New-York tribune., 1871-03-30
musllet can be counted on to defend, under
any circumstances, the flag under which it is

The dangers of conflict between the rival
Governments i'll France increase daily; and,
though the dispatches contain assurances that
a peaceful settlement is still possible, the facts
which they transmit bear no such agreeable
indications. The Communist Government is
in possession only in Paris, Marseilles, and two
other minor cities. In Paris its autho1-
ties are not harmonious The Centrai
Committee has quarreled on questions Oh poi
icy; One-half, inclined to beliigerehcy, ms
arrested the other and more peacelh' nan
and the ub-Committee as the VICTORIOUS iac-
tion is STYLED. has installed itself in absolute
authority. But IL docs not command the
adherence of all persons and parties In the
capital. The Postal Director refuses to yield
his Office at the dctatiOn of the Communists,
and the Garibaldis have refused to fight for it
against Frenchmen. Nevertheless, the Sub
Committee has ordered the formation Of
an army of twenty y-fve battaliOns of infantry
and thirty-fve batteries of artillery-for active
service, we suppose, against the Versailles As
sembly, which refuses to disperse at the Com
munists' bidding. Marselles, where the Reds
are "allonging and marchonging" in a manner
TO disgust even less practical folks than Little
of siege. Paris is virtually so already, though
the rebels hold all the strong places; and the
proposition is pending in the Assembly to iso-
late the city.
In thei mean time the Government of NJ.
Theirs has not been idle, and though cOncilia-
ton has lost it much, it is by no means pow
erless or demoralized, us previous dispatches
stated. 1t is organizing a large and trust
worthy force of Gardes Mobiles, and it de-
clares that they will be ready to march on
Paris in eight days. Versailles is rapidly be-
coming military camp, the Provinces respond
ing literally to the call Of the Government. OF
this NJ. Theirs gives the best assurance in
an important proclamation, which declares
that the country has fully resolved to stand
by the Assembly which it elected. 1t will
thus be seen that the military preparations
making are on large scale, and that the
conflict which is threatened is likely to be
most moment0us to France.
A complicating feature of this new military
situation, for to this martial complexion the
French issue has at last come, is the appear
ance of an overwhelming force of Prussians
at L'Isle Adam, few miles west of Paris 1t
is said 10000 Germans are also expected at
Versailles; but this is improbable The
troops at L'Isle Adam have returned to the i'm
mediate vicinity of Paris, it is stated, to see
that order is restored, and will take no part
in the struggle; but naturally their mere
affects the issue of events. Already
each party is claiming that it is
the attitude of the other which detains the
Germans in France, and is thus endeavoring
to avoid the terrible stigma, in French eyes,
Of being leagued with the common enemy.
Yet both parties are in communication with
Count Bismarck, trying to satisfy him that
each is the only authority qualified to secure for
him the promised indemnity. What Bismarck's
designs may be, or how far he has encOur-
aged his foes to destroy each other, after the
manner Of the Kilkenny cats, can only be
surmised. OF course, he does not care how
greatly the French impOverish themselves by
civil feuds, since he can take at any
time he likes moro territory in lieu OF
unpaid indemnity. Some light is thrown
upon his purpose in garrisoning part
of France and in taking possession of only
fraction of Paris by declaration which he
lately made at Frankfort, and it strongly cor
roborates the idea already advanced, that he
wished civil dissensions to complete the Ger
man DESTRUCTION Ol uc oaiu Oh '"O
occasion named that the stay CT part OF the
army in France was guaranty that
the war indemnity would soon be paid;
for the French devoutly wished to get the Ger
man soldiers out of the country. "We took
" possession of only one part OF Paris" ne
added, "for the reason that we did not wish
" another man to be sacrificed. But l think
" that the National Assembly would rather
" have seen us occupy the whole of the city,
" and disarm the sixty thousand National
" Guards" 1t is not difficult to believe that
the Prussian Premier was perfectly willing to
abandon the idle parade in Paris IN order 10
leave this terrible danger threatening the iu-
ture Government of his enemy.
There can be no immediate conflict, since
neither party is prepared for attack; but as
the Germans are present as armed neutrals
and not as peace-makers, there IL nothing W
prevent the fight ultimately ensuing.