The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1873-10-23
Stirring Events in Franco.

The French Marshal Bazainc, whose
surrender of the impregnable frontier for
LITIGATION of Metz did 50 much towards
hrmiliating France in the late German
war, is having his trial at Versailles charg-
ed with treason. The high military rank
Of the accused, the favor he enjoyed with
the late emperor, and his possible con-
domination to death As a sacrifice to nation
al vanity, will make this one of the most
celebrated Of historical trials. Like all
processes Of this nature the trial of the
unfortunate marshal may run for a long
time, though it is estimated that it will
not last longer than two months A
change Of government would hardly re-
lieyc him from his pcrilous position, for
he is regarded as the cause of the misfor-
tunes of the war by nearly all parties but
the unpopular BonapartiSts. who can do
little to serve HIM
The French choose to attribute their de
tcats moi TO the superiority of the German
armies, bat to treason on the part Of a
general National vanity might have as
readily selected other victims who did not
display any more ability and gcneralship
in the war. For example Marshal Nina
hon, who is now ut the head of the
French government. was charged with the
commission of 9rosser military errors than
those of Bazaine. who did not surrender
until 4 scarcity of provisions made Il de-
Tense OF Metz no longer possible. But
the veteran Bazaine is peculiarly fitted in
the eyes OF his corntrymcn for this sacr-
fee. He was much attached to the late
emperor to whom he was under many OBJ
legations of gratitude. II was known that
he was indignant 1T the overthrow of the
empire which he had long supported, and
it was charged at once that he fastened to
surrender Metz in order to hlmihatc the
republic. The grounds on which these
charges rest have never appeared satistac
tory. 1t is not likely that the tlial will
produce any more revelations on he sub
.jcct than those which already cNiN But
military courts often manage to make up
their yerdicts without the aid of much law
or evidence. PART considerations will
be more likely to decide this issue than
any facts Of treason which can be proved
against General Bazainc From his con-
vi II
satisfaction that the defeat of French arms
was not due 10 the superiority Of Germany
in power or resources but to the treason
OF Il general, who preferred L dynasty to
his country Considering that all parties
are Interested in upholding this view of
the case it must be confessed that the stu
alton OF Bazaine is extremely critical. He
will be by no means the first to fall be
meath popular vanity and vengeance I'M
der such circumstances.
While this trial is proceeding, great
anxiety is felt throughout France concern
ing the future Of the government. The
Presidency Of McMahon is conceded to BE
bat temporary, and the hopes Of 4 Bona
palte restoration which his selection was
once thought to cOuntenancc will be Of no
avail. The country to-day looks toward
u monarchy, despite the endeavors of the
republicans The partizans of Comte de
Chambord who has formed with the
princes of the Orleans branches OF the
family an agreement, it is believed, to
labor ior The restoration OF monarchy in
his person, are active and persistent 1t
is believed that Il majority has been secured
in the National Assembly to favor this
scheme The National Assembly VIII be
asked by the monarclist> To vote for the
elevation of the Collltc de Chamhord to
the throne, and that then, it has been said,
NJ. Rouhcr viii propose as 4 substitute
that the monarchical principle shall be
established bv the Assembly. but that it
be left to the country TO decide by a
p7tbjscHe, or national vote, which monarchy
is preferred The excitement is intense,
and the decision Of the question may now
be expected any day