The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-08-03

Nothing Important from tho Fieid-The
French Naval Demonstrations. New Prepn-
rations--The Question in Pariimme nt-Cnbi-
net Statcments-Diplomacy Towards France
aud Belgium.
LONDON. August 2-Evening.
The war news In the morning was meagre and I'M
important The London Journals appeared without
a word IRON the rival armies on the Rhine
Active recruiting for the marine service has been
ordered at the English dockyards.
The impression prevails here thai the arrival OF
the French ieet IN the Baltic Sea alone prevented
the Prussian advance through France to Paris.
Adyices from Prussian sources mention the pre-
valence throughout Germany of an unwaverinu as.
surance Of ultimate victory.
In the afternoon news was received by telegraph
from the Prnssian headquarters the Rhine up 10
three O'Clock yesterday afternoon. There had been
general engagement to that time. Scouting par
ties and sKirmishers from both armies were contln.
uallv making raids INTO the enernys territory but
1t was believed this to accustOm the
troops to The sight and fire OF the enemy than for
any other purpose
The presence OF the armies on the frontiers OF
France and ihe Rhenisi provinces OF Prussia has
given rise to serious apprehensiOns OF famine
there The Opi,tOae Rationale OF Paris says In this
connection that order to avoid impoverishing the
theatre OF the war; the Emperor draws his supplies
from distance by railroad.
The London Times has u long editorial on the
prospect. The writer thinks the delay in military
movements on both sides Is to be ascribed to the
decentralization OF the troops from having been moved
by rail-. The French were also delayed ON account
OF the hesitation lof the South German states,
and are now necessarily confined to the narrow
ground Of the Saar Valley. In fact the entire pre-
conceived plan OF the Emperor has been altered BY
unforeseen circumstance OF this sort, and he has
yet, PROBABLY, to form new The Times argues
that the arm OF the French, the ChassepOt, on the
account OF the likelihood OF its fOuinX speedily
will be found TO be infinitely less efficient than the
needle gun aud the difference this respect will
possibly be sufficient TO govern the result OF the
war
In the House OF Lords to-day Earl Russell moved
the reading of the bill amending tue Militia
acts.
He spoke at some length IN review OF the cOndl-
ton OF foreign AFFAIRS and said the government
quires full defensive powers. The intrgues and
perils upon the Continent due TO uncertainty as
to the course TO he pursued by England. In his
opinion we need only to declare for the e8forcemenr
OF the treaties, whereupOn half the danger would
vanish; for neither OF the warning Powers
courts the hostility Of England Only IN this man.
ner could Antwerp be saved.
Earl Granville lamented the noble lords paIpabe
lack Of confidence In the government. week ago
ne had fully sustained 1t, and the speaker knew Of
nothing that mad since occurred that could properly
alter his intention. While fully sensible as to our
obligations TO- Belgium, Earl Granville considered 1t
needless and njudicious to discuss them with this
publicity. Last week, he continued the noble Lord
approved the Of the Ministers and was ready
TO back them mp. The change In his position WAS
irrational and inexcusable.
The subject then dropped.
In the House OF Commons MIR. Gladstone, in reply
10 question put by Mr.. Harcourt said he was up-
able to submit the correspondence OF the late Earl OF
Clarendon urging disarmament upon the Powers
IL was inexpedlent even 10 repeat its purport He
| thought, however, that either France or Prussia
might properly do 40. Baron Brunon said Mr.. Glad.
stone three weeks ago proposed the signing Of a
protocol by the Powers recognizing the remuneration
OF the Spanish crown by the Prince OF Hohenzollern;
but he did so personally and informally, leay.
! ing the initiative TO England. On July
49, when 1t entirely TOO late. the proposition
was formally repeated; but even then It was sup.
posed the reconciliation would satisfy France whom
! England had vatnIy besought Co withdraw ner de-
mand upon Prussia. Further remonstrance now
can only cxasperate either government ana the
only course for England ~ to seek safe opportunity
for renewed efforts in favor Of peace.
Mr.. Otway, Under Foreign Secretary. presented to
the House the treaties and guarantees Tor the neu-
rralty of Belgium and Luxembourg.
The Greek question was discussed briefly
MIR. Cardwell secretary for War, in answering
question said all the British regulars except one
regiment IN India, armed with the Snider rifle
while OF the militia and volunteers some have
breech-loaders.
On the proposition OF tue government to enlist
20 900 additional regulars y discussion arose. Sir
W. Lawson urging that now was the time for the In
tervention OF England to secure peace between
france snd PrussiM