The Sun.
London, England, 1868-10-29 00:00:00

CORRESPONDENCE FROM PARIS.

(Fnot OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

PARIS, WEDNESDAY, October 28,

The famous map, or rather the tria juncta in uno, have
made their appearance,
_p,:er the French nation is now
deriving instruction b>-the eye. Each representation is
accompanied by some comments designed to explain
the position of the Empire at each of the three
periods to which the maps refer. Under the Restora-
tion it is shewn that the treaties of 1815 were framed with
the object of surrounding France on all sides with huge
fortresses, which by their strategic position rendered
all action impossible. Even the Alps were no
longer a protection, for Piedmont was then the
advanced guard of Austria. Under the Government
of July the position of France was considerably improved,
many of the fortresses were destroyed, whilst France her-
self had acquired others. The Holy Alliance was broken,
Piedmont was detached from Austria ; but the Ger-
man Confederation, strengthened by Austria and Prussia,
still formed a compact nation of 70 million Germans. It
is under the Second Empire that the final stroke has been
given to the freedom of France. She has obtained her
natural frontier on the side of the Alps, Italy has been
released from Prussia, and the Germanic Confederation
has been dissolved. Prussia is sensibly augmented, but
the equilibrium of Europe has been strengthened rather
than destroyed. Whilst Germany could formerly
oppose to France a united population of 70 millions, only
separate and independent States now present them-
selves.

The journals, no doubt, will be full of immense articles
discussing this eccentric appeal to the nation. But,
really, the verdict to be pronounced is very simple.
There can be no hesitation whatever in disposing of
such a series of statements. These snaps and the com-
ments which go with them may be published with the
best possible intent, but they are none the less a deplor-
able instance of the insincerity to which despotic Govern-
ments are so frequently driven. Granting even that
Germany is less united since Sadowa than it was before—
which is more than doubtful—it is clear that this result
was brought about, not by the will of the Emperor, but in
spite of it. Everyone knows that Austria was expected
to win in the war of 1866, and there is no doubt that the
Emperor laid his plans accordingly. How, then, can he
appeal to this " dismemberment" of Germany as the work
of the Second Empire, when it was the most serious reverse
which he has experienced during his reign.
The gossips are not now in favour of Queen Isabella
going to Brighton ; the talk is to the effect that she is
coming to Paris. It is thought that the Villa Beau-
regard, near Porchefontaine, will be engaged for the
ex-sovereign. This residence was formerly occupied by
the celebrated Miss Howard.

It is strange that the penchant of this generation for
saying what is not true should be so confirmed that we
cannot even learn the facts relating to the health of princes
and statesmen. Is Count Bismarck recovered, or is he
worse ? One " authority" says that he is well, another
that his return to Berlin has been retarded, another that
his health gives rise to uneasiness. There is, however, a
decided balance of evidence on the side of the unfavourable
reports. The health of the Prussian statesman has, there
can be little doubt, given way materially during the last
few days, and though he is still said to retain the direction
of affairs, the Prussian Chambers are about to open
without his assistance.

Theatrical on dit : The Emperor of Russia is about to
proclaim the freedom of theatres, and is about to found
ten popular houses in St. Petersburg.

THE WEATHER TABLE.-THIS DAY.