The Sun. — London, England, 1870-08-15 00:00:00

UR CO TEM. This Morning. 1 THE RETILEA:I: FItUM METE. The Tinto? thinks that at the head of 180,000 men exceeding in numbers that which won Austerlitz, and drawn up before the walls and within cannon-range of one of the most formidable citadels of France, a French General ought scarcely to have hesitated about giving battle, no matter against what odds; for an army of one hundred and eighty thousand combatants on its own ground ought to be able to withstand whatever forces may be brought against it. Of the 780,000 men at Metz, 100,000, we are told, had not yet been in action, and this was, of course, equally the case with the detachments and volunteers which had come up from Chalons, from Pails, and from other parts, up to the very evening of Friday. But the routed fragments of Frossard's, De Failly's, and MacMahon's Divisions -- part of them, at least—are also in Metz, and it is difficult to say to what extent their shattered condition may have acted upon the nerves of their comrades, and undermined that morale about the excellence of which we have received such repeated assurances. We would not say one word in disparagement of the French soldiers. Their valour, ke haps, never shone with grea t er b r illiancy than in late encounters at the f oo t o f th e V osges . B u t would be more or lees th an men if th e i r con fid ence i n thWere werenot somewhat shaken; and we know that, without that confidence discipline may prevent mutiny, ISnt cannot beget enthusiasm or devotion. In their first encounters with the Germans the French perceived that fle enemy before them had been grossly undervalued; that, with all the glorification of their own Chasse pots and mitrailleuses, they had to contend with weapons fully as formidable and in hands quite as skilful. Victory over the Prussians, they began to feel, would have to be hotly and fiercely disputed. In a perfectly fair fight, and man to man, the Frenchman has found his match in the German, and, owing to the Inferior strategy of his own leaders, he had always been borne down by the overwhelming superiority of the enemy's numbers. When once the conviction that the most desperate heroism is unavailing creeps into a sol dier's heart, he loses stomach for the fight; and there Is Little profit in bringing into the field troops who look upon themselves as led to the slaughter. THE FRENCH PEOPLE AND THE WAR. Whatever the effect of the retreat upon the relations between the Emperor and his subjects, or upon the popu larity of the new commander-in-chief, the Standard says it will not affect the resolution of France to redeem the honour Phe has lost. She may be unsuccessful, she may sink exhausted after a gigantic effort, and King William may dictate peace at Paris, excluding again the family of Bonaparte from the throne, curbing France by Prussian garrisons in her eastern fortresses, and crush ing her beneath an indemnity for the costs of the war to the victors. All this is possible, but it is not probable, and much less so now than it appeared even on the morrow of the battles of Woerth and Forbach. Amidst all the recriminations of the debates in the Legis lative Body there bas been no suggestion of peace or surrender. - All parties are agreed that the invaders must be driven back. The measures by which the whole adult male unmarried population under thirty five years are called to arms, specie payments are sus pended, and enormous credits opened for the service of the army, have been passed with unanimity. The re treat of Marshal B azame will not lessen that unanimity or produce any permanent dispiritment. After the first shock of disappointment is over, it will be remembered that the longer the great action is delayed the stronger the French army will be, and the further the Prussians advance into France the greater must their difficulties be. Time will be given to the men called out by the laws passed last week to join their regiments, and if the number of old soldiers whom that measure brings back to the colours is anything like that at which it has been officially estimated Marshal Bazaine should find his army most materially strengthened before he reaches Chalons, or whatever other position he is falling back upon. How long such a feeling would sustain itself in the face of an unbroken series of reverses is a question we will not speculate upon. It is quite clear, however, that the spirit of France is not broken or subdued by the losses which have been suffered, and we find ourselves utterly unable to share in those hopes of a speedy peace, resting upon the exhaustion and submission of forty mil lions of Frenchmen, which are so confidently expressed by our contemporaries who have taken sides in this contest. PARIS AND THE WAR. The 2el egraph. is informed, on authority which entitles the assertion to consideration, that from the beginning the war was never popular in Paris. The commencement of a campaign is always gratifying to an excitable popula tion, and the idea of a triumphant march to Berlin tickled the public vanity of France; yet there never was any hearty enthusiasm or genuine outcry for the war. Success was deemed certain, but even at the out set men doubted whether the game was worth the candle. Next came the long delay at the frontier, wearing out, as it did, the first excitement of the public ; and then en sued the disasters of Friday and Saturday week. The war forthwith became positively instead of passively unpopular, and even the news that a German army wai advancing upon Prussia failed to stir up the national passion of France. The people were ready enough to sing the " Marseillaise," but they showed nothing of the ardour which their forefathers exhibited when they flocked to the frontier in defence of the first Republic. In fact, the population of Paris has been cowed, not stimulated, by the news of the French defeats. A sense of depression and dejection has fallen over the city; and the same apathy which secures for the Government an interval of domestic quiet also removes from the Prussians the dangers of being con fronted in their march on Paris by an irresistible popular rising. A popular impression is gaining ground in the French capital that success is impossible under the present administration ; and, if such be the case, it is easy to understand why all public enthusiasm should be depressed for the time. AN OPPORTUNITY FOR TAM EMPEROR. The Daily Hews concludes that the French have now a most favourable moment of striking a blow, if they have tie strength to do so. Their enemy is crossing a river close to one of their greatest fortresses, which spans its stream. He is executing a difficult operation without any defence, while they can operate fully in the confidence of shelter at hand. The Germans in passing the Moselle present their right flank to a blow. If that blow is not struck now, will so favourable an opportunity of striking return ? It now seems that, however this question has been answered in the councils of Marshal Bazaine, nothing has been done by the French. A semi-official journalist at Paris has expressed an ardent wish that the King of Prussia would place his fortes between Paris and the army ; unless the Emperor moves at once the wish will be gratified. A rumour comes, however, that the French army has already retreated. Metz, it is said, is held, but the Emperor's head-quarters are at Chalons, upon which town the main body of his army is retreating. The news comes from many points, but all of them so distant the Daily News can regard the tidings only as the result of a calculation of probabilities—of probabilities, however, so strong that they may be trans formed into realities at any moment. The Dai'y News suspects that the French army under Marshal Bazaine is in no condition to fight. The extreme reticence of the French headquarters cannot but be regarded as an unfavourable sign. Nothing to the disadi antage of the French army is allowed to transpire until it has already become known through other chan nels. If, however, the Emperor has allowed the German army to pass Metz without collecting his forces for battle, he must know that he has abandoned the last field in which he can hope to meet that army before it arrives at Paris. THAMES REGATTA. This great annual regatta of the Thames watermen commenced on Saturday over the usual courses, that for the champion sculls being from Putney to Mortlake, and, for the other competitions, from Putney to the Hammer smith-mall and back. There was a very large attendance of spectators, who manifested the usual interest in the various matches. The first heat, for champion sculls on the river was between R. Hepplethw a it e , o f New castle ; H. Kelley, of Putney; and J. Griffiths, of Wands worth ; the result being an easy victory for the Northern sculler, Kelley being second, and Griffiths an indifferent third. The second heat up, between J. J. Sadler, of Putney, and R. Chambers, of Newcastle, made matters even between North and South, Sadler pulling off the event after a fine race. For the Champion Fours, the first heat up stream, the following entered :—Clyde Crew, 1; Newcastle (Matfin's) Crew, 2 ; Wapping Crew, 3; Below Bridge Crew, 0. The below bridge crew were soon out of the race ; and, though the Wapping crew did not so easily lose their chance, the race was practically between the two Northern crews, who nobly struggled for the mastery, victory finally inclining in favour of the Scot tish champions. The second heat down stream was be tween Newcastle (Chambers's) Crew, Hammersmith Crew, and Putney United Crew. Newcastle lea from the start, and won by a length and a half clear. A good race for second place resulted in favour of the Hammersmith men by half a length. For the Coat and Badge first heat (down) the follow ing competitors started :—W. A. Messenger (Teddington) station 3 ; T. Mackinney (Richmond), station 4 ; W. E. Vurgoyne (Wandworth), station 2; J. H. Markinfield (Mortlake) station 1. The race from the outset was be tween the two first-named meu, resulting in favour of Messenger, Mackinney a good second. In the second heat down, the following start e d : —A. Trodd (Staines) H. Messam (Richmond), H. Biffen (Ham mersmith), R. Rough (Wandsworth). The tug of war was between Todd and Messam, resulting in a victory for the former. For champion pairs, first heat down. G. Hammerton and J. Coxen (Surbiton) F. Kilsby and G. Johnson, G. Carr, and J. Martin (Newcastle), H. Kelley and J. Griffiths (Putney), came to the starting poin_t, and pt off in good style. Shortly after th e start Kelley and the Newcastle pair fouled, and before they could get clear Hammerton and Coxen had obtained a commanding lead which they maintained to th e fi n i sh. Kilsbv and Johnson were second. The umpire, on being app ea led to, decided that the Putney and Newcastle pairs should row again on Monday, to decide which should contend in the fin. .1 heat. The second heat down was between J. Percy and J. Bright (Newcastle) and T. Wise and W. Biffen (Ham mersmith); but it was a row over, both pairs being entitled to start in the final. Three other pairs were drawn in this heat, but did not start. Colonel Wilson, R.E., is about to resign the Professorship of Fortifications at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. Major Stuart, R.E., will be pro ...noted to the vacancy._ THE ORLEANS PRINCES.—It is reported ti , at the Princes of the House of Orleans have returned to Et 'g land from Belgium, their offers to serve with the French naval and military forces having been declined by the Cabinet of Paris. THE WAR. NANCY EVACUATED BY THE FRENCH. OCCUPATION OF PHALSBURG BY THE PRUSSIANS. THE EVACUATION OF NANCY An official despatch from the Prussian headquarters says :—" A battalion of the enemy's troops, who had been moved by rail from Metz to Pont h-Mousson, hastily withdrew, with the loss of their baggage, on our infantry taking possession of that town on Saturday morning. Nancy has been evacuated by the enemy. Our cavalry has destroyed the railway line to the north of Nancy leading to Frouard. Othei bodies of our cavalry have seized a provision transport within .the advanced lines of those French troops who are still in position on the glacis at Metz." A French official despatch announces that Nancy has been occupied by a detachment of Prussian cavalry. OCCUPATION OF PHALZBURG. An official telegram from the Prussians at St. Avoid, dated Friday, says :—" The town and the passes of Phalzburg across the Vosges mountains are in our pos session. The fortress of •Bitsche, which is merely held by a garrison of 300 men of the Mobile Guard, is being kept under observation by a company of our troops. The Prussian cavalry has advanced to the vicinity of Luneville. The French army has taken up a position on the River Nied, which they had prepared to defend, notwith standing which they yesterday withdrew over the Moselle to Metz. Our cavalry is before Metz, Pont-a-Musson, and Nancy. Lichtenburg has capitul:God. La Petite Pierre and other places large military stores were found. THE SUN, LONDON, MONDAY EV EMNG, AUGUST 15, 1870. THE RETREAT UPON CHALONS. The correspondent of the Daily News, telegraphing from Luxemburg yesterday afternoon, says :—" News has arrived here that the Crown Prince of Prus sia has entered Luneville, which has been evacuated by the French. The Emperor Napoleon has left Metz for Chalons. A great battle is expected to morrow between Nancy and Chalons. Metz is still in the occupation of the French, but the position is turned. All the roads between Aurbrutuk (?) and Metz closed. Nothing goes from here beyond the frontier at Thion ville." PROCLAMATION OF THE KING OF PRUSSIA. King William has issued a proclamation, of which the first paragraph runs as follows :—" The conscription is abolished throughout the French territory occupied by German troops." REINFORCEMENT OF THE FRENCH ARMY. The following telegrams, dated Metz, Saturday, are official : " The enemy's scouts shewed themselves yester day, in the valley of the Moselle, and a body of Prussians occupied, for a time, Pont-h-Mousson, whence the Margudrite ' Cavalry Brigade dis lodged them after a short fight. Thirty prisoners were captured. Arrests of spies continue to be effected." "The reinforcements which were expected have arrived, and volunteers are coming in in great numbers. A formal denial is given to the assertion that the French had violated the Convention of Geneva by tending only the French wounded." SKIRMISHING AT METZ. The following is also an official despatch from Metz of yesterday (L4O p.m.) :—"Yesterday several strong columns of the enemy approached within a short distance of our encampments, but withdrew again to-bay. The railway communication between Metz and Froward is in terrupted. Numerouscompanies of volunteersharpshooters (franc-tireurs) have taken the field. Considerable quanti ties of provisions have reached here. Some skirmishes between scouts are reported. A rumour which has been current that Mulhouse had been evacuated by the civic and military authorities is without foundation." THE INVESTMENT OF STRASBURG. The French Minister of the Interior has received the following telegram, dated Colmar, Saturday, 3 p.m., from the Prefect of the Upper Rhine :—" Everything is quiet on the right bank, of the Rhine. The investment of Strasbur4 appears to be only a feint. There nothing new to report." THE FRENCH ARMY. The Francais states that General Changarnier will be appointed commandant of Metz. A very large num ber of voluntary enrolments for the war now take place daily in Paris. A private letter to the Peuple Francais, dated Metz, Friday, 6 p.m., states that Bazaine now has 170,000 men wherewith to oppose the army of Prince Frederick Charles, number. ing from 200,000 to 225,000. MacMahon has 50,000 men, including De Failly's corps, and is supported by Canrobert, whose corps numbers at the present moment 30,000 men; 40,000 men, however, are now marching to Cha lons to reinforce Canrobert. McMahon's corps is confronted by that of the Crown Prince of Prussia, whose strength is estimated at from 110,000 to EO,OOO men. The Peuple Francais adds that MacMahoh and Failly have effected their j auction in good order before Nancy. The Emperor Is stated to have expressed his determination to take a personal part in the next engagement. COMMANDS OF THE FRENCH ARMY. Marshal Bazaine has been appointed commander in-chief of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th corps of the Army of the Rhine ; General Trochu, of the 12th Army Corps, now in process of formation at Chalons-sur-Marne; General de Vendez of the 13th Army Corps now being formed at Paris. An Imperial decree of the 12th instant orders that the Gardes Mobile of the Bth and 12th Military Divisions shall be imme diately j.ined, at the chief town in 0, , •1, • went, to the contingent to which they belong. Mar.ll., ;araguay d'Hillier has resigned the command of the army of Paris, and will be replaced by General Soumain. The Marshal returns to his former post at Tours. Marshal Canrobert, who was asked to reassume the Paris com mand, prefers to retain his position as chief of the army corps concentrated at Lyons. EXPULSION OF GERMANS FROM FRANCE. In Friday's sitting of the Corps L4gislatif, Count de Palikao read a despatch from Metz, announcing that the Emperor had accepted the resigna tion of General Lebceuf as Major-General.— Count de Palikao replied that two corps of 35,000 men each would be sent to the frontier within four days.—M. Chevreau, replying to M. Vendre, stated that since the day before yesterday measures had been taken to expel the subjects of Prussia and her allies from French terri tory.—M. Pelletan opposed the measure.—M. Chevreau replied that the expulsion would be applied with cousi 4.raiinn. Two batches of German refugees, numbering from seven to eight hundred, have arrived at Bologne. They belong chiefly to the better class of workmen. It is understood that they were compelled to leave Paris not by the Government, but through the menacing attitude of their Parisian fellow-workmen. The Official Gazette of yesterday, alluding to the ex pulsion of German residents from Paris, says : " The allied German Governments, supported by the unani mous wish of the nation, will take every measure in their power to afford their expelled brethren all help and assistance. But on no account will Germany, mindful of her own dignity, punish French subjects dwelling peaceably amongst us, ; with the same violent act of terrorism with which the French Government seeks to sow discord between two neighbouring peoples, that were destined for a more beneficial contention." STATE OF FEELING IN FRANCE. A Paris telegram says : — Considerable irritation against the Prussian workmen prevails in the Fanbourg St. An toine. Notwithstanding the news of th e Prussian advance and the investment of Strasbourg, the tone of the public mind in Paris and throughout France is hopeful and resolute. The discouragement produced by the disasters of Weissenbourg, Woerth, and Forbach has passed away, and there is a confident expectation of better fortune for the French arms in a more equal conflict. Popular manifestations, accompanied by some disturbance, have taken place at Toulouse, Mar seilles, Limoges, and Lyons, but no particulars have yet been received. Order is now said to be entirely restored. An article published by the Liberte warmly advocates the repeal of all laws of proscription under present circum stances, and urges the Government to accede to the request of the Orleans princes to be allowed to serve their country at this crisis. FRENCH Co 4 APS LEGISLATIF. In Saturday's sitting of the Legislative Body, M. Gant betta and Count de Keratry complained of the delay is the announcement of the occupation of Nancy by the Prussian troops ; but the Minister of War being ab sent the matter was not further gone into. M. Cochery's bill for filling up the places of clerks of the Mini Aries who have gone to the army, and the bill grant ing a credit of 5,000,000 f. for the families of the Mobile Guards, were unanimously adopted. THE DIPLOMATIC CONTROVERSY. The official Siaatsanzeiger publishes a despatch of Herr von Thiele to the Prussian representatives at the South German States, relative to the circular of the Duke de Gramont of the 3rd instant, in reference to the alleged declaration of Count Bismarck, to the effect that he feared the alliance of Austria with the South German States. The despatch says that, although doubtless the South German States are convinced that such a fear would not deceive us, yet for the sake of historical correctness that declaration must be declared to be absolutely unfounded. The pro position of disarmament made by Earl Clarendon to Count Bismarck, in which the North German Confedera tion should take th initiative, was relinquished by the former as soon as the considerations were raised on one side, which Materially depended upon the fact that the diff(rence existing in the military systems of France and Germany would cause the greatest difficulty in carrying out and , controlling • a comparative dis armament. In the negotiations referred to not a single syllable was mentioned in any way threatening the South German States. The O f ficial Journal, in yesterday's bulletin, says : " Count Bismarck's diplomatic plan for alienating from us England, Russia, Italy, and Spain has everywhere failed. The sympathies of Denmark are strongly in our faVour. Our squadron is before Kiel, and great events are in pre paration in that quarter. There can be no question, for aii imtant, of negotiations for peace. The thought of weakness could not be harboured by any Frenchman." A NORTH GERMAN BARQUE SEIZED BY A FRENCH MAN-OF-WAR. The steamer Seine has arrived at Southampton, and reports that a North German Lloyd's barque has been taken into Cherbourg by a French man- of-war. BLOCKADE OF TM. a EIIIIAN COAST. The commander of the French squadron which is before Heligoland has addressed an official document to the Governor of that Island, and to the British Consul at Cuxhaven, declaring the German north-west coast from Baltrum southwards to be in a state of blockade from yesterday's date. Ten days are allowed for neutral vessels 'o leave Gorman ports. - • THE SITUATION IN PARIS. FRIDAY. We are still without news of any military operations, and indeed without news of any kind. The Government has promised that all intelligence shall be forwarded to to the different mairies as soon as it is received, so that the public will not be kept in suspense 'an hour longer than is needful. Well, to-day out comes a bulletin informing us that the rumour of the Prussians having got into Nancy is not true, and, further, that any news whatsoever not confirmed by an official note affixed to the mairies, and signed by the Minister of the Interior, can have no official character. Here is comfort ! A report which no sensible person believed is declared false, and once more are we told that no item of intelligence which does not come through the Interior Ministry can be accurate : the official bulletin is the only correct card. The public, somewhat reasonably, are dissatisfied with this sort of stuff. Of course it could not be told that a battle was being fought when there was really none on the way. But it would be only too glad to be informed on such points as the dispatch of reinforcements to the front ; how many men are going, and of what quality are they. It would likewise take great pleasure in a little enlightenment on the subject of the supply service. It would be most happy to receive any news which might reassure it that France was not again to be made the ridicule of the whole world through the neglect of the most ordinary precautions ; that the soldiers should not be sent to battle w ith ou t food, and that they should not be constrained to live upon the potatoes in the fields. Upon all these matters it has no information whatever. Everything is kept back. The public is without details even of the two great battles ; for MacMahon's report, though straightforward, is very meagre, and General Frossard's narrative is not forthcoming at all. Even the special correspondents have sadly come to grief. There are very few war letters in the papers to day. Some of the lively Paris writers are missing alto gether, and it is feared that others are prisoners, or have been killed in some of the fights. Others, finding it quite hopeless to attempt anything in the way of description, are returning to Paris. Edmond About is one of the missing. Great fears are entertained respect ing him. One of the most interesting of the many stories of adventures by correspondents, whether French or Eng lish, is told in the Figaro and Gaulois. MM. Chabrillat and Cardon are joint representatives of both those papers. They were present at Worth and saw the battle from the top of a tower. When, after many vicissitudes, the French were overpowered and driven from the field, the Prussians came swarming into Worth, and there captured the two literary gentlemen, with others. They were in great danger of being shot; but fortunately the Duke of Coburg came up and saved them. They spent one very unplea sant night locked up. The next morning, however, the Crown Prince himself interfered on their behalf ; they were treated like gentlemen, and finally released. Before their departure they had an interview with the Crown Prince, who, under these strange circumstances, made a very important statement. He observed : " I was in Paris at the end of December, and saw the Emperor, who always shewed the greatest kindness to my wife and myself. The day that I went to wish him good bye he said he had at last found a minister to form a new Cabinet, M. 011ivier. He in no way expected the present war." The Prince, too, was rather dis posed to be communicative on other points. He ex pressed great admiration at the behaviour of the French cavalry; though terribly cut up by the - German infantry, they formed again and again with all the precision of ordinary drill. The Cuirassiers especially had performed good service when protecting the retreat. The Prince also thought the French artillery very good. He admitted having sustained very se were losses. In no respect is the public more irritated, in the matter of news, than at the uncertainty which prevails respecting the command of the army. Nobody knows who is the real leader. The Emperor has proved so incompetent that not even the most ultra " Arcadian " of the Corps Legislatif dare protest when the Left demanded that he should cease to command the army. Public opinion was unanimous in insisting that he should withdraw. In obedience to this over powering request, the announcement was made that Marshal Bazaine was to command the army of Metz. But the whole army is not at Metz. MacMahon has the shat tered remnants of his own corps and two others in the Nancy district. Are these under the orders of Marshal Bazaine, or does each marshal rule his own half of the whole army. without any final power of decision? Or is the Emperor that final power? On all these points the public are re fused information. The state of affairs is wholly unsatis factory. Political affairs have relapsed into a state quietude, but not indifference. The public is watching; and a vast amount of private intrigue, all based on the supposition that the Empire will speedily fall, is being carried on. The Republicans will certainly attempt to realise their wishes if a battle be lost, and a very good chance they will have, for all Paris is on their side, and Paris, in a case of this kind, would le ad the rest of France. On the other hand, the moderate men will with equal certainty make an attempt in favour of some sort of constitutional monarchy, and they will in all probability be supported by the 30,000 troops who are now in the capital. Yes ; such is the position that 30,000 of France's best soldiers are withdrawn from their proper place in front of the enemy. to keep down the Parisians ! Should this army remain in the capital, the chart es of a Republican insurrection will not be bright ; but let the exigencies of war once secure their dispatch to the front, then farewell to monarchial hopes. The letters of the Orleanist Princes, claiming their right to be admitted to the army can be regarded only as a political manifesto. It is absurd to suppose that. the Emperor would allow such dangerous enemies to ap pear in the ranks. But in such stirring times there is a good chance of t'hese virtuous and highly respected princes coming into power ; and they act judiciously in keeping tbemsaves before the public. DISORGANIZATION OF THE FRENCH ARI\IY. A letter in the Daily News, dated Chalons, Wednesday and Thursday, gives some important information respecting the state of the French army :—lt was dark as we entered the station of Chalons, and the roll of a drum was heard, accompanied by the hoarse shouts of drunken conscripts. Everything was confusion in the half light inside the station, and the almost total darkness outside. After groping about in the mud and slush I found an omnibus which takes travellers to an hotel. I found in the omni bus two serious and thoughtful-looking men, who had just returned from the camp. They tell me the road is lined with stragglers and drunken Gardes Mobile. The Garde Mobile are being trained here in the roughest manner, with the greatest despatch. Only a small proportion are armed ; the remainder are supplied with sticks. The camp is full of wounded who have been brought there from the front. This gives one an idea of the carnage that has already taken place. There is no news from the front whatever. This is thought strange, and I have heard people exclaim in an undertone " Quel gachis." The wounds inflicted by the Prussian guns are not very severe, but the effects of their mitrailleuse are said to be fear ful. There are many men with both legs off, still more with one.. The drunken conscripts and Gardes Mobile roar the " Marseillaise," but to my mind, in the drizzling rain and darkness to-night, it has a fearfully dismal effect. The disorder here in every thing is so great, that it influences one's mind. I cannot collect or class my ideas. English papers speak of the mismanagement in England, but if they saw the state of things here, they would think English management perfect. It appears now that they are calling every one to arms, there are no arms to give them, and it is actually thought of issuing old flint muskets to some of the Garde Mobile ! There are only fifteen Chassepots per company at the camp, and the others are told to look on while the fifteen are drilled in that arm. The corps of Marshal Canrobert has been sent to Metz. He himself will no doubt be there to-day or to-morrow, although he went to Paris yesterday evening. I have seen at the table d'hôte some people from Nancy who have retreated before the approach of the Germans. The day before yesterday they were at Vic, a few miles from Nancy. Thence they will pass by Toul, and probably join their other army behind Chalons, perhaps in Paris. As for the French army, it is now concentrated before Metz, to what purpose nobody can understand. I send you a telegram stating what I have learnt of the German advances. I do not know whether you will get it. As for the Germans being at Nancy, I have it on good authority. The Mayor of the town had issued orders to all the inhabi tants to keep perfectly quiet, and offer no re sistance. It now is apparent that the Empire is being rolled up like a scroll. As for France, she is now an old nation, and must be satisfied to be classed among the senile. Prussia is young, and of course will advance. It is hard for a Frenchman to acknowledge this, but it is impossible to blind oneself to what one sees. As a French writer of high position was saying this morning at breakfast, "Nobody in France for the last twenty years has studied or thought." The French have done everything in a superficial and trivial manner, and have lived for pleasure. The Prussians, on the contrary, are now first in all the sciences, and they have just proved that they are first in war. Notwithstanding all these great levies, and all the shouting and Marseillaising, France will not find fresh legions, as in '93. The French are now sceptical and cynical. In a few days the army of the Crown Prince and that of Frederick Charles will unite, very likely near or at Chalons, and " la piece sera joule." WITHIN THE PRUSSIAN LINES.—A. correspon dent of the Pall Mall Gazette at Saarbrtick writes on the 10th as follows :--" The King, General von Moltke, Count Bismarck, and the staff arrived here by road last night. The road to Metz as far as St. Avoid was held last night by the Prussians. The damage done to St. Johann and Saarbriicken itself by the French bombardment is very slight, and I doubt if anyone would see any signs of it unless he were on the look out. The station itself, which is a cas tellated building, has received a shot or two, as well as a house near the bridge ; the heap of ruins which we were led to expect is a fiction. The Prussian loss in the taking of Spicheren, a village between this and Forbach, is allowed to have been very heavy ; and I suspect that the position was taken by sheer pushing on of troops regardless of loss. The French maintained themselves until nightfall, and then retreated. It is believed that the Prussian forces all along the line; from Sierk to Strasburg, outnumber the French by upwards of 100,000 men. So far the Prussian organisa tion seems to have worked well, as I have heard no com plaints from the men of the want of food. Bacon and black bread form the men's main diet ; that is, they are sure of getting that and wine or beer ; if they can obtain anything else so much the better for them. The knowledge of the country shewn by the staffis wonderful. Not only do they know where every village lies, but they can tell at once the amount of stabling to be found in it, whether there is a large church or schoolroom in which men or horses can be quartered. They are well informed as to the accommodation to be got in France, and the staff can say at once how many horses can be stabled in every village from here to Paris." MARKETS. READING CORN MARKET, SATURDAY.—The attendance at this market to-day at the opening was very thin. Both new and old wheat was in very fair supply ; the latter was in good condition, and of very excellent quality. Farmers asked last week's rates, but millers would not buy except at a consider able reduction, and hence a check to trade, It was the pre vailing opinion that old wheat would be from Is. to 2s. lower, and new wheat from 2s. to 3s. per qr. lower. Before the close oats were the turn lower. A dull trade in other corn at former rates. NORWICH CORN MARKET, SATURDAY.—There was a small attendance at this market to-day. The show of new wheat was not large, at about 525. per qr. The trade in old wheat was limited, and it receded fully 2s. from last week's quotations. Other articles are stationary. Averages of wheat, 1,917 qrs. 4 bushels, 545. 6d. per qr. ; oats, 24 qrs., 30s. per qr. The har vest operations are progressing favourably, the yield is not ex pected to be more than a moderate average. DONCASTER CORN MARKET, SATURDAY.—At this market to-day there was a dull average shew of wheat. Old wheat was ls., and new wheat ls. 6d. per 3 bushels cheaper. There was no demand for either oats or beans. GLOUCESTER CORN MARKET, SATURDAY.—There was a good supply of English wheat at this market to-day, which sold at a decline of 3s. New red wheat, 48s. to 51s. per 496 lbs. ; white wheat, 525. to 545. per 496 lbs. There was a limited demand for foreign wheat, which was 3s. cheaper. Oats, maize, and barley were each ls. cheaper. LEITH CORN MARKET, SATURDAY.—The trade in wheat was very dull at this market to-day, and it was 3s. to 4s. per quarter lower. Flour, from ls. to 2s. per sack cheaper. Barley, oats, beans, and peas were each Is. per qr. lower. The arrivals for the week amount to 27,999 qrs. of wheat, 4,416 qrs. of barley, 1,782 qrs. of oats, 30 qrs. of beans, 14 qrs. of peas, and 1,656 sacks of flower. LIVERPOOL COTTON MARKET, SATURDAY.—Opening report.—lmport, per bill of entry, 1,376 bales. The market opened quietly, without any change, and the sales are likely to be ten thousand bales. Closing report.—This market closed flat to-day, and prices are generally 4d. per lb. below Tuesdays, rates. Sales 10,000 bales , including 2,000 bales for specu lation and export. To arrive—Dhollerah, fair new merchants' June shipment. Canal, 71 ; Cape, 7i. LEEDS STOCK EXCHANGE, SATURDAY.—RaiIways ; North Eastern, 137 to 139 ; Sheffield, 42; London and North-Western, 1251; Great Eastern, 33h ; Great Western, 651 to 65i ; Caledo nian, 741 ; Erie, 17i to 18. LIVERPOOL STOCK EXCHANGE, SATURDAY.—This market closed firmer to-day for the new account. London and North- Western, 1261 to 1261 ; Erie, 171 to 171 ; Bonds, 861 to 87 ; Trunks, 121 to 121 ; Midland, 1251 to 1261; Berwick, 137 to 138 ; Sheffield, 411 to 42 : Dover, 691 to 70. METROPOLITAN HAY AND STRAW MARKET, SATURDAY. —lnfluenced by the limited supply on offer at the market to-day, the trade ruled brisk, at a considerable enhancement in prices : —Prime old hay, 1265. to 1355. ; inferior ditto, 100 s. to 110 s. ; prime new hay, 1103. to 1205.; inferior ditto, 90s. to 105 s. ; prime old clover, 140 s. to 150 s. ; inferior ditto, 110 s. to 1205.; prime new clover, 120 s. to 130 s. ; inferior ditto, 100 s. to 110 s. ; and straw, 245. to 325. per load. METROPOLITAN MEAT MARKET, SATURDAY.—The supply of meat has been moderate. The trade has been firm, on former terms :—Beef, from 3s. 4d. to ss. ; mutton, 3s. 6d. to ss. ; lamb, ss. 4d. to ss. Bd. ; veal, 4s. Bd. to sd. ; and pork, 4s. to Ss. 4d. per 81bs. by the carcase. LONDON WOOL -MARKET, SATURDAY.—The wool market has continued very quiet. For both colonial and English pro duce the demand has been heavy, at the late decline. COLONIAL PRODUCE MARKETS, SATURDAY.—The markets have been in a very quiet state to-day. Tea has been purchased cautiously, and there has been very little inquiry for either sugar or coffee. Rice has been firm. The metal market has been in a sluggish state. Iron has sold slowly. Tin has been dull. Copper has been inactive. Linseed oil has been quiet. Rape has been firm. Other oils have been in limited request. Tallow has been quiet. Y. C., spot, 445. 3d. per cwt. LEEDS TRADE REPORT, SATURDAY.—The woollen cloth markets have been of 'a quiet character ; there were few buyers, but those representing Leeds houses present, and they purchased comparatively small parcels of goods. Little business was done in heavy winter goods, buyers confining their operations to autumn and ordinary plain cloth tweeds, coatings, and the like. The export trade to France and Germany is now greatly restricted except for blankets for the respective belligerent armies, in course of execution. The manufacturers of such goods are very busy ; one large order on French account has been refused from the inability of the manufacturer to com plete it in the time required. The prices of all classes of woollen goods keep steady, but with a tendency to advance. The flax trade is much the same as last week, being nnsettled both as to demand and prices. The iron trade keeps steady, but there is a falling off in the textile machinery department for the continent ; and also in the tool trade. Other branches are also likely to suffer if the war continues. CLYDE CRUSHED SUGAR MARKET, SATURDAY.—This market closed with a steady demand. Prices were about the same as last Saturday. DONCASTER CATTLE MARKET, SATURDAY.—There was a limited supply of stock at this market to-day, but trade was dull. Barren stock from £l2 to £l5 cash ; in-calf cows, £l5 and upwards ; lambs from 225. each ; sheep, 345. to 455. each ; pigs as before. ABERDEgN CATTLE MARKET, SATURDAY.—The supplies during the week were barely an average for the season, but ahOut equal to the demand. Best fat cattl e h as sold read4ly at 68s. to 70s. per cwt., some choice lots making 725. per cwt. ; secondary, 635. to 675. per cwt. Sheep, bid. to 7d; per lb. The nomination for the City of Dublin has been fixed for Tuesday next, and the polling for Thursday. VINES AND FIG TREES. It is, perhaps, an inevitable necessity of our cramped area and swarming population that the sombre formality of New York houses should make us seem to dwell rather in prisons than in bright and cheerful homes. The spacious court-yards and pleasant gardens, that lend to dwellings in other cities the grace of foliage and flowers, even the wealthiest with us are unable to compass. The insatiate Moloch of trade lays its grasp on every foot of ground not absolutely essential for mere sleeping and eating room, and denies to our home life the luxuries of space and beauty. This is scarcely to be helped. Yet something. might be done by a slight application of taste, in the building and external adornment of our dwellings, to give them a more enlivening appearance. The material most in vogue for fashionable residences, and the manner in which it is used, combine to throw over our up-town streets an air of settled gloom. Sunshine only serves to expose their desolation. On a hot July noon one feels, in traversing Murray Hill, something akin to the depressing effect of walking in a place of tombs. The long, dismal rows of brownstone fronts, the staring windows, un shielded by blinds, the blank monotony of the architecture, the absence of any sign of life—for at this time the cross streets are almost deserted—the pitiless glare reflected from, the house fronts and the pavements, and unbroken by any shade, make a journey through this part of the town a positive trial to the nerves. To look forth upon the blazing expanse of an up-town block at noontide is almost to feel the incipient pros tration of comp de soled at once. Now, part of the dis advantage might be obviated, and our streets rendered pleasanter for passer and sojourner alike, by a very simple means. The eye influences our physical comfort more than most are conscious of. It is well known to phy sicians that a building presenting a large white surface to the eye in the sunshine is as apt to cause vertigo, and for the same reason, as an unbroken expanse of snow. And, on the other hand, a tree, even when it gives but little shade, relieves and refreshes the sense by its sug gestion of coolness. If city people would take a little more trouble to hide the unsightliness of their dwellings with the beauty of leaves, they would find their account in increase of comfort and comeliness. Our architecture we can scarcely hope to ameliorate before the millenium, but we may disguise it. A rose bush in the court, or an urn with trailing ferns, or some vine like the graceful wisteria, trained over the house front, would make even brown stone less like a mausoleum, and more like a human habi tation. It is in devices of this soft that true refinement asserts itself. New York to-day reveals more of these delicacies of civilisation than twenty years ago, but there is still room for progress.—New York Times. SECRET DIPLOMACY. Some of the Paris journals lay much stress on what they term the risks of secret diplomacy, as exemplified in the memorable embroglio connected with the Spanish throne. Had there been no secret, we are given to under stand, about the negotiations ending with the nomination of Prince Leopold, none of the formidable preparations now being made on either bank of the Rhine would have been necessary, and what promises to be the most tremendous European war since Napoleon the Great set that Conti nent in a blaze might still have been indefinitely post poned. It appears that Prince Leopold, after writing his letter accepting the proffered crown, communicated the intelligence to his aunt, a Princess of Baden,. who forth- • with communicated it to Princess Margaret, wife of Don Carlos, now at Vevey. The news through this channel found its way, quick as light, to the Legitimist Press of Paris, and thus the outbreak was occasioned, the mere beginning of which is shaking the civilised world. It is said by the French papers that Marshal Prim was about to come to Vichy for his health, and that had not the news of Prince Leopold's nomination come so swiftly and unexpected to light the Marshal would have broken the matter gently in the proper quarter, and then the affair might have been amicably adjusted. It was the appari tion of Bismarck, the terrible Bismarck, who was ready, had the vote on the late plebiscite been less favourable to the Empire, to have declared war on Napoleon, that roused the unappeasable anger of that monarch, and through him of the French people. Take this with what grains of salt we may, it is no doubt true that the cautious secrecy with which the negotiation with the Spanish Government was kept from the Tuileries lent additional bitt erness to a conflict, the end of which no human eye can discern.— New York Times. EDMOND ABOUT. Edmond About, the rumoured successor to M. Paradol at Washington, is one of the most brilliant and versatile of living French authors. Archaeology, romance, statis tics, plays, notes of travel, grave political discussion and keenly sarcastical essays—he has tried all and succeeded in all. His pen has been at the service of the Empire since 1859, when his pamphlet on •` The Roman Question" startled Europe with its bold opinions on the advisability of putting an end to the temporal power of the Pope, in spired, as they were understood to be by the Emperor himself. The `•Nesv Map of Europe," and " Prussia in 1860," were likewise understood as indirect utterances of Napoleon 111., and in 1866 he continued his semi-official labours by drawing up a report, at the Emperor's request, on the state of public opinion in France. "Ahmed the Fellah," his latest extensive contribution to literature, at tracted too much attention in the course of its appear ances in the Revue des Deux Mondes, affording as it did, a graphic and interesting picture of the social organism of Egypt. As a journalist M. About has been connected with the Figaro and the Moniteui• du ,Soir, which latter journal, as was stated some days ago, had retained him as its war correspondent. He is in his forty-third year, and still, therefore, in the full vigour of his powers. Whatever may his fitness for the delicate diplomatic duties to which rumour has assigned him, there can be no question that a keener and more appreciative observer has never studied our people and our institutions, and that there would at least result from his stay among us a very piquant and interesting book.—Ncw York Times. GUATEMALA RAILROAD. A report of the doings of the corps of English Engineers, dated 11th June, who had returned to Eng land, after making a survey for a railroad between the capital and the Atlantic is published in the Gaceta of the 28th ult. The part surveyed embraces 185 kilometres, which exist between the capital and the River Santa Catalina, passing by way of Fraijanes, Cerro Redondo, Corral de Piedras, Cuajiniquilapa, Esclavos, the river Amato, Jutiapa, and Monjas. In this section there exists two chains of hills, Canales and Azacualpa, considered difficult of access. This diffi culty has been got over by moderate curves, and reclines of 4 per cent. maximum. While these works were carried on in the line marked out by the engineers, the latter went on with the survey of the route beyond Jutiapa, passing by Chigrimala, Zacapa, and Gualan, without meeting with any obstacle to break the magnificent plains and valleys so well adapted for the level neces sary for a railroad. - From Gualan an exploration was made of the River Motegua. The result is stated to be that this river offers extraordinary facilities for steam navigation, and saves more than 100 kilometers of railroad construction, which would be necessary in order to arrive at the sea. An examination has also been made of a line between the capital and San Jose, the seaport on the Pacific. In the meanwhile the English engineers had returned to London to make up the plans and estimates of cost of the north line, while their assistants remain in this country to fill up the details of the survey and for ward them to England. MR. ANSON BURLINGAME. Among the official correspondence of the Hon. Frederick F. Low, United States Minister to China, just published, will be found a letter from Mr. Low to Prince Kung, acknowledging the receipt of a despatch of May 14th, 1870, from the Chinese Government, announcing that the sum of six thousand taels have been appropriated from the funds of the Chinese Embassy in Russia, to defray the expenses of Mr. Burlingame's obsequies, and men tioning that a decree had been published by the EmPeror approving of the acts of the late Minister, and as a special mark of favour and regard, conferring upon him the title of a Minister of the highest grade, and conferring the sum of six thousand taels upon his family. The tael corresponds to 1,000 of the coin called "cash," and is equal to five shillings British ; it is also used in China as the nave of a weight equal to 1A- ounces avoirdupois. The sum of $7,500 has therefore been handed to Mr. Burlingame's son to defray the ex pense of the funeral, and the same sum has been appro priated for the benefit of the family. Mr. Low, in a note, explains that the nine " pin " or grades of official rank in China are each subdivided into primary and secondary, the first of which are " superordinates " of the latter. When Mr. Burlingame left Pekin, he was one of the officers found in the secondary place among Presidents of Boards. The recent decree of the Emperor, therefore, raises him to the primary place, equal in rank with Cabinet Ministers._ Mr. Low also communicated to Prince Kung the long cable despatch sent by Secretary Fish in reply to the announcement by Mr. Curtin of the death of Mr. Burlingame, at St. Petersburg, and the general ex pression of sorrow felt through the United States--Phila delphia Ledger. SLAVERY IN SPANISH COLONIES.—Ihe refusal of the Spanish Cortes to abolish Slavery in the colonies of Cuba and Porto Rico has been condemned as an act of imbecility. It appears from the abstract of the corres pondence between Minister Sickles and Secretary Fish, that the failure resulted from the treachery of Prim, who, after committing the Government to abolition, compro mised with the slaveholders of Porto Rico, on an act 3f emancipation which defers the question until the next century. but justice is not thus easily put off by man's treachery, and the abolition of slavery in the Spanish colonies is certain to come at an early hour.— New York, Tribune- DISCOVERY OE NEW PETROLEUM WELLS IN PENNSYLVANIA. —A new well was struck, on Monday last, on the M'Cray Farm, near Petroleum Center, owned by James M'Cray and Thomas Donahghy, which is pumping at the rate of between 300 and 400 barrels daily. This well promises to be fully as productive as the cele brated "Banner Well," which has yielded over 300 barrels per day since being struck. Contrary to general expec tation, the production of the latter is not affected by the new strike. The Brown and M`Crum Well, on the Snedeker traet is a dry hole. Two new wells were struck at Wess Hickory a day or two since, both of which are reported as doing over 100 barrels each. Reliable figures will be Oven to-morrow of their production. A new well was completed upon the R. L. Shaw farm a day or two since, ivhich, though not as productive as others upon this farm, promises to be a valuable well. This farm cannot be excelled as an old producing farm—dry holes are unknown—and good ones plentiful—From the Titus ville Heriail,Aty 27. THE YACHT-RACE. It seems almost incredible that two yachts should set out into the broad Atlantic to run a race, and after an interval of twenty-four days make their appearance at a given point within two hours of each other. The acci. dent of either competitor catching a lucky breeze an hour or two earlier than the other would be all that would be required to decide so extraordinary a race as this. And this accident really occurred. The Cambria, after strug gling against adverse winds for more than a week in the hope of making port, suddenly found her sails filled with the welcome breeze, and was thus enabled to reach her destination first. The Dauntless met with the same wind a little later, but the difference was enough to lose her the race. It is evident from the logs of the vessels that splendid seamanship was exhibited in both. But e ven in this inconstant world, there is nothing so fickle as the winds of heaven, and on this occasion they have not brought victory to the side which, we must confess, has had our best sympathies from the first. Mr. Bennett, like many another man before him, has narrowly missed a triumph which he well deserved. Mr. Ashbury will not think it ungenerous if we allude to the fact, which everybody knows, that Mr. Bennett made great sacrifices, and incurred many inconveniences, in order to bring about this contest. He is proud of American yachting, and it would be very hard indeed to name a man who has brought more honour and renown upon it. In pluck, energy, and liberality, he is as fine a specimen of the American yachtsman as we are ever likely to have among us. It was quite natural, therefore, that he should carry with him in this adventure our hearty good wishes. But good wishes will not fill the sails of any man's yacht, and Mr. Bennett must console himself in defeat with the reflection that he did everything a brave man could to win success. He has done so much to distinguish him self in yachting that fortune may have deemed it only fair to let the laurels for once go to an antagonist. It would be very unjust to say that it is a waste of time to devote between two and three weeks to a race of this kind. Apart from all questions relating to the construc tion of yachts, it is quite certain that the contest must tend to develop many personal qualities of no slight im portance and value in the great race of life. Presence of mind, endurance, and an intrepid spirit, are ad vantages which no man can afford to dispense with in the sharp contest which most of us have daily to carry on. If Mr. Bennett had not possessed these qualities, he would scarcely have ma d e t h e voyage in the Henrietta, but his two great ocean races must have tended to develope them still further. If he should ever challenge another turn of fortune's wheel, we may hope he will repeat his first success ; but, in reality, no better 'lrish can be offered for him than that he should now steadily pursue the useful and honourable career which lies before him. As for Mr. Ashbury, it is unnecessary to ask for him a cordial reception, since his fellow yachts men are sure to accord him that. The race is much too close to enable us to say that he owns a better yacht than the Dauntless, but at any rate he will have as many opportunities as he can desire of putting his vessel to the test. He will probably never again win so great a prize as he has now done, by a hair's breadth.— New York Times. CANAL, OR NO CANAL ? Notwithstanding that the latest news from Bogota goes ,o strengthen the probability that a Canal Treaty with the United States may be sanctioned (in one form or other), before the adjournment of Congress, yet public enthusiasm seems to be very much cooled on the subject. There is a sort of inexplicable feeling abroad that the day for a bond fide intention to make the canal has not yet arrived ; that the United States' acceptance of the treaty to be conceded by Colombia, will depend infinitely more on its political than commercial aspect—a suspicion which is fully strengthened by Gene ral Hurlbut's objection to Article 11, about which he de clared, that unless it gave full power to the United States to object to armed vessels of any nation with which she might be at war passing through the canal, it would not be acceptable. Further, Mr. A. Curtis la Nauze, an agent for an English Company (whose arrival at Bogota we noticed in our columns sometime ago), who came also to solicit a treaty .for an inter-oceanic canal, confirms the general impression. Mr. la Nauze, before going to Colombia, visited the United States, and had first an interview with Mr. Fish, the Secretary of State, on the subject. Mr. la Nauze states, in the pamphlet published by him in Bogota, that Mr. Fish gave him fairly to understand that the United States, as a Government in possession of the treaty, would nevertheless take no direct action, pecu niarily speaking, in the construction of a canal, but that Congress would be solicited to transfer the privi lege to a private company of American citizens, who should carry the work through. Mr. la Nauze, on discovering the anti-commercial and political aspect of the treaty, wished for by the United States of America with the United States of Colombia, remarked that "neither co-operation nor funds could be expected either from England or France." In New York he found tl i g. large capitalists there had formed a similar opinion, , and were satisfied no canal would be made or attempted by the United Staies of America. In the first plabe, a purely American company, aside from the political aspect of the treaty, would find it very difficult to obtain funds in Europe, from the notorious and scandalous frauds associated with the names of " Fisk, Gould, Vanderbilt, Belden, and others," in connection with rail roa d, steamship companies and gold speculations in the United States. The capi talists of New York " also felt sure that although the treaty might be sanctioned by Colombia and accepted by the United States of America, the affair would rest there; because, as the Con g ress of the United States o f A mer i c a had to be solicited to transfer the privilege to a private company ; such was the overwhelming power of the " Union Pacific with other railroad interests in Congress, that they would impede such a measure in a way that it could never be effected." Before Mr. la Nauze left New York, the New York Sun, of March 19, came out with an article headed " The Union Pacific Railroad against the Isthmus of Darien," with similar arguments against the Panama Railroad and Pacific Mail Company. The sum t o t a l o f all this is or will be—th a t the United States Government remain with the treaty, and the Isthmus without a canal ; at least so long as the terms of the treaty can allow them to prevent it. The canal project through Nicaragua, so patriotically and per sistently advocated by the New York Herald, will have the same luck and a similar fate. We may say all these grand schemes for the benefit of the nations, when once within the domain and in the power of the un scrupulous Railroad Kings and capitalists of New York are as if they had fallen into the inferno of Dante. Be sides, what is the fine of $300,000 to be paid to Colombia " in her own coin," if the United States of America does not choose to make the canal in 15 years, nor allow any one else to make it? What is this but a trifle to the financial modern barons of the money market and the railroad? We can only exclaim. like the devout Mussulrnan; " God is great !" and so is truth-- et prevalebit. Andther enemy to our canal hopes, lays in the great distance,bxisting between the immense railroad development in the United States and her mer cantile marine. In 1870, according to the Ferrocarril American of New York, there were 48,860 miles of rails laid down, with some 27,000 miles more in prospect. Here we have at once an interest in which millions of the United States people are concerned, and which would be seriously affected by the opening of a canal across the Isthmus. On the other hand, the mercantile marine goes on decreasing. A report on this 'subject, read before Con gress in December, 1869, said that" of the number of vessels which entered our ports in 1869, there were only 350, registering 346,620 tons against 451 vessels in 1868, regis tering 434,908 tons ; while in 1861, 1,932 American ships arrived, registering no less than 1,647,076 tons. So that of the vessels entered more than 42,000, and of the de partures more than 47,000, were English and foreign, while American ships only counted 350." While this state of things lasts it may be well asked, so far as the United States are concerned, what chance is there for a grand Ship Canal across the Isthmus ? As Isthmenians we say then, viva Mr. de la Nauze and his International Canal Company. —Panama Star and Herald. SMALLPDX IN HALIFAX. —Halifax has become alarmed by the rapid spread of the smallpox in that city, and is looking anxiously about for some means of prevent ing its further destruction: How general the disease has become there may be inferred from the fact that it in stances one medical gentleman who visits daily thirty or forty persons thus afflicted. It is about time that decided measures be taken in all our large cities to meet the scourge when it comes upon us. Paris has been infected for many months already, and the epi demic has not ceased if it has moderated its ravages. There is no occasion for alarm, but all who are not already rendered reasonably secure by vaccination ought to attend to that precaution.—Boston Advertiser. BIRTHS. On the 11th inst., at 19, Pemb r id ge - s A uare , W., th e w if e of George Gibb, Esq., of a son. On the 11th inst., at 7, Beaufort-gardens, S.W., the wife of W. B. Ranken, Esq., of a daughter. MARRIAGES. On the 11th inst., at West LaNington, Eugene Mervin Roe, Esq., 23d Royal Welch Fusiliers, to Edith Mary, eldest daughter of E. E. P. Kelsey, Esq., of The Close, Salisbury. • On the 11th inst., at St. Mary's, Lambeth, Sutton, the second son of the late Joseph Sharpe, Esq., to Marie Louise, youngest daughter of the late Ch ar l es St ep h en Woodruff, of Margate. DEATHS On the 11th inst., Daniel Down, of the Strand, aged 63. On the 11th inst., at Ipswich, James Rain, of the Inner Temple, aged 77. 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