The New York herald., 1871-01-03

New may be as astounding TO all the nations
as those Of 1870 In Spain, France, Germany
and Italy.
Tactics.
Our special dispatches from Versailles, one
of which we publish this morning, enable the
reader to form clear idea Of the military
situation before the French capital. Our
correspondent, writing on the Goth ult., reports
that the expected bombardment had not begun
at that date. AS consequence of this dila-
toriness the German troops were becoming
dissatisfied. 1t appears, however, that the
failure to lombard was due to causes which
will probably protect Paris from q storm Of
shot and she'll for some time yet. The Ger
guns at hand, and they have been compelled
to concentrate such as they have at one par
ticular point, with the object of capturing or
silencing one or more of the forts. But before
they can accomplish this they must over
come obstacles which, at the present
moment appear insurmountable. Altogether
our correspondent is Of opinion that the French
forts will give the German batteries full en-
ployment to keep them from doing much injury
to the investing line. 1t is true that the effcc-
tiveness and calibre Of the French guns have
probably been overrated; but granting this
the fact remains that while the Germans may
finally succeed In reducing one or more of the
forts, it will only be after a severe struggle.
This exposition puts a somewhat different
feature to the situation before Paris than the
previous reports had given it. In addition, it
appears as if all the German armies in tho
open field have been thrn--- on the defensive
Prince F,oaonck Charles must now passively
oppose Chauzy's army, contenting himself
with preventing the French from approaching
too near the besieged capital. All operations
until Paris falls. General Won Moltke has evil
dsntly decided that the most important thing
for the Germans to do is TO compel Trochu to
surrender. Paris is regarded as the heart of
France. Strike Paris and the whole country
will yield. Such Is the conclusion we draw
from . perusal Of our correspondents de-
spatch.
But may not Won Moltke be some
what disappointed in the result of his
present operations before Paris? Is it
not possible that he will get the
city without the garrison? A despatch
from Bordeaux published yesterday con-
tains denial that Trochu is preparing an
intrenched camp around Fort Mont Valerien.
his purpose being to evacuate Paris and oc-
cupy this camp To-day 1t is reported from
London that since the abandonment of Fort
Avron by the French all the forts have
been silent. This silence may be very signi-
fcant 1t may mean that Trochu is quietly
removing his artillery. ammunition and provi-
sions to Mont Valerien, preparatory to aban-
doning Paris. Such movement would be
good generalship. II, as is stated, Paris now
contains provisions for the entire population
and garrison for two months, the supply will
enable the garrison alone to hold out for eight
months longer. And, besides, with the French
in possession of Mont ValereD, Paris will be
actually at their mercy. In few days, how
ever we shall doubtless learn what the tactics
Of Trochu are-whether he proposes to remain
in the city and fight to the last or to abandon
the place and retire to the great fortress, the
shadows Of whose guns fall almost across the
bastions surrounding Paris.
THE INDIAN CONFEDERATION. The Grand
Council of the tribes Of the Indian Territory,
held at Ockmulgee, has perfected plan Of
consolidation and submitted to the people
for their ratification bill Of rights and con-
stitution for the government of the Conledera-
ton. The constitution, the main features of
which are copied from the constitution of the
United States, provides for three departments
of government-executive, legislative and
judcial-each well guarded against encroach-
ment by other departments. The executive
power is vested in a governor whose term or
office is two years Provision is also made for
secretary attorney general, district attor-
neys and marshals The legislative power
consists of Senate and House Of Representa-
tves, and the judiciary is composed Of Su-
preme Court, three district courts and such
inferior courts as may be provided by law.
No doubt this constitution will be adopted with
great unanimity, and that all the tribes outside
organized States and Territories will event
ually become members Of the Confederatiop.