup and £lO, the ne each, and the remainder £3 and the rest 17 : Priv. Fowler, sth Monmth. Corp. Stanley, 10th Warck. Serg. Wallis, Ist Warwick Priv. Dyke 22d Middlesex. Col. Sergt. Pullan, 17th W. York Corp. Egg, 22d Middlesex Serg. Lane, Ist Gloucest. tors the first with 18 points )xt two with the same win £5 each ; with one score of 18, Priv. Birk, sth Lancashire Corp. Saunders, 3d Leicest. Corp. Bushelle, 22d Mid. CoL Sergeant Griffiths, Ist Warwick Lieut. Pollard, 13th Cornw Major Nicholls, Ist Stafford 'THE ENFIELD ASSOCIATION CUP. Five shots at 200 and 500 yards was won by Private Sexton, ISt Norfolk, with the magnificent score of 38, or only two less than the highest possible, _ JO. the its "ce) led y a 3el - ito- ers, de fitly lip -at •s— -,d- a'sly t it ops 6me his me, lido b as till not era. out B of rial len ur] ug lict ope the urn ~ it ord ere ling and sus, nne he In of Itor rin iore the e of Pour are ,une ing. ye a ;ion the y is It is anse art he biful chat laree ntic You