The New York herald., 1871-03-02


SCENE ON TIE CHAMPS ELYsEEs.
On the Champs Elysees, at eight o'clock this
morning, there was hardly soul to be seen.
All the houses were closed, excepting three or
four small cafes No one was to be seen at
the windows. Only few flags were exhi-
bited-the Italian, American, British and a
single French, which latter was flying from
the Corps Legislatif building.
ROUNDING TIKI AFRO DE TRIOMPuE.
AT nine o'clock the head of the Prussian ad-
vance was seen rounding the Arc de Tri-
omphe. To the surprise of the Germans but
few persons were present when they came up,
both men and women hurrying away in tears.
Some boys and few workmen were alone
left.
SEARCHING THE STREETS.
The German hussars galloped down every
avenue leading to the Champs Elysees and
searched the streets leading therefrom, but
they did not see soul in the shape of q hostile
force. Not the slightest attempt at disturb
ance was made. The conduct Of the people
was admirable.
TIE PALACE OF INDUSTRY OCCUPIED.
The German advance numbered only about
four thousand infantry and cavalry. They
had no music but that given by their drums
and trumpets. Arsplendid body of men,
marching equal to the household troops,
halted opposite the Palais de l'Industrie,
which was at once taken possession of by the
hussars.
STATUES COVERED WITH GRAPE.
A few uhlans rode down to the Place de Ia
Concorde, where they viewed in derision the
faces of the statues covered with Grape The
Germans were astonished at the mournful
aspect of the city and the desertion of the
streets.
AN INCIDENT.
The only incident observed was when a
Frenchman, respectfully dressed, went up to o
hussar sentinel and spoke to the soldier, who
replied civilly. On his leaving the hussar
some workmen near by beat and kicked him
severely. In response to his cries of "assas-
sin the German officers only laughed.
THE BARRIoADEs.
On the Boulevard st. Honore, at eight
o'clock this morning, when it was dark and
cold, three members of the National
Guard and few women carrying
bread were the only persons visible.
turned the corner into the Rue Royale
and saw q Gordon of sentries stretch
ing across the street and line of art-
lery caissons interlocked. No carriage was
allowed to pass. The approaches to the Ely
sees, the Pont de la Concorde, the Quay and
the Rue Rivoli were all barred in the same
manner A few troops were visible. but no
spectators.
ON THE CHAMPS ELYSEES.
There were not more than ten people OH tho
Champs Elysees from one end to the other.
Not sign Of the coming event was visible,
all was 80 silent The dulness became almost
oppressive, especially as it was impossible not
to feel the saddening influence that seemed to
be floating in the air.
AT THE AFRO DE TRIoMPHE.
AS reached the Arc de Triomphe, at
little after seven, half dozen men, wearing
blouses. were standing with their hands in
their pockets, gazing down the avenue OF
Neuilly. little further on met group of
Englisbmen.
FIRST GLIMPSE OF THE PRUssIANs.
At ten minutes pact eight, looking through
my field glass from the bridge mile of,
eaw one horseman, then another, and then
more, approaching at a rapid gallop. had
hardly time to cry "Here they are I" before
they had reached the barrier at Port Maillot.
Two others who had been riding on the side
walks joined them.
ENTRANCE OF THE HUssARs
In another instant, at precisely thirteen
minutes past eight, the first Prussians were
irs;aa of Paris. directly within the gate. Six