The Sun.
London, England, 1870-11-25 00:00:00

METROPOLITAN CIOSSIP.--THURSDAY.

A week has served to effect a great alteration in the
aspect of the Russian difficulty. Seven days ago
a war seemed almost a foregone conclusion. But
delay has brought reflection, and the leading thinkers of
the country have come forward to prove that there is
nothing worth fighting about. It would be hazardous to
express a confident opinion ere the answer of the Russian
Government has reached London; but my belief in the
pacific tendency bf events is not founded upon mere con-
jecture. It would.be odd, indeed, if we embarked in hos-
tilities merely to uphold the' settlemeni of 1856. It is a
remarkable fact that almost every condition which im-
pelled Englishmen to demand vtar in 1854 is now lacking.
There now exists no ruler of Frame who, after winning a
throne by a bloody conspiracy, strove to Consolidate his
gains by an alliance with England, and by the prestige of
victorious battles. Such a rnthr, with such a design, was
the prime cause of the war in 1854. There now exists no
single English Minister who sympathises with such a pro-
ject, and who exercises an overpowering influence with
his fellow Ministers, in bringing about the alliance and
the consequent war. In 1854 Lord Painittston l'i'ed and
played this part. The Sovereign of Russia, in 1870, I
whatever may be his shortcomings, is a man open to rea-
son. In 1854 he was not. Sixteen years ago the Empe-
ror Francis Joseph was a mere youth, and much under
the control of the Czar, who imagined that Austria
would, therefore, not take open side against Russia,
though theinterestsof the two were opposed. No such mis-
take can be committed by the Russian Government of to-
day. Sixteen years ago the English people were impressed
-with a belief that the integrity of Turkey was necessary
to the safety of our own possessions; we are much less
solicitous now about patching up the Sick Man.
So far the conditions of the two epochs are entirely dit,
ferent. One condition, however, remains unchanged. In
1854 a warlike spirit, not unnatural after a lengthy period
of peace, had got abroad in the nation ; and some return
of this feeling has unmistakeably declared itself within
the last few days. War is contagious. When all around re-
echoes with the shout of conflict, it is difficult for the
most virtuous to preserve a determination to which it is
easy to attach ridicule. We have been much bullied of
late, and there is a point where the disposition to disre-
gard unmerited insolence breaks down. The Alabama
elaiins, and the Sumnerian speehes with which they were
urged, have been followed by the shamelessly incon-
sistent German complaints about the export of arms ;
these complaints have been appropriately seconded by
abundance of insulting writing in the German press ; and
finally comes the despatch of Prince Gortschakoff. British
patience was clearly exhausted by this last outrageous
production. Few, if any, Englishmen care a fig for the
neutrality of the Black Sea. I have in vain sought for
the thinker who would undertake to defend, for its own
sake, the contested clauses of the Paris Treaty,
We were to fight to show that the opinion of England
was not to he set aside with impunity: Such was the tenor
of public opinion as far as I have been able to observe
it.

Happily, through the timely representations of many
leading men, and through the delay given for reflection,
people Are beginning to conclude that the opinion of
foreigners about our being unwilling to fight is no justifi-
cation for our embarking in war. But the business did
look very serious at first—so serious as to justify the
Ministry in preparing for the worst. The needful pre-
liminaries were, I. am assured, quietly commenced Mr.
Cardwell began to give as keen an eye to the small arm
question as M. Gambetta himself. The factories started
into activity. The artillery batteries are receiving the
attention which military reformers have been urging since
the effects of that arm were made so conspicuous at Sedan.
At all the railway salons knots of sailors may be seen
on their way to join vessels ordered into commission.

Last week I endeavoured to do some justice to the great

qualities which Gambetta, notwithstanding his wild spout-
ing, had displayed in organising the resources of France.
In the interval some of the most thoughtful English news-
papers have also given this able man his due. The
Spectator and the Daily News agree in pronouncing his
achievements to be wonderful. In truth Gambetta has
proved the\ equal of Carnot ; indeed, it may be
doubted whether the Republican War Minister
of 18T0 does not surpass him of 1792, for the
armies of the former are greater, and have been
raised in a briefer space than those of the latter. A Ger-
man friend of mine assures me that the reports from
Versailles representing the existence of a sort of panic in
the German`camp after Der Tann's defeat were not over-
drawn. For once German foresight was at fault. It was
not believed that any formidable Loire army could be
assembled in such a space—and the less so as this same
array had been easily defeated in the early days of
October by 30,000 Bavarians. Yet it was suddenly dis-
covered that 150,000 good French troops, well provided
with artillery, had crossed the Loire. Well might
Von Moltke feel anxious, well might the
Germans make all ready—as they actually did—
for raising the siege of Paris. The armies
of Prince Frederick Charles and General Manteuffel
were yet a long way off, and the French force inside and
that outside of the capital so greatly outnumbered the
available German strength that at some point or other
they must have secured an overwhelming preponderance.
Unfortunately the energy which has created these French
hosts does not appear at hand to guide them in the field.
The opportunity has departed.
It is said that D'Artrelles de Paladine's failure to inflict
greater injury upon Der Tann, and more especially to follow
him up when the Bavarians had retreated upon Toury,
caused the liveliest dissatisfaction to M. Gambetta, who
had announced an immediate march upon Paris to an ex-
pectant world. A vivid altercation ensued between the
two. There has been a shifting of generals since,
and it looks as if d'Aurelles would no longer lead
the Army of the Loire to battle. Still it would
be premature to conclude that the French armies outside
Paris can do nothing. The projected advance upon the
capital has, it is true, failed for the present. But another
scheme of some promise seems to have taken its place.
The three armies are now constructing strong entrenched
camps, from which, when completed, they will sally forth.
Should they be beaten, they will retire to the shelter of
the camps, reform, and begin again. We are indebted to
the correspondent of the Daily News for the inportant in-
formation that this plan has been adopted. It is a very
probable one.

The Liberal victory at Newport will be very welcome.
The defeats at Shrewsbury and Colchester and more than
all, the rout in the Isle of Wight—had caused some dismay
amongst the " tianagement," notwithstanding the mot-
mous majority & present following Mr. Gladstone. For
who knows that the long promised reaction might not
set in ? It will not do for Liberals, any more than Ger-
mans, to be too confident, Besides, the election policy of
the Conservatives always has been superior to that of
their adversaries, and they have worked at the registra-
tion courts with great:lrigour of late. The Liberals must
not neglect these co sideration.s, however strong they
may think themselves.
There is one superiority, however, which the Conserva-
tives are likely to retain. I allude to the multiplicity of candi
dates. Hitherto the Liberals have often lost through a
.bungling surplus of this kind; henceforth this surplus is
likely to be the work of design. lam told that the Eng-
lish Democratic party is likely soon to become a feature of
-sotne moment in English politics. The leaders—not men
of the Hyde Park and Trafalgar-square school—are
quietly raising the basis of an organisation which will
cause some trouble by tho very simple pretext
of running advanced men as third candidates against the
Liberals and Conservatives. By this means it is hoped
that the defection of the working men to the Red, or,
rather, Reddish, side will he such a serious danger as to
induce the Liberals proper to compound. I have before
mentioned the possibility of such a scheme coming into
extensive play. Its wide adoption is assured if the Re-
public lives in France. Democratic institutions across the
Channel have always given an impetus to democratic
propaganda here. In this case the assistance will be'
direct and special. The colony of Frenchmen who formerly
haunted Leicester-square migrated em name after Sedan.
They are now men of some consideration in their own
country, and they are not unmindful of their old allies
who helped them during their time of exile. They have
promised their English friends that assistance which the
latter most need—money.
A. good deal of speculation respecting Mr. Bright's
position in the Cabinet is noticeable in the papers. I
have reason for believing that the case of this Minister is
very simple. If it crin be shewn in-a reasonable time that
his health will permit his remaining in the Cabinet, he
will remain ; if permanent restoration appears doubtful,
he will undoubtedly retire. Prohahly his place would
have been vacant long ago, had his colleagues not striven
to extend the period of probation,. so to speak, as long
as possible.

The 'clevalopment of telegraphic news, under thu Go-

vernment system, is one of the most remarkable instances
of the effects of Free Trade. The charge made for the
transmission of intelligence is about the same under the
new system as under the old, hut the business is now free
to all corners. Pormerly only such news was sent as the
telegraph companies chose to supply. The result is an
increase in the quantity of news telegraphed 4om London
to the provinces, of from 4,000 words daily to 15,000
words daily. The total number of newspapers and news
rooms supplied with telegraphic news was
306. tt Is now 1,300. That such a
large extension of business has been attended
with some inconvenience, and that it has been difficult to
provide for s 3 sudden an increase is not surprising ; but
the grtat addition to the number of recipients is indis-
putable evidence of the advantage gained by the
public. The rapid diffusion of intelligence is of the
greatest consequence during a period like the present,
when trade and prices are so largely affected by political
changes.
What Churchmen in their discussions on the Education
Bill regnxied as a curse, seems to have become a blessing '
to them.. They made no more bitter complaint against
Mr. Forster than when he refused to incorporate in his
amended measure the privilege of the " year of grace,"
during which the State would aid in th) foundation of now
denominational schools—a provision which was included
in the original Government plan. Mr. Forster insisted
that the building of all such schools should be commenced
before the Ist of January noxt. In most districts the
result is much more satisfactory to Churchmen that it
would probably have been had longer time been allowed ;
for nothing has so stimulated the energies, and excited the
enthusiasm of the opponents of the new system, as the
shortness of the period allowed them to make it unneces-
sary. On that point the episcopal eloquence has produced
its due effect. The applications on behalf of the new
schools have been something enormous. The Privy Council
is overwhelmed with them. So exceedingly and unex-
pectedly large is the sum asked for, that Mr. Forster—who
was disposed to be indulgent—declares he will abide by
the strictest interpretation of the law, not giving way in
one instance. He will not pay more than he is absolutely
obliged to do.

It is to be hoped, indeed it seems certain, that the
School Board elections will give us much better men than
now fill the places of vestrymen and guardians of our poor.
Of the latter especially one hears little but what Is evil.
In one of our western districts a quiet movement was
made at the last election to put in a guardian
to watch matters. He was returned. Soon after he took
his seat, four tons of, coal were brought to his door. They
were taken in by his wife, under the impression that he
had ordered them. When they had been stowed away,
she asked for the invoice. The coalman grinned, and,
scratching his head, averred, "We don't send no bills to
garjins, mum." It is hardly surprising that the accounts
of this board were found so confused that I believe a Poor-
law inquiry is to take place respecting them.
The authorities are displaying one of those intermittent fits
of public morality which Macaulay ridiculed so finely. The
Alhambra ballet has given place perforce .to monster con-
certs of the Jullien type, and the can-can dancers have been
expelled. An extinguisher has been put on the doings of
certain acrobats by warning the music hall proprietors
who engaged them that any accident would be visited upon
the said proprietors' heads. The soundness of this course
is undeniable ; but it is none the less to be wished that
the pressure should be a little more consistent. What
avails this display of concern for the public interests when
the objectionable dancers have migrated in a body to
another place of entertainment, where they caper as be-
fore, and when divers acrobatic performances which yet
go on are more disgraceful than those which have ceased ?
Moreover, who is to look after the provinces ? It is
notorious that the gymnastic performances in provincial
towns are far more descreditable than any to be seen in
London. There is a good reason for this. Provincial
managers cannot Word a costly form of entertainment ;
but a man can be found to risk his neck for no great sum,
and hence gymnastic horrors become the great resource in
the country. Clearly, unless the pressure is to be
made equal wad consistent, it Is of little avail to apply
it at all.

Mr. G. A. Sala haq returned to London after a series of
adventures as " special " of a specially lively character.
He got into hot water at Metz before hostilities com-
menced ; he was thrown into prison by the Parigans, and
there subjected to the grossest indignities; and, finally, he
betook himself, so says the report, to Rome to get the
Pope's blessing. Mr. Wood, who was sent out by the
Scotsman, is returning, his mission for that journal having
terminated. The correspondent who sent the famous
telegram containing the account of the surrender of Metz
—two columns in length—is Mr. Archibald Forbes. .It
will be remembered that he was the first person who
entered Metz from the German lines. He received a
wound in the leg from a stray shot as the reward of his
energy.

In general literature there is little or nothing doing,
save more books about the war. Re-publishing letters from
newspapers is easy writing ; but it would make more easy
reading if some time were devoted to consideration, and
first hasty impressions corrected by the light of further
experience. Dr. Guthrie is about to publish a series of
articles in the Sunday .Aragazine, the result of his in-
quiries into the charities of London. Mr. Mill is to set
forth his views on the obligations of treaties, in detail, in
the forthcoming number of the Fortnightly Review.
In the Emperor's pamphlet on the war, and in all
publications on the subject, it is observable that no ex-
planation is given of the six •days' inaction
which followed Woerth and preceded the attempt
of Bazaine to retire upon Chalons. Why
did he not retire sooner ? Who was responsible for that
momentous, that fatal delay ? The answer to this ques-
tion has hitherto been sought in vain, but I believelt may
be given. Napoleon, who still refused to delegate his
power fully, was stricken after Woerth with that physical
powerlessness which invariably characterised him at a
dangerous time. The fact is unquestionable. Napoleon was
not a man of action, but of contemplation. The
" greenish hue" which overspread his face when critical
moments drew near, may not be duo to cowardice, but it
represents a state of mind which he has never been able to'
overcome. It was the same at Boulogne, at Strasburg, on
the occasion of the coup d'etat, at Solferino. Napoleon
might scheme, but the actual work had to be done
by others. When his share of action came he invariably
failed to perform it. This was the case during the
mysterious second week of August. Tout pent se retablir
said his telegram to Paris ; but all could I
be re - established only •by a man of practical
energy, and this Napoleon was not. When
Woerth was lost he fell into the paralysis which charac-
terised him at Strasburg. No efforts could rouse him
from that state of dreaminess. The hours passed away,
the opportunities never returned, and when the unfortu-
nate Sovereign was hurried away, and Bazaine com-
menced operations, the Germans were too near to be shaken
off.

OUR GUNS.—We understand that the committee,
of which Major-General Sir J. St. George is president,
appointed in July last to carry out comparative trials
with a 9-pounder battery of bronze guns, and a battery
composed of 12-pounder and 9-pounder breech-loading
wrought•iron guns, has reported strongly in favour of the
muzzle-loading system for field artillery, thus adding
another to the many expressions of authoritative opinion
upon this important subject. And yet our field artillery
is still armed with breech-loaders !—Pall Gazette.

BENEFIT 2Ocalram--A. conference of represen-
tatives of friendly societies has been held at Halifax,
for the purpose of discussing the proposed appoint.
ment of a Royal Commission to inquire into the
working of such societies. Colonel Akroyd, M.l'.,
presided, and in the course of some remarks said
that if the object of the Commission was simply
to obtain information regarding the working of
the societies, and not to interfere with their self-govern-
ment, they should cheerfully welcome it, and give it all
the assistance in their power. A paper on " the present
position of friendly societies, and the effect the Royal
Commission will have upon them," was read by Mr. J.
A. Riley. In a dikussion which followed, the speakers
generally expressed themselves favourably towards the
Commission.

,GALE ON THE WELSH COAST.—During a
westerly gale on Wednesday afternoon, off St. David's,
the flat Chester, of Chester, was seen in a disabled state
in St. Bride's Bay, her sails being blown away, the main-
mast gone, and the sea making a clean breach over her.
The lifeboat Augusta, belonging to the National Lifeboat
Institution, proceeded out to her, and assisted to anchor
her in Ramsay Sound, and then took off the crew,
who were alarmed, from their perilous position
The lifeboat afterwards rendered assistance to two
smacks in Ramsay roadstead, and as the vessels
seemed in danger of drifting, the crews of five men were
brought ashore in the lifeboat. The master of the Chester
reports•that he saw a brigantine, apparently in a disabled
state, off Bishops, with sails blown away. This valuable
lifeboat is the one presented to the National Institution
last year by the; Earl 'of Dartmouth and his tenantry.
The Aberystwith lifeboat, Evelyn Wood which also 'be-
longs to the Lifeboat Society, was likewise launched to
the aid of a distressed vessel during. the same gale, hut her
services were not ultimately needed.

ME SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1670.

THE EASTERN QUESTION.

The Stock Exchange was again influenced in the
direction of a fall yesterday. First came the rumour
of a split in the Cabinet; then a rbport that un-
favourable news had been received in St.
Petersburg, and had reached London by
cypher. This conclusion, a financial
authority informs us, was arrived at by the character
of the selling. We can only repeat what we said
yesterday. A.uy conclusion, either way, would yet
be-premature, but the symptoms, such as they are,
tell in favour of peace. Stock Exchange move
manta are not always the best index to. the course o
events.

THE IVA_ 11 ,

THE SIEGE OP PARIS.
[BY BALLOON MATLI

(From the Correspondent of " The Central Press.")
PAms* November 14.

The balloon service has been somewhat interrupted of
late, and yesterday the first pigeon which has arrived
since October 29th brought us news fromthe provinces. It
brought us, tOo, the niilfrdlconte intelligence that one of our
balloons had been captured by the Prussians. The last
two left on Saturday, and in them the Governnient des-
patched commissioners to purchase large numbers of cattle
and collect them at the nearest point to Paris which is
clear from Prussians.

The Journstl (Wel of to-day publishes a proclamation
from General Trochu addressed to the citizens of Paris, the
National Guard, the Army, and the Garde Mobile. Paris,
he says, has been making efforts which have astonished
Europe, which sees rich and poor united in devotion and
self-sacrifice, and in immense works of resistance. The
enemy is also surprised .at being retained two months before
Paris, and seems to abandon his implacable determination
to disorganise the Prench nation to the great peril of
Europe and oivilisation, It is now generally known that
Prussia had accepted the conditions of the Government of
Defence for the armistice, proposed by. the neutral Powers,
when the fatal day of October 31st compromised matters,
and restored the hopes and the confidence of Prussian
politicians. Now that our communications with the provinces
have been interrupted for some time, the enemy is endea-
vouring to weaken our courage, and sow dissensions
among us by news which originates in the
Prussian lines. They must be on their guard
against these devices. General Trochu then pro-
ceeds to summarise what has been done in forming
the army inside Paris, and in constructing new artillery.
He cannot, he says, enumerate all, but he doubts whether
any invaded people, in any time or place, after the des-
truction of their armies, or any great. besieged city, have
opposed a more vigorous moral and material resistance to
misfortunes apparently irreparable. He disclaims the
credit personally, and says he has merely enumerated what
• had been necessary to enlighten those who thought that
after the defensive preparations, offensive operations
ought to have been immediately begun. The future, says the
General, demands a still greater effort, for time
presses. But it is also pressing the enemy, and his
interests, public opinion in Germany, and the conscience
of Europe, press him still more. It would not be
worthy of France if the people and army of Paris, after
having so energetically prepared for all sacrifices
should not shew themselves ready to endure all ex-
tremities. "Let us," he adds, "unite our ranks in support
of the Republic. I have told you the truth as I see ,
it. I have shewn you it is our duty to regard our difficul-
ties and dangers in full face, and to summon all our
powers to the struggle. If we succeed we shall have de-
served well of the country. If we fail we shall have
bequeathed to Prussia, which will have replaced the First
Empire in the sanguinary pomp of conquest and violence
along with a taskim possible to accomplish, a heritage of ma-
lediction and hatred under which the must in her turn suc-
cumb." This proclamation, which is very long, is gene-
rally considered to be somewhat diffuse and gloomy. The
General is admitted to be devoted, loyal, and patriotic, but
rather a pessimist. Some of his colleagues, it is said,
wished him not to publish this circular, and he modified it
in consequence. _ _

November 16th.

The sensation of the day is the appearance in the jour-
nals of a proclamation, accusing Bazaine of treason,
signed Cremieux, Gambetta, Glais-Bizon, dated 30th
October, and which was in the Tinges on the following day,
from which paper it is now translated into the Parisian
press. The outcry will be great against Bazaine by those
who are anxious to attribute every disgraceful act to the
Imperial Government. But there is a general opinion that
everything is exaggerated by Gambetta, and hence neither
the accusation against Bazaine nor the news of the vic-
tory at Orleans has created the sensation whigh might
have been expected..
A deputation from the public meeting at the Polies-
Bergere has demanded of General Trochu and obtained
an audience for to-morrow morning, in order to insist
that the plan of M. de Beaurepaire, a captain in the
Garde Nationale, who undertakesto traverse the Prussian
lines with 12,000 men, shall be carried out.
One of the balloons which left last Saturday has fallen
into the hands of the Prussians. The news has been
brought by five pigeons. The balloon .is named the
" Daguerre." Fears are entertained that the sister balloon,
carrying photographic instruments, is also lost.
The arrival of pigeons, bringing despatches reduced
by photography, have, however, relieved thousands of
families.

A very melancholy incident has just occurred. A large
number of persons, as usual, went outside the gates to
gather vegetables. Being unmolested by the enemy, they
advanced beyond Bondy, when the Prussians suddenly fired
on tilem. Two hundred were killed and wounded, some
women and children being amongst the number.
It is said that M. Bismarck will not allow any more
persons to cross the lines. The Belgians, who three weeks
since made application to leave Paris, have as yet received
no answer to their demand.

Within a few days it is expected that it will be impos-
sible to continue lighting the town with gas.
There has been a great. movement of the National
Guard to-day. The battalions have profited by the fine
weather to march out with arms, baggage, etc., in imita-
tion of the annual custom of the regular troops during the
autumn.

The. Civil Commission for constructing in the shortest
time 360 cannon, divided its orders amongst twelve
workshops. Seventy cannon are already cast, but are not
yet completely finished. The pieces for the first battery
will be delivered in a few days. The proportion of failures
in casting is the same as those given by the statistics of
the national foundries. In that of Saint Denis metal
moulds have been substituted for those of sand, with
excellent results. All the pieces cast in that f Sundry have
succeeded.

November 18th.

A note in the Jcarnal Officiel, declares that the action
of the Neutral powers in favour of France, is incessant
and energetic. The less need that France has of their
intervention, the more they will understand the duty im-
posed on them by the simple sentiments of humanity and
foresight. Determined resistance will extricate France
from the present crisis.

Yesterday 300 private telegrams were received. They
are interesting, as they indicate the march of the enemy.
The 300 despatches furnish information from and for
three or four thousand persons, as the senders, in the pro-
vinces, despatched collective telegrams.
The review of the war companies of the National
Guard, which was to have taken place yesterday,
was postponed to give further time for their
organisation. It will probably come off on Sun-
day. It is proposed to make several sorties simul-
taneously and in force. Should the attempt to open a
line of communication fail, it will decide the fate of Paris;
should it succeed, the city will hold out. The suspension
of information from without is more depressing than
the scarcity of provisions. A line of communication
open will remove both inconveniences, and all now have
made up their minds to make a supreme effort.
No journals have reached Paris since the 3rd of Novem-
ber. The inhabitants consider this a sign of good news,
as newspapers containing unfavourable intelligence are
permittted by the Prussians to pass.
The new cannon were tried yesterday in presence of
General Trochu. They are said to have a range of five
kilometres, and to be as superior to the Prussian artillery
as the rifled cannons in 1859 were to those of Austria.