The New York herald., 1869-02-13

Portion OF Franco-MiIitary Preparations
Brench Spies-Proceedings Of the Diet-Pro-
posed Reforms-Bank Etntistics--Taxntion
and tho DcHcir-Emigration Intelligence.
BERLIN, Jan. Is, 1869.
A well informed correspondent writes from Paris
that active preparations for war against Germany
have been carried on for the last Two months. He
speaks especially of that system OF espionage
which almost always precedes the outbreak OF hos
tlites. To carry out this system number OF officers
were sent several months ago to all points OF mill
tary importance In Germany to inquire into and
report upon their respective strength. He further
asserts that these ocers having done their utmost
by all Of contrvances to possess themselves OF
the requisite information the military star IL well
posted up on these points Referring moro particu-
larry TO one OF these spies he proceeds TO observe
that he has heard from his own lips the tricks
that have been employed TO obtain accurate infor-
nation to the strength Of the two rortresses OF
Coblentz and Ehrenbreitsten. This individual pre-
tended to be drunk, and, staggering over the para
pets at Ehrenbreitsten, apparently rolled over and
over down the decivity until noticed by the senti
mel, who kindly assisted him TO the guard room,
where he was allowed to sleep or his simulated in
toxicaton. Nobody had the slightest idea that this
spy had tape measure in his pocket which, by the
cunning means alluded to, he made the most excel
In their reports as to the fighting qualities Of the
Prussian army and political opinion prevalent
throughout Germany. They assert that the French
and Prussian armies as regards arms and tactics,
are on a nearly equal footing The Prussian officers
are admitted TO have a more thorough theoretical
training than their French colleagues, while for the
French private 1t is claimed that he has more
inherent activity and O greater facility In adapt
ing himself 10 Unforeseen contingencies. On these
to undertake au immediate contest should 1t be
necessary AS for the political position, there exists
but little sympathy with France In the Rheni5h
provinces but might be easily aroused by proving
10 the inhabitants that French taxes fell consdera.
bly, short Of those paid by them at present. There
was also much dissatisfaction prevalent in the an
nexed provinces. which would readily side with
France In the event OF rupture. Admitting that
the correspondent has somewhat exaggerated the
aspect Of affairs yet II we take Into account the COM
pllcaI0ns In other countries especially Austria and
Russia, we must consider the present position as
emnently serious. AS sign Of the times we have
to notice the various coast 1ortilcatons which
being pushed rapidly forward in every direction
side, near ButZieth, While France Is displaying
feverish activity In her great naval arsenals
The proceedings of the Prusslan Diet are devoid
Of general interest," with the exception Of aw lately
passed respecting railway employees making it lie
nounce all damages In cases OF accident. A bill to
simplify the oath OF Jews, until now sworn at their
synagogues, has been referred TO the Committee OF
Justice and it is proposed that they may be permit
ted TO swear in open court. Another bill is III
temptation to constitute registrars or mortgages,
instead OF transactng this business, at present.
at the tribunals.
The recent statement OF the Prussian Bank shows
circulation OF Its notes to the amount or 1i7
thalers, while its capital stock is but 20 000 eav
ing at the rate OF five per cent interest per annum
a clear profit Of 1000, 900 thaiers. Though the bank
being government institution, has ample resources
yet IN case OF crisis wnere Its notes would suffer
depreciation, Its capital stock could only offer
guarantee OF thirteen and twothrds per cent on the
amount OF its notes In circulation.
Some two months ago the Prussau Minister OF
Finance, Baron Won Der Heydt stated In the House
that the people could very well bear an increase OF
taxation for the deficit His opponents now point
to the falling or OF direct duties and to the small
chance he has of extricating himself from his en-
barTassment by the Aforesaid proposition. Nothing
but reduction In the huge military establishment
can prevent recurrence Of yearly increasing de-
ncits.
The resolution OF the North German Bund Council
to control the shipping OF emgrants, reported In
a previous letter, has now been carried out by the
appointment OF Captain Weikhmann, formerly chief
OF the Stralsund naval depot, special commits
sioner for all the North German seaports with his
permanent seat at Hamburg. IL viii be great i'm
provement IT. after the creation OF this ONCE OF
control more dreadful cases or neglect, such as
those OF the Liebg, alias Liebnitz, and recently OF
the Palmerston, resulting IN wholesale destruction or
the lives OF passengers should happen. The glaring
msmanagement In tue case OF the latter seems to
have had the effect OF Fastening on Captain WeiKh-
mann's appointment.