The Sun.
London, England, 1870-10-12 00:00:00

M. GAMBETTA'S BALLOON VOYAGE.

The Journal de Roucn gives an account of M. Gambetta's
visit to that town en route to Tours :—" On Saturday
morning a despatch from the Prefecture of the Somme in-
formed AL Desseaux that M. Gambetta had left Paris the
morning before, in a balloon, and had arrived safely at
Amiens, whence he intended to start for Tours, passing.
through Rouen on his way. The authorities were im-
mediately informed, and the National Guard convoked.
The news spread rapidly through the town and very soon
an immense crowd assembled at the station. The platform
was lined throughout by battalions of the National Guard.
MM. Desseaux and Estancelin and the municipal and
military authorities were present. Scarcely had the train
entered the station when cries of Viva la Republique,'
Viva Gambetta,' resounded on all sides. M. Gambetta
made an eloquent and energetic reply to the good wishes
expressed by M. Desseaux. Its substances was as follows :
My first word in arriving here must be to toll you that
Paris reckons on the provinces to save France.
It is necessary that on all sides the energetic popu-
lations of our country should rise to resist that
Prussian invasion, which, like the waves of an overflowing
flood advances and extends in all directions. It is neces-
sary that France should have before her only one object,
the salvation of the country, and that all personal sacri-
fices, however painful, should be forgotten in the general
good. Your country is threatened with becoming the
storehouse of the Prussian army. It is for you to rise
and prevent this disgrace. Paris gives the world the mar-
vellous spectacle of a city of two million souls having only
one thought, one soul—the safety of the country. There are
no more divisions, no more classes, nomore parties, there is
nothing but a formidable camp, where everyone exerts
himself energetically in the profession of arms. Let not
this example be lost. Let France respond to the call
made upon her. Let her shew that, if we have not con-
cluded a treaty with victory, we have with death." Fresh
acclamations greeted the close of this speech. M. Gam-
betta, accompanied by the authorities, then walked along
the station and saluted the National Guard and the im-
mense crowd outside, Afterwards 'he retired into one of
the waiting rooms, where he narrated his adventures. The
balloon started on Friday at 10 a.m. with M. Gambetta
M. Spuller, his private secretary, and an mrcnaut.
Scarcely had it risen when the Prussians opened fire upon
it. All the time it was traversing the Prussian lines the
balls whistled past the travellers. One struck the car,
another grazed the hand of the Minister. After a pretty
long journey they began to descend in the neighbourhood
of Amiens, near Montdidier, and fell on an oak on the
outskirts of a wood, on the other side of which was a
detachment of the enemy. It may easily be
guessed with what interest the auditors lis-
tened to the account of this perilous journey.
Towards half-past four several carriages, escorted by a
detachment of the National Guard, and followed by the
crowd, conveyed M. Gambetta and the officials to the
station of St. Sever, where a special train awaited him.
At the moment of starting, while the crowd were raising
fresh shouts, a citizen pushed forward and demanded of
M. Gambetta that the Government should withdraw from
M. Estancelin the military powers it had conferred on
him. The appellant maintained that M. Estance-
lin had not shewn sufficient energy in organising
the National Guard and the volunteers at
his disposal. M. Gambetta having listened to these com-
plaints rose and said with much authority, "It is not on
the step of a railway carriage that I make changes in the
Government. Ido not approve ef acts performed with-
reflection, and resolutions taken without being well
weighed. I listen to the protests of citizens, and neglect
no information, but every important measure is deeided
on in a Ministerial Council, under a sense of
public responsibility." M. Gambetta added that
the Government had confided full powers to
M. Desseaux, and in case communications with the
Government should be cut off, he would be able
to take all necessary measures. Loud applause, in which
the original speaker I,,ined, followed this speech, and the
train moved off. Before M. Gambetta reached Rouen the
following address was circulated among the crowd for
signature. ' Illustrious citizen Gambetta, patriotic
self-devotion abounds, but energy and direction are want-
ing. Represent that energy in the provinces as in Paris,
raise up that direction, and the enemy will be driven out.
France saved, and the Republic definitely and permanently
founded. Vive la France ! Vive la Republique !'"
Mr. Reynolds, of New York, started from Paris, with
two companions, in a balloon, at the same time that
Nadar ascended with M. Gambetta. He says "The
weather was fine, and the wind light. A crowd was
assembled to see us off—the members of the Government,
M. Louis Blanc, &c. We rose amidst cries of Vive la
Republique !' Seven hundred metres passing over
the Prussian lines. The wind falls ;we hear cannon
shots; we see signals; a well-sustained fusil-
lade commences ; the balls hiss on all sides.