The Sun. — London, England, 1870-07-20 00:00:00

for it t gun is desired, h of air feet the n Mild nd, and e for the ver, and e were, ing dic e others :leaning -amrods to keep stake if ery one are very What we the rget, so , before, found 3r, if a .eached, ply was )se they 3 served respon dnt in Etns, he w what vas far out to general the safe ipective h much 1 round and the AATEST INTELLIGENCE (CENTRAL PRESS TELEGRAMS.) THE GERMANS IN LIVERPOOL. An enthusiastic meeting of German residents was held yesterday in Liverpool, to take into consideration their duty in the present crisis. The first resolution set forth that in the face of the unprovoked declaration of war by France against Prussia and against Germany it was the duty of the Germans to do all iu their power in _ _ _ _ aid of Fatherland. The meeting was influentially at tended, and an address is to be sent to the Chancellor of the North German Confederation. A subscription fund was also inaugurated for patriotic purposes, and the relief of the wounded. Mr. Burchardt, Consul of the North 'German Confederation at Liverpool, has cau tioned German vessels, many of which are loading with valuable cargoes. against sailing. IRISH SYMPATHY WITH FRANCE. Last night immense crowds assembled before the official residence of the Chevalier Livio, French Consulin Dublin, ten bands being with the crowd. The Consul had heard of the intended demonstration, and not wishing to coun tenance it, was absent on the occasion. The affair was got up by the Amnesty Association. The people began to assemble at eight o'clock, and filled the street cheering for the French Republic, and crying "Down with the Germans." A tricolour was produced, and was waved before the Consulate. The police seized the standard, and the people rushed upon them and retook it. The crowd, crying " God save France and Ireland," then proceeded to Beresford-place, where Mr. P. J. Smyth, who lately contested Waterford, addressed them. He referred to Ireland as the Poland of the west, and to France as the protector of the oppressed. He denounced the English press and its comments, on the war. The crowd broke up into bodies, which pro ceeded through the streets, headed by the bands playing the " Marsellaise," " St. Patrick's Day," and other airs. The police sometimes stopped the bands, which then en tered public houses and played at the windows. A large mass meeting to express sympathy with France is called for Sunday. Dints. 65 65 THE RAILWAY COLLISION AT CARLISLE. The adjourned inquest on the bodies of the persons killed by the late railway collision at Carlisle was resumed yesterday in the County Hotel, before Mr. Carrick, coroner. Colonel Hutchinson attended for the Board of Trade, Mr. Blenkinsop for the London and North- Western Railway Company, Mr. Phillipson for the Great Eastern Railway Company, and Mr. Kenrick for the relatives of some of the deceased. Mr. Page, surgeon, described the nature of the injuries. Mr. Morley, city surveyor, produced plans, and stated the distance from point to point. He found the signal-lights in good order, but the home signal was scarcely discernible at night, and did not show proper light on the line, whereas the North-Eastern Company's light would be seen at twelve hundred yards. William Jameson, assistant super intendent, described the scene of the accident. The driver of the North Eastern train smelt of drink, but was sober. The driver of the mail train could not see the luggage train approaching. Alexander Harper, conductor, said the Passenger train was in its usual order. He felt a shock, and Was thrown down, and then helped the wounded. Did not see the luggage train approaching. David Mossfrout, guard, said nearly, two minutes elapsed between leaving the station and the collision. The passenger train was going at the rate of between six and seven miles an hour, and he did not hear or see the goods train. Hugh Norris, driver, found the signal open, and did not see the luggage train. He went at the usual speed, and did not know of a rule limiting him to four miles an hour in crossing. John Dillon, signalman, had heard a whistle from the luggage train far off, and lowered the signal for the passenger train. The goods train still came on, and he showed a hand light. It was going at 15 miles an hour, or more. He could not have stopped the passenger train after seeing the other. The distance signal was not lighted, as there was no gas. James Hewson, engine-driver, said the speed of the goods train was not unusual. This was con tradicted by another witness. James Marshall, locomo tive superintendent, deposed to the sobriety of the engine man. After the accident Kowell said the distance signal was not lighted. He had run into the train, and it was a bad job. Witness attributed the accident to the fact that the driver could not pull up in time ; if the distance signal had been lighted he could have done so. The near signal wa,s scarcely to be seen. The inquest was adjourned till to-day. 1 53 53 52 58 gm Bel- N.Y.; 3n, 3d ?rivate I Mid- as that Ited as otal. 'HE WESLEYAN CONFERENCE AT BURS LEM. The education committee of review met yesterday morning, under the presidency of the Rev. Dr. Jobson. The high sheriff of the county was present. The secre tary read the minutes of the committee meetings, and a digest of the report. Government reports from 302 departments show that the average grant per child in average attendance obtained in such departments is 10s. 71d. The per-centage of passes in Wesleyan schools is nearly 3 per cent. above the general average of schools inspected throughout the kingdom. The amount of Go vernment grants to Wesleyan schools in the last year was £6,194, an increase of £3,582 pounds on the previous year. There are six hundred and seventeen certificated teachers, being an increase of 186, with 57 assistant teachers, and 1,085 pupil teachers. Fifty-four students from the training college were appointed to schools last year. The present number in college is 154. The number of Sunday schools is 5,443 ; including an in crease of 1,015, the number of scholars is 622,589, being an increase of 20,788. Teachers and officers number 105,592; increase, 2,151. Young persons in Bible classes 13,434; increase, 319. The first resolution recommending the appointment of connexion inspectors for Wesleyan day schools was moved by Mr. Lidgett, of Blackheath, and seconded by the Rev. E. E. Jenkins, of London, and unanimously adopted. Rev. Dr. Scott moved, Mr. J. Napier of Manchester seconded, a resolution recommending the formation of a Sunday school union. It was adopted. Rev. John Bedford moved that central meetings be held in September to endeavour to establish Wesleyan day schools in every part of the kingdom. Many Sunday school rooms might be used without incurring expense for new buildings, and might be opened in the course of a few months. This resolution was seconded by Mr. Hartley, h igh sheriff of Staffordshire, who heartily endorsed the proposal, and would use his influence to carry it out. Mr. Isaac Holden objected on, the ground that the denomina tional schools had failed to meet the wants of the country, and the church ought to spend her money in higher work. Rev. W. Arthur moved an amendment to the effect,that while the whole question of education was unsettled the con nexion ought not to commit itself to any immediate ac tion. Dr. Waddy seconded the amendment in a speech of considerable length. Dr. Rigg defended the original motion, and ably replied to the arguments of Mr. Holden and Mr. Arthur. The ex-Presldent warmly supported the amendment of Mr. Fowler, of Wolverhampton, con tending that the present education bill did not provide for the extension of denominational schools, as it re fused all building grants. The Government imposed on every school a universal conscience clause. He believed that clause would be honourably fulfilled, and that the clergy would not dishonourably attempt to evade it. The Rev. C. Prest suggested that as the feeling of the meeting was so divided the resolution and amendment should be withdrawn This was agreed to. The meeting lasted six hours. THE EDUCATION BILL. The Glasgow Daily Mail, in a leader on the Education Bill, says :—"On the whole the measure must be regarded as merely tenative. It has not settled any of the difficult questions at issue, but has merely laid the foundation of a system which will inevitably - give rise to a great deal of agitation in future." ar Cup aelten -3 made ), 30 ; To the on the econd, vas for T.R.A. ;ion in ;corers £lO ; Short , 121st Regi- kighest ktested Aland, id 600 la, for larture .s still ; very nt the 3; the in the ng the lobert 'iolony Com- irthur Lire or :enzie, John ster of )ytery .ansla to the 3 been n her ;oods, cotton uly 5. Lurch- ames, ugust weller more- Ll. ►f the I r,o in of his ul up cents rsons other view, lame led in Ddels, F visi- Acets, POLLING- AT ROCHESTER. The polling at Rochester yesterday was utterly devoid of e xcitement. The Liberal " jumped off with a good lead " f rom the first hour, and his antagonist was nowhere throughout the day. At nine o'clock the return was—Goldsmid 221, Fox 87 ; at ten the relative numbers were 432 and 198 ; and at eleven they Were 562 and 283. The later hours improved this proportion a little in favour of Mr. Fox, but the change was of no consequence. One o'clock shewed Goldsmid to have had 742 votes, and Fox 399 ; two o'clock, Goldsmid, 82 7,. and Fox 433. The Mayor of Rochester, J. B. Foord, who is return ing officer for the city, declared the final state of the poll at the Guildhall at half-past four o'clock yesterday after noon as follows :—Goldsmid, 987 ; Fox, 550—majority, 437. Mr. Goldsmid having been declared fully elected, the new member vainly attempted to address the meeting in consequence of the disturbance raised by the opponents. Mr. Fox met with the same reception, both gentlemen b eing compelled to retire without being heard, except with great difficulty, by the reporters, to whom they'prin eiPally addressed themselves. POLLING AT BRECON. , Mr. Gwyn ne H o lf or d , t h e C onservative here, too k the L ead. At a quarter past eleven he had gained 330 against 275 g ven to Mr. Price, the Liberal. These numbers re- THE SU.N, LONDON, WEDNESDAY MORNING, JULY 20, Ibiu. presented well-nigh the entire strength of the constituency, and very little progress was made during the rest of the day. At 12.30 the numbers were 343 and 291; at two o'clock, 364 and 304 ; and at three Mr. Hot- ford had 370 and Mr. Price 318 there being at that time only thirty-two electors to poll. At the close of the poll yesterday Mr. Gwynn Halford, according to the Conservative and Liberal returns, had polled three hundred and seventy ; Mr. Price, according to the Conservative returns, had polled three hundred and twenty-three. The Liberal return had made the votes secured by him three hundred and thirty-five. WRECK OF A BARQUE. The barque Scotia's Queen, 357 tons register, of Sunder land, Errington, master, with a cargo of wheat froth Odessa to Falmouth, struck on the Stag Rocks, about twenty miles from Falmouth, yesterday morning, and foundered. The crew reached Falmouth in safety Sir Robert Harvey died early yesterday morning. It is stated that Messrs. Gurney and Co. have purchased the premises and goodwill of the Crown Bank at Norwich. The Presse says that the French Ministers at Baden, Saxony, Bavaria, and Hesse have been summoned to Paris to give information respecting the attitude of those States in the Franco:Prussian war. The same journal complains of the tone of the observations of Mr. Disraeli, and the speech of Mr. Gladstone, towards France, and adds, " France demands nothing of England but loyal, sincere neutrality." The France announces that three Prussian agents have been arrested in Paris, and have been requested to leave France. HOLLAND AND HAN 0 VER. The Official Journal says that the Emperor's Govern ment can only congratulate itself upon the attitude of Holland, which, from her situation and naval and military forces, occupies so important a position. The Frankfort papers assert that the French army will carry with them a proclamation, calling upon the Rano verians to rise, when they penetrate into Germany. The telegraphic communication with Treves has been re-established, and the railway company is likewise en gaged in laying down rails' for restoring the line to Wasserbillig. Theßourse was flat yesterday. Rentes closed at Gsfr. 25c., or 20c. lower than the previous day. DALY CALLING OUT HER TROOPS. In Monday's sitting of the Chamber of Deputies, Signor Sella, the Minister of Finance, announced that the political situation would cause some changes in the finan cial condition of the State, as estimated in the Budget. He announced that the Government had de cided to call out two classes of conscripts, but merely as a precautionary measure, for the maintenance of public order. ments had been prepared in Prussia, and that the sharp treatment of M. Benedetti had been actuated by the bad impression produced in Germany by the refuSal of the King to give France the guarantees she requires. You know, German countrymen, that every one of these words is a lie." It is a plain .fact that every journal in Gerniany wrote in the 'interests of peace, whether they wished it or not. And equally almost every paper in Paris wrote in the interests of war, whether they wished it or not. Whilst the war question was doubtful, the most discreditable articles appeared day by day in several of the semi-official organs. Lastly, it is certain that the French Government might have known of Prince Leopold's candidature if it had chosen. These are telling facts against the theory that France was forced into war. But nations, as it has often been said, have no conscience. The unmistakeable attitude of the British press will be resented as bitterly as if it had been unjustifiable. A " Resident in Paris," writing to the Daily News, says the war was got up by a most discreditable intrigue, demand after demand being made upon Prussia in order to force a war. M. 011ivier, up to the last moment, was kept in such complete ignorance of the designs of the Emperor and his secret advisers, that when a despatch was received announcing the withdrawal of the candidature of Prince Leopold, he triumphantly read it to a crowd of members of the Legislative Assembly and journalists, naïvely adding that the cause of the war having disappeared all possibility of it had disappeared also. Whilst this diplo matic scheme was being forwarded, an agitation in favour of war was studiously created and fostered. Several papers incessantly wrote menacing articles. "To keep the excitement up, bankers who were in the secret of the plot sold largely upon the Bourse, and thus added to the panic. On the Boulevards the scum of the population paraded with shouts of Vive l'Empereur !' Berlin !' These heroes, itis well known, were paid the next morning forty centimes by the Government for their patriotism." their fatherland, and the unsp:Arin,g style in which it has exposed the misdeeds of the French Government deserve a passing notice. The North German Correspondent says:— " France has declared war with Prussia ! The tidings were received in Berlin with marked incredulity. Im possible !' cried everyone ; there is not a shadow of reason for war." Reason, unfortunately, is an element which has been obstinately ignored in the late' pro ceedings of the French Government. When, at last, the fact could be no longer doubted, the general scepti- cism gave way to a mingled feeling of indienation and relief. Since it was to come.' was the universal cry, 'it is better it has come at once.' The whole people with one accord are enraged at the dictatorial demands of France, and from every part of Germany alike we hear the cries of the German nation : ' Let us be led against the ruthless destroyers of national liberty, o; peacefui industry and civilisation.'" The Magdeburger Zeitung notes :—" In remarking the tone of the French press, and noting the h.solent demands that have been made on Germany, it seems to us that our neigh bours have been suddenly seized with that form of mad ness in which the Malays run a-muck through the streets, and stab the first person they encounter, whether or not he has done anything to excite their wrath." The Berliner Borsenzeitung, after the most severe condemnation of the Emperor as the destroyer of the peace of Europe, concludes : " We can only rejoice that the unavoidable war no longer even seems to be carried on for dynastic interests. This peace, in which we Must remain armed to the teeth, grows more intolerable from day to day. May the concessions we made on the Luxemburg question be our last." The Weser-Zeitung says :—" The entire civilised world, indignant at the shameful provocation by which France has again broken the peace of Europe, will pronounce a verdict of condemnation on this second Empire, which originated in perjury and has grown great in falsehood." The Zukunft, a Berlin paper of decidedly Republican sympathies, says the French Government has behaved tself so disgracefully that it ought to be got rid of by force--" Let the French nation, in the last moment, make themselves the master of their own fate, and give the other Governments a healthy lesson for all coming times." The Berlin Post has these remarks :—" The cry of just indignation in Ger many at the insults to which we have been exposed, the cry of general horror at the possibility of the war which France is resoved to provoke, may perhaps assist in recal ling to their reason the people of France, who now, alas ! share the guilt of their Government." The National Zeitung says :—" For four years a raid has been planned by the French in order to obtain revenge for Sadowa. Now t'hey believe themselves prepared, and will not wait for a moment, though they must take the most trivial pretence for madly forcing on a war." The Hessische Morgen Zeitung complains that the French' Government has insulted Germany by seeking to turn the South German States from their allegiance to Prussia. ' The Vossische Zeitung declares that the first responsibility falls upon Napoleon. " How could we expect that; he—the man of the coup d'Etat who trod underfoot the rights of his own people, would respect those of foreign nations. In the second place, we cannot exonerate the people of France from all guilt in the horrible bloodshed that must ensue."— The South German journal, 6chwabische Vol ks- Zeitung of Stuttgard, observes :—" The mask is at last thrown off. Revenge for Sadowa, intervention in the internal affairs of Germany, the destruction of our offen sive and defensive treaties with the North, the weakening of our western frontiers—all this is meant when war is de clared ostensibly to defeat the candidature of a Sigmarin gen. The South German Swabian Mercury a day or two ago remarked :—" We should, no doubt, have a serious struggle before us, but one to the issue of which we might look forward with confidence, knowing that the prize it worth the stake. For, however shallow and transparens the pretext of the enemy may be in attacking us, the re ward of victory would certainly be the immediate com pletion of our German State."—Several of the Viennese papers are equally stern in their condemnation of the French proceedings. In Frankfort only is there any hesitation shewn. Frankfort is melancholy because its Bourse is so, and the town on the Mein thinks of nothing but money. The annexation to Prussia, too, with all its unpleasant consequences, is too recent to be forgotten. The preparations here are going on rapidly, but we are unable to say much about them. The law does not allow it, and the press requires no law to obey a dictate of patriotism. All that can be said is that mobilisation is rapibly going on, and that soon a million of men will be under arms. This immense total represents, in round numbers, the military strength of the North German Con federacy. Some estimates place it higher; but it is, at any rate, certain that a million of men can be brought into the field. They are divided—speaking again in round numbers—into one-third soldiers of the Line, one third Reserve, and one-third Landwehr. If France hopes to scatter such a force as this to the winds, it is evident that the task will be a difficult one. COLOGNE, SUNDAY. Here the greatest animation prevails, for Cologne is the central town of the district which will, in a few days, become the theatre of war. Everywhere we meet with trains fnll of troops—troops on the road, troops in barracks, and munitions arriving from every quarter and by every route. It is a scene of tremendous military ardour. The ordinary traffic on the railroads is suspended. Soldiers, soldiers look out of the carriage windows everywhere. All the vehicles are employed in the transport of men and things, on business of war. The North German Bth army corps, under the command of General Herwath Von Bittenfield is already in this neighbourhood, and will sustain the first shock of battle. The 7th Army Corps (that of Westphalia), the 10th Hanover, and the 11th Cassel will be on the Rhine in a few days ; then will follow the 2nd, under the command of the Crown Prince, and the 3rd, at the head of which is that hope of Prussia, Prince Frederick Charles. The 4th corps, under the command of General von Albensleven, will occupy Hanover. It should be added that the 7th corps is led by General von Lastrow, the 10th by General Voigts-Rhetz, and the 11th by General Plonski. The agitation is extreme in this city. It is scarcely less greet in all the surrounding neighbourhoods. There is a regular stampede,a saute-quipeut of all holiday makers. Thewatering places are deserted. At Homburg, Manheim, Ems, and Wiesbaden there were but yesterday crowds of visitors. Scarcely a trace of them now remains. Commerce is everywhere paralysed. At Frankfort there is no discount even for the best paper. And this is only the beginning. OUR COTEMPORARIES—This Morning. THE WAR. COMMENCEMENT OF HOSTILITIES. The Times says a rumour of some authority reached London late this morning that hostilities had been begun by the French near Forbach. NAVAL ENGAGEMENT. A telegram from the Hague says that at Scheweningen, at 1.30 p.m. yesterday, cannonading could be heard at sea to the north by north-west. OPENING OF THE NORTH GERMAN PARLIAMENT. SPEECH OF KING WILLIAM. The North German Parliament was opened yesterday by King William in person. His Majesty delivered the following speech : " Honoured gentlemen of the Parliament of the North German Confederation,—When, at your last meeting, I bade you welcome from this place, in the name of the allied Governments, it was with joy and gratitude that I was able to bear witness to the fact that by the help of God success had rewarded my sincere efforts to meet the wishes of the people and the requirements of civilisation by avoiding any disturbance of the peace of Europe. If, notwithstanding this assur ance, the menace and imminence of war have now laid upon the Confederate Governments the duty of calling you together for an extraordinary session, you, as well as ourselves, will be animated with the conviction that the North German Confederation has laboured to improve, the national forces, not to imperil, but to afford a greater protection to universal peace, and that, when we call upon the national army to defend our independence, we only obey the mandates of honour and duty. The candidacy of a German Prince for the Spanish throne— both in the bringing forward and withdrawal of which the Confederate Governments were equally uncon cerned, and which only interested the North German Confederation in so far as the Government of a friendly country appeared to base upon its suc cess the hopes of acquiring for a sorely-tried people a pledge for regular and peaceful Govern, merit afforded the Emperor of the French a pre text for a " ca.sus belli," put forward in a manner long since unknown in the annals of diplomatic inter course, and adhered to after the removal of the very pre text itself, with that disregard for the people's right to the blessings of peace of which the history of a former ruler of France affords so many analogous examples. If Ger many, in former centuries, bore in silence such viola tions of her rights and of her honour, it was only because in her then divided state she knew not her own strength. To-day, when the links of intellectual and rightful community, which began to be knit together at the time of the wars of liberation, join the more slowly the more surely the different German races—to-day that Germany's armament leaves no longer an opening to the enemy—the German nation contains within itself the will and the power to repel the renewed aggression of France. It is not arrogance puts these words in my mouth. The Confederate Government and I myself are acting in the full consciousness that victory and defeat are in the hands of Him who decides the fate of battles. With a clear gaze we have measured the re sponsibility which, before the judgment -seat of God and of mankind, must fall upon him who drags two great and peace-loving peoples of the heart of Europe into a devastating war. The German and French peoples both equally enjoying and desiring the blessings of a Christian civilisation and of an increasing pro sperity, are called to a more wholesome rivalry than the sanguinary conflict of arms. Yet those who hold power in France have, by preconcerted misguidance, found means to work upon the legitimate but excitable national sentiment of our great neighbouring people for the further ance of personal interests and the gratification of passion. The more the Confederate Governments are conscious of having done all our honour and dignity permitted to pre serve to Europe the blessings of peace, and the more 'indubitable it shall appear to all minds that the sword has been thrust into our hands, so much the more confidently shall we rely upon the united will of the German Governments, both of the North and South, and upon your love of country; and so much the more confi dently we shall fight for our right against the 7 iolence of foreign invaders. Inasmuch as we pursue no other object than the durable establishment of peace in Europe, God will be with us as He was with our forefathers. Previous to the delivery of the speech, on the arrival of the members of the Federal Council, Dr. Simeon called for cheers for the Head of the North German Confede ration, an appeal that was twice frantically responded to. The King read the speech in a firm voice, but displayed at several times much emotion, and was often interrupted with vociferous cheering, espe cially when he spoke of the no longer divided Germany, —a remark that was understood to allude to the co-ope ration of Bavaria. The other passages most cheered were the ones referring to the peace-loving German people and the misguidance of the French nation. At the close of the speech Baron von Friesen, the Saxon Minister, called for cheers for King William, which were repeated over and over again. Count Bismarck subsegnently informed the House that the French Charge d'Affairs had delivered a declaration of war against Prussia. Hereupon all present arose and greeted the announcement with loud cheering, the persons in the gallery shouting " Hurrah !" Count Bismarch added—" After what we. have heard from the King in the speech from the Throne I have nothing more to say." THE DEPARTURE OF THE EMPEROR. The day of the Emperor's departure to take command of the army is still uncertain. At a military dinner given at St. Cloud on Monday night his Majesty evaded all questions on the subject. An orderly officer of the Emperor and an aide-de-camp of General Lebceuf left last night with sealed instructions for Marshal Bazaine and Generals Foully and Lamirault, which are to be acted upon simultaneously with the public proclamation of the declaration of war. Within the next four days 350,000 men will be assem . _ _ _ bled between Strasburg, Metz, Nancy, and Birtsck. Three army corps are now echeloned along the eastern frontier. THE LAST STRUGGLE FOR PEACE. Diplomacy is making a final effort for the presevation of peace by appealing to the Protocol of 1856, but success is hopeless. The 62nd Regiment of the Line has left Paris by the Eastern Railway. Great crowds assembled at the station, and numerous presents of cigars, tobacco, and money were made to the soldiers. More regiments leave to-night and to-morrow. The Zouaves of the Guard have left, and part of the cavalry from Versailles. The garrisons of Southern France are concentrating at Bordeaux, Toulouse, and Agen, those of Central France at Anjers and Le Mans, and are to be forwarded north wards by fast trains. It is stated that Baron A. de Rothschild has resigned his post of Prussian Consul-General in Paris. A paper says that he previously went to Ems to solicit an audience of the King of Prussia, and that it was refused him. The Constitutionnel confirms the announcement that Count Wimpfen has left for Berlin, with the French de clarations of war against Prussia. Mr. Washburn, the United States Minister, has accepted the protection of Prussian subjects in France, after having previously requested the assent of the French Government. Le Peuple Francais has has an article entitled "Le Times et la Prusse," in which the Imperial organ says the Times forgets that England made war on Louis XIV. to prevent a French prince from occupying the Throne of Spain, and that in 1848 England was on the eve of a rupture with the Go vernment of Louis Philippe, because of the " Spanish marriages." " Can it be said," asks Le Peuple Francais," " that a Prussian Prince on the throne of Spain is not as great a danger for France as a French Prince in the same position would be to England ?" THE BELGIAN FORCE. The reserve corps of Belgium, entrusted with the de fence of the Antwerp position, will consist of 40,000 men, and the army for the field of 60,000. The King will con tinue to reside in Brussels, and does not intend to visit the camp at Beverloo. A later telegram says :—" The Army of Observation is in movement to take the field. The last two classes of the army are about to be called out." COLOGNE IN A STATE OF SIEGE According to advices received from Rhenish-Prussia Cologne is about to be placed in a state of siege, whilst the garrison of Aix-la-Chapelle has been reduced. COMMAND OF THE FRENCH FLEET. Admiral Bouet Wuillamez takes the general command of the French fleet. Under him are :—Admiral Dieu donne, in command of the ironclads at Cherbourg ; Ad miral La Ronciere le Noury, commanding the transports; and Admiral Jurien de la Gravlire, aide-de-camp of the Emperor, who will follow his Majesty to head-quarters, and command, if required, the flotilla of gunboats on the Rhine. HESSE JOINS PRUSSIA. PARIS, JULY 18. The envoy of Hesse Darmstadt at this court has been ordered by his Government to demand his patsports. He will do this immediately, and proceed home on the 20th. DEPARTURE OF A FRENCH ADMIRAL TO DENMARK. - ---------- HULL, TUESDAY. Viscount de Borelli, accompanied by his secretary and suite, arrived in Hull last night, and sailed this morning for Copenhagen, in the Danish steamer Phoenix. From Copenhagen the Viscount will proceed to Stockholm, to join the French fleet, of which, it is expected, he will resume the command. THE CAUSE OF THE DECLARATION. PARIS, MONDAY. There is a visible decline, it would not be well to say in popular enthusiasm, but certainly in the outward and visible signs thereof. People cannot always be singing the' " Marseillaise," inspiriting air though it be. Moreover, it is no longer a forbidden ditty, which is a sufficient reason - for its falling into discredit. Newspapers which contain nothing, can not furnish food for endless excitement, nor is the empty ing of bocks to the confusion of Bismarck a performance that can last for ever. There is at present a sad lack of interesting intelligence ; there has been no fighting, and the news of troops moving to the frontier is very sparse, nor, indeed, is the fact that this regiment of Dragoons has started from Paris, or that that regiment of Chasseurs is rapidly coming home from Algeria, at all a matter to get frantic over. Until the main army of action gets into order on the frontier—a task which will require about a week—we are likely here to suffer from that reaction which always follows a state of preternatural excitement. There is, however, one topic of interest which may probably develop into a question of serious importance. It is the attitude of the British press. The Vrench are seriously offended at the stern condemnation which has been measured out to them from across the Channel. They declared that they had the sympathy of Europe with them. They speedily find that the reverse is the case. The Telegraph gives the proceedings of this Government a sort of modified support ; but with this exception, which will give no great surprise, the British press speaks in terms of the most unmeasured blame. The Times is a special offender. It dubbed the declaration of war the greatest crime of the cen tury, and though this is no stronger indignation than that shewn by other British papers —no stronger than that shewn by most of them, it has attracted especial attention. The French think much of the Times. It has a great name. It is of great size. They believe, rightly or wrongly, that it represents the views of one at least, perhaps two, of the Cabinet Ministers. Hence the wrath with which the whole British press is assailed falls with especial weight upon " the Thunderer." It is spoken of in every café, raved against in every knot of talkers. The war fever is still so violent that advocates of peace meet with scant justice. M. Thiers, who condemned the war as unjust, was assailed in his house by au in furiated mob. How, then, are the English newspaper writers likely to fare when they not only condemn the war as unjust, but stigmatise it as a. crime? How far are these accusations true? It is to be feared that there is but small effectual answer to them. The French urge that the war was forced upon them by Prussia, and M. 011ivier has declared that the King of Prussia not only refused to give any gua rantee that the candidature would not be resumed, but actually regretted its withdrawal, and sanctioned- its resumption. But the Germans say the very reverse, and there is no special reason why one nation should be be lieved in preference to another. The Cologne Gazette uses the ugly word liigen in speaking of the French official state ments. The North German Gazette—Bismarck's paper— is at special pains to point out that the French Ambassa dor was treated with no discourtesy until his conduct in the Kurgarden became unbearable. Then all that hap pened was a courteous refusal on the part of the king to engage in any further conversation with the French representative. It is true that the King persistently declined to order Prince Leopold to withdraw his candidature. But Prince Leopold himself withdrew it, and this surely ought to have put an end to the warlike situation. The King himself was hardly called upon to interfere, for, in fact, the traditions of the Hohenzollern House give him no power of this kind over a Prince who is merely related to him in name. The Cologne Gazette, indeed, says that King William, as soon as he heard of the proposi tion, dissuaded Prince Leopold from accepting ; and when the Prince, after twice declining the candidature, allowed himself, on the third occasion, to be over-persuaded by the Spanish agents, he, having already accepted the nomination, acquainted the King, as an act of courtesy, of his resolution, whereupon the King was unfavourably moved. In any event, the withdrawal of the candidature was all that could reasonably be expected of a great nation. It was not likely that King William would humbly crave the forgiveness of Napoleon 111. So clearly did it appea, that the casus belli, if there ever was one, was withdrawn that the Debats and the Temps here both came out with articles confident in the assurance of peace, in the most blissful unconsciousness of what was going to happen. To M. Thiers such a cause of war was equally repugnant—Thiers, the ardent enemy of Prussia, the man who thinks that German unity will be the ruin of France, and who has for years ranked as the most bellicose of French politicians. Is no meaning to be attached to these expressions of opinion on the part of Frenchmen ? In Germany the hope for and belief in peace appeared unanimous. The outburst of astonishment at the declaration in the French Chamber was general. Moreover, Prussia is notoriously unprepared for war as compared with France. Says the Cologne Gazette :—" And who ever dreamed of attacking France ? We had armed forsooth, cried Napoleon's Ministers. Why, up to Friday night, no man in the reserve corps here, to say nothing of the Landwehr—no single individual had been sum moned to his colours. On the interpellation of Gambetta, Emile 011ivier declared he knew that considerable arma- IN ENGLAND. The effects of the war have been felt in many of the leading commercial cities. At Manchester some German houses have availed themselves of excuses to repudiate contracts. In one case, where a first delivery of a large order for cloths was a few days behind time, the order has been cancelled. At Newcastle the outbreak of war is likely to have a serious effect in restraining the shipping of thousands of tons of goods now preparing was ready to sail for the continent. At Grimsby freights have advanced 10s. per ton, and timber has risen in price. Many of the timber fleet soon due are German ships, which have been ordered to run for Bre men. The line of steamers from Grimsby to Hamburg has been temporarily discontinued. The Anglo-French steamers running from the port have also been knocked off, but the steamers to Antwerp will run as usual. In London the large fall in the price of consols is in great measure due to the impression in influential quar ters that Austria will unite with France. This rumour may have no better foundation than that to the effect that Russia had joined Prussia, but in the present excited state of the money market, every report of this kind has an effect. PROCLAMATION OF NEUTRALITY. A Royal Proclamation, enjoining upon British subjects neutrality in the war between France and Prussia, was agreed to at a Council held by her Majesty yesterday, and a few hours later it was published in the London Gazette. The Foreign Office has issued a series of regula tions governing the conduct of the ships of war be longing to the belligerent Powers whilst cruising in British waters. The Bishop of London, acting under medical advice, has determined to postpone the visitation of his diocese, which he had arranged to hold in the present year. The improvement in the health of the Ven. Archdeacon Hale, mentioned a few days ago, still con tinues. He was better yesterday than for some time past. THE SPEAKER.—We have much satisfaction in stating that though the Right Honourable J. E. Denison, the Speaker, was not able to take his place in the House of Commons last night, he is suffering only from slight indisposition, and was able to take a drive in the after noon.—Daily News. The barometer has risen everywhere especially in the West of England. Winds, however, continue light from the westward, and are nearly calm in the Channel. The sky is cloudy, except in the South and East. Tem perature has fallen slightly in the North-West, but it has risen elsewhere. The thermometer in the metropolis as eight o'clock in the morning was 67 degrees ; at Aberdeen it was 65 degrees ; at Greencastle, 58 degrees. • - - - A petition from Richard Fenelly, who was recently sentenced to be imprisoned for bribery at the Bridgwater election, praying that assistance may be afforded him to obtain remission of his sentence, and for alteration in the Corrupt Practices at Elections Acts, was on Monday laid upon the table of the House of Commons. The Standard says that the testimonial to Colonel Taylor (for nineteen years whip to the Conservative party), will be presented to him on Saturday next, the 23rd inst., in the large library of the Carlton Club. The Right Hon. J. W. Henley, M.P., will take the chair. Subscribers to the testimonial who are not members of the Carlton, will be admitted on presenting their cards to the porter of the club. AU RHIN ! More preparations. The troops are leaving Paris , rapidly, and all through the country the leading naval and military stations resound with the labours of war. The Camp of Chalons was broken up on Saturday, and the troops there have gone to their respective posts. At Cherbourg there is grande activite in the port and its sur roundings ; the latest report stated that the ironclads had their steam up, and that everything was getting ready for a start. We are assured that the squadron will set off for the Baltic at a very early date. At Paris volunteers are enrolling themselves with great rapidity—according to the official journals, 10,000 have already joined the standard. Those who have served before will, of course, immediately take their place in their respective arms, and the rank they may have occupied in the army will be taken into account. The marshals and officers are rapidly going to the front. Bazaine, with his surrounding of officers, has already started. M`Mahon is to follow ; and soon the Emperor himself will leave. It has been said that General Changarnier had so far forgotten the coup d'etat as to ask for a command in the army of the Rhine. This statement, it appears, was true. A letter from the veteran general, in the Slick, says that he begged General Le Bceuf to give him a command, and his request was greeted with the most demonstrative expressions of sym pathy, but definitely declined. All the troops of the line have left Paris. The Zouaves have yet to follow, but they will go off, it is said, this evening. The Imperial Guard awaits orders. More inte resting than these details would be information respecting the general plan of the campaign, but of this very little is disclosed, and that little is scarcely certain. If, for example, the neat programme, which appears in the Liberte be officially agreed upon, it is in truth not at all certain that it will be carried out. The lively paper late in the possession of M. Emile de Girardin, gives the following as the correct card of the campaign :—" Make a rapid advance in Hesse, in order to neutralise the South German States, occupy and fortify Frankfort, sweep the Prussian territory on the left bank of the Rhine, then enter Westphalia, and, being supported by Hanover and Denmark, drive the Prussians beyond the Elbe, and subsequently, as after the battle of Fried land, reconstruct the German Confederation, to the exclu sion of Austria and Prussia." To strike at Hesse with the view of dividing Prussia from South Germany seems decidedly the preferable course, and the one which is most likely to be adopted, but it has hazards of its own, and it is by no means sure that it will lead to all the fine results which the First Napoleon se cured to himself. The arrangements of the corps d'armec are pretty much as were given yesterday. The number of corps d'armee will be eight—the commanders as already named. Of these seven will form the line of battle, and the eighth, under General Bourbaki, will form the re serve, composed of the Imperial Guard. The Corps of Marshal Canrobert will take the position on the extreme left nearest to Belgium. The Emperor will have his head. quarters at Nancy, whither, as it seems definitely deter mined, the Prince Imperial will accompany him as a member of the staff. METZ, SUNDAY. Great confusion has prevailed here yesterday and to day. It was feared that the Prussians would make an attack, as they were reported to be already at Sierck, dis tant twelve miles from this place. It was afterwards stated that such was not the case, though they occupied the line from Tr?ves to Saarbruck, and might at any moment cross the frontier. Those of the regiment which belonged to the garrison here have departed, but all hold themselves in readiness to receive orders. The troops from the camp at Chalons are momentarily expected, together with three divisions from Paris. The town is admirably provided with every species of stores and am munition. It contains the largest powder magazine in Europe, and its warlike appointments are most complete. Metz is the Woolwich of France, and contains military appurtenances for an army of three hundred thousand men. CHALONS, SUNDAY. All communication with the camp at Chalons by means of the railway has been stopped for ordinary travellers, and the trains are filled up with troops. The soldiers con duct themselves with great steadiness, and take their places with regularity without waiting for orders. Their baggage is made as light as possible, and its contents are confined to strict necessities. Both officers and men seem to feel the greatest confidence in the chassepOt. Some of the officers express their belief that it is the best of all the breechloikling arms now in gene's,' use except the Snider, which is not a widely spread weapon. The Chassepot, say they, is very easily worked, and does not get out of order. There is only one part of the weapon which is liable to rapid deterioration, and the soldiers have the means of remedying this themselves. As to the heat produced by the fire it is not a serious danger. About fifty charges are required to produce any ill effect in that direction ; and the Prussians, at all events, are no better off themselves. There is no news of military operations but the period of panic has already set in. There was some talk to-day of an incursion into French territory near Sierck ;no such thing ever happened —at all events, if it did, it was confined to a raid of some half-dozen re connoitering soldiers. TOULON, SUNDAY. Here all re-echoes with the sound of war. Several vessels have been detained for the purpose of fetching troops from Algeria. A considerable number of vessels are fitting out for active service ; and a vast number of sailors raised in all the maritime ports are flocking into this town. The come in trainfuls, and swarm all over the place, dressed, equipped, ready for to tread the deck and man their guns. One detachment of transports has just left for Algiers, not for the purpose of bringing troops, but in order to get horses. Thousands are collected on the opposite shore of the Medierranean, and will . be brought rapidly over in order to complete the equipment of the cavalry. THE -RISING- Of GERMANY. BERLIN, SUNDAY. If the French are disposed to doubt the unanimity of the German nation in resisting their attack, the perusal of the public journals all over the country, and the manifestations of national enthusiasm everywhere to be seen, will sufficiently undeceive them. It is obvious enough from all the outward and visible signs by which the public opinion of a country is to be judged, that the South Germans will recognise the neces sity of fulfilling the treaty concluded in 1866. It is equally obvious that the anti-Prussian feeling in Austria has much diminished, and that at least very little moral support of France will be given. A few extracts will suffice to show the way the current runs. Of the leading German paper, the Cologne Gazette, it is needless to say anything. It is thoroughly Prussian, and is published on Prussian territory. But the most vehement appeals it makes day after day to the German people to combat for THE WAR, The -Times, speaking on the subeect of neutrality, re marks that how limg such a position will be possible to us as Englishmen must depend upon the conduct of the war itself. The belligerents are equally matched, and there is nothing from which we can augur that the sword will soon be sheathed. The ' Martial excitement of the French is not more remarkable than the resolute spirit of the Germans—a spirit which animates the solemn and im pressive speeches of the King of Prussia. But, however long the war maylast, it is in the power of the combatants to respect the neutrality of the States which lie be tween them. This is no longer a war between France and the Prussian kingdom, on a frontier of a few miles in front of Metz. In such a case there might have been a strong temptation and some excuse for vio lating the Belgian and Luxemburg territories. But this is a war between France and all Germany, and tfie fron tier of the belligerents extends from the Luxemburg dis trict to Basle. Here, then, we have complete accessibility for each combatant to the territory of the other, and no strategical necessity can justify either in setting foot on neutral ground. The Telegraph says that from her geographical position, as well as from her political relations, Belgium is un doubtedly exposed to very serious dangers. If the war were to be carried on simply and solely in accordance with strategical considerations, the Low Countries would infallibly earn once more their ominous title of the Cockpit of Europe. Verviers, in the north, is the point at which the French armies would probably enter Westphalia ; while, in the event of Prussia's Invading France, the route by Namur and Mons is the one most likely to be se lected. Yet, for reasons too obvious to need recapitulation, the Governments of Berlin and Paris are alike unwilling to incur the consequences which might ensue from any violation of the neutrality of Belgium : and the assurances which have been given both from the Tuile ries and from Potsdam, to the effect that no invasion of Belgium is contemplated, have, the Telegraph believes, been made in all good faith. No doubt those assurances are qualified with a stipulation, that the immunity of the Flamand provinces can only be observed so long as the enemy fulfils the agreement with equally scrupulous care ; and, since it is never difficult to find a pretext for the assertion that the neutrality of a State has been so employed as to favour one side or the other, the Te/egraqh cannot disguise its apprehensions. And if the violation of Belgian neutrality should be found to be a matter of vital importance for either side, an ade quate excuse will soon be forthcoming. Under these cir cumstances, it is impossible that the duties which might devolvr, upon England in respect of her treaty obligations should be overlooked by our Government ; and arrange ments have already been made, by which, in case of need, Antwerp might be rapidly garrisoned with English troops. The Standard remarks that for France or Prussia to in vade Belgium or Luxemburg would be either a childish escapade or a defiance to Europe. Suppose even that England and the other neutrals would not interfere— neither France nor Prussia could afford now to sustain the prejudice which such a proceeding would occasion, and neither could afford to add to the strength of its antagonists the sixty or seventy thousand men of whom Belgium or Holland, as the case might be, could dispose. But after the absurd stories which have been stated with so much emphasis, and which have caused no little uneasiness amongst the ill-informed and the timid, it is satisfactory to have these direct and distinct assurances of both Governments that they mean to do what they have pledged themselves to do, and that they will not, in order to fight out out their own quarrel more conveniently, drag all Europe into it, Of course this engagement stands for the present. Either Power may, in the pressure of a life-and-death struggle, take a course that would be perfectly unjustifiable, and to save itself ruin a eaker neighbour. We must be prepared for such a con tingency, but we may accept with satisfaction the assur ances that . both Powers at prese n t cons id er h ones t y t h e best policy, and intend, until otherwise advised, to adhere, to their engagements. SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. LATEST BETTING AT THE WEST END. TUESDAY, Midnight. The Huntingdonshire Stakes victory of Tohy caused the horse to be in considerable request throughout the evening for the Goodwood Stakes next week. Whenever 20 to 1 could be obtained about him the price was readily taken, and at last 100 to 6 became the highest offer. 6 to 1 was the highest offer on the field, but the friends of Capitalists were not inclined to accept those odds. Sabinus was occasionally backed for the Goodwood Cup, Musket likewise meeting with some support at 6 to 1. CLOSING PRICES : GOODWOOD STAKES. 6to 1 agst Capitaliste (offered) Bto 1 agst John Davis (offered) Bto 1 agst Indian Ocean (offered) 10 to 1 agst Sweet Sound (offered) 100 to 6 agst Toby (offered-20 to 1 taken and wanted) GOODWOOD CUP. 7to 4 agst Sabinus (taken) sto 1 agst Musket (taken and offered) CITY BETTING-TUESDAY. GOODWOOD STAKES. 100 to 15 agst Capitaliste (taken and offered) 100 to 12 agst John Davis (offered) 10 to 1 agst Sweet Sound (offered) 20 to 1 agst Paganini (taken) GOODWOOD CUP. 60 to 40 agst Sabinus (offered) 9to 2 agst Pero Gomez (offered) sto 1 agst Musket (offered)3 7to 1 agst Siderolite (offered) 100 to 3 agst Chawbacon (offered)ll Very little doing. BE 1 TING AT MANCIiESTER-TUESDAY, GOODWOOD STAKES. sto 1 agst Capitaliste (taken and offered) Bto 1 agst Indian Ocean (taken) Bto 1 agst Prince Henry (taken) Bto 1 agst John D av i s ( o ff ere d) 10 to 1 agst Sweet Sound (taken) 100 to 6 agst Miss Sheppard (taken) HUNTINGDON MELTING.--TUESDAY. The Ximbolton Cup. One mile. Mr Wm. Bevill's Queen of the Valley, by King of the Forest—Nimble, 3 yrs, 7st 61b (£100) (Jeffery) 1 Mr T. V. Morgan's L a Giroflee, 2 yrs, Est 61b (2500) (Hunt) 2 Mr Savile's Sister to Ravioli, 3 yrs, 7st 61b (£100) (Maidment) 3 Constantine and Ribton also ran. Won in a canter by eight lengths. The Peel Handicap Plate. Three-quarters of a mile. Mr Ruff's Nightingall, by Handsome Jack—Polly, 3 yrs, 7st (F. Webb) 1 Mr G. Hodgman's Masaniello, 4yrs, Est 101 b (Wilson) 2 Mr W. Edgar's Dolphin, 3 yrs, 6st 91b ......(Weston) 3 Cymbal, Patrician, Bonnie Katie, Queen of Hearts, and Enfield also ran. Won in a canter by two lengths. The Huntingdonshire Stakes. Two miles. Mr T. Parr's Toby, by Tim Whiffier—Lady Maud, 4 yrs, Bst 121 b • • (C. Gray) 1 Captain Atkins's The Boy, 3 yrs, 7st 101 b (Wyatt) 2 Admiral Rous ns Violet, 3 yrs, Bst Adrastus, Chil4e Harold, and Moccolo also ran. Won by a length. After the race .500 to 40 was laid against Toby for the Goodwood Stakes, but when it was known that he had pulled up leg weary, 20 to 1 was laid to lose between £4,000 and £5,000. The Hinchingbrook Stakes. T.Y.C. About half a mile straight. Mr Lee's Hopbine, by Dundee—Rose of Kent, 7st 131 b (Hunt) 1 Mr Harold's Balquhidar, Bst 31b Mr W Hale's Echo, B s t 101 b Won easily in a canter by five lengths. The Fitzwilliam Claiming Plate. Half a mile. Mr R. Cunningham's Royal Arms, by Parmesan—Mag on the Wing, 2 yrs, 7st 31b (£100) Lord C. Manners's c by Oulston—lgerna, 2 yrs, Est 121 b (car. 7st) (£7O) (Butler) 2 Mr G. Dalton's Kenmore, 2 yrs, 6st 21b (£7O) (F. Crickmere) 3 Kilham, Contadina, Peasant Girl, The Speaker, Thun derbolt, Lazzaroni, Cerise, and Dutchwoman also ran. Won by a neck. _ _ - The Membeis' Handicap Plate. One mile. General Peel's Far Away, by Young Melbourne—Maid of Masham, 4 yrs, 7st 101 b Mr 0. L. Evan's Timothy, 3 yrs, 6st 101 b (Butler) 2 Mr Joseph Radcliffe's Blacklock, 5 yrs, 7st ... (Butler) 3 Thor and Van Amburgh also ran. Won by three quar ters of a length. The Cambridgeshire Two Year Old Handicap. Half a mile straight. Mr T. Stevens's Bellenden, by Blair Athol—Phoebe, Bst 61b Mr Thacker's c by Blair Athol—Cbristabelle, Bst 21b ( Won in a ca n t er b y t wo lengthsMaidment) 2 BETTING ON THE COURSE. GOODWOOD STAKES. sto 1 agst Capitaliste (offered-6 to 1 taken f) Bto 1 agst Prince Henry (taken) Bto 1 agst John Davis (offered) Bto 1 agst Indian Ocean (taken) 20 to 1 agst Toby (taken after 100 to 8 had been taken freely) 1000 to 10 agst lona (taken) ST. LEGER. 2to 1 agst Kingcraft (offered) 100 to 15 agst Macgregor (offered) 9to 1 agst Sunshine (offered)