Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1870-08-25
Our Boston Letter.

BOSTON, August II, loIu.
Editor Rutland Herald The chief
topic of conversation and interest here,
yet, is the war il Europe. In ordinary
times the newspapers arrest the steps and
attention of but few. Now the Offices and
the sidewalks are crowded, at times in
front of the bulletins of the papers. 1t
is similar to that Of our own war. 1t
would be reasonable to suppose that
good share of these must be Germans
anxious for the latest news from their
native country. But the truth IL, few
Germans are seen at these points. They
seem to be some what isolated by reason OF
their language and customs, and seek in
formation in other sources and places than
these fayorite places of the true American.
The beer saloons are favorite places for
the more common among them to meet
and discuss, in their own language, their
own affairs of common interest. The
Irish show their interest in this war in
true Yankee style, and eagerly watch for
news Their sympathies are with the
French; and most disappointed bill of
fare have they had, until within day or
two past.
4 great deal has been said about the
relative merits of the French soldiers
gun,-the "Chassepot;" and that of the
Prussian's, --the Needle gun. A few facts
can be here given that may lead in the
direction of correct judgment respect
ing them. In list of traoings from the
drawings of the modern "breech-loading"
guns now made and used in Europe, in
the possession of gentleman in this city,
are also found those of these two guns,
in whice it appears that they are both
breech-loaders ; both use cartridges
made upon the same principle,
with Illuminating powder within them,
which is ignited in both cases by the use
of needle" or steel point, similar in
shape and siz to the well known metallic
pencil point which slides out of the case
when used. All the movements for load
ing and firing these two, are SO nearly the
same in number, and distances moved,
that the superiority of either one does
not appear. But there is a difference in
the size of the bullet used, in the proper
ton of Al for the French to So for the
German gun. Surprising the same amount
of powder to be used in each, the bullet
of the French would be sent further, and
have a greater range than that of the
German. Indeed, it is just what they
have always claimed for the Chassepot !;
and in the beginning of this war it was
the source of great expectations. But
what the Germans loose in distance they
probably gain in effectiveness other ways,
for their bullets make a larger wound, as
we'll as having more momentum in close
attacks and engagements. And it is rea-
sonable to suppose that a greater portion
of the French would be permanently, or
deoisively disabled while in action. The
Prussian bullet is the same in diameter as
the Springfield U. S. gun.
You are aware that new temperance
party has been formed, which has nomi-
mated Wendell Phillips for Governor of
this State and other men for State
ticket. It may not appear wise to do this,
to form third party, and divide the Re-
publicans, but no one can have noticed
the spread of intemperance and the grow
ing laxitY of feeling and interest in the
whole matter of temperance and intern
perance within year or two without
feeling that there is good excuse for a
new effort in q new manner. B.