Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-11-02
aalIp Ntnnsbtt Sournat.
AU CT L s TIA.
WEDNESDAY MORNING, NOV. 2, 1870.
THE lSEIGE OF PARTS.

The bombardment of Paris it is said was
to begin yesterday. There is probably but
one opinion outside of the doomed city
among clear headed men how the siege
will result. Paris will be captured as
Metz has been. The power which mas
been able to annihilate all the armies WIN
which France took the field cannot be sue
cessfully resisted by the new Ie'Ies has'''S
raised. imperfectly organized and disci-
plined, and destitute of officers capable %
leading them. Beside this there Is a fatal
PARALYSIS upon the French oceasioned by
their lack of an established and permanent
government. They do not know under
which king to serve, Trochu or Napoleon
whether they are Loyalty bound to the for
tunes of the Empire though under huge
shadow at present, or owe allegiance to
the Provisional Government. This indie
cision and uncertainty weighs worse than
a nightmare upon the nation, distracting
its councils and causing its warriors to be
charged with cowardice and treason in the
field If the allegations against Bazaine
of inefficiency are true, it will probably be
found that the poor man lost his senses III
the whirl of events that translated Napo-
leon to Wilhelmshohe and shut himself and
army in Metz, and not being able TO com
prehend in the changed condition of things
which was master, the old ornew, which WAS
rightfully entitled to his service, he did but
little for either, and permitted the Prus-
SLAMS to gain an easy victory. In Paris,
however, directly under the eye and con-
troll of the new government, the shadow
of Napoleon will not perhaps rest so heav-
ily as in Metz. Hatred to the Prussians,
and the love Of country have been stimu-
lated to the utmost and pervade the masses
of the people in that city, and lukewarm-
ness in the defense of the capital is prob
ably thing not tolerated there under amy
circumstances.
All parties must appear to be ardent III
it's defence, but all are not really 50
There is dissatisfaction, apathy, want Of
confidence, treason and despair, all opeI-
ating under the cloak of seeming devotion
to the cause. That there can be any hope
of successful defence of Paris is beyond
the bound Of reason. The govern
ment may issue its proclamationS OF def
ance but they will not hide its woiul weak
ness nor save Paris 1t had better accept
such terms of peace as it can get from the
conquerer. To make the immense sacri-
flee of life, property, treasures OF art and
science, and cause the terrible suffering
that must ensue in case of a protracted
siege, in useless struggle against newt
able fate, is not worthy OF reasonable and
brave men and commands no respect from
the civilized world If the bombarlment
has begun and is to continue until the
guns of the conquerors silence all opposi-
ton, no pen or tongue will he able to re-
late the misery inflicted, and all because
the government and the leaders OF, public
opinion have not the moral courage to raise
their voices in favor of peace. Resistance
is the popular cry, and with this they all
run although they know that the conse-
quence must be defeat and surrender