The Sun.
London, England, 1870-09-29 00:00:00

THE INTERIOR OF PARIS

The Francais says that for some days past Paris has
presented an appearance such as men of this generation
have never seen. It is no longer the town of luxury and
pleasure, of business rapidly transacted and life joyously
carried on, it is the most important place of war in the
world, preparing for a strife as grand 'as itself. Not a
single carriage is to be met with in the town, either
on the boulevards and the Champ Elys4es, or the most
aristocratic quarters. Only the little conveyances of the
doctors pass along. The heavy waggons and carts belonging
to the railway trains have ceased their traffic, as no more
merchandise is forwarded, The Rue du Sentier has
closed its warehouses, the Rue des Bourdonnais
does not receive a singe piece of cloth from Elbeuf,
and the Rue de la Victoire has nothing to do with the
workshops of Sarreguemines. The coach stands ane
diminished in number, and the omnibus company has
withdrawn a third of its vehicles without any inconve-
nience being felt, so great is the suspension in ordinary
business affairs. On the other hand, at each step one meets
the ambulance carriages of the military intendance, trains
of artillery, and waggons bearing large pieces of cannon.
The streets and the boulevards are no longer watered, and
white dust rises from them like the smoke of powder.
The trees of the boulevards have lost their leaves, and the
burnt up chestnut trees of the Tuileries spread their im-
mense branches over the equipages of artillery. The
garden is closed, as are the Louvre's gardens and
the squares. The Champs Elysdes, the courtyard
of the Louvre and many other places are filled with troops.
The waters of the Seine are kept to a great height ; the
Towing Company has ceased its services. There are still
people to be met with in the street, but not of the same
kind as formerly. Few women and children are seen, but
many soldiers and an immense number of Mobiles. At
the doors of the mairies, at the pillars of the Rue
Rivoli, by the parapets of the bridges, may be seen
crowds reading despatches. No more notices of theatres or
commercial intelligence is to be met with, and the walls
contain no advertisements but those from residents of
equipment or military storekeepers. The police has dis-
appeared, Not a sergent de vine or a police agent can be
met with. Here and there may be found a
National Guard station set up at a shop.
v
The shops are open, but no business is done.
The only stores well attended are those which provide
military articles. The churches are more crowded than
usual, the Gardes Mobiles of the departments paying
them frequent visits. Troops are encamped in the neigh-
bourhood of the Treasury and the Bank, The Bourse is
deserted by its habitues, and crowded with strangers.
But little business is done, and it is the
only place where people ask if Paris will be able to
carry on its defence. The iiicture and photograph dealers
have altered their windows, and not a single portrait' of
the Emperor, Empress, or,Prince Imperial, can be Met
with. Portraits of Garibaldi are plentiful, as he is again
in favour. The best restaurants are almost deserted. No
one goes to Durand or other elegant places of resort. The
restaurants of a secondary character are rather better
attended, being patronised by the Officers of the Garde
Mobile.