Year: 1871

DoinRs mt Versailles and bordeaux.
In another page of the HERALD this morning
we publish interesting dispatches from our
special correspondents at Versailles and at Bor-
deaux. From these we learn that although
the terms upon which France can secure peace


are prepared, and possibly by this time have
been submitted to the representatives of
the nation, yet what these terms are
is not known outside of French and
German diplomatic circles. Bismarck
has well concealed his intentions. One day
they are reported to be moderate, and the very
next day we receive the report that the Ger
man demands are exorbitant. We now learn
from the HERALDs correspondent at Versailles
that in celebrating on the conditions of peace
it is proposed, on the part of Germany, to de-
mand the cession of Nice to Italy and the neu-
tralization of Savoy. The intention of this, if
such project is contemplated, would
be to disintegrate France as much as
possible, and to place obstacles in the
way in view of future Difficult
ties which might possibly arise. No one
knows better than Bismarck how deep the
defeats of the campaign just closed have sunk
into the heart of the French nation, and that
as soon as the French people find themselves
in position to wipe out the disgrace of the
disasters which they have sustained they will
be no way slow in taking the initiative step
toward obtaining satisfaction.


In contrast to the report from Versailles, the
HERALD's correspondent in Bordeaux speaks
in more favorable strain, and informs us that
there is some reason for the belief that the Ger
man terms will not be exorbitant. The talk
regarding the extravaganza Of the conditions
upon which Germany will only make peace,
it is contended, was circulated for effect, in
order that when the time came to reveal
the real terms they would appear mode
rate in comparison with those spoken of
so extensively. Should this prove to be
the case we are willing to acknowledge the
wisdom Of the means adopted to ascertain the
state of the public mind not only in France,
but throughout Europe generally. Bismarck
has all along taken decided stand on the
question Of the settlement of the difficulty
between Germany and France, and has given
outside nations to understand very distinctly
that no interference would be tolerated
but, powerful as Is the German en-
pire to-day, and backed as it is by q
large and victorious army, it cannot
afford to disregard the public sentiment of
all Europe. A wise, sagacious and far-seeing
statesman would rather attempt to cultivate
friendly feelings in order to neutralize the
jealousies which the sudden requirement Of
the stupendous power which united Germany
has so recently obtained will naturally engen-
der Taking this view of the subject, it is
possible that Bismarck's terms may be more
reasonable than the cries raised about the
German Chancellor's extravagant exactions
have led the public to conjecture.


|. Passing over the subject Of the peace terms


with the foregoing comments, another subject


suggests itself-the future government of
France. Will it be monarchical or republi-


can? It seems to be pretty we'll understood
in Bordeaux at the present time that, not


withstanding the formidable array of mon
archists in the National Assembly, they are
far from being united on candidate for the


throne. There is no likelihood of either Of
them uniting on one. 1t also appears that many
who are rated as monarchists are really repub-
licans and men who recognize the present
time as most favorable for the establishment
of republic on the American system. Should
this prove to be the fact, and the men who
hold the reins Of government prove true and
be able to succeed in making an honorable
peace with the Germans, the world may see
rise from out the debris of the ruined en-
pire q real republic, founded on the political
equality Of the whole people Of the French
nation.


THEY HAVE HAD "bribery and corruption"
/ 80 l.. Ale M;.~;x;a ua...e &C pAla-~A~a a.