The Sun.
London, England, 1871-01-18 00:00:00

FRENCH AND PRUSSIAN SHIPS.

The French frigate Heroine arrived• at Vigo ou
the morning of the 14th. The Prussian war steamer
Princess Augusta was in the harbour at the time,
and the Spanish GoN eminent decided it should
leave twenty-four hours before the French ship, as
being the less powerful vessel.
At the beginning of the war Prussia renounced
the right of capturing French merchantmen; but
French men-of-war, having not only captured but
burnt Prussian merchantmen before condemnation by
the proper Court, the Prussian navy have been
ordered to make reprisals. It seems, however, that
the order will not be carried out before the beginning
of February.

THE FRENCH REPULSE AT BELFORT.

BILEVILLIERS, Tuesday, 17th.

The French army in force attacked the Germans
before Belfcrt on the 15th, but were repulsed along
the whole line, after an obstinate combat lasting
until dusk. They again attacked on the 16th with
less vigour, and were still further repulsed with very
heavy loss, especially in killed. The German-loss is
moderate.—Manchester Guardian.

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS.

BRUSSELS, January 17.

Railway communication between Belgium and
Longwy has ceased. Longwy is now completely
invested except on the Belgian side, the frontier being
at no great distance. The Belgian military ambu-
lances have been called out.

The concentration of the Belgian troops is attri-
buted to a conspiracy among the French prisoners
in Germany for the purpose of escaping into Bel-
gium in order to regain France.—Daily News.

CAPTURE OF A FRENCH BRIG.
PLYMOUTH, January 17.
The French brig St. Marc, 185 tons, Lotelier
master, from Dunkirk for Bordeaux, with a cargo
of beans and flour, has been captured by the North
German frigate Augusta, six miles off Bordeaux.
The captured vessel put into Plymouth yesterday
for water and provisions, and with loss of sails. Be-
sides her own crew, seven in number, the French
brig has on board a prize crew from the Augusta,
consisting of one officer and five men.—Times.

(CENTRAL PRESS TELEGRAMS.)
rHE FUNERAL OF DEAN ALFORD.

The funeral of the Dean of Canterbury took place at
Canterbury, on Tuesday morning. The service com-
menced in the Cathedral. The procession entered the
nave by the north-west door at 1.30 p.m. It was headed
by two corps of the Canterbury Rifle Volunteers; after
whom came the Mayor and Corporation, followed by the
parochial clergy ; then walked the King's Scholars : next
in order were the Cathedral Choristers, the Lay Clerks,
and the Cathedral Clergy. The coffin was followed im-
mediately by the Bishops of Salisbury and Gloucester,
who were succeeded by the Dean of Ely,
Captain Brinckman, M.P., Mr. W. Tipping, M.P., and
the Rev. Dr. Stoughton. The mourners and other
friends brought up the procession. The Psalms for the
day were sung, the lessons read, and a hymn sung in
the Cathedral. The procession then re-formed and pro-
ceeded to St. Martin's Churchyard, where the interment
took place. The Bishop Suffragan of Dover conducted
the service, aided by Archdeacon Harrison.

MR. AYTOUN, M.P., AND HIS
CONSTITUENTS.

Mr. Aytoun, M.P., addressed a crowded meeting of
his constituents at Kirkcaldy last night. Referring to
the legislation of last session, he expressed his ,gratifica-
tion at the fact that the Education for England had
been passed, and hoped that the Act to be introduced
into Scotland would be even more effectual in establish-
ing in that country a perfectly undenominational system
of instruction. Touching upon the war, the hon. mem-
ber held that the Government should continue to pursue
a course of non-interference. At the same time, if they
saw their way clear to offer their services
towards bringing about peace, it would be
their duty to do so. They must, however, be
particularly careful not to involve the country in war.
Mr. Aytoun thought it would be well that England should
have a fleet of ships specially adapted for, and devoted to,
the defence of the coasts. He should vote for a sum of
money to be spent in increasing the field batteries of the
artillery, taking the opportunity !to remark that the Ger-
man artillery had largely contributed to the success of
that nation in the field. A vote of confidence in Mr.
Aytoun was adopted by the meeting.

MR. MERRY, M.P., AND HIS CONSTITUENTS.
Mr. James Merry, M.P. for Falkirk, addressing a
meeting of his constituents at Hamilton last night, stated
he was in favour of a policy of non-intervention. He
approved of the Scotch Education question being settled
on an unsectarian basis, and if practicable compulsory.
He also declared for the ballot.