The Aberdare Times

OCCUPATION OF ROUEN. VERSAILLES, Sunday Night. General Von Manteuftel has entered Rouen. Prince Frederick Charles has forced the French back from Chevilly, before Orleans. The French have abandoned Champigny-siir-Majpe, and are massed near Creteil. There is an intense frost here. Mr. Odo Russell had an interview with Count Bismark on the 2ad of Dc camber.

SAXON LOSSES DURING THE GREAT SORTIE. DRESDEN, Dec. 5, 6 p.m. Prince George telegraphs to the King of Saxony to-day as follows "The enemy retired yesterday behind the Marne, eva- cuating Brie and Champigny. Further effengive movements on the part of the besieged army are improbable. Our total loss from the 30th nIt. to the 2nd inst. amounts to 76 officers and 2,100 rank and file."

STAKING A LOST ARM AGAINST A MISSING LEG In one of tho ambulances supported In Brussels by private charily there are both Prussians and Frenchmen receiving the same kind care and living amicably together. A French- man whose right arm has been amputated, and a Prussian who has lost his leg, have struck op a particular friendship, although they cannot understand each other, and only com- municate by signs and telegraphy. They laugh heartily at their irequent misconceptions of these signs, which are ex- plained by the amused bystanders. They are very fond of playing cards. Those of the Frenchman are held by a friend who is instructed by him what cards he shall throw down. In these games the friendship is sorely tried. Both French- man and Prussian are extremely irascible. They fly into a passion on the slightest provocation, and each in his own language delivers himself of a flow of words not to be found in all dictionaries. The impostibillty of explaining matters to each other adds fuel to the fire, and they have to be separated for fear of worse consequences. They always meet again the best of friends, and sometimes the game passes off peaceably, as when a doctor asked them what the stakes were and whether they were both winning that they looked so good- humoured—" We cannot lose," replied the Frenchman I have staked my lost arm against his missing leg."

TOO MANY OF THB LONG ROBE The BAvtil, of Paris, comments en the fact that an the higher posts in the present French Government are now filled up by members e4jthe Paris Bar, and It give* statistics showing that no other country is ruled to such an extent by the long robe. There are tlit barristers in the Government of NatroDal Defence, yjz ,-PJurd, CrSmieux, Arago, Favre, Ferry, aad Gambetta, and their four secretaries are of the same profession. Six of the Michters, nine of the higher ministerial officials, the police prefect and his general secre- tary, 24 of the oommksdoners despatched to the departments with extraordinary military and political powers, the whole of the newly-formed Council of State, the eight men at the head of the Paris Municipal Government, ten of the sanitary and food commissioners, six members of- the War Depart- ment, six diplomatists, and five finance officials are also advocates. A Paris journal may well say, We have cer- tainly a Government of Defence,' for it csnslats of bar- risters."

WORKING FOR WAR! The Weter Zeitung gives a description of the manufac- tory of Prussian army stores at Berlin. More than 1,700 persons, adults and youths, of both sexes, are engaged from morning till night, in preparing 150,0001b. of peas pudding [erbsieurst,—literally, pea sausage) and 240,000 rations of meat and vegetable preserves, which are daily despatched by railway. The largest room in the building is devoted to the preparation of peaspudding. Swine's flesh, especially bacon and hams are, first cooked in 12 large saucepans. The other components of the sausage are pea flour, salt, and the so-called lupus," the name humorously given by the Inventor to the secret ingredient which makes the article keep and gives it an agreeable flavour. When the mixtnre is cooked It 13 poured into patls, and by skilful kneading the pea sausage soon becomes firm, and is enclosed in a coverirg, not of skin, but of parch- ment. Boys and girls carries tho mixture ou wheelbarrows to the packing room, where 400 women and girls, after cleansing the outside from grease, affix on every poitlon the following label" Put ten ounces, or one-thirdof a sausage, freed from the coating, into 1J pint of cold water, stir it up, and let it cook for ten minutes." The sausages are carefully packed In pairs, and are sent to the coopers' workshop, where they are stowed into 150lb. chests, nailed up and sent off. The sausage or pudding becsmes in time as hard as stone. The genuine article is net obtainable by the public, though Imitations of it are sold. Turnips, carrote, and celery for the preserves are dressed and cut by about 120 women. The tin cases of the preserves employ 120 work- men 100 oxen are daily slaughtered, and 275 cwt. of bacon daily bought for the manufactory. The preserves, already soldered up in cases, are boiled in the so-called marine baths. Labels ^Lf'h directions are placed on every case. Everything Is made roe most of, the bones being cooked and supplying excellent broth. Eighteen saucepans are used for preparing "gullosch —a mixture of beef and maize, which is much relished by the troops. The works cover about six acres, anAa,Tevr'0W ? °{the There are similar establishments at FranBfort and Mayence.

SWITZERLAND SENDING ABMS TO FRANCE. The Germans have of late been oompiaining strongly of the export of munitions of war from Switzerland to France and the federal authorities have at length Interfered On the 29th a long train from Aarau, Lncetae, and Chur reached Lausanne, consisting cf a number of Trucks labelled "iron bars, maehifies, silk, old iron ware, teas, metallic cartridge- boxes, locks," and addressed to two Inhabitants ol Lausanne. The actual contents were 4,200 muskets, 112,500 cartridges, and 630 000 percussion caps. The cantonal police sequestrated them, and sent them to the arsenal at Morges. A demand was made on the railway authorities for the delivery of the consignment, but they refused, and the State representative stated that the sequestration had been orderad by the Bund authorities, and must be upheld. The consignees next lodged a complaint with the Federal police department, and Intimated that they should institute proceedings for the recovery of the property, but the Council of the Canton were directed by the Federal Council to prevent this step, on the ground that the sequestration had been Imposed on general politicJ1 grounds, in the interest of the Confederation, and that the matter was within Its own exclusive jurisdiction. The chief judge of Lausanne thereupon declared himself incompetent to interfere in the question.

CALLING 11. TRIERS AS A WITNESS A German paper, which recently quoted M. Thiers In proof of the right of the conqueror to annex a slice of his opponent's territory, now calls him as a witness to the propriety of refusing victualling during an armistice. Daring the siege of Mantua in 1796 the French Government wished for an armistice, to include the victualling of the fortress, but General Bonaparte objected, and "his reasons," says M. Thiers in his history, wereexcelient. The other advantages of the armistice, for the sake of which the capture of Mantua would have been delayed, were insignificant, while the armlftica plainly put this result In jeopardy. Mantua, full of sick, and placed on half rations, could have held out a month at longest. The means of subsistence introduced during the armistice would have restored health and strength to the garrison. The quantity of them could not have been exrctly measured the commandant might, by economy, have drawn from them the means for a perfectly new resist- ance all our former victories would have been fruitless, we should have had, after the interval, to begin all over again." Read Paris, it is remarked, for Mantua, and Moltke for Bonaparte, and the reasoning is equally cogent.

LOOKING AHEAD "The victualling of Paris after the surrender," says a Versailles letter, is already engaging the attention of many speculators. The well-known Paris banker, M. Erlanger, has herejundertaken to establish at Havre a large store of all sorts of edibles and colonial produce, in order, after the ex- pected starving out, to do a good traae. This speculation cannot, of course, be officially promoted on the German side, as it is not cur interest to tranquilliee the Parisians as to their future, and allow them, in the consciousness that the future is provided for, to hold out up to the last biscuit. If the Parisians mean to be famished, and thus assume an heroic attitude, they must make up their minds to bear the consequences of this resolution, not only before, but a reason- able time after the eventual capitulation. They are not without warnings of this kind."

THE WAR WITH THE PEOPLE. The German Army of the Loire, as letters from special correspondents and soldiers agreeing in representing, Is en- countering a more general and pertinacious resistance than has been offered to the Invader in any other part of Frarce. The utmost vigilance and caution are, therefore, necessary, and severe reprisals have frequently to be resorted to. Dr. Horn writes to the Cologne Gozttte "The further the Second Army advances the more difficulties it meets with. Hitherto, we had to contend with soldiers, but npw begins the war with ihe people. Surprises of single orderlies, small detachments, provision waggons, and field posts are the order ot the day. Every tree, it may be said, Is now in- habited, not by a charming dryad, but by a blue-bloused Franc-Tlreur, who stands behind and fires the treacherous bullet at every Prussian. The Francs-Tireurs have ceased to be a distinct class; every peasant, every artisan, is a Franc- Tlreur."

WHAT WILL BE THE END OF IT A correspondent, who describes the Grand Duke of Meck- lenburg's movements as resembling a corkscrew, owing to the uncertain taciis3 of the enemy, says:—"Our soldiers wtll give no quarter, and their exasperation knows hardly any forbearance when they see the peasants in the battle or marching in troops in their blue smocks, with the lace of the Mobile 0 uard on their trousers. They know that they are the men who daily shoot dawn their comrades fram an ambush, and, therefore, make short work with them. The blindness which makes the peasantrj grasp the musket is inconceivable. Their resistance is useless, as they already feel and confess, yet their fanaticism is always extreme. To real' z j all the misery which this foolish and fruitless national resistance brings on their families, one must see the inoensed and haughty mien of the prisoners as they are carried away by hundreds, while the women stand weeping and wringing their hands at the doors of the villages, or throng the churches to pray for the rescue of the unfortunates out of the hands of the Prussians. Yet, whoever has luckily escaped from captivity again seizes his gun, in order the more certainly to come to grief. In various villages I have already beheld the most pitiable scenes. The fathers and sons had been carried off by the Bavarians or Pruatians as captured Mobiles, the houses were ravaged, the hearth had seen no fire for eight days, the cold ashes lay in the stove, no bread In the whole place. What will become of all these unfortunates, and how many more of them will be created by the war if it does not soon end ?

A COOL CAED The Times' Correspondent at .Versailles writes:- Yesterday morning two deserters presented themselves at the Saxon outposts, and were brought to these Head- Quarters. Oiie was a Garde Mobile; the other a soldier from Fort Rosny. The latter was about a3 cool a card a3 ever abandoned the post of duty. It was amusing to see the air of meritorious satisfaction assumed by the rascal as he was being interviewed' by some of the Staff. He smoked cigars which the German soldiers had given him, kept his hands stuLk in his breeches pockets, and spat about the place with a power of range that would have done credit t9 the most accomplished tobacco chewer on the other side of the At- lantic. He said Rosny has 46 large guns in position, and plenty of ammunition. He was asked why that fort was se given to the Cunnauiiht fashion of firing at 'nothing.' He replied that, for the honour of the gunners and those who commanded them, he must deny that Rosny did any- thing of the kind. It never fired except some body of men on the German side was seen within firir.g distance. This, the examining cfficers said, could net be the case. They knew the contrary but the deserter would not yield on the point. The fort never fired except at a living mark. There were provisions enough still, but a scarcity of fresh meat. Nothing in that way but horse- flesh, and it only once a week on the other èavs, haricots, and other vegetables, with selt meat. But he objected to the quarters themselves more than to the diet. They were damp and dirty. The garrison was encamped, and he had had enough of it. He did not know much of Trochu, but, on the whole, had a rather favourable opinion of his military ability. 01 French politics the deserter avowed himself profoundly ignorant. He thought diplomacy beneath a soldier; but he hoped to see the blessings of peace soon restored to La France. This caitiff has not given value in the shape of information for the cost of his keep but, pour encourager leu autres, he is protected from falling into the hands of his eountl) men to receive the reward he so richly reserves, and as for the expense of his transport and main- tenance, it is only at advance, for will not France have to pay the bill f"

MM SUPREME CONSOLATION—TOBACCO An anecdote, whieh speaks well for the generosity of the French soldiers, Is reported from Orleans, in the Bulletin de Bienfaisance, which is being regularly published in the Courier de I'Europe Nearly all the wounded at Orleans are, of course, French indeed, It may be raid that they &ro all French except a few Bavarians. They are sofferfng, for the most part, with fever, rheumatism, and frost bites; and their sufferings have been extensively mitigated by the supplies sent out from London by the Souseription FraEQiise," by the help of which they have been enabled to receive not oily medicines but other comforts, such as books, newspapers, and cigars, which have been distributed to them through Miss Pearson and other ladies working in the ambulances of Bishop Dupanloup. It appears that at first these comforts, and especially the tabac, consolation supreme," were supplied to the French alone, the otJectlof the Souscriptioc Kranijiise being limited to the relief of tufferers of that nation only. The other day, however, on seeing the poor Bavarians sitting huddled In a corner, aad looking wistfully at the cigars, the Frenchmen came for- ward as one man, and demanded that the distribution should be so managed as to include the poor Bavarians, leurs ex. enncrnis: It is needless to add that their demand was readily oomplled with.

WHAT WILL BE DONE WITH LUXEMBURG? The German Press continues to urge the advantages ef the annexation of Luxemburg, and it ridicules the pro- fessed attachment of the inhabitants to its Dutch con- nexion, comparing the Duchy with its succession of rulers to a coin which has passed through so many hands that its effigy Is obliterated. "No doubt," admits the Cologne Gazette, the people wish to remain as they are -thlAt is, to remain connected with the Zollverein and enjoy the bless- ings of a great commonwealth, without bearing its duties and burdens, but they cannot expect this blissful condition to be permanent. Lying between two powerfttl states, their peace and security will be attained by reunion with the German Empire. The Dutch have nothing to do with the Duchy, nor wish to have. The proposal that Germany should purchase Luxemburg is generally approved uy tho Dutch Press One paper goes so far as to think that the Dutch themselves must dfem It a point of honour to pay the requisite hidemnity to the Grand Duke, the King of Holland We do not believe the Dutch are really inclined to practise such generosity, for the nation Is not one to part unneces- sarily with its money. Nor do we a^k for this. The Dutch are chiefly anxious at this juncture to be definitively reassured respecting Limburg. We by no means think it expedient to leave everywhere open questions of frontier, which sooner or later might lead us into the unfortunate path of conquest. It Is rumoured that negotiations are going on between Holland and Prussia."

DRACONIC SEVERITIES. The North German Gazette, referring to the reconnoitring expeditions sent out by Prince Frederick Charles, says,- These were mostly attended with great difficulties. The cavalry were firel at from every farm and every distant point. Solitary agricultural labourers at their approach threw array the ipade, seized a gun lying beside them on the ground and fired, every house became a petty fortress, every blouse a Franc-lireur. Such persons are daily brought In to the general commandos, to whom the decision in such cases is intrusted, and many of them are accompanied by priests, partly as instigators, and partly as actors. Everybody taken with a gun In h!s hand, in accordance with a notice placarded at the town or village corners on entering any district, is condemned to death. Only by Draconic severities can this treacherous way of carrying on war be repre-sed. The towns of Sens and Nemours have been severely punished. In the former postal and telegraph officials were disarmed hy the inhabitants and led away prisoners in the latter 47 Uhlans were surprised. The isolated officer who is sent cut to get information or reconnoitre is exposed to the greatest danger."

AN EXPLANATION Who is General d'Aurelles de Paladine ? He has so sud- denly started into fame, ar;d has displayed such conspicuous ability in a season of terrible disaster, that some mystery has gathered round bi3 name. Indeed, a rumour has been flying about that his title is only assumed, and conceals the ducal designation which belongs to the member of a Royal house. But, in reality, the General is a French soldier, who has seen hard service in the fidld, and has come out of bis well-earned retirement to organise the forces of his country. By birth he is an Auvergnat, and he is a member of an old Auvergna House. At an early age he entered the army, and, in 1843, he served in a campaign against Abd-el-Kader, under the Due d'Aumale, who was then Governor of Algeria. At that time D'Aurelles was eftpf de bataillon of the 01th Infantry, and he was deemed an excellent ofllccr. He had the reputa- tion of be'ng so strict a disciplinarian, that, in the English service he would have been c illed a martinet and his pas- sion for order, his craving for instant and exact obedience, peculiarly qualified him for hammering into share the loose mass of Regulars and Gardes Mobiles which was dignified with the name of the Army of the Loire. He found his men little better than a mob, and he has made them into an army which has proved almost a match for the bast troops of Prussia. The spirit of mutiny prevalent when he took tne command he has put down by offering the alternative of obedience or death and, before firing a shot at the Germatis, he shot down several score ot his own men. General d' Amelles de Paladine has In many wxys a likeness to General Trochu. Both are men of strong religious tendencies both lived in retiremtnt for years-the one unknown to everybody, the other known only to strategists and on the exertions of both men depend the last hopes oi France.

ITEMS OF THE WAR. The sword which the Emperor Napoleon surrendered to King WillUrn at Sedan has been given to the Prussian Military College at Berlin, to be preserved side by side with that of the first Napoleon. A special corre; pondent at Amiens says ft Is quite a plea- sure to notice the changed aspect of Amiens since it has been occupied by the Germans. A quiet spirit of order every- where prevails, the inhabitants are beginning to reappear, the shops are reopening, and the conduct of the troops is admirable. The Standard Is Informed that it lsthe intention of General Trochu not to att< mpt to try and suddenly break through the Prussian cordon, but to gradually stretch it, like an indiarubber band, till it breaks from sheer tension, and to hammer away, as Grant did at the Confederates, with the view of wearing dovn the Prussians. The Gazette de France states that a Prussian General hiving caused four unarmed National Guards to be shot at Neuville-sur Tonne, the Government at Tours deliberated upon the measures it should adopt, and it was determined that an energetic protest ehould be presented to the neutral Powers against such wanton and barbarous act a. Yesterday I was at Meaux, which is about 14 miles from here. It was gratifying to observe that on several of the farms along the route the French people were sowing crops. Near Meaux I observed many stacks of corn which had been left untouched where the farmers had erected thtm. Men and women were digging up mangold wurzel iu several fields, and fixing it in heaps that very much resemble the earthwork fortifications of the Germans. These heaps they are thatching on the weather side."—Times' Correspondent at Versailles. "Our c-rmp newsman must have been caught at last. He did not turn up either the night before last or last night.. We have no doubt as to his f ite. lie has been shot or hanged. We feel his loss but every effort will be made to obtain a worthy successor. The Paris papers on the evening of publication were our chief luxury, in a camp, where, it not 'remeved from haunts of men,' we certainly are re- moved from civilian life as effectually as if the whole world were inhabited by soldiers only."—Newspaper correspondent at Versailles. The Prussian Moniteur Officiel, published at Versailles, In Its nnmber of the 1st of December, contains a notice from the Eaxon Minister ef War that two French officers, whose names are given, have broken theirparole, and have fled from Dresden, where they were held as prisoners of war. The same paper also publishes the names of ten French officers who have broken faith and esCHped from Hirschberg in Silesia. rhei e officers are all of the rank of either captains or lieutenants. The son of General Aurelles de Paladine Is among the French prisoners interned at Eonigsberg. By means of a Berlin house having relations with the German firm or Falck, at Marseilles, the young man has hitherto received a monthly aliowtnce of 3C0 francs. In recognition of this favour General Aurel'es bad directed that Herr Falck might remain at Marseilles without molestation. A few days ago, however, a letter from Geneva was received from the latter stating that in spite of the General's protection he had been expelled and must therefore beg his Beriln correspondent to tuspend the payments to the prisoner. A Berlin letter In the Allgemeine Zeitunjsays The order has been feiven to raise trhe Landwehr battalions, pro- visionally 800 men strong, to a strength of 1.000 men by further levies, and to despatch them to the seat of war. By this decree the army at present in the field will receive a reinforcement of more than 150,000 men. for each of the eleven Prussian Army Corps comprises 17 Landwehr bat- talions. By this development of strength it may be con- fidently expected that our leaders will soon succeed in depriving the French people of the means of further re- sistance. In our military circles, the capture of I arts is looked for with tolerable certainty by the middle of Decem- ber." An enUute occurred lately at the Halles Centrales in Psris, caused by the indignation prevoked by a sudden and great rise in prices. Horsemeat seusages were offer(el at 9f. per kilogramme and horseflesh black puddings at 7f. A crowd of women who sought to make purchases protested against these prices, but failing to convince the vendors they pelted them with their own sausagts. The disturbance was only checked by the active interference of the National Guard, and the shops of the unpopular dealers were summarily closed. The following, profescedly communicated by a member of the Hygienic Society, Is published in the Petite Preese:— "Out of the 75,000 horses in Paris from 30.000 to 35,€00 can be spared for the slaughter-house—thus at the rate of one- fifth of a pound per head per day, furnishing the entire population with meat for 40 days salt meat, 20 days salt cod and other dried fifh, 10 days total, 70 days. Flour for six months; rice. salt, oil, coffee, and chocolate for 5 months; wine and spirits for 12 months. In addition to this the same statistics make mention in a paragraph at foot of the existence of a large supply of hams and other dried meats in the possession oi certain firms, which, if put into reqaisitioa, would furnish animal food for more than 30 days. The Ordre of Calais publishes a protest, signed by Drs. Robert and Bernard, surgeons, attached to the four French Ambulances Internalonales, complaining of the concuot of the Prussians during and after the siege of La FSre. Their first complaint Is that when the bombardment commenced, on the 25th of November, the Prussian shells were directed uron the hcsptti.1 and the Hotel de Ville and museum. where ambulances had been established, so that it became absolutely necessary to remove the patients into the cellars of those buildings. The doctcri also complain that when about to leave the town afer its capitulation they were fired upon, notwithstanding their white flag, and were com- pelled to return, being ultimately able to leave only after a lapse of some hours, and experiencing very rude and in- sulting treatment from the Prussian c flicers. The Due de Gramont has written from London to a Brus- sels paper, to deny a statement that prior to the declaration cf war the King of Prussia demanded the withdrawal of Prince Leopold's nomination to the Spanish Crown, and that this communication was carefully concealed from the French Chambers. The Cologne Gazette admits that the Duke is correct, but remarks that the Prince himself renounced the nomination, and that, not content with this, the Duke insisted on the withdrawal being a humiliation for the King, well knowing that this would be refused. Impresses sur- prise that a inir who has brought so much disaster on the world should venture to present him6eit again to public notice. The field post never goes out without a lThhm In front and another iu rear of the van. Two oj these poor orderlies have been shot in the service between th's place and the point at which the mail is pat on the railway. A regiment of U dans could not secure the convoy against shots fired by Frarias-Tireurs. The latter can effectually conceal themselves in the th'ck woods which the mail must pass through be- tween this place and Dammartin. It would be necessary to clear miles of forests to effectually deprive them of shelter. They don't collect in bodies. Their attacks on field posts are individual exertion. "-Times' Correspondent at Ver- eames. The Patrie relates the circumstar ces under which a num- ber of peasants resident In the neighbourhood of Paris re- cently effected their escape from their German con querorp. A requisition having been made f jr labourers to work at tho construction of some lntrenchmects and redoubts in the plain of Chatellan, the country people were called upen to assist in the task of completing works which were destined to bombard the Forts Vanvres. Issy, and Montrouge. The men thus employell were for safe custody lodged at night In a church, but resetting their Involuntary employment against their countrymen, they determined to escape, and accordingly, by a pre-concerted arrangement, they burst open the doors of the church, killed the sentries, and fled to the woods, whence they singly made their way to the French outposts A telegram from General Obernitz says that the loss of the Wurtemhergers on the 2nd of December in dead and wounded was 30 (liners, 18 cadets, and 800 tank and file. Trochu, being accused of not having a plan, after all, has answered, Time will reveal it or it I die before, it will be fully explained in my will." M. Lullier, a naval officer, who was recently arrested at Tours in a cxfé, has bean handed over to a court-martial. He is accused, it is said, of having insulted tha leadera of the army in his conversation. A private letter received In London says The Prussians have taken possession of my house at Caantilly, ctratk all my wine, smashed the furniture, and now use the house a3 a guard house for soldiers A telegram from Tours states that M Gambetta, in trying to reach Orleans, on Sunday, was prevented by the enemy, who took possession of the railway. The Unlans at him, and he only escaped by a miracle. lIe returned at three o'clock in the morning, and eceived an encouraging despatch from Jaure-Guiberry and Chanzy. The Emperor Napoleon Is reported to have observed :n conversation on Sunday, that no peace was likely to be made until the men cf Sept 4 had exhausted the very last means of defence. "Better thus," he salds "as otherwise they would always claim that Franco c uld have been saved by them." The internal administration of the occupied French pro- vinces is provided for by the Prussian authorities with the most businesslike regularity. The MoniUur OUi'ciel, of Ver- sailles, announces that head post-cfflceshave been established in the Departments of theA'sne, Aube, Oise, and Seine et (Jise. This notice is signed by Rossbirt, Director of Posts in the occupied French territories." The National Zei'.ung relates that a few days ago the French officers detained in Belgium were Invited to assemble at the house of M. Zichard, the French E'tvoy at Brussels, where they met M Richard the French Army Impector, who in the name of his Government asked them to break their parole, go to France, and re-enter the army. Officers were wanted, and they would be immediately promoted. It is added that many French officers have fled during the last few days from Germany. One of the Dai'y Neic3 correspondents writes from Havre on the 2nd inst. The New York steamer arrived here last Saturday with a heavy cargo of rifles, cannon, and mitrat- leura. Every day since then her crew have been landing cases, each containing twenty Ramingtons. I have heard, but cannot vouch for its correctness, that she brought from America 20,000 rifles, 400 cannon, and 100 mitraillenrs. It this be so all the National Guards can be supplied with a better weapon than that which they have at present, v z the Piston, an old muzzle-loader, a very inferior weapon In these days ( f improvement.

FRENCH PRISONERS IN GERMANY. Mr. E. Zimmermann, writing from 89, Chancfry line, London, tha 2nd inst., has sent the following to The Times for publication A report has been circulated in the English Press severely commenting on the bad treatment of the French prisoners—officers and men-at Erfurt, in Prussia, originating with a Btlgian newspaper (L'Etoile Bdgt). I have taken the opportunity of making in- quiries in the proper quarter, and find, from informa- tion received from the Judge-Advocate at Erfurt, that there are in that fortress 11,000 French prisoners, and that up to the present time not one of them has made any complaint to the authorities. They are mostly quartered in the very convenient barracks left by the Prussian soldiers, and receive in every respect good treatment, good food, and clothing. It is untrue that they are forced to work, it being a general regulation in Prussia that where the n.en like to work they may obtain tmployment if occasion occur, and are paid accordingly. Out of 11,000 men prisoners since Sep- tember last, only 142 died, mostly from typhus and dysentry, brought on, not by their present position, but consequently upon the fatigues of war. This rate of mortality under the circumstances is so favourable that it speaks for itself. The French < Qicers, having read the alleged reports in the papers, formed a council of h' nour and drew up a protest, forwarding it to the local paper, and I have the pleasure of enclosing a translation. "To the Editor of L'Etoile Beige. ll Efurt, Nov. 19, 1870. In your valuable journal appeared an article with which the French officers who are prisoners at Erfurt feel justly Imiignant. The council of honour, composed of the senior officers and those of the highest rank, has met and agreed up m the following protest, which you are requested tolLssrt in your columns:- After the capitulation of Sedan our connexion with our troops having entirely ceased, we cannot state their precise position, but we are bound in the Interests of truth to declare that the wife of General Ali-,haells, assisted by other ladies of whose names we regret to be ignorant, bestowed every day the mott devoted care upon our sick and wounded. c. C As to our otllcers, we have to deplore thelo's of two of our comrades—M. Cadrant, sub-lieutenant of the 74th Infantry, and M. Rosaire, lieutenant of Engineers—but they were bound to the affections of their families, whose lamen- tations we share, and to our friendship, by diseases which never leave those whom they afflict. The number of invalided officers both at the hospitals and at their own quarters is to-day seven. We hope that tte present sanitary condition may continue, and that we shall net die 'likeu'.es:' We regret to have to reproduce this comparison. I It is true that the lieutenants and sub-lieutenants receive only 45'0 (not40f.) per month. Neirly all of them have had to apply to their families or their comrades, begging them to come to their assistance, and they have beeu able in this way to support their honest poverty but in respect to this it is not right to accuse the Commaudant of Erfurt, who only complies with the rules by giving to each ene that which the rules entitle him to receive. 'This statement remains adopted by all of us :-1. That the Freuch officers at Erfurt have submitted themselves to the rules which afford them so moderate a treatment; 2. That they have imposed npou themselves privations, and even sacriCces 3. that their pezsonal resources have be- come diminished, and are in some cases exhausted. There is no doubt that if they had desired an alteration In their treatment on the part of the German authorities they would have employed other means than those of men- dacious accusations or of irritating and exaggerated recrimi- nations they would have awskeued everywhere sympitbies justly deserved by employing the language of education and of respect to which they are accustomed, but which the author of the article to which we now reply appears to have neglected. wish to be sincere, and say that we are un'ortu- nate (malheureux); that is the only word which we can adopt. I-, Oir greatest misfortune (malheur) is to know that France Is invaded, and we can do nothing for her de'ence. We are unfortunate (malheureux) became we know that our families are in mourning; because we know that our homes are ruined; beciuse we are condemned to watch from afar—too far, alas !-the manly behaviour, the heroic resistance of the country because we sympathize here with her devotion, with her sufferings and her grief. But, however great our misfortunes, however hard and painful our trials, we havo borne them, and we bear them still, with the. same courage, the same resignation, and no- thing would induce us to do injustice 0 We have not wished to see the man who hts done everything to soften the pains (chagrins) of our captivity accused by an unsound judg- ment we do not desire to see him saddled with the respon- sibility or deeds for which he is not responsible. When we have added that several officers have left Erfurt to rejoin their brethren In other towns in Germany, Snd that not one among them has gone without thanking General Michaelis for his good and loyal proceedings, when we havedeclared that with aunanimous voice werecogn^zehis generous and devoted sentiments, we shall have fulfilled our duty, and we shall have had the satisfaction of stating the truth. Accept, Mr. Editor, the assurance of our distinguished consideration. THE CO NCIL OF HONOUR.

THE FRENCH WOUNDED AT COBLENZ. The following letter has been forwarded for publication by Countess Bernstoiff:— Coblenz, Nov. 27. "Madame,-I hasten to acknowledge with deep gratitude your Excellency's kind letter enclosing 930 in aid of the suffering French prisoners in this gar- rison, and from a subsequent letter I learn you have sent a similar sum to Countes3 Hacke, for the same object, these sums being the gratifying result of a communication I made you s< me days ago, and which, by your Excellency's interest, obtained pub- licity in The Times. It will be grati6ying to you and the kind donors of the money to hear I have been enabled personally to minister to the pressing wants of 120 prisoners, to whom I have given warm socks, under waistcoats, drawers, and neck comforters and in every ca"e these articles were received with the most lively gratitude. Since I last wrote the prisoners have been removed from the casemates of the Asterstein to the Buben- heimer Flasche, near Fort Franz, where they are hous d in wooden huts. The sick are in the hands of the Sister?, who are indefatigable in their attention!! but the mortality is stm coi siderable, numbers never rallying from the stato of prostration in which they were sunk on arriving here. "An immense number of these unfortunate men have nothing but their uniform coats and trousers to protect them from the inclemency of the weather, and I dread the approach of winter, which will so fearfully aggravate their sufferings. I have besn fortunate in obtaining the kind co- operation of the Rev. Dr. Gorgen, one of the pastors appointed by the Prussian Government specially to minister to the spiritual wants of the prisoner?. His ac:ive benevolence is beyond all expression, and I should say he would consider his work only half accom- plished if, in attending to the souls of his poor flock, he left their bodily wants uncared for. He performed for me what would have been a difficult task indeed, where misery was so widespread—viz., making a selec- tion of urgent cases, and in this I was fuither aided by a sister who Spt ke French fluently, and described in ab!e and feeling language the suffering creatures around her. Smallpox, typhus, dysentery, and cholera all combine to make up a melancholy weekly death-roll. I regret to observe that counter-statements have been made as to the treatment generally of their pri- soners by the Prussians. I really do not know that I am justified in subjecting Prussia to my feeble testi- mony. She does not stand in need of it but in the interest of truth I mutt reiterate my former statement that the treatment of the prisoners is all that could be expected from a great and generous nation. French soldiers of all grade s come to my house constantly they have their grievances; they have no money, no employment, they suffer from an ennui which is insup- portable, &c. but I have never yet heard one singla complaint ajjainst their German captors. "Hopiogl may be the means, through your Ex- cellency's generous exertions, of still further alleviating the dhtrets of these unfortunate men, "I have the honour to remain, your Excellency's obliged and faithful servant, "B ARCHER BCRTON. To her Excellency Countess Bernstorif."

A PERILOUS BALLOON ADVENTURE. A private letter from Christiania, received in London on Monday, gives some details concerning the French balloon which recently fell in Norway. It appears that the balloon was sent up from Paris on the morning of the 24th. The wind carried it in a northerly direction with such rapidity that it sooa passed over the North Sea, without the occupants of the car knowing where they were. When, however, they found themselves dan- gerously close to the sea they sent off a carrier pigeon with a message that they thought themselves lost, at the fftce time throwing out ballast. Ultimately the ball mil x ached Norway, and when over 1\f, a.nrla.J » pmall town on the southern coast, 23 miles W.S.W., o! Gbristiansand, a sack of letters and newspapers was thrown out, which fell among the astonished in- habitant.s, who were watching the balloon pass over their heads. After having been many hours,in the galloon, the aeronauts, whose names are not given, descended, several miles further north, on a snow.covered moun- tain as beat they could, and without even knowing in what country they were, there being no habitations near. For nineteen hours they wandered about in the snow in light boots, which latter had to be cut off, so saturated had they become. In the meantime the bal- loon was di-covered by some of the natives. The aeronauts were not to be seen, but the remains of meat, bread, and wine in the car showed plainly enough that it had recently contained passengers. Six carrier pigeons were also found in it, seemingly none the worse for the journey. Eventually the voyagers reached one of the small cabins which are to be Feen at wide intervals among the moun- tains, which give shelter to those who look after cattle, ansi where an aged and poor woman gave them some food. They then discovered, by seeing upon a match-box the word Christiania," that they were in Norway, and made the woman understand as well as they could that they desired to proceed to the town. They were then shown the way to a farmer's house, where they received that attention of which they stood so much in need, as well as dry clothes and shoes. The news of the arrival of the balloon passengers did not reach Caristiania till Sunday, the 27th ult. On the evening of the 28th thousands of people went to meet them on their entry into Christiania, and gave them a cordial reception. They were feasted in Chris- tiania that night, and on the following day were to start for Tours, via London.

TBE FRANCS-TIREURS AND THE PRUSSIANS. We (London Standard) have been favoured with the following letter from a Frajic tireur.— REYIX, 26th November, 1870. My dear Friend,-I am most happy to have a few moments to write to you. I was very pleased yesterday to find your kind letter at Mcuthermfi, where I did not think to cime back the caute was the capture of several Uhlans, taken in the neighbourhood of Carignan. We thought first to take them to z 6res, but as we number but about 60 men we did not believe ourselves strong en mgh to go through a line of a few thousand Prussians' which were about the way at that moment. We thought then to go up to Givet to bring our provisions to the military authority of that place and passing through Mouthermfi I got your letter, which had followed me tilt therefrom R< c-oy, and I had left that own when) our letter arrived there; and it is quite a luck that we had to go there again. The company stopped at Revin, where we have been very enthusiastically received, and the lieutenant, with three other men and I, took up the prisoners to Givet. There, as an acknowledgment of our g rod behaviour, the commandant of the place made us the present of a beautiful carbine Chassepot for each of us four. it is the nicest little rifle you may imagine, and for precision there is no better, even to a distance of 1,100 French yards. I am very glad of that, as I shall be able with it to kill a let of Prussians. May I succeed as well as I wish, and come back to London with my carbine. I shall be happy then, even with a wooden leg. We have been working very hard this last fortnight. We have killed a great many Uhlans, and captured several convoys. We are all very resolute young men and though we are but about 60 the Prussians think we number 500, according to the cclsrity we disllay in our expeditions. We are here, we are there, they never knew where, but when we have done something to their detriment; and when they come to catch us we are some- where else, playing them some other tricks. A few dals ago we bad to go near Powne aux-Bo:'s, where M'JIahon has been ever since he was wounded, although many papers had saidjioug since that he was in one place or another of Trussla. Then being near the residence of such a brave general, we thought to pay him a vldt, and so we did, and he received us with the most cordial manner. He is much better now, but not well enough to go on horseback, nor bear any fatigue his wound was very bad. indeei. A piece of a shell had gone quite through the thigh, bringing | with itself in the wound some pieces of clothes, and making a hole about two inches square in a very bad place. We were the first French soldiers or volunteers which he had seen since he was made a prisoner, and he felt so happy to see us that he could not help crying, saying he would be happy to lose one of his arms if he could serve France again, even if it was as a private soldier and 1 am sure he was speuking the truth, if I judge by his voice, full of emotion. lie gave us a most affable reception, and as a mark of sympathy to our company he made a present to our lieutenant of his own telescope, which he used in all his campaigns. His wife, a very nice and distinguished lady, was not less amiable and generous. She gave us a 50uf. bank note to help us in our expenses, which are very heavy I may tell you, as we are generally in the conquered parts, and, what is most t > r< gret, whether by fear or cupidity, the people of those parts don't like to see the Frano-tireurs, and they receive us very badly, and charge us very dear for any- thing we want, because they say that the Prussians will take revenge upon them if they give us hospitality, and it grieves me very much to meet with such people, who call themselves French, and betray every day their country. We have done already a great deal, but we would have done much more if we had not been deceived and sold many times by our own brothers. Nevertheless, we must suffer all that, a:,d keep firm and confident in our courage. Our part is net hopeless at all the Prussians, in spite of their impudence and the cruelties they commit every day, lose more and more of their strength, while ours Is greatly increas- ing. Let us still hope and have confidence. Yours most affectionately, P. H. Best compliments to the ladies, D". M\, and all. Excuse my bad writing, but I have no time to look twice to what I write. I just learn we start for a very serious expedition my little rifle will play its game to-morrow morning.

A "RED CROSS SURGEON" SHOT. A gentleman writes to the Standard:— I send you an extract from a letter which is addressed to me from Sedan, and written by one of the best and most in- fluential gentlemen in this devoted town. I feel compelled to withhold his name, because Sedan is still occupied by our merciless enemies. But I can myself vouch for his veracity, and also for the accuracy of the stu-y he tells, which has been confirmed In other letters and by the rrogrcs d s Ani- nllCS, a paper published at Mez'ercs. It would De worse than useless to add a single word of comment. (Translation.) Sedan, 20th November, 1870. "A murder has been committed here, which caused I maiii- festation' last Sunday at the funeral, where all the inhabi- tants of the town wore present. A young physician of 25 yecrs, belonging to the 'Red Cross' ambulance of Brussels, has been shot with a rifle by a German officer, in cold blood and without anv provocation whatever, whilst he crossed the Prussian lines on his way to Mezieres, in the course of his duties. He had a pass, wore the brassard on his arm, and had the Red Cross on his hat; and besides, he carried his white hauukorchief on his stick. His name was Debaume he was a doctor and had done much good in the ambulances. He had been a political exile at Brussels, which he left after the fall of the E npire to serve in the voluntary ambulances. His funeral was an occasion for universal mourning. Several speeches were made over his grave you will read them in the Progres. His colleague had branded the mur- derer, by declaring openly and boldly, that it was a cowardly and criminal outrage against the sacred neutrality cf the Red Cross men. This is a fresh proof of the savage manner in which this war Is carried on."

A SKETCH FROM VERSAILLES. The 9pectal Correppondent of the London Standard, at Head-Quarters of the King of Prussia, Versailles, sends over the following interesting letter:- If any of those gifted ladies of letters whose charm- ing works mainly compose the English modern simple school of fiction are in search of new, untrodden ground, they could not do better than pay Versailles a visit at the present moment. Outwardly, perhaps, our situation seems to offer more matter and inducement situation seems to offer more matter and inducement to sensational writers than to the quiet pens of which I have spoken but behind all the clatter of Prussian pontoon trains, the tumble of Prursian fourgoiis, the roll of Prussian drums, and the clanking of Prussian sabres, there is a peaceful, pathetic French vie intime, an insight into which would afford abundant subjects for that domestic fiction founded on fact which we associate with such honoured names as that of the late Mrs. Gafkell. To-day is Sunday, a day which the God of Battles-wonder- ful title I-takes no recognition of still, it has its influence even in the midst of the hurly-burly and raga of war, and we know it withal by certain kindly signs. In the afternoon visits, not of ceremony but of friend- ship, are paid and it would be strange if in a round of such visits to home-keeping French people, and to those who, either by marriage or long residence, have become naturalised in the land, such a writer as might come here on the errand I have named did not gather some short and simple annals suggestive (if a tearful volume. Versailles has its Q lartier Saint-Germain, in fact if not in name, just as much as Paris and thither must our steps be bent if we are in search of the touch- ing. The house you enter shall speak to you of elegance and ease. You know that before you have passed its portal. Here is the spacious court-yard, there stand the tidy but now tenantless stables, unless, perhaps, their occupants are artillery horses or cavalry chargers. The hall may not be large, but it bespeaks a thousand pleasant domestic things and the servant who ushers you into the presence of Madame has fidelity and long service written in his face. How graciously are you received, and in the midst of how much that ministers to the happiness of life, and contrasts with the dingy hotel or meagrely-furnished lodgings you have, per- haps just quitted. At first you would suppose that no tidings of war, much less of national pain and dolour, had reached this agreeable abode for both host and hostess have sum- moned a smiling face to their aid,in order that you may b3 sure you are welcome. Perhaps you are serving wit h the enemy, sympathising with him, singing his praises, publishing the greatness of his victories, ex- tenuating his fault-, advocating his views, seconding his ambition perhaps ycu are the enemy himself. No matter. Noblesse oblige. You are a visitor, and you must be graciously encountered, you are a man and you must be treated humanly. The sweet manners of this heavily-puoisbed people can never be sufficfently extolled, and the bitterness of defeat and of national humiliation has still left them enviable patrons of beautiful urbanity. The roar of the cannon rebs them of their sleep requisitions have robbed them of their carriages, their hordes, and the power of taking the pure a'r of Heaven torn-up railroads and closed banks have robbed them of their dividends, and deprived them of their means of purchasing at the same time that a horde of hungry locusts and interrupted markets have driven up the price of nearly every conceivable com- modity they are reduced from ease to anxiety, from plenty to want, from privacy to daily intrusion, from coinfor,t to every form of inconvenience and yet they are soft, and gentle, and mild in their ways, low in their voices, affable in their address, umiiing, polite, and hospitable. How would it be in England ? Shall I pause for a reply Or shall I go on to enquire, how would it be in Germany Such as I have described it to you, however, is it in France. Nor does this gen. tleness, so agreeable to those who are the objects of it, spring from want of spirit: "lam only a woman," said a lady yesterday, who was illustrating the truth of what I an affirming, but if my voice carries any weight, let there still be war, let there still be resistance. Let us all be killed if it be necessary. Would you not do the same in England, monsieur ? I assured her that I hoped we should. And only five minutes before this same patriotic pereon had been inquiring from me if there was any manner of means by which coupons payable in Paris in the month of October might be negociated elsewhere. It is no use having an income in such days as these. I was asked by one kind lady, at whose house I called, if I would care to go to such and such an hospital, outside the city gates. I gladly assented, and the day and hour were named. But how were we to go, I asked for the distance is considerable. "On foot, of course," was the reply; and when I suggested that it was too far-I do not mean for me, but for feet less accustomed to tramp long miles—I was answered with a laugh, Oh, but we cannot afford to drive in these tirnts." A couple of hours later a pretty sight might have been seen else- where, but not far off. Au old French lady, aged 84, but ?n full possession of a!l her faculties, was "re- ceiving t.wo or three of my intimate friends, when an "officer" waq announced, who had come with a requisition." Let him be shown in was the order. In he came, very tall, and very imposing. Ancient Madame, very short, but very dignified in bearing, rises and salutes him. His errand ? Stabling in her chateau, outside the town, for thirty-three horses. And if I refuse to give it you?' The question was a, dangerous one, but the man had tact. Then I should bi very sorry, but I should go elsewhere." It is pretty certain be would have done nothing of the kind, but his judicious reply disarmed the brave old lady. He should have the stabling, and his men should be put up likewise. H,)w many mattresses did they want ? The elficer smiled. None, unless Madame was good enough to give them; his men were accustomed to sleep on straw. His very politeness aroused suspicion. "You are not a Prussian ?" "No, I am a Pole." "Then you are a Catholic ?" No but all my men are." "How is that?" "The misfortune of birth," was the happy answer. And so stabling for thirty- three German horses and quarters for thirty-three German soldiers were extracted from a French lady burning with patriotism, and without one single angry word having passed. No accumulation of misery seems to ruifla the ex- ternal grace of this amiable people. I cannot speak to you more in detail of their domestic pinchings and strivings. Something is being done to alleviate their worst wants; but let no one suppose that all who are suffering "call out." Indeed, I know of more than one case in which assistance i3 being solicited for others by those who need it still more themselves. How would folks in England, accustomed never to give money a thought, like to receive the helpful pittance of a hundred francs? And would they be found, the day after they had received it, carrying a pot of jelly and a packet of cigarettes to the wounded of the nearest hospital ? For gracious manners, in this instance at least really cover gentle and generous heart". How the poor blessis yearn for the coming of these minister- ing angels And, with a fine naive selfishness peculiar to the sick, they reproach their kind patronesses if it seems to them that too long an interval has elapsed between one visit and another.

PRESIDENT GRANT'S MESSAGE TO CONGRESS. We are indebted to The Times for the following tele- graphic summary of President Grant's Message to Congress, delivered the 5th instant The United States have kept aloof from the European war, declining intervention, but have used their good offices tor the protection of the citizens of the belligerent nations. Should the time come when the action of the United States can hasten the return of peace by a single hour, that action will be heartily taken. The insurrection in Cuba has not changed Its aspect since the close of the last Session ot Congress. Arbitrary arrests In Cuba by the Executive have interfered with the rights of American citizens there, and negotiations are pending at Madrid for redress, but are not yet concluded. In these the President proposes a joint Spanish-Atnericin Commission in the United States, with power to acjudicata claims arising from these arrests. The President hipes this plan will be received favourably by Spain. Should the negotiations be concluded, he will communicate the fact to Congress, invit- ing its action on the subject. The President regrets that the San Domingo Annexation Treaty failed of ratification by the Senate, and says that as soon as it is known that the United States have abandoned the project of annexing that island a free port there will be negotiated for by European nations. He still strongly urges its acquisition by the United States ai de'.irable, devoting a large portion of his Message to the subject. No conclusion, he regre's, has bee!i reached for the adjust- ment of claims growing out of the course of the British Government during the rebellion. The Cabinet at London so far as its views have been expressed, does not seem willing to concede that the British Ministry was guilty of any negligence, or had done, or permitted any act during the war of which the United S ales have just cause of com- print. Their firm and unalterable convictions are directly the reverse he, therefore, recommends CODgl ess to authorize the appointment of a Commission to take proof ef the amounts andownerahtp of the cUlnis, and give notice of them to the representative of Her Mtijesty at Washington and that authority be given for the settlement of these claims by the United States, so that the Government shall have the owner- ship of the private claims, as well as the responsible control of all demands aga'nst Great Britain. It cannot be neces- sary to add that whenever Her Majesty's Government shall entertain a desire for a full and friendly adjustment of these claims the United States will enter upon their consideration with an erielt desire for a conclusion consistent with the sense of honour and dlgnit) of both nations. The course pursued by the Canadian!! towards the fisher- men of the United States during the past season had not been marked by a friendly feeling. The President recounts the history of the negotiations and treaties on this subject, and says an irresponsible agent has exercised his authority in an unfriendly way. "Vessels have been seizei without notice, in violation of the custom previously prevailing, and been taken into colonial ports, their voyages broken up, and the vessels condemned. Taere is reason to believe this un- fiiendly and vexatious treatment was designed to beu harshly upon the Uoited States' fishermen, with a view to a political effect upon this Government. The Cana- dian statutes assume still broader and more un- tenable jurisdiction over United States' vest els they authorire officers or other persons to bring vessel hover- ine within three marine miles of the Canadian shore into port, search the cargo, and examine the master on oath, and inflict haavy penalt'es if true answers are not given. The President recapitulates another Canadian statute on the subject, decreeing the forfeiture of vessels. It is not known, he says, that any condemnations have been made under this statute Should the Canadian authorities attempt enforcing it, it will become the ( resident's duty to take such steps as may be necessary to protect the rights of American citlzans. the Canadian laws deny American fishing vessels acce's to their ports, except for supplies, and then compel departure in twenty-four hours. No seizure is known to have been made under this law, but so far as a claim for its enforcement li grounded on an alleged construction of tbe Convention of 1818, it cannot be acquiesced in by the United States, and it is hoped wilt not be insisted en by Her Majesty's Government. Duricg the conferences preceding t' e negotiation of this Convention the British Commissionera proposed to expressly exclude the fishermen of the United States from the privilege of carrying on trade with any Canadian subjects residing within limits assigned for their use, and also that it should not be lawful for vessels oftthe United States engaged in such fishery to have on board any articles, excepting articles necessary for their fish- ing voyages, and that vessels contravening these regulations would be ceased and confiscated. This proposition, iden- tic il with the construction now put upon the language of the Convention, was emphatically rejected by the American Commissioners, and thereupon was abandoned by tne British Plenipotentiaries and Article 1, as it now stands in the Convention, was substituted. If, however, it be said this claim is founded on colonlal'statutes, aud not on the Conven- tion, this Government cannot but regard it as unfriendly, and in contravention of the spirit, if not of the letter, of the Treaty, for the faittiful execution of which the Imperial British Government Is alone respon sible. In anticipation that an attempt may be made by the Canadian authorities in the coming season to repeat their unneighbourly ac's towards our fishermen, I recommend Congress to confer on the Executive power to suspend by pro- clamation the laws now in force authorizing the transit of goods in bond across the territory of the United States to Canada; and further, should such an ex'reme measure become necessary, to suspend the operation of any laws whereby Canadian vessels are permitted to enter the waters of the United States. Alike unfriendly disposition has been mani- fested by the Canadian maintenance of the claim cf a light to exclude citizens of the United States from ttie St. Lawrence river. This stream is a natural outlet of the commerce Of the United States, and the President argues at length against the Canadian right to close it to such commerce. He cites the Rhine, the Danube, and other rivers whose navi- gation has been declared free. He hofiei the British Govern- ment will see the justice of abandoning the narrow and in- consistent claim to which her Canadian Provinces have urged her adherence. The President refers to the depresfed commerce, and thinks that hereafter we shall have to look to countries south of the United States for its revival. He recommends Government to encourage the construction of iron vessels and also encourage other branches of shtpbuilding. The remainder of the Message refers exclusively to domestic anair".

THE BEGINNING OF THE SORTIE. The following brief notes of the beginning of the sortie from Paris on the 30th ult. otcur at the close of Dr. Russell's latest letter Nov. 30, 3.30 a. m.—Awakened by the sound of field guns, which seem quite close. Go to window and listen. All silent save the continuous noise of the artillery, which comes re- peatedly from the direction of St. Germain. It may have been goirg on for some time, but no one is stirring in tho streets. 3 45-The sound has never ceased, and eomea by degrees nearer. There is one man walking acrose Place Hoche. He lit ops and listens, and walks on-pawing at intervals—turns the corner, and is lost to view. 4 a m.- There is a lull in the storm, and the reports of the field guns are not so frequent, and sound as if they were receding. 7 a.m —There has been a continual cannonade, and I have come in from an abortive attempt to find out particulars. Captsin Robblns, Queen's messenger, is starting with Mr. Olo Russell's despatehes for Lagny, which is twent) -five miles east of Paris, where he will sleep to-night, and start at live a.m. to morrow morning for Brussels vii Metz. This will give an idea of the state of the roads and of the detours to be made when it takes a e lblnet courier so many hours to travel that distance. Noon -The vigour of the firing since midnight could not be exceded by auy display I have ever heard or read of. There Is now a respite, but tons of thall must have been hurled against the German lines, and losses must be expected. More than 7,500 shells have been thrown along this side. It is supposed the cannonade was a feint to cover an attack now taking effect against the Saxons aud Wllrtembergers. To far off to get to or to see.

ONE OF THE "GLORIES" OF WAR! A few figures from the recently issued trade returns and placed in juxta position will give a sufficiently sad, though net unexpected, picturs of the present commerce of France; so far, at Last, as it is con- cerned with the demand for Britifh boods. We can now compare the exports with the month of October last, with the exports of October, 1869, in respect of twenty articles or thereabouts which are of sufficient note to be entitled to separate enumeration in the monthly tables. Statistics to many people are cot at- tractive, yet wo would venture for a moment to beg our readers to look carefully down the columns below and consider what is implied by the portentous diminu- tion of the transactions in 1870. Export of certain British produce and manufactures to France during the month of October 1869 and 1S70. 18:9. 1870. Alkali, soda cwt-. 14,880.. 600 Cotton, yarn lbs. 2:'1 864 12,615 Cotoon, manufactures yards 2,880,01)0 276,100 Cotton, thread for sewiug lbs. 1740 Earthenware packages 328.. 39 Cutlery Vil!wa £ 1,463 262 Steel and iron tools value £ 7,311 93 German silver & plated goods value £ 15,b05 1 034 Linen yarn J"3* 247,000 9,000 Linen manufactures lbs. 254,000 29 000 Iron, wrought, unwronght, & partially; steel, unwrougbt tons 11,632.. 1 190 Steam engines & other ma- chlnery valuo £ 19 C00.. 8 000 Copper, wrought and un- wrought cwts. 8 7C3 105 Tin, wrought and uuwrought cwts. 6,t42 5G5 Seed oil gallons lio'ooo 2,500 Thrown silk and silk yarn lbs. 19.C00 2 F0 Silk broad pieces. yards e.OOO 46., Otter articles of silk value £ 8 600 900 Wool, sheep and lambs' lbs. 631 000 21,0 (■ Woollen and worsted yarn lbs. 31^000.. 21 000 Worsted stuffs of all kinds yards 1,101,000 156,000 Carpets o. yards 97,000 900 The export of some of the articles enumerated here had so seriously fallen ofi last October that the trade in them appears to be on the point of utter extinction. This, it will be observed, is the case with alkali, steel and iron tools, copper and tin goods, seed oil, anc carpets. The three articles enumerated under cottoi are reduced to one-tenth of their former quantity linen goods to less than one-twelfth £33000 woith ot silk in 18C9 has shrunk to £ j;000 in 1870; sheepo, wool for French spindles has fallen to just one-thirtietl of its former weight, woollen yarn to one-fifteenth, and worsted stuffs to less than one-seventh. Tht shipments of wrought and unwrought iron and steel are under one-tenth of the quantity sent across Channel in October, 1869, On the other hand, there are marked indications that the necessities of war to some extant have been fed bv our commerce. Thus we have sent to France 27,007 horses, against 410 in October, 1869. Woollen and worsted cloths of all kinds have very slightly diminished, and woollen shawls, rugs, coverlets, and wrappers have largely increased the export last month was 5,554 against 865 in 1869. What may be the total decrease, as measured in money value, of the October trade is not yet known but the trade in September last was £ 570,000, against £ 901,000 in September, 1869; the former month, therefore, shows a decrease of £331,000, or 35 per cent. The bullion trade between the two countries may in some degree ba taken as the exponent of the condition of trade in general. Last October the imports from France were £ 07,000, against £202,000 in October, 1889 the exports to France £ 35,COO against £ 510,000.

NEW WEAPONS FOR WAR' In the recent great sortie made by the French from Paris, General Ducrot. brought into action one of those new engines of destruction to the invention of which the present war has given so great an impetus (remarks the Pull Mall Gazcttt). This is an armour-plated locomotive, furnished with two powerful mitrailleurp, alio protected by armour, and originally intended for the railway bridge at Point du J our, whence it was to throw bullets on to the heights of Meudon. Th's novel machine, wh:ch weighs altogether only some six '0, tons, has been manufactured at Cail's, the well-knowh mechanical engineer of Paris, to whose establishment the city is so much indebted for the extraordinary efforts that have been made to supply it with cannon and other means of defence. The Prussian invasion has certainly contributed a great deal to develop the inventive talents of the French; for hardly a day passes without some new implement of destruction being submitted to the Government of National Defence. Under the spur of defeat they have produced the Marekderbergmitrailleur, firing 250 balls a minute, and the Montigny, firing 480, as wel as the Durant steam mitrailleur, which discharges no less thin 4,500 in the fame space of time, and the Faucheuse or mower, which is said to operate with- out noise, smoke, or fire, to have a range of from 500 to 600 yards, and to cost only 35 f., with a'l the neces- sary apparatus for firing 300,0C0 projectiles so that, if evtry bullet really had its billet, the French by em- ploying this weapon might rid themselves of the whole of their enemies for something less than 100 f. In addition to the above, many novel descriptions of shells have also been proposed, if not actually tried, among which are the Gaudin fire-bomb, the improved Menestrol shell, bombs emitting suffocating vapours, and so on. But a recent number of the Qavlois gives an account of a new projectile far surpassing anything yet heard of for its murderous effects, which, indeed, would seem to be of so terrible a character that the dreaded Greek fire must have been child's play compared with it. It is a rocket, costing little to manufacture and easy to tire, and is said to have a range cf three or four mdes. Experiments with it, conducted by a Commission consisting of engineer and artillery officers and profeesors of the Conservatorie des Arts et Metiers, have given, we are told, the most satis factory results so far as the destructive properties of the new projectile are concerned. During one of the tria's, a rocket was fired against a large iron tank filled with water, causing the liquid to boil over and run along the ground in a sheet of fire. A violent detor.- ation rent the air, the tank and its supports were thrown skywards and descended again, broken into small fragments. Luckily for the Prussians, and per. haps for the French too, the Commission were so over- come, so the Gaulois says, by the results of this experi- ment that they hesitate to recommend the adoption of such a terrible weapon for fear cf placing France with out the ban of civiFzed nations.

THE FUNERAL of the LATE COLONEL PEMBERTON. Tie nnostentatiouaness which marked the funeral of Chr etoph^r Peach Pembeit m, son of Major Pem- btrtou, of Newton-hall, Cambridgeshire, on Saturday afternoon last was as manifest as the deep regret shown on the occasion. When the sad news fir, t reached Newton the neigh- bouring gentry and the inhabitants of the village ex- pressed their sorrow, and tendered their condolence at the loss of one so highly esteemed and who had served his country so well. The discovery of the body at the spot where duty had called the deceased increased the desire on the part of sorrowing friends and neighbours to pay the last tribute of respect, and consequently, though the day was cold, the funeral was witnessed by a large number of spectators. During the morning the bell of the parish church sent forth its knell, and long before the hour appointed the churchyard wai filled with parishioners, principally of the poorer class. About half-past one o'clock the funeral procession left the Hall, crossing the park lead- ing to the church, that being the shortt st distance. The coffin was borne upon the shoulders of the servants of the estate, the chief mourners following being Major Pemberton and Mrs. Pemberton, Mr. A. Ptmberton and Mrs. Hughes,(brother and sister of the di c-asec!), the Rev. S. Pemberton, Mr. Hamilton Pemberton, Mr. H. W. PembertoD, Major Campbell, Mr. H. Campbell, Mr. A. Hodgson, the Rev. Mr. Hudson, Colonel Wale, Mr. C. Francis, the Rev. Mr. Durbin, the Hon. S. D. Montague, Captain Stracey, Captain Haslop, the Rev. A. Day, General Malcolm, Mr. J. W. Claike, Mr. W. Hurrell, and the Rev. Mr. Bowling. The procession was met at the west door of the church by the Rev. Professor Stlwyn, who read the service in a most impressive manner. The church was filled, and many were moved to tears. The first portion cf the service being concluded, the procession moved outside to the newly-made vault where the body was to be interred. The coffin, made of oak, was now brought to view, and upon the brass plate the following inscription was engr&ved :— Christopher Peach Pemberton, Captiin and Liey.tenant- Colonrt, Scots Fusilier Guirdi, killed in the battle of Sedan, in France, on the Iit of September, 1870, while advancing with the Prussian army, as military correspondent; aged 32." The service being concluded, the sorrowing company remained two or three minutes, and then moved slowly away to the Hall in the same order as they came. The friends and the villagers were allowed to inspect the coffin, which was afterwards lowered into the vault, which i3 made of brick and enclosed in an iron palisade. The old family vault on the other side of the church being frill, the present had to be constructed, and the deceased is the first deposited therein.

M. FONVIELLE ON "PARIS DURING THE SIEGE." On Saturday evening, M. W. de Fonvielle, editor of La LibetU, delivered a lecture in St. George's Hall, Langham-place, London, on Paris during the Siege," Mr. J. J. Merriman in the chair. M. de Fonvielle left Paris by balloon, and hopes to return in the'same way. He brought with him a number of sketches of fcems in Paris, which spoke for themselves, and supplied some admirable illustrations to the de. scriptions of the lecturer. The audience was composed chiefly of French and English, and he endeavoured to meet the wishes of both, by speaking partly in Eng- lish and partly in the French langu ige. To the French party, who cried out Frai <; us, FraL q iis," he good humouredly remarked that they, who had been so long in England, ought to be ashamed to admit that they did not know the language of the country. He dwelt little on the political aspects of the ques- tion. A siege like that of Paris was quite new in modern times, and they must go back to the middle ages for a parallel. The nearest was, perhaps, that of Constantinople, by Mahom-t the 2ad, in 1453. Mahomet and his engineers had invented an immense gun, which was destroy the City of Constantinople, but the gun burst and was of no use. King William and his engineers had also an immense gun. He did not know whether it would burst as did the great gun of Constantinople, but it would never take the City of Paris. At the former siege the Emperor Constantine was supposed to have died fighting valiantly before the gates. In that respect the siege of Paris would differ from the siege of Constantinople. It was said that Paris would surrender as Metz had surrendered. The cases were different. Mt tz was occupied by an army already discip'ined, fully provided with arms and ammunition, and commanded by a General whose tactics had been partly acquired in Mexico, and who played the traitor. (Cheers.) In Paris an army had to be re-formed it had to be re- armed and i e c q iiipped new generals had to be found, and all this had to be done within a limited time and space, and with the enemy at their gates. On the pro- clamation of the Republic the friends of the Napoleon dynasty fled like owls of night when the sun riees. Tne city was lefthelplees, but it rose to the heightof the occa- sion, and was determined never to surrender. (Cheers.) King William would not tkell the city. He was too humane—he would starve it. That was to say, he would first attack and kill the children and the women before he attacked and kiiled the men but by what- ever method he proceeded he never would be able to reduce Paris. M. de Fonvielle complained of the accounts given of Paris by English reporters, which, he said, were unfair and unjust to the people. A vote of thanks was given to the lecturer, and at the close of the lecture the Maiseillaice" was sung, and received with great enthusiasm. The proceeds of the lecture will be applied for the benefit of France.

THE ENGLISH CaTHOLICS AND THE ROMAN QUESTION. A pastoral letter from Archbishop Manning was rea 1 at the Roman Catholic Churches on Sunday, res- pecting the invasion of Rome, which the Archbishop describes an a violation of all right. He protests against tho doctrine of the right of a people to change their rulers by plebiscite without just aud sufficient cauffo, and such cause did not exist in Rome. The attack on the Pope is stated to be sacrilegious, as well as politi. cally unjust. The Archl IIHOP states that from evidence above suspicion, it appears that the plebiscite was not genuine, many voting who had no right, and few Roman citizens taking a part. Referring to Mazzini, the Archbishop adds that his plan of Italian unity could only be carried out by the destruction of every Italian throne, and also of Christianity. Christian sovereignty, legislation, and government have been dethroned in the person of Pius IX. The Archbishop states that home sedition is not tolerated by Govern- ments that favour ssdltion against thy Pope, and that one day they will not be able to resist such teachings. The Pastoral concluded with an invitation to three days' earnestprayer for the Pope.

WiFE-MURDIER.- At. the Manchester aseizes. Patrick Durr, a labourer, has been sentenced to death for the murder < f his wife, on the night of the 17th of August lasf. The prisoner and his wife had been Jfinkmg r they were, aud had been for some time, on bad terms, in consequence of the woman's habit of pawning, and they quarrelled violently. Both A ere the worse for liquor. The prisoner, overcome by passion, strangled his wife with a rcpe in the presence f his aon. This lad was ni arly fourteen years of age, .1Jd he said that, though nearly twenty minutes elapsed before bis mother ceased her struggles, he was too much frightened either to interfere or to call for help. Ihe prisoner, when he had discovered that his wife was dead, gave himself up to the police. Mr. Justice Brett, in paming sentence, held eut no hope of mersy,

IN THB NICK OF TIME FOR THE GERMANS Bazaine surrendered Metz in the nick of time for the German armies, that is now certain (writes the correspondent of The Times). Had he held out for a few days longer, and prevented Ali'ltke from sending the Duke of Mecklenburg and Prince Charles south and General Manteuffel north, things would have been very embarrasing, if not positively serious, for us before now. The motives which irfluenced the Marshal do not trouble the German mind whether he is a patriot or a traitor is all the same to thote who have gained so much by what he did. I believe that, had not the army before Metz been enabled to come down and keep open our communication, the Investing armies north and south of Paris might by this time have been obliged to fight battles to prevent themselves from being invested, or something very like

THE FRENCH REFUGEES IN BELGIUM. The Allgemeine Zeitung gives an account of the French refugees in Brussels, whose number it estimates at 37,000. They think themselves under an obligation to the Belgians, and make no complaint of the high prices which prevail. The Belgians are too discreet to burden them with their sympathies, but a melancholy smile comes over the coun- tenances of the ladies and girls, dressed in black, If they hear a sympathetic remark on their country. A German word at the table d'hote, or on the promenade, on the other hand, gives them a shock. Most of these families have relatives among the Idilell, i Clip! ured, or missing, but they never utter a complaint or sigh for them, carrying the ab- sence of sentimentality to apparent stoicism. They have unshakable confidence In the future of France—" La France ne ptrira pas." A balloon letter Is a godsend to them, and the numerous French wounded are the spoilt children both of the emigrants and of the Belgian public. The French officers are very reserved, but if they refer to the war they curse the Empire without expresting confidence In the Republic. The younger officers, however, hope for a Dew career under the Republic, while some of Bsra'ne's de- ride the officers appointed by Trochu and Gambetta. The Bonapartist spies, intriguers, and journalists are not at all prepossessing. Their organ, the Gaulo's, after frj lng Tours, Angers, Nantes, and Bordeaux, which would not tolerate It, is at last shifted to Brussels, where it displays all its old charlatanism and unscrupulousRess. It reviles Gam- betta as the tyrant of Teurs," and accuses him of aiming at a dictatorship. It Is a favourable sign fcr France that the public opinion condemns this pernicious literature. The writer sees the emigrants shudder when the Gaulois is offered to them in the street, and the Belgians think such a scandalous print insufferable, while its writers and patrons have to slink through the streets with downcast gaze. The Frenchwomen cool their burning forehead and eyes on the marble He or of the cathedral praying for good news from Amiens, Paris, and the Loire, the anguish of suspense teach- ing them really to pray, and they no longer take into their hands a Gaulois or Figaro.

IRREGULAR WARFARE IN FRANCE. The Moniteur (under date Tours, Dec. 1) publishes the following official notice, which It says has been sent by the Prussian military authority to the Mayors of the Department of Eure:—" In order to prevent useless homicides the General .f Division has ordered me to say, and I ask you to publish to all the inhabitants of your country, that no civilian dis- covered with arms will be treated as a soldier, but as a mur- derer, and punished with death. The villages shall be burnt in which the inhabitants oommit hostile deeds.-At St. Andr6, the 23rd Nov., 1870.—De ROSENBERO, Chief of the Ifeglment of Lancers."

AFFAIRS INSIDE PARIS. The Times' Special Correspondent at Versailles writes:— "A very intelligent Volunteer, who is sorely wounded, has given an account of f ffairs inside Paris. If it be true, the theory that Paris must surrender on the 8th to the 10th of December must be regarded as fallacious. TMs man ras in the army formerly, and served in the artillery in the Crimoa, Italy, and Mexico. He was discharged, and en retraite till he heard that the Prussians would not make peace unless they got a part of France. Then he volunteered, and if every Frenchman in arms did his duty as well as this old soldier, whose clothes were riddled with bullets and whose face was torn by a shot or bayonet thrust, there would be a hard winter in store for the German Army. Be describes the National Guatds as being animated by the best i spirit. They are anxious to take part in sorties and to share in the labours ol the outer defence, but at present they are 1 employed In the internal garrison of Paris and as reserves, 1 and, divided into regiments and subjected to military drill and discipline, are acquiring real excellence a3 soldiers. The I Mobiles, Volunteers, and sailors man the forts and trenches and form the active army. They never visit the city. When relieved they are marched off to buildings in the suburbs or to the railway stations of the Chemin da Fer de Celnture, and sleep in the railway v ins packed closely instraw, with blankets and bedding in sufficient quantity. As to provisions, there is for the military plenty to light upon rations of fresh meat- horse or butchers' meat-are served out twice or thrice a week, 150 grammes to each man, about one-third of a pound, with abundance of bread, vegetables, coffee, rice, and wine. The poor civilians may and no doubt do suffer much, but the fighting men have quite food enough to' keep them in strength and healtn, as on tbe days when fresh meat Is not served they get a larger ration of salt beef, pork, fish, or some such substitute The men, he said, were quite cheer- ful and contented, but a real soldier of that type, who Is something of a patriot Frenchman too, may err in attii- butlng to all his countrymen his own fine qualities. The refusal of Prussia to make peace after the fall of the Emperor at Sedan has, he declared, called thousands of Frenchmen to the ranks who never would have stirred to take part in a war which they regarded as the dIdr of a dynasty. It was the Emperor's war.' said he now it is the war'of the French people. The King of Prussia told us he only made war against the Emperor and his army both have gone. Why does he make war still ? It is only the Frer ch people v. hD are left now.'

M. GAMBETTA BATHER TOO SANGUINE One of the Paris letters which has been picked up in the Channel, having formed part of the cargo of the lost balloon, contains a copy of a despatch from M. Gambettata M. Jules Favre, dated the ISth ult., in which a most sanguine view is expressed of French prospects. M. Gambetta wrote The most perfeit order reigns throughout the country, and our military resources begin now to be very satisfactoi y. Besides the 2(0 010 men on the Loire, the culminating poiLt of which is Orleans, we shall have on the let of December a new army, perfectly armed, and well provided, and com- posed of 100.000 men. To this must be addsd 200,000 Gardes Mobiles, who will te ready to take the field at the same date, and form the second line. We occupy strongly Orleans on the two banks ef the Loire, ready to resist vigorously any st ack. Our success at Orleans has excited to the highest degree the patriotic sentiments of the nation. Our preparations of defence are being pushed on on all sides with a prodigious activity Europs has manifested, in conscquence of our recent succe-s, as much sympathy as astonishment. Her doubts as to the existence of our forces are to-day dissipated. This we know from undeniab'e authority, as well as from foreign journals. All the world agrees to acknowledge that our diplomatic relations are considerably ameliorated. With rare excep- tions, we hear no more mention made as to elections or an armistice. The refusal to permit Paris to he reprovisioned hns been unanimously b'amed and attributed to M. de Bis- marck. Every one now sees that this refusal is a stratagem not only for reducing Paris by famine, but to give the Prus- sian troops lately before Metz time to arrive aud to keep in check our army of the Loire."