The Sun. — London, England, 1871-01-07 00:00:00

SPECIAL EDITION. SUN OFFICE, 7 P.M. LATEST INTELLIGENCE. THE WAR. THE ATTACK UPON PARIS. During Wednesday night Fort Valerien fired salvo after salvo into Ville d'Avray and St. Cloud ; and on Thursday morning, at four, opened a heavy fire from Montrouge and Vanves, the Ger man guns maintaining strict silence up to eight when orders were received to reply to the French fire. Up to mid-day 100 siege guns, each throwing shells weighing 321 b. or 641 b., and the German rifled mortars firing 1501 b. shells, opened on the French forts. The cannonade was maintained two hours : then the Germans only fired broadsides, the French replying from time to tiMe, never throwing away a shot. At noon firing ceased—on the Ger man side. As the French continued to fire orders were given to continue the bombardment, and at two cannonading become incessant. Salvo after salvo was poured upon Issy, Vanves, and Mon trouge, apparently without diminishing the vigour or accuracy of the French fire, which according to all reports committed havoc among the German batteries and gunners. The King, the Crown Prince, Count Moltke, and others went to Villa Steon to witness the effect, which did not appear to come up to their sanguine expectations. As far as could be seen by a telescope no damage had been sus tained by the barracks in the centre of Fort Issy, against which the German fire was directed, and the works themselves bore no visible traces of the heavy bombardment. The German losses are not unimportant ; up to two they were seven officers and 80 men. By the third day the German authori ties say the bombardment will exceed every hope and expectation. Telegraphing yesterday morning, the same cor respondent says the bombardment continued all Thursday night, the besieged forts replying. The batteries of Pierrefitte have opened fire on St Denis and Mount Marce.—Manchester Guardian Telegram. THE ATTACK ON THE PARIS FORTS. CHATENAY (before Paris), January 6, Noon. The bombardment of the forts on the south side of Paris has been effectively continued. Forts Issy and Vanves have already been silenced. ROYAL HEAD-QUARTERS, VERSAILLES, January 6. Fort Issy has been silenced to-day. No reports have yet been received respecting the other forts. Observations by teleicope i are prevnted by a dense fog. The fortress of Rocroy was occupied by the Ger man troops yesterday. THE OCCUPATION OF ROCROY. MEZIERES, January 6 On the occupation of Rocroy 300 prisoners, 72 guns, one eagle, and many rifles were captured as well as large stores of ammunition and provisions, eight German prisoners, amongst whom were two Prussians, detained as spies, were delivered. The capture of Rocroy was effected by five bat talions of Infantry, two squadrons of hussars, six field katteries, and one company of pioneers. THE WAR EXPENSES. BERLIN, January 6 (Evening.) The financial papers state that negotiations are being carried on by the Government in reference to the issue of the second 50 million thalers of the last war credit.—Reuter's Telegrams. THE ATTACK ON THE FRENCH FORTS. VERSAILLES, January 5. The batteries erected against the southern front of Paris, the arming of which was not obstructed by the enemy, bombarded in the course of to day Forts Issy, Vanres, and Montrouge, the en trenchments at Villejuif, Point-du-Jour, and the gun boats. . The bombardment of the northern and eastern fronts was at the same time vigorously continued, Partly by newly-erected batteries. The result was very favourable, in spite of a tole rably dense fog. The loss on the Prussian side consisted of four men killed and four officers and eleven men Wounded.—Times. THE FRENCH ACCOUNT. PARIS, January 3 (Evening). The bombardment of the north and east forts and the neighbouring villages has continued since the 27th ult., without causing any serious injury. The damage is easily repairei during the night. The Germans daily throw about 4,000 shells on the forts. Up to the present no other points of Paris have been bombarded. The spirit of the troops is in no way elected by the bombardment. Our total losses since its commencement have been about 20 killed and 200 Wounded. The majority of the Paris journals urge the Gcvernment to take vigorons offensive measures now that the weather is milder. The °gide( Journal yesterday contained an article Stating that the Government, in unison with the popu lation, resolutely rejects all idea of capitulating. The article has produce 1 a good impression. Perfect tranquillity prevails in the capital.— , Reuter's Telegram. VERSAILLES, January 6. The present attitude of affairs before Paris is very threatening for the French. It is clear that we have entered upon a period of active operations _against t he earthworks. Force is to compete with famine in the German programme for January. The loss of Mont Avron and the silencing of eastern forts leave General Trochu small hope 41 his heavy artillery ; at any rate, the Germans 41 % encouraged to believe that they can win in an 11 , 11 illery duel, and easily do in other places what h as been done at Mont Avrm. Taking the out iliv°llis and silencing forts, though it might not lead to an immediate surrender, destroys all chance ° f successful sorties. It would, moreover, cheer the besiegers wonderfully, and satisfy German public °Pinion. hear that German speculators have been pre 144ing for the fall of the city, and that extra beds have been got ready in the hospitals round Paris, 48 though th e fi na l s tru g gl e we re expected befor e 1 ' el lg• The French, it is thought, will very likely resent the attack on the outworks by a last great ; )t ie, and try and get away from the city with a det achment of the army at several points. The than of those best informed is, that th e / r have never had less chance of success & ,, s llll now. The Germans think the end must t -11 come, and their food supplies will be ready fill the exhausted markets of the city when it falls. Fleck s of sheep are said to be on the march west ward on private account. Over and above what the w i :, lls aian Government may do for the Parisians, there 1 ,, 1 1 be large private trade. °u must ex p ec t a l u ll i n th e war opera ti ons i n the ' p ro vinces, as Moltke is likely to give orders to e or t r°oPs to r ema i n on th e d e f ens i ve w hil e th e en d N ew ' great siege is being brought about.—Daily THE NORTHERN ARMY OF FRANCE. VERSAILLES, January 5. General von Bentheim, early on the 4th, starting from Rouen, fell upon the hoslile troops on the left bank of the Seine, under General Roye. He defeated them, and partly in yesterday's, partly in to-day's continued pursuit, took from them four guns, three colours, and about 600 prisoners. The Northern Army, under General Faidherbe, which was defeated at Bapaume, is now retreating on Arras and Douai. ' VON PODBIELSKI. AlmNs, January 5. The pursuit of the corps under General Roye, which was defeated on the left bank of the Seine, was continued yesterday, by a small mixed detach ment under Major Preiuitzer, beyond Bourgachard. The detachment again fell on the enemy, defeated him, took from him two more guns, one ammuni tion waggon, and prisoners, and forced him to take flight. Count WARTENSLEB EN. —Times. The following telegrams come through Reuter's Agency:— THE EVACUATION OF BAPAUME. LILLE, January 6. The headquarters of the French Army of the North are at Boileux. The Prussians evacuated Bapaume yesterday . In the recent fighting near the latter place the German loss is approximately estimated at 9,000 men, and the French loss at 4,000. Lille is crowded with wounded. General Faidherbe came here yesterday to reform the commissariat department of the Army of the North, which worked badly. It is considered that it has been General Feid herbe's policy thoroughly to inure his troops to campaigning, before making a decided march for ward. GERMANS REPULSED AT GAINNEVILLE HAVRE, January 6, (7 p.m.) The Army of Havre fell back yesterday upon St. Romain. To-day, the Prussians, supported by two guns, made a reconnaissance, and advanced as far as St. Aubin Routot, whence they threw a score of shells into Qainneville, but were subsequently driven back towards Bolbec. ARRIVAL OF FRENCH TROOPS AT CHERBOURG. CHSRBOURG, January 5. About 100,000 French troops have arrived here from the west, and are being actively drilled and equipped for active operations. ERENCH MOVEMENT ON THE SEINE. HAVRE, January 6. Considerable dissatisfaction prevails here at the inaction of General Peletingeas. The Germans have returned to Yvetot, and have also visited St. Valery, where they made a requisition for salt. The railway service between Havre and Fecamp has not yet been reopened. The Prussian garrison at Rouen has been in creased. It iugenerally believed that a strong offensive move ment will be made by the French troops as soon as the Seine is clear, of ice, when the gunboats will be able to second the operations of the army. The official account of the victory at Bapaume has produced an excellent impression upon the French troops. FRENCH REPULSED IN THE EAST. CARLSRUIIE 2 January 6 (3 p.m.) General Gliimer sends the following telegraphic despatch, dated Vesoul, the sth : " The enemy, numbering 40,000 men, was posted near Rioz to-day, on the road from Vesoul to Be sancon. " A reconnaissance on his part, near Vellefaux, north of Rioz, was victoriously repulsed by the 10th half-brigade, two light field batteries, and a squadron of cavalry. " The losses of the enemy are unknown. One officer and 34 unwounded rank and file were made prisoners. Our loss was insignificant."—Times. CIIANZY'S AND BOURBAKI'S ARMIES. HAVRE, January 5. The Journal du . Havre says Chanzy's army is daily receiving reinforcements, and its strength is estimated at 200,000 men. It is certain that the united forces of Bourbaki and Chanzy number nearly 400,000, and that Prince Frederick Charles and the Duke of Mecklenburg have barely 200,000 men.—Lombard Telegram. GREEK BRIGANDS IN TURKEY. CONSTANTINOPLE, January 5 (2.15 p.m.) Arvanitaki, Spano, Calzoy, and other chiefs, with over 80 Hellene brigands, coming from Greece, were on the 31st December attacked at Ermee by the Turkish troops. Their losses are estimated at 20 men. The Turkish detachment was very inferior in number, and suffered heavily. The pursuit is being conducted vigorously.— Times. TURKEY AND ROUMANIA. CONSTANTINOPLE, January 5. Prince Charles has informed the Porte that he does not intend to withdraw from the stipulations imposed on Roumania by the Treaty of 1856. THE NEUTRALITY OF BELGIUM. BRUSSELS, January 6 (8.30 p.m.) The question whether Belgium has a right to in tern French military men who escape from Germany is about to be judicially settled, as two fugitive French officers who have been stopped in Belgium have now asked the Court to set them at liberty. Their case will be heard on the 13th inst. 9 p.m. The Berlin correspondent of the Etoile Belge says a discussion on a question of principle with refereuce to the Luxembourg affair is being carried on between Earl Granville and Count Bismarck. The British Foreign Office maintains that no violation of the stipulations of a treaty is permissible, but Count Bismarck does not absolutely accept this view. RUSSIA. ST. PETERSBURG, Junuary 6. The Minister of War has submitted a scheme to the Emperor, according to which military service will be incumbent •on the population for a period of 16 years. Of this period the men will serve seven years with the colours. Twenty-five per cent. of the class 21 years of age will be levied annually. Im munity by purchase is abolished. The educated classes are permitted to enter the army as volun teers at 17 years of age, and get the benefit of a shorter period of service. ' Those able to pass cer tain examinations will be promoted to commis sions. GREECE. ATHENS, January 3. The President of the Ministry explained to-day iu fhe Chamber the programme of the Cabinet. He said :—" We wish to maintain friendly rela tions with the foreign Powers, and to develope and improve the internal resources of the country. We shall respect the rights of foreigners, especially those of our neighbours. Our foreign policy will be peace ful." RESIGNATION OF ADMIRAL TOPETE. MADRID, January 0. Admiral Topete has declined the offer of the rank of Grand Admiral, resigned all official dignities, and resolved to retire into private life.—Lombard Tele gram. TIIE SUN, LONDON, SATURDAI, JANUARY 7, 1871. THE MONEY MARKET. CITY, Two O'CLOCK. The amount of business transacted to-day is so limited that the actual movements are inconsiderable. Consols are 92 1 1‘t0 92& for money and account. In Foreign Securities there is an improvement in Turkish. Spanish are 29 to 24 ; Turkish Five per Cents., 43 1 to 44i ; French Scrip, 1! to la dis. ; and North German, ig to 1,1 prem. The latest advices from Frankfort state that the Bourse continues dull, notwithstanding an undiminished plethora of money, several depressing influences having been in operation, including the' default in the payment of the intetest on the 71 per cent. Roumanian bonds— a cir cumstance which ought not to have been left to depend on the punctuality of the railway contractors, as each of the bonds is signed by the Government commissioner, and contains a clause that the guarantee begins from the date of issue. The assassination of Marshal Prim served as another disquieting element, and to this must be added the uncertainty about the duration of the war, which is aggravated by the great pr Tarations daily observable for its continuance. In spite of the inclemency of the wea ther, large bodies of troops, it is said, " are passing our town almost every night for the seat of war; most of them go south, to Belfort." It is added, however, that " during the last two days trustworthy information has reached our leading bankers as to the desperate position of Paris, so that its surrender is daily expected." But then, so far as the Bourse is concerned, " comes the question whether the French will not throw on the market large sums of Austrian and' Lombard Railway stock or other securities negotiable at Frankfort, where prices are much higher than at Paris." The new Confederate Loan Thaler Bonds command a premium of fully 2 per cent., while the English scrip is per cent. lower, great amounts of the latter having been sold at Frankfort. The case of the Erie Railway continues without any symptom that redress will be speedily obtained from the Supreme Court of the United States, upon the certainty of whose action stress was laid last year by all who sought to sustain confidence in the safety of foreign in vestments in America. Meanwhile journals teem with accounts of the way in which the property of the share holders continues to be squandered. It also appears that, encouraged by their uninterrupted success, the same parties have attacked another line— the Boston, Hartford, and Erie, which is 400 miles in length, and cost in cash £7,000,000 sterling, and bronght it to hopeless bankruptcy. The directors of the Union Bank of Australia have resolved upon a dividend of £1 10s. per share, being at the rate of 12 per cent. per annum. A telegram from Calcutta announces that the Bank of Bengal have declared a dividend at the rate of 51 per cent. per annum, making a total dividend for the past year of 7i per cent. With regard to the operation of the new Stamp Act which came into force on the Ist inst., it is necessary for the commercial public to notice that the old foreign bill forms stamped in sets, bearing last year's date, cannot legally be used. Old stocks of such stamps can be ex changed on the personal application of the owners at the office of the Examiner of Spoiled Stamps, Great Win chester-street Buildings. The directors of the Buenos Ayres Great Southern Railway have decided to call up the balance of £2 per share on the Salado shares. In the colonial produce markets this week a steady business has been transacted, partly speculative, at firmer prices : but the general tone is unchanged, and the trade have not yet fully commenced their operations for the new year. committee meeting, and the general feeling was that it should be done. Mr. Coaks was examined at consider- able length •as to the circumstances under which the Liberal Committee decided to secure the show of hands. He said Mr. Tilett was sitting next Sir W. Russell, when the latter said, "We had better have it." The persons who were alleged to have been employed to secure the show of hands were next examined. The petitioner's case is not yet concluded. The witnesses called during the latter part of the pro ceedings at Norwich yesterday, to prove that men had been hired by them to carry the show of hands for the Liberal candidates at the nomination of 1868, did not adhere to the statements which they had made to the Royal Com missioners. It was proved, however, that men were paid at the rate of two shillings each for holding up their hands for Mr. Tillett. One witness stated that the same practice was adopted in 1870, and it was sought to con nect the payments with Mr. 0. D. Ray, an active Liberal. MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT ON THE WAR. Messrs. Winterbotham and Dickenson, addressed their constituents at Stroud on Thursday night. In the course of their speeches, each gentleman specially condemned the war preparations. Mr. Winterbotham expressed his horror in witnessing the present strife which he described as wickedly "causeless." POLICE INTELLIGENCE.—This DAY. CURTAILING A TAlL.—William Anslow, a tailor, was charged, at the Westminster Police-court, with wilfully damaging the coat ;of an old man named John Maloney, a " translator," by cutting off one of the tails. Pro secutor, who is about 70 years of age, and goes about selling old boots and shoes botched up, said the defendant was " werry " much addicted to practical joking, and had played a rare game with him ; he went into a beer shop in Manor-street, to sell some boots, and the defendant was there with two other men, one of whom stood on his left, and the other the right, and defendant behind. He felt a slight touch at his back, and thought they were chalking his back, as there was a general titter, but when he got outside the shop the people began laughing, and some one said " Governor, yours is a queer fashion for coats " and upon his looking he found he was minus a tail to his dress coat. Mr. Arnold : What is that piece of cloth you hold in your hand ; is that the tail you lost ? Complainant : You see I was in a " werry " awkward predicament, and thought the best thing I could do was to manipulate th e other tail, so I cut it off to make the coat right, and I've brought it with me. I eould'nt find the other tail. Here the witness turned round and caused great laughter ; the two tails had been cut off just below the buttons, and a very ludicious fashion in the way of coats became apparent. Defendant said he had not cut the tail off the coat, and what he and his friends were laughing at was the extraordinary figure the complainant cut. Two apparently respectable people were called, who swore that when complainant entered the beer-shop he had only one tail to his coat, and neither defendant nor anybody else had cut the coat. The summons was dis missed, and complainant left the Court much chagrined. INFLICTION OF THE FULL FINES FOR CRUELTY.—Robt. Martin, a dairyman, of 10, Bird-street, Kennington-lane, was brought before Mr. Knox, at the Marlborough -street Police-court, summoned by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, for cruelty to a horse. Police-constable James Thwaites, 146 C, said on the 31st December he saw the defendant's horse fall two or three times through lameness and unfitness for work. George Young, officer of the society, said ithe defendant told him that morning that the horse had been destroyed, and that he only took it out because his other one was not well. Mr. Arthur Cherry, the veterinary surgeon, said he had seen the horse, which, though a well-bred animal, was in a miserable condition. It was excessively lame, the fore legs were mueh bent ; it was aged, and totally unfit for work. Mr. Knox asked the defendant what business he had to work the horse in such a state. The defendant said he used it to save his other one. Mr. Cherry said the horse's fetlocks were cut. The defendant supposed the frost cut the horse's foot. Mr. Knox, after remarking that it was a shocking thing to work a horse in such a state, fined the defendant £4 7s. 6d., and 12s. 6d. costs. (CENTRAL PRESS TELEGRAMS.) ARMY REFORM. A crowded meeting to discuss the best means of pro moting army reform was held in Liverpool last night. Mr. Clint presided. Mr. Trevelyan and several other mem bers of Parliament were present. Resolutions were passed to the effect that the cost of the military system is dis proportionate to results ; that under that system a large amount of immorality and disease exists in the army, and that greater efficiency might be secured by reorganisation. The'meeting decided to present a memorial to the Prime Minister on the subject, and tendered thanks to Mr. Trevelyan for bringing the question of army reform before the nation. DEATHS FIZONI SUFFOCATION. Yesterday morning, at the Carron Distillery, Knock ando, Morayshire, three men were found suffocated. On Thursday night they had taken a chauffer into their room,r,where there was no chimney, and had gone to sleep, leaving the fire burning. They were all three quite dead when discovered. Two of them were in bed, and ti the other was lying on his back near the !door. An accident of the same kind, though not attended with fatal results occurred near Keith last week. FRENCH WAR STEAMER AT FALMOUTH. The French war steamer Gwynne, from the west coast of Ireland, anchored off Falmouth yesterday afte,rnoon, with a Channel pilot on board. - THE LATE EXPLOSION AT WITTON. The coroner's inquest on the bodies of eight of the persons whose deaths were caused by the explosion at Messrs. Kynock's cartridge manufactory at Witton on the 17th November, was brought to a close at Birming ham yesterday. Mr. George Kynock, the principal partner in the firm, stoted that he was in Russia at the time of the accident, and that on returning home he found several improvements had been adopted in the factory, one being that the sheds were placed at a greater distance from each other. By the arrangements that had been effected, he believed that all danger in filling the cartridges would be avoided. The alterations in question had not been effected before owing to some difference of opinion that existed in reference to them. The Coroner having summed up the evidence, the jury, after an hour's delibe ration, returned a verdict of accidental death, appending to it recommendations to the effect that the dangerous process of ammunition making should be separated as much :as possible, that it should be subjected to Govern ment supervision, and that an incombustible uniform s ould be adopted by the workpeople. NORWICH ELECTION PETITION. At the trial of this petition Mr. J. Youngs was examined with regard to the securing the show of hands at the nomination at the election in 1868. It was given• in evidence that the subject was discussed at the Liberal HER MAJESTY. ---♦-- OSBORNE, Jfin. 6. Her Majesty the Queen, accompanied by their Roya] Highnesses the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Leopold, drove out yesterday afternoon. Lord Alfred Paget was in attendance on horseback. Her Majesty walked in the grounds this merning, ac companied by Princess Beatrice. Princess Louise and Prince Arthur drove out. Prince Leopold and Prince Christian also went out. ENGLAND AND THE M AR. Last night a large meeting of the Workmen's National Peace Association took place at the Old Bell Inn, to con sider what course shall he taken to counteract the efforts of the war party in this country, whose late proceedings in reference to the French and German war they consider will tend to embroil this nation in unnecessary evils. The chair was taken by Mr. J. Galbraith, who in opening the proceedings said the present meet. ings had been called to oppose the war influences likely to be called into action by the proceedings of certain parties, the promoters of the late meetings at the Cannon-street Hotel and the Hall of Science. Mr. Cremer said the first business of the meeting was to con sider the remonstrance referred to in some of the daily papers as having been forwarded to Mr. Gladstone upon his declining to receive a deputation on the subject of the war between France and Germany. To this remonstrance the names of about 32 gentlemen were appended, with Dr. Congreve at the head, who it is well known has done all he possibly can to drag this country into war. He also wished to call the attention of the meeting to other names appended to that document, namely, those of several secretaries of trades union societies, Mr. Applegarth, Mr. Allan, and Mr. G. Potter, who were generally but erro neously thought to represent the opinions of a very large body of working men, and also to be backed by their in fluence. He, however, was in a position to state that the great bulk of the working classes were opposed to the war cry now being raised. He deprecated the course pursued by Dr. Congreve, Professor Beesly, Me. Merriman, and his party. In reference to the present agitation, the meeting must also consider what action It will take with respect to the forthcoming meeting called for Tuesday evening next at St. James's Hall to show sympathy with France. It was eventually resolved that, should a war resolution be proposed, an amendment on the part of the Association be moved by Mr. Lucraft, and seconded by Mr. Galbraith. Mr. Souter said that no matter what the resolutions proposed might be, there was no doubt from their speeches they were endeavouring to get up the war feeling in this country. It was well known that there is a large aristocratic party here who live by war and great military and naval armaments ; he therefore moved the adoption of an address and memorial, sympathising with the sufferings of the French people, and repudiating the idea of An armed interference in the Franco-Prussian war. The address was agreed to. A. vote of thanks was then passed to the Earl of Derby "for his recent m anl y and peaceful utter ance at Liverpool, as we view w ith apprehension and alarm the proposal now being actively urged by interested co e n x d te e n m d n in g our anyatte m m il p it t a o r n y e yd s to Prussianizo the people partizans t s h y e s:e p ni ar , t ao f f cl o rw oure reorganizi n g g f o u v r t e h r n ng t r o o l a n a s g s n l of the United Kingdom into an always armed and colt. oequently ever impending warlike policy." A WHOLE FAMILY POISONED. A serious case of poisoning has occurred to the family of Mr. Harrison, butcher, Old Market, Cambridge. It appears that on Christmas-day a turkey was served up for dinner, after which some of the family complained of being unwell. On the Tuesday following Christmas-day another turkey was eaten for dinner, and after that signs of serious illness showed themselves. Dr. Busy was quickly in attendance, and it was found out that the food eaten had contained poison. A strict investigation into the matter must take place, as one of the sufferers, Mr. George Harrison, has died. The other persons who have experienced the effects of the poisoning are Mrs. Harrison, the three Misses Harrison, Mr. J. Harrismr(who was visiting the family), and the servant. One of the Miss Harrisons lies in a dangerous state. - - COURT MARTIAL. A court martial was held on board the Royal Adelaide, at Devonport, yesterday, for the trial of George Davis, assistant paymaster of the Northumberland, for im properly leaving his ship on the 29th of December last. It appears the prisoner went away in a shore-boat, and returned to his vessel two or three hours afterwards. Having been missed, he was made a prisoner. He ex pressed regret for what he had done, and asked the Court to deal leniently with him for this, his first offence, so that he might have an opportunity of regaining his character in the service, which by that foolish freak he had lost. The Court adjudged him to lose three years' seniority, and be dismissed his ship. SCHOOL BOARD FOR HASTINGS. The Hastings Town Council yesterday afternoon de cided to memorialise the Privy Council to issue orders for the election of a School Board. ROBBERY FROM HOTELS. At the Huntingdon Sessions on Thjirscia;:Henry, Gray, alias Edward Brant, said to be an American journalist, was committed for six months, with hard labour, for robbing certain hotels at which he had lodged. Dr. Abdy was retained for the defence. SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. LATEST LONDON BE'LT'ING. WATERLOO CUP. 20 to 1 agst Mr. Gibson's nomination (taken and wanted) 20 to 1 agst Lord Haddington's nomination (taken and wanted) 20 to 1 agst Mr. Clark's nomination (taken) 22 to 1 agst Mr. Spinks's nomination (taken) 25 to 1 agst Mr. Carruther's nomination (taken) GRAND NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE. 1000 to 60 on the field (offered) TWO THOUSAND. 13 to 2 agst King of the Forest (off—take 7to 1) THE GREAT WATERLOO COURSING CUP. The great coursing event of the season is represented by the contest for the Waterloo Cup, which is fixed to come off next month (February) at Altcar, near Liverpool, over the Lancashire estate of the Earl of Sefton. There are 54 subscribers of 225 each for this great coursing trophy, which is of the value of £1,600. Lord Lurgan's dog, I.taster M`Grath, which won the cup in 1858 and the fol lowing year, is a great favourite this season. lie con tended last year, but was put out early in the contest. Lancashire coursing men are sanguine that the cup will be won by a greyhound bred ;n their county. THE IRISH PRESS ON THE FENIAN PRISONERS' COMMISSION. (CENTRAL PRESS TELEGRAM.) The Flag of Ireland says that the Commissioners have convicted the Chief Secretary of the Government, the Deputy Governor, the chief warders, and the medical officers of Chatham prison of deliberate falsehood, and concludes by observing: " The Commissioners appointed by the Government have solemnly decided that the prison officials and those who adopted their defence, were, in plain language, deliberate liars. The report has made clear, at all events we have no hesitationin declaring, that the Irish members of Parliament have a plain duty im posed upon them, and that is to see that condign punishment be at once inflicted upon those officials who are now proved to have not only scandalously exceeded their duty, but to have shamefully lied to cover their de linquencies." The Irishman declares that it is in a position to prove that the Commissioners examined only one prisoner, viz., O'Donovan Rossa, and that all the other prisoners refused to give evidence, because the regulations of the Commis sioners, and the restrictions placed upon the prisoners themselves, made a full and searching investigation im possible, and the Irishman goes on to say—" Our readers will remember that the allegation that O'Donovan Rossa had been kept for thirty-five days handcuffed in a dark cell with his hands behind him was at first made public in these columns. On the 4th June, in the House of Lords, in 'reply to Sir John Gray, the Home Secretary stated that Rossa was only handcuffed with his hands behind him for a part of a day. Again, on August 6th, in reply to the late Mr. G. N. Moore, Mr. Bruce positively averred that the handcuffing was continued for a certainty no longer a period than three days. The commissioners ap pointed to inquire into the truth of this charge have deliberately sifted it, and the conclusion at which they have arrived is, that its truth established by proofs which they consider complete. RELEASE OF THE FENIAN CONVICTS AT CHATHAM. In accordance with instructions issued to that effect, the Fenian convicts under confinement at St. Mary's convict establishment, Chatham, were released during yes terday and the previous day, among those who have been granted a free pardon being O'Donovan Rossa, whose con duct for some time past has been of the most exemplary character. One of the convicts, " Colonel" Alpin, has, it is stated, refused to avail himself of the Royal clemency, and ridicules the idea of a free pardon being extended to him, as he contends he was most unjustly con victed and punished. The proposal to give the released Fenians an ovation on their leaving the convict prison was very judiciously v.hanglonp - B kNKRUPTS. To surrender in London. Jeffries, George Fish, Praed-street, grocer—Jan. 24, at half-past 11. Spooner, Mary Ann, Mile-en4-road- Jan. 25, at half, past 1. NAPOLEON AT WILHELMSHOHE. The special correspondent of the Telegraph, writing from Wilhelmshohe, January 2, says :—New Year's Day—which has always been looked upon as highly im portant by the Napoleonic dynasty—passed off here in comparative stillness and solitude, though not without a display of the wonted ceremony. The Emperor rose yes terday somewhat earlier than usual, and received first the congratulations of those members of his suite who enjoy his particular intimacy. He then enteyed that hall of the Castle which has been transformed into a chapc‘l, awl listened with deep devotion to the celebration of the 1111,53. Besides his suite tlic —rvice was attended by the Princess of 11Z03 - kova, with her two sons ; Count Labedoyere, General of Division ; the Marquis of Forton, Count de Turenne, Baron Lambert, with his son, and lastly the Grand Cham berlain, the Duke of Bassano, who had arrived during the previous night. After mass the Emperor returned to his ordinary reception rooms ; and, as if by in stinct, the Duke de Ba,ssano resumed his duties as formerly in the Tuileries. He first handed to the Emperor a large package of congratulatory let ters. He then introduced the Princess of Moskova, who was dressed in deep mourning. Both her sons stepped forward and kissed the hands of the Emperor. Next came the adjutants, headed by the Prince of Moskova, and in their turn also ushered by the Duke. Count Reille pre sented to the Emperor a congratulatory address bearing the signatures of more than a thousand of the imprisoned officers. The Emperor, with a melancholy smile, shook hands with all present. Those who next stepped forward were the officers imprisoned in Cassel, Generals Forton and Duplessis leading them, followed by the civilians of the suite, Drs. Conneau and Corvisart, M. Pietri, &c. All were invited to join in the breakfast. The repast being ended, Mar shal Bazaine and his staff presented themselves, and re mained for about half an hour. During the rest of the day the Emperor was closely engaged in his study. A very large number of telegrams arrived, from Brussels, London, St. Petersburg, Vienna, Berlin, Rome, Florence, the Hague, Stockholm, Geneva, Car thagena, Lisbon, and Constantinople ; also from many provincial towns of England and Belgium. About noon Count Monts, the commander of Cassel, arrived, and presented his congratulations. During the entire day the whole retinue was ea grande tenue, the Duke de Bassano wearing once more his official uniform It is stated that the Emperor will soon publish a pamphlet contrasting the German with the French military organisation, One of the opinions likely to be expressed is found in the following sentence, which Na poleon is reported to have lately used—" Every war is bound to demoralise the soldiers ; but this is of no greg injury to the rest of society when applied to tilt standing army of France, because there, after peace it made, the soldiers remain with their regiments, and are subjected to so severe a discipline that their lawlessness is soon overcome. Not so in Prussia. The demoralised soldier, divesting himself of his uniform, instantaneously becomes again a citizen, without having had time to re nounce the evil propensities engendered by the war. Therein lies a danger, and at the same time a weakness, of the Prussian system." The prevailing opinion in the peculiarly-composed circle here allows yet a whole month for the capitulation of Paris. No attempt is made to conceal the conviction that the surrender •of Paris must form an important element in the prospects of the Napo leonic dynasty. GERMAN ILL-FEELING AGAINST ENGLAND. In a letter from the King's Headquarters, Versailles, January 1, the special correspondent of the Standard re marks :—Lord Granville has lost no time in demanding reparation for the outrage committed upon—our flag, shall I say?—in the Seine. Mr. Odo Russell has already received instructions in a long telegraphic mes sage to demand explanations. It so happens that Count Bismarck is really indisposed. The cause of his suffering is, I believe, varicose veins, and he is obliged to " lie up." I should say there can be little doubt that the Chancellor will at once see the matter in the true light, and offer that apology which the case de mands. It is not contemplated that any difficulty will arise. " State the damages, and we will pay them," will be the probable reply, accompanied, of course, by a suit able apology. It is so easy to apologise when you are obviously wrong, and nobody thinks you are afraid. The incident, however trifling though it be, will probably serve to fan still farther the thriving flame of ill-feeling which exists in the German breast against England, because German houses in the United States supply the French with arms. lam sorry for it, but Ido not see how it is to be avoided. The real fighting men of this great military confederation are wholly ignorant of everything save their profession ; and like all ignorant people, cling tenaciously to any idea that has once got admittance into their heads, be it true or false. Men, who are not fighting men, and who are not ignorant, have taken infinite pains to disseminate a falsehood, and its eradica tion is now beyond their power. I acknowledge it with grief ; the existence of good-will between England and Germany is for many years to come beyond the compass of statesmanship. Perhaps, there is one way of recovering German affection and esteem—and that is to be as strong as Germany. It has been said that in German hatred there is always an element of contempt. It would seem to be equally true to say that German contempt brings hatred in its train. The Germans are probably mistaken in their calculations ; but there can be no doubt that they hate us at present, not because we want to fight them, but because they think nothing would ever urge us to do so. Let us shew our teeth, and they would once more, quite honestly, love us. Herein lies the whole ex planation of the otherwise unintelligible fact of their expostulating violently with us for the exportation of a few arms to France, and their instructions to their agents to say not a word about the wholesale exportation of contraband of war from the United States. They know that America would reply to their remonstrances on that subject by inviting them to find out their own remedy ; they believe that we shall eventually find one for them, and not because we wish to do what is right in our own eyes, but because we are afraid of offending them. It is shocking to think that the time has once more come when you must swagger if you do not want your courage to be doubted. Let us do right by all means ; but let us at the same time show plainly why we do it ; and let us resist, with a certain rudeness, borrowed fawn the diplomatic manners of the day, when we have no intention of yielding. Your German viper never gnaws a file; he is too intelligent an animal for that. OUR COTEMPORARIES---This Morning THE STATE W PARIS. The Times says :—Of the'results of the bombardment of Paris it is too early as yet to speak with any confidence. The French report that their forts, up to Tuesday, had suffered no appreciable damage ; none, at least, that could not be repaired during the respite of the long winter night. Since that date, however, we know that the bombardment of the northern and eastern side has been carried on, " partly by newly-erected batteries "—probably, as we anticipated, by batte ries advanced under favour of the foggy weather. On the south the German fire has been directed against three of the forts—lssy, Vanvres, and Montrouge. Two of the other forts on this side (Bicetre and Ivry) are screened by the outwork at Villejuif, and this has had to bear the brunt of the German artillery, which has at the same time attacked the inner enceinte itself at that south western corner which bears the name of Point du Jour. We hardly know to what extent we may credit the statement which reaches us from Berlin that the German shells, besides silencing 'the batteries of the eastern forts, have broken through and destroyed the casemates. If that were, indeed, the case, either at Fort Rosny or at any other of those detached forts, the whole line would soon become untenable ; especially as we are assured that Fort Rosny has only been attacked by guns of inferior cali bre, and that more powerful pieces willbe employed against the Southern front. It had already been generally surmised that M. Thiers' fortifications would have little chance against the artillery which the Germans could bring against them. But we had been so confi dently assured that the armour of Paris had re ceived a new temper at the hand of General Trochu since the commencement of the siege, and that the place might be now looked upon as invulnerable, that our worst appre hensions gave way, and the belief prevailed that the Ger mans, far from expecting any success from an attack, were actually afraid to venture on the experiment. The artillery, on which the French placed so much reliance, seems, however, to be no match for the guns arrayed against it, and it is possible that the masonry of the forts is not more solid than that of the other French fortresses which have been reduced. But before We can bring ourselves to believe that even the casemates have become unserviceable at so early a stage of the bombardment, we must be convinced not only that their structure was most faulty, but also that the French have for these last three or four months neglected the common precautions of covering them with thick layers of earth to break the fall of the projectiles, and blunt the effect of their concussion. The Telegraph, in discussing the question whether Paris will fall through bombardment or famine, concludes as follows :—The inexorable laws of arithmetic indicate the approach of famine in Paris. An army of a hundred thousand men may, at the expiration of a month, still be an army one hundred thousand strong, or, at least, its death rate need not be more than one or two per cent. But, if on the first of that month the commis sariat of that army comprises thirty thousand sacks of flour, with a proportionate number of oxen, sheep, casks of salt meat, and hogsheads of wine, it is obvious, that on the first of the ensuing month a hundred thousand rations consumed must be deducted from the store of the provisions. It is equally clear that in the course of so many months there will be no more flour, meat, or wine left, and that if the hundred thousand men are not revictualled, they must starve. There are well-nigh two millions of men, women, and children in Paris. But that we are yet ignorant what were the stores of food originally laid in, we should be able to calculate week by week and day by day the probable duration of agony for the Parisians. We should know when the hour was coming, and when the knell of submission must be sounded: It is, however, highly improbable that in September last Paris could have been provisioned so amply as to enable the besieged to tide over the end of the first month in the next year t We are now at the end of the first week in January. Scarcity, we know, is not famine. Massdna's men in Genoa, Fenwick Williams and the Turks in Kars, were reduced to direr straits and to devour more repulsive things than the Parisians have yet tasted. Never theless, all that we hear from the invested city, and even the statements last received from the Prussian head-quarters as to the apparent progress made by the besieger's batteries since the guns opened fire, induce the conviction that hunger is the real rock ahead, and that, in all probability, famine rather than bombardment will be the main cause of capitulation. JULES FAVRE'S ABSENCE AT THE CONFERENCE. The Conference, which was to have held its first sitting in London on the 3rd of January, remarks the Standard, has been adjourned for ten days, and the reason assigned for this postponement is a desire to give time to M. Jules Favre to reach England from Paris. The intention of the Foreign Minister of France to leave Paris, in order to discuss diplomatically the question of the control of the Black Sea, seemed to us unreasonable, at the moment when M. de Chandordy announced it to the other Cabinets of Europe, and still more so now. The only rational explanation of it was that a hope existed of resuming with the other great Neutral Powers the task begun by M. Thiers of rousing them up from their culpable slumber, and of inviting their mediation between the belligerents. But now that the Germans have taken Mont Avron, and that the bombardment of the forts at the east side of Paris has begun, the departure of M. Favre would look very like a desertion and an aban donment of his post. It would inflict serious damage on the Government. Paris is greatly excited. The local suffering, the increasing pressure of the siege, have pro duced a general restlessness. The conduct of the military commanders has been found fault with. The words " igno rance and incapacity " have been uttered and applied, The members of the Government are in their turn insulted and accused, just as they themselves accused and insulted their predecessors. A few days more, and the populace of Paris may be shouting "treason" in the streets. For a foolish pride is the incurable malady of the nation. The French never confess that they have been defeated. They always in such cases say that they have been betrayed. Sedan capitulates—treason L Metz surrenders—treason ! The Army of the Loire receives a check—treason ! If Paris yields to•morrow to famine and to the feebleness of its fire, the heroes of to-day—Generals Trochu and Ducrot—will be branded traitors, and officers will be found who, wonderfully energetic after the event, will attack their late commanders, and se ek to justify their cond uc t by the reckless calumnies of the crowd. If it be the case, then, as everything portends, that Paris is on the eve of acrisis, supreme the members of the Government are not likely to allow their colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, to absent himself, and, probably, he himself has been the first to refuse the mission attributedto him. It is said that Gene ral Trochu meditates a formidable attack on the enemy's lines. His character as a military man as well as the political and military interests of the national defence call upon him for the most desperate efforts. The duty of M. Jules Favre is to be present at this grand undertaking, and to share either the triumph or the defeat. His political colleagues would never for give him if he were to betake himself to London at a time when the independence and integrity of the French nation are at stake. THE CONFERENCE AND THE FRENCH REPUBLIC. In the opinion of the Daily News, the demand for the formal recognition of the French Republic—whether it be put forward as a condition of the entrance of France into the Conference, or urged by a section of too impulsive persons in London—can only be met by the simple statement that England has fully and officially recognised the only Government which does actually exist in France. If a national vote were to place an ostensibly Republican Government in 'power in France, England would no less willingly enter into ordi nary diplomatic relations with it. The majority of Eng lishmen believe at this moment that a plebiscite would establish a Republican Government in France ; that no other Government would have a chance of stability in the present state of affairs ; and that the men who now form the Provisional Government tf National Defence would probably be found at he head of the Republic. Why should so great a distinction be drawn between a Republican Government which does not exist and the Provisional Government which actually holds power ? Is it feared that the Orleanists who voluntarily retired from France three or four months ago will come forward and seize the throne ? With all due regard for those honour able and highly respectable princes, we do not credit them with that amount of personal and unscrupulous determination which would enable them to achieve their private success by a complication of the present dangers of France. Is it feared that Napoleon may return to Paris? We should begin to despair of the political future of France, and of Europe, if such a monstrous thing wer e to become possible. Why, then, should England hurry to recognise a Re public which France herself has not yet declared? We may hope that no diplomatic formality will prevent Franco sending a representative to the Conference. Without France the Conference could not well be held. The fact that the representative of France would meet on peculiar terms the representative of Prussia has but little significance. Diplomatic envoys are not supposed to have any personal quarrel. It is oc e . en a i d aaF l ec y cryoa, ItnNervetuh gohiailse thenr to otig, private vaa t meetfa llente es no new thing for the represent a ti ves o f Govern ments just emerging from a d sentimenttf n he l l o f n itr a elo fofriend its liness; a'anfi individual n i t p a t l l s out of the common wealth of great nations ; and she owes it to herself to show that she is still possessed of plenary diplomatic powers, - (.‘ourt titular V k is by ,he est )pe res tits cal •ws MS )0(1 the the rite ;h's tiff ome ~ I is ) an iffe- er " lose rely the tOSO 1 to a s row Hon Sing .ovo Eder [Less d to 'day ble ; ives 11S, " witl► isou. ❑t of ,rlier [lag° ;pot ;rue' the rear• ; kW,. ding' the oel- heS 5 05'