The Sun.
London, England, 1869-02-19 00:00:00

CORRESPONDENCE FROM PARIS.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
PARIS, THURSDAY, February 18.

It is evident that the Belgian controversy is collapsing.
Such a result was from the first inevitable, for, unless
France meant to invade Belgium, there is but little scope
for the continuance of a dispute which is confined almost
entirely to one side, and the facts of which are very simple
and meagre. The disturbance, therefore, is coming to an
end. The official papers are evidently modify-
ing their tone. The Constitutionnel assures us, with a
sort of Olympian dignity, that such a " trifling affair"
could not be allowed to trouble the peace of the world—a
consequence which few, except some of the most violent,
apprehended. The Memorial Diplomatique says the Belgian
Ambassador here has had an interview with the Marquis
de Lavalette, at which he read a despatch justifying
the attitude taken by the Belgian Government.
M. Van der Stichelen, the Belgian Minister of Foreign
Affairs, dwells particularly on the circumstance that his
Government, several weeks before the conclusion of the
arrangement between the two companies interested, had
duly warned them of the impossibility of giving its con-
sent. But as the companies did not take any account of
the difficulties imposed on the Belgian Government, the
fusion had to be interdicted by a special law.
The Minister of the Interior has addressed a letter to
the Prefect of Police, in which he announces that all
excesses at the public meetings held under the new law
shall be rigorously repressed. This is intended not to
interfere with, but "rather to promote" all just freedom
of expression. On the whole, in this paternally governed
country such a resolution is wise. The right of public
meeting is becoming of great importance, no fewer than
nine being announced for this evening. If rational
politics were allowed to be discussed it is less likely that
these violent socialist doctrines would be promulgated,
and the interference of the law would not be needed. Re-
pression on the one hand produces excess on the other. But
if the Government forbid politics it certainly ought not
to tolerate socialist nonsense.

Most of the Paris papers say something about the
Queen's Speech, but few of them deem it of any impor-
tance. The absence of allusion to foreign matters, which
you noted in your leader, proves that England cares less
about foreign politics than formerly, but this fact has itself
the effect of making England's influence in foreign
policy of less moment. Years ago no question could be
mooted without grave considerations of the course which
England would take ; now Continental statesmen trouble
themselves to a much less extent about the tight little
island. In truth, they find very little encouragement
in a nation which is more and more withdraw.
ing itself from external affairs. England has
enough of her own business to attend to, and it
would be well if other States would make a similar dis-
covery. Hence the comments of the journals here are
very little noteworthy. The Etendard complains of the
vague generalities in the Queen's Speech--rather neat
from a paper which supports the sovereign who makes the
vaguest and most general of speeches. The Opposition
journals draw the usual contrast, highly flattering to
Englishmen, between the two countries.
I see the Genii, a Spanish paper published in Paris, con-
tradicts absolutely all statements respecting an amalga-
mation of the interests of Don Carlos and Queen Isabella.
The denial is worth notice, for the Genii is the organ of
Don Carlos.

A prisoner on trial in Paris, being asked the usual ques-
tions, said he objected to the judges, and strengthened his
objection by including in it all the judges in France. These
were prejudiced against him, he knew they were. They
had already condemned him five times !
In the Meurthe department a schoolmaster has founded
an association for the preservation of birds' nests. Every
one of his pupils is enrolled. Last year, out of 347 nests,
the young broods were perfectly hatched and brought up
in 318. The example might be advantageously copied in
England, not only because the destruction of young birds
in country districts is great, but because of the moral effects
of such training.
At St. Petersburg the Russians seem to be going mad
anout Patti. A box at the second representation] was
paid for at the rate of £l2B, and an arm-chair in the
twelfth row cost £24. These aro merely specimens c'
extravagant prices.

A strange case of abduction is reported from Berlin. A
little girl, 9 years old, was being conducted along the
street by her governess, on her way to school, when she
was suddenly snatched up by a well-dressed man, and
thrust into a carriage in which a veiled female was seated.
Before the governess could recover her presence of mind
the vehicle was out of sight. The affair took place in the
heart of the capital.

THE 'FEATHER TABLE.-THIS DAY.