The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-09-06
THE FRENCH INDEMNITY.

The Last Payment-W nat the French In
habitants Thlnk-Their Joy and Their
Hope OF Reprfsal-The Old Feud Uncx-
tinguished-Talks with Frenchmen.
Yesterday was one of great Joy to all patriotic
Frenchmen-and, by the way, all Frenchmen are
patriotic. You may see Napoleouist-a his class
seems to be in the ascendant in spite Of the troubles
OF the last days Of the Empire-a Bourbon, an Or
leanist, Theirs republican or MacMahonist on
the question of the indemnity They are all glad
that the "cursed invader" il on the native soil.
There Is but one thing could gladden. the heart OF
Frenchman more, and that would be the restora-
ton OF Alsace and Lorraine. Still the greater
Of the two humiliations is over, and while
every Frenchman dreams Of the time when
he may see Prussia obliged to pay
back that same indemnity ne feels sat
isfied in thinking that for the time being
the last remnant Of the terrible war has been
buried, and That there need be no everlasting rec
objection OF the most fearful OF all frances
troubles. The bitterness Of defeat remains In
every bosom; the hatred rankles as keenly in
every breast; but the haunting reproach OF Ger
man occupancy is at all events gone.
1t Is probable that hardly French family in this
city passed over this
NATIONAL FINANCIAL TRIUMPH
without some celebration Frenchmen and French
women OF all parties, in their homes had many
little pleasant entertainments which revived or
kept alive the loves and the friendships OF Ia
belle France. 1t Ii on such occasions that
the heart Of the voluntary or involun
tary exile goes home to the family that
dwells thousands OF miles away. and in
fancy builds up pictures OF past that has taken
on such national holidays that the love for patrte
travels back on Its way, and all wish themselves
under the family roOitree.
can never wipe these recollecttons OF past and
happy days-days when France was In her glory
1t is needless to repeat then, that with French.
men yesterday was one OF thanksgiving. But in
cropped out. One would have 1t that the Veteran veteran
Theirs was the author of all frances present pros
perity. Another would have 1t that under Mac
MahOn matters would have been In precisely the
same condition; that not Theirs but France. de-
served the credit OF it ALL Others chung to the
not have been obliged to pay any indemnity
Various as were these opinions, 1t was clear that
In this city, at least, Ihiers' men were in great
believe That had it not been for the mastery man
agement OF the old statesman, the country would
with this admiration Is deep abuse OF the Assembly,
to which Frenchmen all attribute the present In
chOate state OF their country. -f@
In conversation with o prominent Frenchman
yesterday-one who represents public sentiment
amongst his countrymen here as wei, probably, as
sentiment, now that the old trouble was over, was
to reorganize and try the issue over again. ave
may not be strong enough now, but we Will be In q
few years. France has suffered the
MOST HUMIIIATING DEFEAT
tn In Sa was Sy
long hold the proud and the arbitrary position she
holds to-day amongst European nations; The scale
must turn shortly and then woe be to her. live
but In one hope to see that day. Then shall die
satisfied"
halo OF enthusiasm on the mans face Where
sucn feelings live can peace last longs
A French "Pique-Niquc."
The French have appropriated another word
from the English language, and the adaptation of
'.ptQue- niQue' seems ridiculous enough for the
familiar word which does duty for the same thing
in English. Yesterday was the anniversary Of the
birthday of one Of frances greatest sons-Lafsy-
ette-a name dear in America as 1t Ia in his ma
tive land; and when this circumstance is added to
the tact that the last instalment the Prussan In
demnity was paid yesterday, and that France
was, in the full sense OF the word, free, It can
be imagined that 1t was no small circum-
stance In her history and that 1t offered no
commemoration OF the disinterested hero OF the
Of this city What they wes pleased
it was. 1t took place at hamilton PARK,
numerousy attended by Americans as 1t was by
French, as all these affairs usually are. Americans,
especially new IOrk Americans, seem TO nave
lingering idea that all French assemblies are re-
marKabe for peculiar Kind OF enjoyment which
borders on the dsre- utable. 1t s one OF the many
errors which Americans are apt to fall into for the
fact is that yesterdays piQue-nfQue could compare
more than favorably with any native gathering of
the kind. You very seldom see Frenchman In a
condition where he forgets what politeness is, and
you never see o Frenchwoman so lax that she for
gets what respect Is due her. In short, the ex-
cursiOn was quite q success, and II the Battalion
des Gardes Lafayette were not all that might be
expected OF such formidable title 1t was prob
ably because the occasion was one which permitted
laxity and a lack OF discipline.