Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1880-02-25
Paris Letter.
PARIS, France, Feb. Z, 1880.


The chamber was again occupied to-
day with the further discussion of the Gus
toms tariffs. NJ. de Kerjegu being the first
to address the assembly. His speech was
principally in support of the interests Of
the agricultural classes. and met with re-
pcated applause. He produced a mass o.
figures in support Of his arguments tc
prove that the importation of manufactured
goods has largely increased since 1859,
whereas the exports have remained almost
stationary. He implored the chamber
not to kill the goose with the golden eggs
by destroying the outlet for national pro-
duction. lie pointed out that it is moi
with its savings in money that Franco
pays for the excess of its imports, the
United States alone sending to France five
hundred million francs worth of goods
NJ. de Keriegu made very energetic at
tack on the principle of free trade, which
he said was only an expedient in favor o.
clever spectators, and taking II rather
pessimist view of the question predicted
that England would soon ruin French
commerce. and then have her own way
with trade. He complained that whereas
manufacturers are amply protected, agri'
culture is open to all the drawbacks of 4
heavy competition, and instanced Ameri
CO, where the ground co is next to nothing
manure is scarcely wanted, and seed corn
is ten or twelve francs cheaper than in
Europe, thus enabling her to entirely beat
France in her own markets. lie finished
by insisting that measures should be taken
to increase the production of corn and
cattle, and regretted that the culture Of
linseed had been almost given up.
The exhibition of the French agrlcultur-
al society in the Palais de rIndustrie at
tracts large number of visitors. very
good show of cattle is brought together,
and the collection of poultry is particularly
fine. The implements and machines are
shown in the open space at the back Of the
building, most of the large English makers
being represented. The society has had q
legacy from NJ dc Lavergne, the late sen.
ator, of 10000 francs.
Their royal highnesses the duke and
duchess of Edinburgh spent the afternoon
of Wednesday and that of Thursday on
the ice ut the Cercle DIES Patineurs Of
Paris Few people knew of this intention
of their royal highnesses on Wednesday
and in consequence many notables were
absent; but on Thursday every one made
up for lis ignorance, and before o clock
the avenue was lined with carriages, and
the ice covered with skaters and lockers
on. The band of the Garde Republcaint
was Il great acquisition, and had beer
specially summoned for the occasion
Nothing could exceed the brillancy o.
the scene from 2 O'Clock to 4:3O The
weather was charming; not II cloud in Tho
blue sky overhead, and an exceptionally
bright sun shining down on the dazzling
ice, and on fresh figures, adorned with all
that art and wealth can provide to enhance
beauty. There was Il perfect concourse Of
elegance and fashion; but unfortunately
her royal highness did not form one of the
luminous spots in the tableau, being re.
markably plainly dressed. Evidently
their royal highnesses have other care:
than that of their toilette, to which neithe,
of them appear to give much attention
The world of Paris was surprised to fine
that the duchess is no skater, us rumol
had tshc was quite at home on the ice. The
duke seemed to enjoy the exercise; ant
with his usual ailability had u turn will
almost every lady of his acquaintance
among the skaters.