The Sun.
London, England, 1870-10-13 00:00:00

rains;

BISMARCK'S LAW!' CIRCULAR.

The Standard returns to the subject of Count Bis-
marck's last circular. " But if," says the journal, " the
language of Count Bismarck—to hold him, as we may
fairly do, responsible for this singular document—is
repulsive, the horrible consequences described in that
language are likely enough to occur if only
the commander of the German army succeeds
in the purpose he has undertaken. As for the
destruction of the social system of France, that which is
threatened seems in many parts of the country to have
already happened. We hear many well-authenticated
stories of the patriotic devotion of individuals, of cantons,
and of departments. We hear of bold resistance, soberly
and judiciously, and successfully offered to the
invaders by Gardes Mobiles and Gardes Nationales.
We know indeed that the Gardes Mobiles have displayed,
under circumstances, more oourage, more devotion,
and more discipline than the regular troops. But, on
the other hand, what a sad account of cowardice, selfish.
ness, insubordination, paltry egotism, and class political
hatred is accumulated ! Of course the larger part of
the responsibility for this terrible state of things rests
upon M. Jules Favre, M. Gambetta, and their friends,
who having sacrificed France on the 4th of September to
the gratification of their theories, have since done all in
their power, whilst professing, no doubt sincerely, other
motives, to divide France and to induce a
large part of its people to believe that Prussian
victory would be better than the domination of men
who have seized power pretendedly to save France,
and use in nine cases out of ten the power not to save
France, but to oppress and tyrannise over the most
patriotic and self-sacrificing class of Frenchmen. Be the
cause what it may—that is a question worthy much more
consideration than we can give it now—the fact
is certain. The disorganisation reported by the most
credible witnesses ; the hopeless insubordination
of soldiers ; the narrow views of care for the
interests of each particular district ; the oppres-
sion exercised by the mob upon the rich and
well to do ; the bluster and then the childish panics
—all testify to a social malady which, in spite of the
heroic, exploits of some battalions of citizen soldiers, seems
likely, if the war continues, to spread and to ultimately
effect what Count Bismarck looks forward to—the de-
struction of the social system of France.

ATTORNEY'S LIABILITY FOR ISSUING A WRIT.—
Yesterday, in the City of London Court, in the case of
Ambler v. Philp, which was an action brought to recover
amount for expenses incurred in the execution of a writ
capias from the Sheriff of Lancashire, Counsel for the
defendant disputed the liability of his client, a Liverpool
attorney, on the ground that acting in his professional ca-
pacity for aLiverpoolmerchant,he issued the writ,which was
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his decision on the well.kn own Exchequer case of
Baewer v. Jones, held that the attorney, under such
circumstances, was liable.—A rule for a case in the
Superior Courts was granted.
THE GOOD TEMPLARS.—A public meeting was
held at the Lecture Hall, 337, Strand, in furtherance of
the Good Templars movement, which has for its object
the spread of temperance by means of a species of Free-
masonry. About 200 persons, mostly working men and
women, were present. On the platform were several sol-
diers in uniform, and a few gentlemen in evening costume.
A gentleman wearing masonic regalia had charge of the
seats, and conducted persons up the hall as they arrived.
A Mr. Curtis presided, and stated that the Good Tern-
plars were well known in America, where they had exten-
sive organisations. About six months ago some lodges
were started in Scotland, and so successful had they proved
that they now had a penny magazine devoted to the in-
terests of the movement. The Good Templars were a
description of Freemasons. Bx means of lodges and
private 'understandings they meant to spread an abhorence
of intoxicating drinks broadcast, and to enable teetotallers
to know each other wherever they met.