The Sun.
London, England, 1870-09-16 00:00:00

THE SIEGE OF PARIS.

The correspondent of the Standard, writing from Paris,
says :—" I am inclined to think that the siege
of Paris will prove a far more protracted affair than
appears to be supposed by those who believe, with
Alphonse Karr, that Paris would surrender rather
than do without green peas. Your special correspondent
will probably describe the appearance of the National
Guard reviewed to-day by General Trochu. Whether they
are the sort of men the general would like to lead into the
field is a question I will not enter upon, but I have no doubt
they are quite able to hold their own behind the protec-
tion of fortifications, and their numbers fairly surprise
me. There could not have been less than 150,000 men
present. The battalions consist of eight companies, and
most of the companies were two hundred strong. They
received Trochu enthusiastically ; there were a good
many cries of Vive la Republique !' but a good
many more of Wive la France !' and unanimous
shouts of ' A bas la Prusse 1' General Trochu
rode rapidly along the front of the battalions, giving
a quick searching glance at the men ; he looked
extremely stern. Several of the battalions are
commanded by retired rear-admirals and old naval
officers. Most of them wisely did their duty on
foot, but one of these gallant veterans had hoisted
himsel on a raw-boned horse, on which his per-
formances strongly reminded me of Commodore
Trunnion. The men, I have said, were very loud
in expressing their determination to fight, and after
this day's display the sense of amour propre, which
is the predominating feeling among the Parisians,
would prevent the easy surrender which is antici-
pated in some quarters, where the power of an idea,
even though that idea be a vain one, over the French
mind is utterly ignored. The Mobiles continue to come
in in shoals. They are being supplied with kit and
uniforms with a rapidity which reflects the highest credit
on the Government. Of course their drill may not be
perfect, but they are stouter fellows than are to be met
within anyaverage regiment of the line,and unquestionably
march infinitely better. There are 100,000 of them,
formed into four divisions. Of their appear-
ance, however, even in their present semi-uniformed
condition, no commander need be ashamed. The
Prussians appear to be moving, not on, but
round Paris. The official announcement given yesterday
of their being at Noisy le Sec, about five miles from
Paris, was not true. The news was telegraphed by
Admiral Soisset, who commands the fort there, but he
reported that the bridge had been cut, not
at Noisy le Sec, but at Noisy le Grand,
a town in Seine-et-Marne, twenty-seven miles
off. To-day we hear of the bridge at Corbeil having been
blown up (no doubt by the French), and that the bridge
of Creil (thirty-one miles from Paris) has shared the same
fate. The northern line, therefore, now only communi-
cates with Belgium and Calais vid Pontoise and Pont St.
Ouen, and when these bridges go, probably to-night,
after the mail train which carries this letter has passed
over them, there will remain but a precarious communica-
tion between Paris and London vid Rouen. The old
Norman city is expected to be visited by Count Bis-
marck's requisitionaries,' and I hear that in consequence
there is a perfect panic 'all along the coast."