The New York herald., 1871-04-03

IN auuition 10 Tie lallure OF the admlnlSra-
tion and the republicans in these and other
measures of national policy, the party itself is
breaking up. The interests of the Eastern
and Western sections of it are not Identical
One inclines to high protective policy, aud,
consequently, to burdensome taxation while
the other favors free trade and asks for
revenue reform and large reduction of taxes.
Not less damaging to General Grant and the
prospects of his party is the detection of Mr..
Sumner and others and their bold denuncia-
ton Of the ADMINISTRATORS pet ST. Domingo
scheme No matter whether this arises from
personal difficulty and the attempt of the
President to whip these leaders into party
traces or from rival aspirations for the Presi-
dency, the result must be the same-the dam
age to the party and its prospects remain.
The republican party has finished its work,
and, if we mistake not, well nigh its career, as
the dominant party in this country.
Still the democrats have much to do. They
are profting by the mistakes and incapacity of
their opponents but something more than that
is wanted. They must not attempt to undo
the work Of the war. They must accept the
results of that great event frankly and
without mental reservation. They must
not give the radicals an opportunity of
fastening that opprobrious term, copperhead,
upon them, but should ignore the dead issues
that have swamped them for the last ten years.
Revenue reform, great reduction of taxa
ton, an economical government, an honest
korx H. Jol~l i'll
rule and local self-government for the bayonet
policy which the radicals cherish, and deter
mination to give this mighty republic that
position among the nations and in the eyes of
the world which it ought to occupy, are the
materials for democratic platform. The
standard bearers to 60 with this before the
people in 1872 will be found in good time.
Although there may not be any pre-eminent
statesmen among the democrats, any more
than among the republicans, they have men of
respectable ability and experience in public
affairs. At least they can find good man for
four years term, and that is as long, perhaps,
as any one can expect to occupy the Presi-
Dental chair in these times. For the rest, the
future will take care of ITSELF The political
revolution has commenced in earnest the
administration and dominant party are going
down, and if the democrats be wise they may
begin long lease of power again in 1873.
Exciting News from Frnnce-Defcat Of tho
insurgents Near Paris-Aspcct of the
General Situation.
This morning we publish important news
from France. Our special correspondents at
Paris and Versailles telegraph information
that the crisis is at hand which shall decide
the fate of the French nation. Yester-
day serious engagement took place near
Paris. force of insurgents marched on
Courbevoie, and were met by body of gen.
darmes and gardes forestiers. A battle en-
sued, resulting in the complete rout of the
Communists who fed into Paris. At last ac-
counts the greatest excitement prevailed in
the city. Troops were hurrying to
the threatened points, and the man
ming Of the ramparis was going
on. On the side of the Versailles
authorities the utmost activity prevailed. The
government army was pushing forward, ambu-
lances were ready and all the movements in
dicated the imminence of bloody struggle.
More important than all the other
intelligence, in its ultimate bearing on the
future of France, is the report from our
special correspondent in Versailles to the effect
that Bismarck has given the French authorities
permission to mass any number OF troops near
Paris and that he has threatened a German
occupation Of the city if the insurrection is
not suppressed by the 18th inst.
A brief announcement from NJ. Theirs to
the projects of departments reports an en-
gagement at Narbonne between the insur-
gents and the national forces, resulting in the
defeat of the former and capture of their
leaders. NJ Theirs circular, q synopsis of
which we publish this morning, presents
favorable picture of the situation. 1t asserts
that all the Southern cities are quiet, and re-
ports that the National Assembly is TRANQUILITY
holding its sessions at Versailles, surrounded
by the best army France ever had. 1.
is evident, that the Versailles govern
ment has gained an advantage. Thus far the
news is favorable for the cause of
law and order. But the fight near
Paris referred TO, by no means ends the
rouge rebellion. The Communists are actively
organizing marching battalions, and some of
these have already marched in the direction
Of the gate of Passy, which would indicate
movement against the national forces in the
Bois de Boulogne and an advance upon Ver-
sailles. What effect the affair at Courbevoie
will have upon the masses of the insurgents
the ordinary kind we would say that the defeat
of their comrades would greatly dishearten
them; but the mob which holds Paris Is CON-
e LII