The Aberdare Times

A KINDLY ACT. At Metz, on the night of the 11th, a Prussian sentry wai shot. Several persons have been arnsted on suspicion, and if the assassin is not discovered the city will be fined £2,000. Several chests of concealed chat.sepots and cartridges have been found in private houses. A collection has been made in the cathedral on behalf of the inhabitants of Peitre, a vil- lage which was ordered to be burnt during the siege, who have now returoed, and are living in thecellara and wretched huts erected among the ruins. This kindly act was the sug- gestion of the German military chaplain, who, after a touch- ing appeal In his sermon, took hiB P03t at the door, blretta In hand, in which the soldiers who thronged round him placed their contributions. fhey offered not only small money but many a hardly-aarned thaler.

OH WHERE ARE THEY GOING Where are we going?" asks Herr Wachenhuaen, of the Cologne Ga: ette, apropos of the pursuit of the Army of the Loire. "We r< quire and use up an enormous nùmb<r of men. I shall be told, Well, we h .va got them.' But, I ask, what is the objeci of it? Nearly half France is occu- pied by us. That costs many ttipes. The conveyance of the priwIiers likewise employs a csnsiderable number of men, wiatar marches cost much in the way of health, and, in spite of all the shirts and furs which people tend from heme to the troops, the soldier is not warm. "The Loire-Cher line we must now take, con- sequently the line of Bourges, Tours, Angers, Nantes. It will for the most part before this be in our hands. Is Ittbe Intention orour Generalluimo to send the troops still further south ? I can hardly think 80, for to occupy two-thirds of France with cur own troops, without, after tho old Custom, impressing soldlera in the conquered country, we are hardly competent, specialty-in the winter. The family chain also which our army draws along with It does not allow H. Paris, moreover, will hold out to its last mouthful. It seems to me imperative to keep within the line Indicated, to intrench ourselves behind it, and to let the enemy make as many efforts as he likes to rccover his meanwhile fallen capital. In a word, on the Loire-Cher line the defensive seems presented to us, especially if we should succeed, as, indeed, we must, in besieging Lyons. Nantes and Lyons the extremities, with tho conquered capi- tal behind us, will, it is to be hoped, be the n6 plus ultra of our occupation." Herr Wacheahusen advises the French also te ask themselves, Ou al;ons nous V and not to plunge headlong into complete ruin.

A CHECK TO IMPRUDENT MARRIAGES. The Directors of the Union Bank of London have notified the following :— "UNION BAKK OF LONDON. Extract from the Minutes of the Court of Directors of the Bank, held December 7, 1870. The directors have been frequently impressed with the distress and difficulties resulting from the early and im- provident marriages of some of the junior clerks, who, with- out any other reaources than their commencing salaries, loon find their incomas inadequate te meet the increased ex- penses entailed by marriage, and often by sickness in addi- tion, and iu recent cases junior clerks have died, leaving their wittyws and children without any provision or means of livelihood. Salaries in this bank ara Increased at intervals according to merit, and the exercise of ordinary prudence and fore- sight for a few years would in most cases enable even the junior clerks to contract m1.rriage with Incomes which, if administered with due economy, would better enable them to avoid debt and distress, and enable them to come to the discharge of their duties without the anxiety and preasure of domestic difficulties. The directors, acting in the Interests of the clerks, have therefore resolved that any clerk who after this date shall csntract marriage, unless his falary shall amount to £ U0 per annum, shall be considered to have resigned his appoint- ment, which shall cease accordingly at the end of his notice specified onhls appointment." Noticing the document The Times says:—"The fault in this document is its retrospective application. Whatever opinions may be entertained as to the value of the prudence engendered by artificial restraint?, the directors, in their desire to promote the interests of their shareholders and of all connected with the estab- lishment, have a right to make the experiment. The rule, however, is one that cannot be j ustly established without fair notice. No clerk can complain of it who may choose to accept service in the bank with a full knowledge of its existence, but to attempt to enforce it upon those who entered upon their duties under the supposition that they still retained the degree of free- will enjoyed in all the ordinary conditions of life would be simply to violate an implied understanding."

On this subject one of the clerks writes to The Times:— "Union Bank of London, Dec. 17. SIR,—In The Times of to-day, In the paragraph headed Prohibition of Marriage,' it is stated that the clerks r.re indignant at the interference ot the directors, and having de- cided that a generally signed protest be presented to the Board at the next meeting.' I beg most emphatically to deny that such has been contemplated at the head office, neither have we heard of anything of the kind being doue at either of the branches. While on the OEe hand Bome few may feel annoyed at any interference with their customary privilege, oa the other they are many who are enabled to appreciate the wisdom of such a stipulation, and who be- lieve that the directors have txarcised their authority in the interests of the clerks. Such a statement is calculated to do the clerks injury in the eyes of the directors by leading them to suppose that we are placing ourselves in oppoaitlon to their wishes, and I shall, therefore, feel o hi Iced if you will insert this contradiction from Your obedient servant, ONM OF THE CLERKS."

Utisccllanfous Infclligciuc, HOME, FOREIGN, AND COLONIAL. THE RUMOURED ARMISTICE.—There is no foun- dation for the renewed report that negotiations have been set on foot, with the countenance of the Neu'ral Powers, in order to bring about an armistice, with a view to the eummoning of a Congress, and the termi- nation of the war between France and Germany. USES OF CLAY.—The Savannah Republican, giving a description of the white clay of Georgia, goes on to ask :— And now what becomes of the 600 or 800 tons of Souihei n dirt that is shipped monthly to the North ? This is a question in whIch the public are interested, and we propose to give the Infoimition. A portion of these shipments—how much we have been unatio to learn-Is taken up by the potteries, being valuable as a mixture with the baser clays of the North iu the manufacture of the finer wares. A portion I, used ly the manufacturers of wall paper, and by papermakeJs generally. But the Kaolin is more valuable in another respect, being perfectly white, free from sileT, and tatte'eas, nothing could be better adapted to the purpose of adultera- tion, and Irl that way, we learn, is consumed a very large proportion of the shipments North. It is largely used in the manufacture of flour and pulverized sugar, and especially In candles, which contain a large per cent. Considerable quantities are also consumed In the manuf, ciure or subse- quent adulteration of medicines, such as caljmel, soda, c:eam-tartar, &c. In the preparation of white lead and paint it also enters as a large ingredient. About a year ago a Northern gentleman, whose business card showed that he was a druggist, visited the works below Augusta, carefully Inspected the clay, and offered to take the entire product of the company at the price they were then rtc jiving." A FEARFUL SUICIDE.—A case of self-destruc- tion occurred on Monday morning at Cambridge, at about half-past eight o'clock, the suicide being a com- mercial traveller named Blenkin. The unfortunate man arrived at Cambridge on business ou Saturday morning, and was ^evidently unwell. He, however, <r v 8meS» an^ retired early to rest at Webb s coffee-house, Market-street. He ate nothing ail day, and after he went to bed he was attacked with delirium, tremens. The proprietor of the coffee- house went to him, and stayed with him for some time leaving him when he appeared to be quLt and com- posed. At about eight o'clock the deceased got oat of bed and attempted to cut his throat with a penknife, but after hacking himself about he chose a more speedy means of exit from the world. He was occupy. ing the front bedroom of the highest—the fourth— story in the house, and with nothing on but his shirt he opened the window and precipitated himself to the ground. He was immediately picked up and placed on a stretcher and conveyed to Addenbrooke's Hospital. Life became extinct almost immediately after his arrival at the hospital. He was supposed to be about 40 years of age, and to be a married man with a family. SIR J. Y. SCARLETT ON THE ARMY.—Lieu- tenant General Sir James Yorke Scarlett, speaking at a Conservative meeting at Burnley on Satur- day, said the disasters to France arose from their be- lief that nothing conld beat them. Were we not in a somewhat similar position? He honoured Lord Granville for his message to Russia. Would t I God he had an army and navy to back him in his pr ,ud words. Plans on which he would not pass judgment had been formed for increasing the reserve, but our army was not now in a position to take the field. We had a most gallant set of men and well insfructed officers but if we wanted to keep our place among the nations of Europe, we must have a reserve to rein- force the line. A lesolution declaring that the policy of the Government had shaken the prestige of the country to its foundation was carried unanimously. THE OAKS COLLIERY.—On Sunday last four more bodies were recovered from the Oaks Colliery. As might be expected, after being boried for four yars, they were so much altered in appearance that identifi- cation was impossible. They were found in what was known as a "fast heading," a place close up to the coal, from which there was no outlet. The touls found near the bodies were marked 22 and 70, and were given out to Thomas Duckworth and John Armfield. no doubt two of the men whose remains were found. The other two bodies are believed to be those of their bur- riers, John Howarth and Thomas Bennett. It is expected that during the present week several more bodies will be recovered. Considerably more than a hundred are still in the deep workings of the old pit. A FORTIFIED Lbs DON.—The Army and Navy Gazette says:— The extraordinary effect In the duration of this war pro- duced by the fortifications of Paris has drawn the attention of ail thoughtful professional men to the subject of fortifying capitals generally. It has also, we are happy to learn, drawn the attention of our own War Office, and It is understood that the Fortification branch there, under Sir F. Chapman and Colonel Jervois, C B., has been directed to prepare a careful scheme for defending London. That the gentlemen who live at ease In Lancashire may not be alarmeJ It is well to state that Mr. Cardwell is not likely to propose any vote on this account, or anybody else, to begin a series ot Forts Va 0-ien. All that will be done will be to make such a care- ful study of the hills which inclose this great bason of the Thamss in which we live that we should have a ready-made plan whereby to turn our navvies on to the entrenching of a set of rough field-works should the Continental fleets and Continental armies unite to imperil cur Metropolis In such case we should have the labour and the guns, and should try to create a big Sebastopol.. THE WILD MEN OF CALIFORNIA.—in old hunter, writing from Grayson, California to tie Antioch Ledger in reference to a paragraoh in thit- journal on the subject of a report that a gorilla had recently been seen m the State, says that he caught I eight of one of the wild men of California last year while huntmg the mountains about 20 miles south of Grayson. Finding on returning to his camp one evening that the charred sticks from his fireplace had been scattered about, he kept watch next day in th? Dusn, and, after two hour's waiting, saw standing bv tnehre a creature in the image of man full five feet mgn, and disproportionately broad at the shouldeia, with arms of great length the legs were very short and the body long the head was small < compared with the rest of the creature, and ap- peared to be set upon his shoulders without a neck. The whole was covered with dark brown and cinnamon-coloured hair, quite long on some parts, that < on the head standing in a shock and growing down c close to the eyes like a Digger Indian's. The creature f stooped and grasped a stick from the fire; this he swung round and round until the fire on the end had _I c gone out, when he repeated the manceavre. The c hunter sat and watched him as he whistled and 11 scattered the fire about. Having amused himself ap- c parently as long as he desired he started to go, and having a gone a short distance returned and was joined by another 1 —a female unmistakeably—when they both turned, passed within 20 yards of the hunter, and then disap- peared in the bush. The whistling was such as boys produce with two fingers under tlhir tongue. The writer adds that several persons have come across the tracks of the immense feet of these creatures, and he has met with one person who has seea them. Two VALUABLE UARGOJ.S.—Travellers from Southampton to the Ijle of Wight cannot fail to observe two large paddls-whcel steamers lying safely moored within abou'c oae mile of Sou'hairjpton pier; and a nautical observer wcuLl instantly recognise that they are not of Eajilish build. Tue names of them are the Europe fnd the Emperor, Alorgside of these vessels lies quietiy but vauJiiuIly a British man-of- war, wiLh her poits open and her guns ominously peep- tag out. Few are aware tha.t these vessels contain a c -nsiderible amount of the rich and valuable property of (he Parisian fchop-keepers and the rich classes cf France. It is said that tbe jawelleiy and other valu- ables, consisting of articles of vertu, are there deposited for safety. It is also reported that the Crown jewels and some of the money belonging to rich individuals are deposited in these vessels for security. The vessels look particularly clean and sm ot, sndhavebeen selected for this especial purpose as being th-j superior in the mercantile navy of France. AN AMERICAN Yitw OF DjvES.TheiV'm York Times reports the R-v. Henry Ward Beecher assaying iu his sermon on the recent Thanksgiving day :— When I lo ..k at Cour immense resources, and consider the spirit of our people, I feel that nil toe splendid dreams of our poets w 11 fall short of the glori.;us reality. There are fortunes to be made in this country yet in comparison with which those at the present day will fall into inelcnidcance. The time will come when the possession of a million dollars wi:l not be considered enough to entitle a man to take rank among the rich of our land. This prospect is a source of pleasure to me, and I say, in view of it, Get money at any price 8hort of the sacrifice of your manhooù and persoval honour.' People who take ground again-1 riches are generally without any themselves. It i3 true that wealth may ba a power for evil in the land, but there is nothing in the nature of things that necessitates iliat." I kPROVED TiOiKGRAPHIC MESSAGE FORMS.— The authorities of the Post Office have introduced a novelty in telegraphy, which at, present is known only to a very limited extent, bat which will, doubtless, before long come into general use. Indeed, the novelty has hardly as yet gone beyond tho region of experi- ment. The nature of the novelty is the issue of in- terleaved books of stamped message forms, with, in some instances, the name of the sender printed on each form, and in others, where it has been required, and where £ a person or firm is in the habit of sending numerous messages to the same addresses, thenames of both sender and addressee. It does not require much shrewdness to see that the advantages of this arrange- ment are important. By it oan be gained a saving cf time in the writing out of the messages, and a guarantee as to the correctness and legibility of the addreps, as well as the greater ease and rapidity with which the names "from" and "to" are signalled. B voks of forms of this very convenient description can be had at the usual rate of Is. for ea h stamped form, the only new condition being that persons requiring them shall take not less than £50 worth at a time and pay on delivery. Some 50,000 of these forms have been already issued, and about 100,000 firms throughout the United Kingdom have commenced using them. Most persons in the habit of receiving regularly many telegraocs know that envelopes with their addresses printed in large and legible characters have for some time past been issued by the Post Office to the public on the condition that the person using them should receive a certain number of messages a day. The number is either four or five. The Jatter arrangement has become very extensively availed of. It promises well for the future of this important ser- vice to find the authorities at St. Martin's-le-Grand indulging in such experiments as thCfl. CORIOUS MATRIMONIAL CAUSB IN TENNESSEE. Considerable sensation has been excited in Tennessee by a suit brought by a white man against the City of Memphis, in which the damages are laid at £5,000. The man married a black woman, and as the State Law of Tennessee prohibits the intermarriage ot whites and blacks, he and his wife were arrested, the wife was fined, and he was condemned to a fortnight's hard labour. The husband, however, contends that under the laws and constitution of the United States, which override all mere State law, he has a right to marry whom he pleases, and he has determined to bring the question to trial. PROTRACTED LITIGATION.—At the present time there is a casa pending in the Court of Session, (Scot- land,) which has been L: the court since 1832. The amount at issue is JM6 000. The case ha? been twice appealed to the House of Lords, and there is every prospect that it will find its way to St. Stephen's for the third time. Lord Macketz'e, when a junior counsel, was engaged on the clIse; and recently, when it came before his lordship, he remarked that it had been in the court since the time he was called to the bar. NAPOLEON'S LAST BARGAIN wlTn ITALY.— The Roman Catholic TabUt of last week publishes the following curious story :— What are called the Ortl Farnesiani (Farnese Gardens), inc) uding tbe ancient Palace of the ( icjars, occnpy the greater part of the Palatine Ilill, and were heretofore the private property of Paul III, who was a Farnese, and who made an admirable collection of ancient statues and other valuable picces of sculpture and marble obtained from the ruins. These gardens passed with the Farnese inheritance into the possess! n of the Kings of Naples, in coarse of excavations made there the anciout Palace cf the Canars was diicovered, with many precious remains of antiquity; iu particular, two apartments with the walls beautimlly ornamented, ard supposed to have been the Baths of Livia, the wife of Augustus Ctc ar. Francis II. ceded these gardens to Napoleon III. in 186), who ordered new excavations which were rewaided by fresh discoveries. The Palatine HiU tt, In faci, rich in burled treasures, having been, as it were, the cradle of ancient Rome, and having, under both the Republic and the Emlhe, constituted the most noble and dignified quarter cf tte«cUy. These gardens were highly valued by the Emperor, who used to spend upon the excavations 60,000 lire annually. However, wanting money we suppose, he has commissioned the Senator Count Arc-se to negociate the sale of the Orti Farnesiani, and Sella has stipulated to buy them for 660 000 lire. The con- tract was signed on the 2ad December, the 18th anniversary of the coup d'etat." SAUCY POST CARDS.—" Sine Jo Co" writes to the Daily Telegraph :— The next most unpleasant thing to being libelled by means of post cards is to be insulted through them. I am a clergy- man, a family man, have three servants, a hall door, and a letter box. A hamper of rotten apples is delivered at the hall door one dey, and Is. paid for carriage, and into the letter oox is dropped next day a post card, which, alter running the gauntlet of six subterranean eyes, Is duly placed upon the breakfast table. Thcs it runs: "Did you receive a hampt r of apples ? You should have acknowledged it unlcss thsiy were all rotten ?" Th's may be fun to the sender, but not to the receiver. It cost him a halfpenny, me a shilling. It artds open Insult to private injury, and violates the pro- priety of a staid family. Thus tne power of adding insult to injury" Is greatly assisted by means of these halfpe >By "leUen patent," and the temptation is sometimes too strong tor "thespttatulor mischievous person" to resist. A ROMAN CEMETERY.—Quite an unexpected discovery has recently been made iu the grounds of the Rev. C. P. Peach, at Appleton-Ie-street, on the line of Roman road from Malton and Isurium and, about half a mile from the extensive Reman floors found by the 11"v. James Robertson, a few years ago. In excavating for garden work several human skulls and disturbed bones were found in the top soil, and lower down, in fine oolitic Bands and gravels, undis- turbed burials, in good preservation, were met witb. These were of men, women, and chiidren, some of the latter being very young. They were all lyieg east and west, or nearly so, some on the back with hands down in the Christian fashion, others on one Bide, recumbett, and with hands up to the face in two cases. A woman, Blightly on her left side, held the body of an infant in the left arm and in another case a man and a woman together, the man at the bottom, on his right side, and the woman above, on her left side. The woman s left snoulder rested upon and had destroyed the man's face The skull of the woman was gone. It had evidently been destroyed by the subsequent burial of a man, whose feet touched the woman's shouldersL but whose head was also gone. Several other skeletons had no skulls left, hut in gome cases parts were there. The burials were remarkably thick upon the ground^ and were all, apparently, of poor people, there being no funeral accompaniments of any kind. In only one case had any care been taken, that of the woman and child, where the head rested on a bed of charcoal. There were acme shards of Roman pottery, some animai bones (split), and a few burnt stones. The bank is doubtlees full of interments. The crania have been carefully preserved for Professor Rolleston, of the Oxford Anatomical Museum. THE CELT AND THE TEUTON.—From the Ume of the appointment of the New York Commissioners of Emigration, in May, 1847, down to the end of Ujtober, 1870, there arrived at that port 1 722 785 emigrants from Ireland, and 1,700,081 from Germany. The Irish, tnerefore. are 22,000 ahead of the Germans. ± or the last five or six years, however, the German immigration has been the larger of the two, until it was checked by the present war. THE ORLEANS PRINCES.—M. Guizot, in the pamphlet he has just issued, sets aside the claims of the Gomta de Chambord, as an isolated and inert pretender, pledged to wait without doing anything and without hoping for much." The Daily News remarks upon this that the conduct of the Orleans princes would justify the application of the same obser- vation to them. If they had thrown themselves into trance,' says our contemporary, "and insisted on sharing its dangers, and participating in its possible deliverance, they might have roused national and mili- tary enthusiasm, and established a claim on popular gratitude. Ihey were on the banks of the Thames Loire ^nd th f \° 0n the bank. rfSS Paris 'and tfc n 1 Prob?bly m*ke the Comte de future a? X! /?uctdAumale as impossible in the IPnUMij J? L°mte de Chambord himself." We Gazttti) must say that this criticism seems 6 y unreasonable and UD just. Tbe Orleans princes as soon as the Government of Defence was established' ottered their swords to the new authorities. They did not do this merely by letter. They went in person, and pleaded in the most earnest manner with the Pro- vis onal Government to accept their services and assign them any position in the French armies. They stipulated for no rank, no conditions of any kind. This offer the Provisional Government saw fit to decline and at the same time "mvited" the Princes in a manner which there was no mistaking to withdraw imrf;Hdi«tely from France. How under Buch circum- stances could the Prunes have insisted on taking part .u Dhe deliverance of France ? They could only have joiie.oO by defy in k the only existing Government and rasing troops on tiieir own account-a step which would have heen instantly and properly denounced as a. proclamatwn of end war tending to paralyze the efforts of the nation against the invader. KISULT OF PLATING WITH FIRE-ARM?. -On Saturday an mqu. si was hekl at Liverpool, on .he body of Lodovico Bianchi, fifteen yeaiV old, a -ao n boy on hoard the barque Marinus, who died on 'rl'17 Eclair Kendall, mate of the vessel stated that about two o'cltck on Wednesday after- noon he was going into the cabin and heard deceased :alEng out. He found deceased alone and in bed, and !^1Df of being very Eiok- Wltnws sent on shore or the captaic and before he came the deceased told vitnees he hud «iot h msdf. The same night the (Antonio Catteraj told witness that he had shot leceaeed whilst playing with the captain's revolver. Jeceased afterwards Raid it wss accidentally. De- eded oied from the etfecta of a ballet wound in the- lory returned a verdict of Accidentia

THE WAR. A corps of volunteers has arrived at Toors, which has ade for itself the task to capture the German headquarters at Versailles. A quantity of Cbassepots, said to have been purchased In Luxembourg, have been confiscated by the German police. The eldest son of the Duke de Gramont left London the other day to join the French Garde Mobile as a volunteer. He Is only 19 years of age. A commission of inquiry Is to meet immediately at Bor- deaux to examine the circumstances of the surrender of Strasburgand Metz. Two democratic members of the North German Parliament, Herren Bebel and Liebkuecht, and another gentleman. Herr llepuer, have been arrested at Leipsic on a chirge of high treason. At Bosancon a subscription list has bsen opened for the presentation of a sword of honour to Garibaldi. The hilt is a figure of the Republic in the shape of a woman in vigorous youth trampling on a crown and sceptre. A Special Correfpondent at Luxemburg telegraphs to us that in the Chamber on Monday the Minister of State de- clared that Count Bismarck's Note contained nine complaints based upon incorrect information Neither the Note nor the reply cent to it could then be published. A Special Correspondent at the headquarters of the Crown Prince of Prussia, Versailles, says that the destruction of the Army of the Loire Is considered certain; and though Paris may reslst,1t Is 110t believed that France can struggle on much after the end of this year. This, at least, is the German view. According to the New Prussian Gazette the explanations recently assigned for the delay in bombarding Paris are totally incorrect. The excessive difficulties experienced in the transport of war material will soon be overcome, and then further action will be solely determined by military con- siderations. A Berlin paper states that 60 per cent. of the German soldiers whose names have appeared in the official returns as slightly or severely wounded have recovered, and have either returned to their regiments or been transferred to the com- plementary battalions. On Sunday the King of Prussia received the deputation who came to Versailles to offer him the Imperial crown. There wa> a lvrge atsamblage of princes and generals. The King is teldt) have been much moved, as also were all pre- sent. After yards the deputation were received by the Crown J rID e. There was a Royal banquet at night. The f t. P jtersburg correspondent who sent to a foreign paper a nrnmary of President Grant's letter to the Czar, con- eernb g a possible co-operation of Prussia and America, has been barn shed to Olonetz The letter being private, its pub- lication is regarded as constituting an offence against the person of the limperor. A correspondent who has recently visited the camp of C mlie, states that although there are 50,000 men there, not DO e than 20,000 are armed, and many of these have weSDonl of vrry Inferior quality. Several thousand rifles from Eosr- land are supposed to be stored 10 Brest, but as the authori- ties cannot pay for them there they remain. The Get man authorities have established 74 post-offices In Alsace since the 1st of October. In 31 other places where French offices formerly existed it is at present impossible or unadvisable to open any. These establishments employ 87 North German, 17 Bavarian, 9 Wttrtemburg, and 8 Baden officials, -25 assistants, 53 persons formerly French letter- carriers, and 208 country postmen. A communication from Brussels says that the suddenness aid largeness of the new call upon German manhood is con- sidered to indicate most clearly the fact that Moltke has found the besieging army far too weak to invest Paris. Thoughtful men at headquarters say that one or two sorties like the last, with better plans and more men, might almost force the German Commanders to raise the siege. The Prussians have evacuated Beauvais. They retired in such haste fiat they had left behind them at the railway station requisitions to the value of 250.000r., cor sitting of 100 sacks of flour and 300 sacks of oats, which they ordered the town not to touch under the penalty of a severe reprisaL The German troops proceeded towards Gisors and Gonesse. The Salut Public of Lyons ralates a daring feat performed a few days since by 40 men of a free company from the Daub3 commanded by Captain Huot. Having learnt; that a body of 120 French prisoners, who had formed part of Garibaldi's force, and had been captured at Dijon, were being sent off to Germany, Captain Huot suddenly fell upon the Prussian escort, numbering 70 men, and succeeded In putting them to flight and rescuing the prisoners. It is stated in a telegram from Bordeaux, that General Chanzy fought eight engagements on the 17th, and main- tained an unbroken front. According to official papers be- longing to the Gee oral, which have been captured by the Germans, the Army of the Loire has been reduced to half its original strength. In the engagement which resulted in the evacuation of Vendome, the French lost six guns and one mitrailleuse. At Drone they lost 100 dead and several pro. vision waggons. A German letter from the neighbourhood lof Rouen mentions the fact that every district in which the direction posts have been destroyed or defaced is punished by the invading army with a fine, unless the local authorities immediately repair the damage. The French, says thejwrtters, have frequently endeavoured in this way to obstruct the movements of the enemy, but they are now beginning to find this amusement rather too expensive. Large quantities of flour are now exported from Southamp- ton to France. Quantities of pickaxes and shovels for mili- tary purposes have also baen exported to the same COUBtry from the above-named port during the past week. The French egg and poultry vessels from Normandy take In con- siderable storeg of coffee, sugar, &c., at Southampton. The Prasslan lists of losses during the war, as far as they lave hitherto been published, give the following results :— Killed and wounded, 12 generals, 206 staff officers, 2,691 subalterns, 909 ensigns, &e., 5,384 sergeants, sub-officers, and trumpeters, three chaplains, 100 surgeons and hospital attendants. 53,541 corporals, musicians, and privates; missing, one staff officer, 25 subalterns, 15 ensigns, &(*, 198 sub-officers, five surgeons, &3., 6,858 privates. This gives a tohlloss of 2,935 officers, and 67,012 men for the 12 Prussian Army CLrps, the Lanawehr, and the Baden Division. Belgium, remarks a German paper, has teen infinitely more vigilant in the exercise of its neutrality than Luxem- burg. The recovery by Belgian soldiers of the Prussian post captured by Francs-tireurs was prominently noticed in the Berlin official paper. When the Burgomaster of Brussels, M. Anspach, wished to set convalescent French prisoners at liberty, the Belgian Government opposed it, and only allowed it on condition of an exchange with German pri- soners. A telegram also announces that numerous addi- tional French prisoners have been interned. Belgium has the advantage ot possessing an army which knows how to protect the neutrality of the country. According to the Salut Public, the Germans have estab- lished a line of telegraph between Dijon and Gray, and have threatened to punish with death any one who shall cut the line. On November 24th the wire was cut within the dis- trict of Magny Saint Medard The Maira of the commune and four of the principal inhabitants were immediately ar- rested and conveyed as prisoners to Dijon, while the com- mune itself was mulcted in a fine of 1,500r. The wire was again cat at Arc-sur-Tille: the Maire of the commune and six councillors were arrested and carried off to Dijon, while the commune had to pay 4,030f. and to furnish 50 head of cattle, which were selected by the Prussians themselves. Tfke numbers of unwounded French prisoners In Germany np to the fall of Thionville amounted to 10,007 officers and 303,842 men. Prussia, including the Federal fortress of Mayence, has 3,611 officers and 217,808 men In fortresses, and 4 915 officers and 13,657 men in open towns. This in- cludes the fortress of Mayence. which has 416 officers and 24,839 men. There are 1,207 officers and 21 224 men In the other States of the North German Bund, 1,000 officers and 10,500 men In Wtlrtemberg, 205 officers and 20,412 men In Bavaria, and 8 202 men in the South German fortress of Rastadt. These returns are exclusive of 15,253 officers who are residing in France or neutral States on parole. The Emperor Napeleon (says a newspaper correspon- dent) spoke freely the other day during a wa k on the chances of his restoration. It would be well," he said, "if it were publicly understood that I never Intend to remount the throne on the strength of a military pronuncia- miento—bj the aid of the soldiery, just as little as by that of Prussia. I am the sole Sovereign who governs, next to the grace of God, by the will of the people and I shall never be unfaithful to the origin of my authority. The whole people, which has four times approved of my election, must recal me by its deliberate votes else I shall never return to France. The army possesses no more right to place me on the throne than had the lawyers and loafers to push me from it. The French people, whose Sovereign I am, has the sole decision The Berlin correspondent of the Manchester Guardian taleeranhs • A report is in circulation in Vienna that a con- ference respecting mediation on the part of the neutral Powers was held at the Foreign Office on Tuesday, at which Lord Blomfield was present. The basis proposed was that the neutrals should acquiesce In the annexation of Luxem- burg and acknowledge the German Emperor, and that France should pay 1,200 millions of francs, agree to rue two fron- tier fortresses, cede a strip of Alsace, and acknowledge the German Empire. Count Mosbourg declared that France would rather pay more money than cede even a few square miles of territory. Montmedjr was bombarded by about 70 heavy guns, the cannon-balls weighing on an average 150 lb. each, and they did frightful exeoation. The upper Jown was almost de- stroyed, while the lower suffered but little. On the com- mandant observing that the iron roof of the powder maga- zine had been struck, and that the fortress and both the towns were likely to be blawn up, he called a council of war, which unanimously decided on capitulation. Thirty or forty persons were killed during the siege, and sixty wounded. The Germans had only a few killed, as their guns were beyond the range of those in the fortress. The siege-train has been forwarded to Mezieros, which will now be seriously besieged. It may be mentioned here that a Pole, who succeeded In gaining the confidence of the German garrison at Sedan, and was allowed access to the fortress, has been detected in delivering arms to the French pri- soners, and in promoting their escape. He was shot on the 14th. If Count Bismarck's object in reopening the Luxemburg question (writes a correspondent at Dresden) was to revive the drooping spirits of tho burgers after the losses on the Loire and before Paris, he has certainly succeeded. The 8axons, especially, have suffered terribly in this war. Out of a population of little more than two millions they have sent 80 OOO men to the field, 20,000 of whom at least have been billed or wounded. When the news came that after a series of battles, in which Germany had again lost many thousands of men, Paris was sWl untaken, and tbe Army of the Loire dispmting every inch of ground, there was a general feeling of despondency. Efioueh. blood had been shed for Alsace and Lorraine, and people began to doubt whether the con- quest of these unwilling provinces would not cost too dear alter all. Bat Dnw the Oermans are spurred to fresh exer- tions by being offered a third province as a prize of victory. The idea of a German Entire has, on the whole, been re- ceived here but coldly. The Prussian correspondent of The Times telegraphs :—The Royal Irish Academy and Trinity College, Dublin, have asked Go tingen University to Join them In advocating the exemp- tion 01 Paris, as a principal centre of culture, Irom bombard- ment Go .tingen replies that Paris, far from being exclu- sively devoted to culture, Jias wantonly undertaken many barbarous wars. Dublin University, instead of palliating the fearful vices of the French, would have done better to pro- test aga!n3t the last of their murderous raids, when planned and carried out. In the Interest of culture the frivolous ferocity of France must be restrained by Germany, the more hitrhlv civilized country of the two. To this answer are .TrSinrfflfl reflections on English neutrality, the siege of Delhi, r £ SVho allezed impropriety of Dublin University soliciting German> s alaUtance for an agitation in behalf of her worst enemies. A T?ORIIN naner gives several items of news respecting noftaf matters connictad with the war. The correspondence postal matte prjsoners scattered over Germany 220,000 FrenCfi P the Qerman PoBt.offlc £ a sinele week money orders to the amount of about £ °5 000 have been forwarded to them from relatives or Wends in France by means of the Ealg'an Swiss Post- IffiTps. At Phal/bourcr a German post-office has been S, optLd The field-post captured by the French near Verdun in September has been found in the possession of the Bishop of Verdun. The letters and enclosures of money which it contained had been deposited with him, and were almost Intact. They have, therefore, been despatched to Versailles, where they will be dealt with as seems aavisaoie. The remitters of money had their losses recouped at the time by the German postal authorities, but they will now have to reimburse the amount on receiving their remittances back.

THE FLIGHT FROM TOURS. A Times' Correspondent who joined the fight from Teurs to Bordeaux, thus describes the scene at the former place :— The persistent misrepresentations of the French Govern- ment have demoralized the public, and no good news is now credited until actually proved to be true. So everybody believed the worst to have happened when they knew that the Government was going. Meanwhile, the railway ter. minus was besieged by fugitives, waiting al day and all night for opportunities of departure. Women sat in crowds upon their baggage, with the patient, long-buffering for- titude which they are so apt to exhibit on such occasions —pale with cold and anxiety, hungry and sleepy, but never stirring. Persons got tickets for a train about to start, but in which it was impossible to find room and many thus waited 21 hours before they could obtain a seat. The train appropriated to the Diplomatic Body, which was to have started at 11 a.m. on Friday, got off about noon, and reached Bordeaux at midnight. To add to the difficulties of the time, convoys of wounded arrived in Tours, and many had to be sent southwards. The station was full of poor fellows hobling about, helped by their comrades, and with difficulty getting into the carriages. Some of these had been wounded in the actions of the week before last, especially on the 2nd, at Patay, which was a very murderous affair for the French.

MAKING THEMSELVES AT HOME. A letter in the Propagateur of Lille thus describes the stats of Amiens Since the occupation the town hIlS be- came very dull; nearly all the shops and cafes are closed after seven o'clock in the evening very few persons are to be seen in the streets. The Prussians have settled down as though they were at home. After the nomination of a Prefet came that of a Sous Prefet, which was succeeded by the appointments of a secretary, a commandant, a governor, & J. A prefectorial decree has suppressed the indirect taxes, but retains for the town the octroi duties, and announcss an increase In the direct taxes. Another cfficlal notice an- nounces the early repoening of the railways between Amiens and Rauen and Creil. The former officials of the respective lines are called upon to resume their duties. By another decree the conscription laws are abolished in the department, and it is declared that if any able-bodied man abient himself from his home to take military service with the French troops his property and that of his family as well as the MaIre of the commune personally will be held responsible 15 wa3 dis- covered that the artillerymen who defended the citadel were parolled prisoners, and the Prussians availed themselves of that circumstance to demanda ransom of a million of francs, and not three millions, which they had originally intended to require as a war contribution Efforts were m'1de to ob- tain this million from the Bank of France at Lille, but the Government at Tours refused to sanction tte advance, and, therefore, the citizens had to scrape up the amouut among themselves, and who can tell whether they may not be called upon for another million to-morrow P It is stated that the mitlion of franca was sent away by the Prusslans inclosed in a leaden coffin, covered with a silver-lace pall. and the quasi- funeral car was escorted by a strong troop ef cavalry. The three coffins covered with gold cloth, which passed through Rheinis, and to which military honours were p*td, are not forgotten. The French Government mentioned the circum- itince, and inferred that the coffios contained the remains of some great personages. Oh the cunning Prussians I"

MONTMEDT AN OLD FORTRESS. Montmedy, remarks the North German Gazette, capi- tulated to Prussian troops in 1815, but after a much longer siege than that which has just terminated. It has had many vicissitudes. It was a fortress as early as the 13th cen- tury, sustained three sieges between 1542 and 1656, and, after an energetio resistance by its Soanish garrision, fell into French hands in 1657. Marshal Vauban then restored and considerably strengthened it, but it has no detached worD, and the place is consEqumtly commanded by the surrounding hills. It lies amid-a chain of hills, having steep declivities on three sides. It consists of the fortress of Montrredy proper, and of the luburb or Me- dybas, or Basmedy, in the valley of the Chiers, which is not surrounded by fortifications. The population of both is about 4.500, and they have a tolerably extensive leather manufacture. Montmedy has no great strategetic importance for us, as it is too remote from the real scene of operations but it had been for a long time a favourite rendezvous for the Francs-Tireurs of the Ardennes, and its possession was necessary to prevent the communications of our detachments operating along the Belgian frontier against Mezieres, Longwy, As., with Metz and Thionville, being exposed to the chances of a guerrilla war.

THE GOOD SAMARITANS. own calamities, Mulheuse, the most chari- t J J 7 ln France- has> collected li.OOOf., which it has added to 100,000f. raised at Basle, specially destined for the poor workmen of Strasburg who have lost their means of existence. I verily believe that the charity displayed to the needy and distressed of France and Germany by the Swiss people during this war surpasses aught that has been done by any other country, and their alms and their sympathy have been administered with a delicacy truly noble. The poor, expelled Germars they have fed and lodged, passed them along their railways, and given them help to carry them forward. From Strasburg they have invited, both during and since the siege, large convoys of inhabitants to recruit and regain their health, and have contended at the railway stations for the privilege of entertaining them. At each emergency, as each little city cf Alsace has been plunged in want and suffering, they have come forward with ready succour, continual collections from house to house, and in the churches have realised astonishing sums. And now that that poor little unhappy fortre's of Neu Breisacb, with its 2,000 inhabitants, has been battered down, one-b&H its houses destroyed-of the other half only two are uninjured—Basle has at once come forward with its offering. May God bless the good Samaritans Many of the poor out- casts of Neu Breisach are being sheltered at Mulhouse, others at Colmar, where the Society of St. Vincent de Paul has taken them in without distinction of creed."—Corre- spondent of The Times.

THE INVESTMENT OF PARIS. The Times' Correspondent at Versaillas, writes on the 14th :— No one at all acquainted with the French people here imagines they are one whit more disposed to make peace and surrender Alsace and Lorraine than they were. On the other hand, the Germans call out the Landsturm and create two new Army Corps, adding 60,000 to the numbar of combatants in the field. All the States north and south are tilling up their nnks. And Paris? Well, two months more at least. So that the 14th of February may witness the arrival of the ever receding day. You must not be displeased at it or sick" of it, tor the war will go on until France can gell DO more men to fight for her. The prejent position of the various armies is a proof that the plans of the greatest stra- tegists are frustrated by the accidents of war and by cir cumstances which, if foreseen, were not duly appreciated. The army of the Crown Prince and the army of the Crown Prince cf Saxony are encamped round a city which was not con. sidered iikeiyto make any defence at all. The first idea as to Paris was that it would surrender when it was surrounded; the second, that it would yield after a short term of privation the third, that it would succumb when a few shells had fallen into it. Then it was resolved to try starvation, pure and simple, and various periods were arbitrarily selected—four, six, eight, or ten weeks-as the time during which the city mfght hold out The councils of the German chiefs seem to have been undecided as to the bombardment. At an early period of the investment I have no doubt the measure was in contemplation. Siege trains were formed, the heavy guns from Strasburg hurried up and parks established, gabines and fascines stored, and magazines formed. Then two sorts of fire were opened agalntt the project—one from the forts of Paris, developing immense artillery power and rendering the establishment of a superiority of fire at least questionable, the other from moral batteries, which caused various inflaeutial persons to view the proposed bombardment with disfavour. I tMnk there are evidences of a change in favour of a more actively aggressive policy. The guns which have been parked will, I think, be put in position in a short time. They Will, at all events, contribute greatly to strengthen the Prussian front, and bring a powerful fire on any outfall from ,sj *he effects of a bombardment proper, I have aiready expressed an opinion quantum valeat—I mean, of course, physical effects—for the moral results on the topu- latton are beyond conjecture. The investing armies, then will hold on round Paris t J the end, and never depart until they are forced to raise the siege or see the city in their power. It is now evident that if Bazaine had held Metz for a fortnight more those armies would have been placed in a most critical position, and that in all likelihood the invest mentof Paris would have been abandoned. If not then the Crown Prince would have had to beat the Army of the Loire with ccrps detached from his force to the rear, and have had with the armies thus diminished to have checked the sorties, necessarily much more vigorous when encouraged by the guns of another French force beyond them. But Pr nC3 Frederick Ciarles having come up in time to meetand roll back the advancing columns of the Loire army, and having retaken O.leans, a new series of operations became necessary. It seems as if the Prince would hold the line cf the Loire south of the Crown Prince, and would desist from further aggressive movements. The combats on the Loire have rendered it necessary to give the Germans rest, and have also cumbered them with immense numbers of wounded. If the Germans adopt the policy which is attributed to them, and act simply on the defensive, occupying the line of the Loire and Cher, the French will very speedily begin to gather heart, and assume the offensive. In a postscript, dated the 15th, the writer adds :— Through a rift in a cloud of rain I see the French busily engaged on a new battery about 800 or 1,000 yards in front of the entrenched redoubts below ValSrlen. They will soon be in a position to shell Versailles and to command the roads near at hand if they go oa at their present rate of active defence.

THE PROPOSED CONFERENCE. The Berlin papers publish the following despatch addressed by Count Bismarck to Count Bernstorff, the North German Ambassador in London :— "Versailles, Dec. 3, ]870. I have communicated to your Excellency, by my tele- gram of the 26th ult., the invitation which I had on the same date addressed by telegraph to the Courts of Vienna, Constantinople, Florence, and St. Petersburg, requesting them to empower their representatives in London to assemble at a Conference with the representatives of the Powers which signed the P.tris Treaty of Peace of the 3)th of March, 1856, for the purpose of considering the ques- tions connected with the declaration made by the Russian Tmperial C3binet in its circular of the 19th (31st) of October. This invltatiton was issued after the Cabinet of Great Britain had assured rue, through Mr. Odo Rus-iH, of its concurrence, and after I fcal reason to believe that the Cabinet of St. Petersburg was also prep1\red to accept it. I can now make to your Excellency the subjoined communication respecting the reception of our proposal by the various Cabinets. The King's Ambassador at St. Petersburg was in a position on the 27th of November to announce by telegraph the ac- ceptance of the invitation by the Imperial Russian Cabinet. The Italian Government on the 28th of Nivember, autho- rised His Majesty's Ambassador at Florence to express their readiness to take part in the Conference in London. On the 1st of December the Grand V.z'er announced to our Am- bassador at Constantinople that the Turkish Ambassador in London was already in possesion of telegraphic instructions as to the adhesion of the Porte to the Couferei cs in London. On tbe 2ad inst. the Austro-Hungarian Chancellor, who was at the moment at Peith, gave information to onr Ambassador at Vienna that the Government c incurred with England on the Conference question. I bfg your Excellency to inform the British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of these intima- tlonp, and t8 express to him onr satisfaction at the unanimous acceptance of the proposal for a Conference, which I may re- gard as settled. Your Excellency will also express to him an expectation that the Cabinet of Great Britain, at whose seat the Conference will assemble, will now take in hand the further management of the matter, and, naming a day for the opening, will invite the representatives of the Powers to the meeting. YON BISMARCK."

A DINNER AT VERSAILLES WITH COUNT BISMARCK. A member of the Spanish Embassy in Paris, M. Angel de Miranda, who left the city during the siege, and afterwards dined at Count Bismarck's house at Versailles, has published a pamphlet in which he makes some very curious revelations of the conversa- tion he had with the Count. M. de Miranda's story, however, must not be taken too literally. After dinner the Chancellor came In, and seating himself astride on a chair oppolllte his guest, called for soma bur gundy. Eight bottles were brought in. Count Bismarck tasted the first; it was Nuits, anet he did not like it. A second bottle was opened, and the Count, after tasting It, exclaimed Excellent! That's Romance." M. de Miranda then complimented the Chancellor on his cellar; but the latter assured him that the wine came from the H6:el des lle etvoirs, as he paid religiously for all he consumed, and relused on principle to take anything on requisition. The conversation next turned on the state ot Paris. M. de Miranda having observed that the Parisians were deter- mined to resist to the last, the Count said he did not believe they would hold out long, as it was merely the sett-love of the Parisians which prevents them from surrendering, "in any case," he added, We will wait if necessary, but we will enter Paris. The King has quite made up his mind, although he wants to spare the Parisians as much as pot- sible, not to sign peace except at the Tuileries." M. t e Miranda then asked whether the Count had no fears of en European Intervention. "None whatever," was the reply; the neutrals are at least as much our friends as those of France besides which," he added, significantly each of them will, I think have enough to do to look after its own affairs before long." As to M. Thlera's mission, the Count said, its real object was much less to make peace than to bring about a restoration of the H0ule of Orleans." I don't think," rejoined M. de Miranda, "that pEOple in Paris thought so. in any case, it was said that Russia and England had agreed to Interfere." This idea seemed supremely ridiculous to Count Bismarck. Russia and England agree he exclaimed at the same time laughing loudly, with a glance full of meaning at Count Hatzfeld. And you Spaniards are you also going to enter into this terrible coalition against us 7 I expected that In this war you would have been cur allies. so much so thattheday after war was declared I asked Marshal Prim what contingent Spain would lend us. I was much sur- prised to see him withdraw from the consequences ot his policy. Tell him to reflect. The Latin race is ussd up; it has accomplished great things, but now its destiny is at an end. The Germanic race is young, vigo- rous, as full of virtue and initiative as you were formerly. It is to the Northern peoples that the future belongs, aid they have only Just commenced to play the glorious part which they are destined to fulfil for the good of humanity." These words," says M. de Miranda, where spoken with an animation which seemed to exclude all idea of mystification or duplicity. The Chancellor spoke as if he were think- ing aloud." Then resuming the subject of the war. Count Bismarck said that if the present Government still refused to treat alter the capture of Paris, the Germans will occupy Paris and France" as long as may be necetsary." We will find a Government that will treat at last, even if it were that of Robert Macalre. The principal thing we want Is to make peace on the conditions we ask the rest to us matt«r„ little. And, after all, who can say that the Emperor wiil not return—or, at least, his dynasty ? I should not be su prised to see the majority of the^natlon recall him. Pdtit bonhomme vit encore!" he added, with a laugh, Whatever may be our conditions of peace," Count BUmarck proceeded, France is too vain ever to forgive us for her de'eats. She would in any case make war again as scon as she was strong enough. Our policy, in the interest both of Germany and of all Europe, must therefore be to diminish the territory of France as much as possible, so as to make her unable for a long time to disturb the general peace." The Count added, alluding to the proposed annexation of Alsace and Lorraine, that it was the will cf the King, and this was enough. The French, accustomed to be the play- thing of political adventurers, cannot understand our res- pect for the monarchy. In our country there is no sovereign will but that of the King. I am only the instrument oi his political will, as the generals are the instruments of his military will. When Lis Ms jssty expresses a wish, it is my duty to propose the means of realizing it, and it is my giory sometimes to succeed in this task. At this moment, however, my actions are absolutely subordinate to those of the military leaders, who are not always of my opinion."

A PASSAGE FROM HISTORY. The Special Correspondent of the Daily News with the Headquarters of the Crown Prince of Saxony, gives the fol- lowing interesting sketch- Nearer Mont d'Orgeimnfc than Montmorency is Enghien les Bains, with its lake and its sulphur springs. The taps of the thermes have been knocked out of order by the shells, and as you pass you smell the sulphur strongly. The tragedian Talma died in this house close to the baths. I ha French have made it an hotel, and the other day their shells made it a skeleton. The road to tae left leads to Epinay, the scene of one of the sorties of the 2nd inst. It is a very pretty spot, and old Clovis was a sensible man to choose it as bis country residence. His example was folLwcd by Dagobert (who was not lucky in Epinay, for there he caught the dysentery, of which he ditd), by Gabrielle dEstrees. and by Eacepfede, artist, naturalist, and President of the First Legislature in 1791. As we have followed the left road leading to Epinay, it is only fair that we turn to the right for one moment into St. Gratien, to recall the memory of such a soldier as France would to-day be right glad of. To this quiet retreat came the great soldier of fortune, Marshal Catinat, declining titles, honours, and orders, and cultivating a modest garden like a modern Cin- cinnatus. It is a beautiful spot, and the soldier philo- sopher could have no more congenial home for his meditations. Turn your back now on St. Denis, and Paris, and Montmorency, and everything on which you have been previously gazing, and cast your eye northward over Margency and Montignon, to that church spire which rises over the trees that crop out from the forest into the valley. That is the church spire of the village of Napoleon St. Leu, a place whose associations are more recent, but certainly not less interesting than those of any spot all round the horizon. On the slope above the village, close to where there now stands the beautiful residence of Lady Ashburton, there once stood a much larger chateau. In the year 1824 this chateau was inhabited by a queen without a throne, for she was the wife of a monarch who had abdicated-and by her two sons, the elder of whom was abjut eight jears of age. The Prussians and the Russians were in Paris. Napoleon was already an exile in Elba. This queen's chateau, undoubted Bonapartist as the lady was, somehow came to be looked upon aa neutral ground. The coterie in her drawing-rooms was sufficiently enticing. She herself was a brilliant and beautiful woman. The authoress of "Corinne," as she fondled the boys, sparkled out ever and anon with some flash of wit. Mole, Lava- lette, Fiahaut, and Garnerey the painter, were constant visitors. With the sour looks of the Parisians it was dull times for the conquerors, and the great men among them were tight glad to mix in the sparkling society that was open to them on the neutral ground in the Chateau of St. Leu. Hither came once and again the Emperor Alexander, with his Minister Pozzo dI Botgo. Blucher cared more for a fight than a conversazione, but Prince Augustus of Prussia would look in, and sometimes there came with him a slip of a lad, in a lieutenant's unifoim, and with the down not yet budded on his cheek. Tiiis lad was then the younger son of the monarch of a second-rate State. The down has come, and given place to the heavy blonde moustache. The blonde is now Enow- white, and it hangs over the lip of one whose title to-day is Wiihelm, Emperor of Germany, and who has come to revive early memories at the head of half a million of men. The mistress of the pleasant chateau was Hortense, daughter of the Em- press Josephine by her first marriage, wife of Louis Napoleon,. that Bonaparte who preferred Lausanne and his library to the throne of Holland. The eldtr of her two boys bore, too, tbe name of Louis. A year after the time in which I write, his great uncle was showing him, in the absence of the King of Rome, to the cheering crowds of Paris from the balcony of tho Tuileries. After years of exile and imprisonment, the people of Paris saw the same face again. The boy of St. Leu was he who, till the other day, was Napoleon III., Emperor of the French.

THE MYSTERIOUS MURDER AT LIVERPOOL. At the Liverpool Assizes, Edward Richard Howehin, aged 22, has been tried for the wilful murder of Chris- tian Flueck, at Liverpool, on the 25th of November last. The deceased man, Mr. Flueck, kept a school at Dingle-hill, near Liverpool, in which the prisoner had been resident usher for nearly twelve months. He is slight and active in form, youthful and intelligent in appearance, most unlike the usually accepted type of murderer. The facts appear from the evidence of the witnesses, but it may be said that at the time of the murder there were in the house deceased and his wife, Mr. Kerr, a lodger, four boarders, a page boy, and two female ser- vants. Another lodger, Mr. Preyss, and some day scholars, were out at the time. The house is a large semi-detached one, three Btories high, the hall door in the side in a portico, and passing this a yard door. The schoolroom is the first on the left on entering the hall, and the study, in which the murdtr was com- mitted, is on the first floor in the rear, along a passage, and over the kitchen. The room in which the prisoner slept is on the seoond floor, and just over the study. Mis. F;ueck examined; I am the widow of Mr. Christian vL«aiiia„^My husband was 41 years old. He was born fat ii, euWfcTa in 1859. The prisoner was an TwaJin hi0,0.1' He was goicg to leave at Christmas. T,wilr« in going out to give music lessons on Tuesdays and Fridays. I generally returned about seven. School would be over between four and five. My husband would usually go to the study and sleep or read He very quickly fell asleep, and slept soundly. On Friday, the 25'h I went with a boy, soon after two, down into Liverpool. I came back at half-past four. I then saw my husband in the itudy. He was quite well Oa the table 10 the study there were some clean shirts. At the side of the table there waa a rocking chair. I immediately went out and gave one music lesson. I returned at twenty minutes 13 seven. I rang the front door bell and was let In I by the page boy, M'Grath. It was then shut, as i usuaL The two lodgers were the only ones who had ke> s. On tbe door being opened I ran up to the study. The door wa" thut. I opened it ar.d went in. I saw my hus- band lyiog on the heartbrug with hi, head 0:1. 0.18 end. of the fender. I tried to rju:e hIm.. Ho wrvs breathing heaviiy. I spoke to him, but he did not "answer. I lifted his head eff the fender and put it on the hearthrug. There was blood inside the fender, I ran upstairs to my bedroom— for water and a sponge. I csme down and began t,) bathe Lis head. I found his hair all clotted with blood. I put his head on a cushion and ran downstairs." I went to ycho: 1- room door and called Mr. Howcbin. He came out. lis ccid repeatedly, What is it ?' I s;>id, Close the door. Come upstairs We wcut up together u.to the study. I said, What can this mean ?' He said, "IV" very evident. Look at this." He pointed to a piece of iron (pioduceii) l>iiig at the left-hand side of the hearthrug. Theru were two g"illigbta burning in the room. I then asked the prisoner to go or Dr. Barrett, and he went out for him. He returned before the do&tur. who soon foUowed. When he came he asked for a rsz >r. I went upstairs for one. As I was coming with it I met Ilowchiu on the stairs. I said to him, "Mr. flowchiu, do you know anything of this ?' He said, "No, Mrs Flneck." I then said, Oil your soul, Mr. Howchiu." He said, "O imy solemn honour." Isaid, When did youlastsee Mr. Flueck?" Hesaid, "Asleep in bis chair, at five o clock." Nothing lu fiber was said; then I took the raz rittto the room, 1 think he followed me Into the room. There, he said, Shall I go for any one for yün?" I stid, "Omo." He said, Siuli I go for Yúur aunt ? I said" No;" at last I riaid Very well, go, Ehe must know some tima." He went and brought her. Before this, Howehin had not touched my husband at ail. I think ihe doctor was the first to touch the piece of iron. My hUBOand died two days afterwards without having be- come conscious or being able to speak. I knew of no quarrel or differenoe existing between my husband Bnd any one. [Some letters were here read from the prisoner to Ii Mr, Calder applying for a situation, and one to the same gen- tleman from the deceased in which he says of the prisoner though somewhat peculiar in manner, he is police and obliging."] Prisoner did not obtain this situation. He told me so on the 23rd of November. He asked me Was there not something prejudicial to me in Mr. Flueck's letter to Mr. Calder." I said, Oa the contrary, I think it was an ex- cellent character." He sail, Was there not something in it about a peculiarity' or 'eccentricity.' I !a\d, "Yes, there was," and I told him what was in tbe letter, repeating the words. He said, Ah that is sufficient to damu me." I said, "I don't see that, as there was something to a like effect in a character my husband received of you." He said, I know it;, and I hope you will intercede to get Mr. Flueck to omit mch word* in future." I said, "I'll speak to him, but I don't think he will, as he is strictly conscientious." He said, He neea nut be so particular, as there are men with characters as black as night, with splendid testimonials." I said, "If so, it's a shameful thing; you had better speak to Mr. Flusck your- self." He said, I wish no further conversation with him, as I have already made one blind stroke." This was all that was said. I heard prisoner speak to my husband the same ) day. He was speaking angrily to Howehin about a boy having gone out. I said, I gave him permission." He said to him, Why did you not tall me Mrs. Fiueck had given leave ? I don't recollect what was said, but Howehin said, You may as well call me a liar My husband said, So I will," and left the room. Mr. Howehin said to me, How can you bear this?" Isaid, "I am accustomed to his ex- citability." He said, He ought to be punished." I said, Oh, no, Mr Howehin." After tea my husband snid, I'm sorry I should have blamed you unjustly, Mr. Howchtn." Prisoner made no answer. The shirts Uich 1 had teen on the table before going out were there when I found my hus- band lying on the floor. There was also a newspaper there, l'here were spots of blood on both the shirts and paper. I never saw the piece of iron in the house before. Three of the boarders slept in the same room as the prisoner. He had a box there which was usually kept locked. Nothing was stolen from the house on the night of the occurrence. CrosH-examlned I saw the front door closed when I re- turned from giving my lesson. A speaking-tube communi- cates from the study to the kitchen. I did not speak by it to the servants. I did not wish to alarm the house or the boys. I think when the prisoner went for the doctor I called the servants, but I am not sure as to the extct moment. I do not remember Mr. Preyss coming and holding my husband's right hand after he was iijartd Mr. Howehin and Mr. Preyss dislikel each other very much. My hus- band was eatlly excited by a little d iuk. Isabella Jones, housemaid to Mr, Fiueck 0.1 the 25th of November about 6 30 o'clock, my master came in attha side door. I was in the kitchen. The door was always open. He spoke to the oook and left some sausages. He then went alr-ng the passage towards the halL I had sent the page, U'Gratb, upstairs to the back room to dreu. About ten or fifteen minutes after Mr. F:ueck left we had tea. About five minutes after 1Ir. Flueck Cime in Mr. Howehin cama in the same way. I saw him going alon? the passaze. While we were having tea we heard a fall on the floor of the study over- head, on the right lide of fireplace. This wou;d be ten or fifteen minutes after Mr. Flueck came in. I heard nothing afterwards. I went upstairs to dress twenty-five minutes afterwards, and stayed there about twenty. It was a quarter past six when I cama down. I heard my mistress come in, and about live minutes afterwards I heard her call. I went to the study, and fa1V my mistress, Howehin, and master there ljin? on the floor. A person might have come in by the tide door without rour observing if we were in the kitchen. I saw ne one come In that way but master and Mr. Howchin. I first saw the pleco of ir»n on the study floor. I had never seen it about the house before. Cross-examined I did not heu or the boy. eonie in, nor hear them take off their thoes. The playground Is dirty and muddy. It was Howchin's rabbins his feet on the mat that made me notIce him. Maria Thomas, cook to the lata Mr. MuMtk I remember Mr. Flueck eoming in about 5 30, and I heard him going up- stairs. I saw a light on the opposite w»ll, caused by his lighting the gas in the study at loon 8JI he got tbere. I saw Mr. Howehin come Iv. I was with Isabella Jones when we heard the fall overhead which the has described. M'Grath went np-to dress Just before Mr. Flueck came In. Patrick M'Grath, psge to Mr. FIneck On the evening of the murder I was sent upstairs to dress to the bath-room. That is along the passage, next to the sitting-room. I ttayed from 15 to 20 minutes. I turned both taps on and washed in the bafeh. The taps make a noise when rnnning. I then went to Mr. Preyss' room and down to the kitchen. I saw no one on the stairs. I did not light the gas iu the study. I did in Howchin's bedroom. The front door was shut and latched when I opened it for Mrs Fleuck. Cross examined I saw my master at eight o'clock with his head bandaged. Mr. Preyss had hold of his left ha id, and Howehin of his right. Robert Dempater, pupil and boarder at Mr. Flueck's On the evening of the 25th of November I was at the pigeon- house at the back of the house. Campbell and the two Pick- fords, also pupil were there. Mr. Howehin came to us at fllteen or twenty minutel pa<t five, He left us and Mr. Flucck came and Just speke to us and passed on. Howehin came afterwards and took the Plckfords in. We came in at at a quarter to six. We then went into the schoolroom There were four of us there. The gas was burning then, and we were playing. Howchin came In. This would be after we had been In the schoolroom a quarter rf an hour. He came over to m, and began spinning pennies with us. He stayed till Mrs. Flueck called him out. There was nothing unusual in his sppearance. Edward John Campbell, 1C, another boader: I was with the last witness on tbe 25th of November at the pigeon- house. I went in at a quarter to six, and went into the schoolroom. Howcbln came In In about ten minutes to a quarter of an hour. He went and sat down as If to write. He said he was only going to write one letter. I went and sat with Dempster, and don't know what he did. I saw nothing peculiar about Howchin. John Berry Pickford, 12, another boarder at Mr. Flueck's school: I was with the others at the pif eon-house. How- chin came and said, "Boys, come in." He went first and [ and my brother followed. The others remained out. We changed our boots and went into the school-room. We found him there. He remained there half-an-hour. He went out. I heard footsteps geiug up the staircase Just after he left the room. Ho shut the door. We remained in the room about fve minutes. We then out to meet Demuster and Campbell coming in. They were then changing their shoes. We afterwards went Into the school-room. How- chin came in In about a quarter of an hour and stayed till Mrs. Flueck came. Cross-examined: We talked at the bottom of the stairs. Howchin apun with \1fj, and then went to another table to write a letter. Charles Henry Pickford gave similar evidence. Archibald ifeir: I am a merchant, and lodge at the de- ceased's house. I came in and fastened the door at five on the evening of the murder, and remained in all the evening. I heard of it first after seven o'clock. I had only been across the lobby between my sitting and bed room between coming In and hearing of the murder. Gustave Adolph Preyss: I am the other lodger In the house. I had been out all day, and came home at seven. I heard Mr, Flueck was ill. I have a latch-key. Cross-examined: I went np to the study. Afterwards Howchin asked me to speak German to Mr. Flueck, that perhaps he might answer me. Harley Turney, day pupil: I have gone out walking with Howchin. We have gone walking to Sefton-park. I don't remember having been there this half-year. Howchin was out of the schoolroom for some time during the afternoon of the 25th of November. Joseph Thompson, park-keeper at Sefton-park: I have seen prisoner occasionally in the park. I think I saw him three or four weeks before the murder. I have seen him near the grotto. There are 14 contractor's waggons near the grotto. There are iron stanchions about the waggons. I produce some. They are similar to the piece of iron found in Mr. Flueck's study. SJme of them are missing Charles Hamilton, police-constable: I was on duty in Park- road on the day of the murder. I saw Mr. Flueck pass towards his house about half-past five. I was called to his house about half-psst seven. I was shown into the study and saw deceased ljing as described. I saw the iron stancheon. There were marks of blood on It. I left the room and came back about a quarter-past nine. I found there Drs. Barrett and Hodgson. and Mr. BIckerstetb, surgeon. The prisoner was there. The doctors told prisoner and me to withdraw. We went into the passage and the door was shut. Howehin put his ear close to the door to listen. I said, You had better remain away.' He then said, "I am innocent; I know nothing about it. It is a most mysterious affair." I had said nothing at all to him about his being guilty. Isabella Jones, recalled by request of the Judge Ilowchin came in about five or ten minutes after my master. We had not begun tea then. I did not see the Pickfoidi then. If they had been there I must have seen them. Maria Thomas, recalled I did not see any of the boys with or following Mr. Howehin when he came in. I saw the Piekfords come in before Mr. Flueck came in. I did not see Howehin with them. Morgan 0 Brien, superintendent of police I went to Mr. Flueck's house at half-past nine on the night of the murder. I saw deceased lying as described. I saw Howchin afterwards downstairs. I said to him, Cin you tell me about this affair? He said, "I saw Mr. Flueck asleep In his chair in his study. I came out and closed the door at five o'clock, and between that time and the time I was called by Mrs Fiueck I passed the study door two or three times. It was then partially open." I asked him if he had heard any noise. He said he had heard núne. I told him I should take him to the police-office. He said, If you are about to take me, let me have some bread and butter, as I have had nothiog since dinner" (or tea, I forget which). He got the food, and I took him to Dale-street police-station. When there he was informed by Superintendent Kehol and myself that he would be detained for the night, as suspicion pointed strongly to him. He said, "I see how these things point at me, but were I to make a statement 1 could materially re- duce them, but taking them as you put them, and I presume you have put them in their strongest light, what is there at all in them that could induce me to do such an act T' I then removed him to another room. and when there I examined his clothes. While I was making the examination he said, You must remember that if you do find blood I was helping Mrs. Fleuck to wash Mr. Fieuck." I then left him with Redman. Robert Redman, detective constable: I saw prisoner on the 27th of November at the station. I told him I was going to lock hi ii up in Bridewell on the charge of having inflicted wounds on Mr. Flueck with intent to murder him. He replied, "I have not a single remark to mskj in answer to the charge, outy that I am entirelv innocent." I locked him up- I got the piece of iron from Dr. Barrett on the night of the murder at the house. I found the paper (Liverpool Mercury of the 25th of November produced) ljing on the table in Mr. Flueck's study. It is spotted with blood. I was one of the officers who watched by Mr. Fiueck from the night of the 26th till the morning of the 27th. Decsased did not speak, and seemed unconscious, though he gd out and into bed by himself often. Cross-examined I made the prisoner take off his coat at the house for me to examine it. He made no observation to me. I told him to put it on again, and in that coat he wa.s taken to the station. I was present at the station when O'Brien examined the coat. Ra-examined. I observed marks on the coat when I first eXlmiLed it. I observed two Blight marks of blood on the collar. I pointed them out to tbe prisoner, He said, I assisted Mrs. Fleuck to dress Mr. Fíueck's head." Richard Parkinson, detective constable: I assisted in watching Mr. Fleuck from the afternoon of the 26th of No- vember till half-past nine the same evening. He did not speak or seem conscious. I took the prisoner's coat, vest, and trousers to Mr. Davis, analytical chymist, on the night of the 26th of November. WiUliam Cozens, detective officer: I took shirt, news- paper, and cover 01 a box to 'he cbymist. Prisoner was taktn to the inner office at police-station. I said to him, When did you see Mr. Flueck last." Hesaid, "I went up to the sitting-room for a notice paper of a vacancy. I did not and the notice paper, and then I went up to my bedroom. I then returned to the schoolroom to the pupils Pickford. In ten or fifteen minutes afterwards I went up to the back room, took off my boots and put on my slippers. I then returned to the schoolroom, and recollected I had to go to the post, WJlcJ. caused me to return to the backroom and pht on my boots. Oi returning from the post I recollected I had left my box unlocked, and I went up t) lock it. I was only up about hiilf a minute." He also bid too younger Pick- ford hs.d betn absent from the schoolroom fora few minutes The Judge reprimanded the officer for asking any ques- tions of the prisoner. Dr. Birrett, M, D. and surgeon I live next door but one to Mr. iluecka house. I wa3 cailed by prisoner on the evening of the 25 h November. He asked me to come to Mr F. neck's at once. I said, What's tha matter?" He said, Mr. Flueck ia injured." I sail, Where ?' Hesaid His he id I said, How He eemed excited and hesi- tated for a moment. Isaid, Why I ask ii to ltuow what to take wita me." I walked towards the deor, and he then said he thought be had been assaulted. I told him I should follow immediately. I got to the hou-e at ten niiuutes to seven. I went up to the study aud saw Mrs. Fiueck trmre I think Howehin cama in after me. Al r. Flueck waa lying on the floor on his back on the right side of the fire-p.a'.e. Thsre was a lar^e pool of blood inside the fender aad smears abjut the mantelpiece, also Sjiot* on the newspaper and shirts. There were two pa'ches on the carpet. The window was fastened and there were no indications of a struggle. I saw the iron in- strument on the ltft-hand tide of the fire pi ->e. There were blood stains and epots on it. It had the appearance of fcaviug been wiped. Mr. Flueck was instnsible; his hair much clotted with blood aud brain snbslance m'xed with it There was discoloratiou and swdlllas of the ri¡¡;ht upper eyelid, and extravasated blood on the eyeball. Thero were spots of hood on the .hands. There were four scalp wounds. The skull was expised, fractured, and depressed These injuries were the cause of death. The iron found in the r.om is calculated to produce such wounds. I think the first blow must have been struck by a person standing on the left side of deceased and behind him, the other, I think, he received on the floor, after falling. The injuries must have been inflicted a half or three-quarters of an hour before I saw the deceased. At t.at time there was no active bleeding going on, only oo«.Dg, net spurting nor could there have been any spurt- tag within half an hour or three quarters. The prisoner did not, while I was present, do anything to cause spots or smears on his coat. I should have expected, If anything, a smear of blood, and not a spot, on any part of the prisoner's clothes from auy contact which may have occu-red after I got there. At one time I ssked the prisoner whsn he had last seen Mr. Fleuck. He caid, About five o'clock, asleep in his chair." The chair was then near the window. I took hold of it and placed It near the table. He moved it some little distance off-perhans a foot—and said, "No, here; this is the place." Afterwards he said, From what others hava taid I think it must have been later than five when I saw him asleep." I made a pott mortem examination, which confirmed the opinions I had previously formed. Cross-examined: There was little bleeding after I bandaged. I covered the bandages with gutta percha, and I saw no blood had escaped. Mr. Edward Davis, analytioal chemist at the Royal Insti- tution, Liverpool: I examined prisoner's oat, waistcoat, and trousers. I put any spots I found under the microscope. Oa left breast of coat I found one distinct and one minute spot of blood. On the right arm I also found a spot. I scraped off minute red partlcl 3S. I first examined them dry, and then mohtened them with glycerine and wa er. The liquid became a reddish colour, and I saw blood corpuseles. They were not smears, but spot*. The outline was perfectly definite. I believe it to be impossible to swear to the dis- tinction between human blood and that of a mammal after it has once dried ou oloth. I subjected the spots on the box- lid and paper to the same tests, and with a like result. They seemed of the same date as the ones 011 the coat. I have examined the cloak woru by Mrs. flueck, and can find na trace of blood on it on the skirt. On the sloeve of the Jacket there is the merest trace. I found blood on the clothes worn by Mr. Flueck. Cross-examined: It is not difficult, knowing how to treat stains, to discover whether or not they are blood stains. The spots on the coat were too minute to examine chymi- cally. This was the case for the prosecution, and on Mr. Torr declining to call any witnesses, Mr. Aspinall summed up the evidesca to the Jury. He reminded them that he had called all Mr. Flueck's household as witnesses, and to proved that no one else resident in the house could have oommitted the murder. He dwelt on the evidence as to the bad feeling between the prisoner and deceased, as showing some motive for the crime, but he reminded them that the question of motive was a most subtle and difficult one to deal with Whit was a motive to one man would be none to another, and he asked them rather to look only at the facts. He then dealt with the stains, said to be blood, on the prisoner's coat. For these he had had II.n opportunity of accounting. He had not done so. This was for the Jury to weigh In their minds in coming to a conclusion. Add to this the two facts that no one else was known to entertain the slightest ill-feeling against the deceased and that the murder was not com- mitted for purposes of plunder, and that would be the case against the prisoner. Two questions wore then left to them to consider—is It likely and is it possible a stranger could have committed the act ? lie muit have known the house, and the number of persons who 11 ved thera, and In the face of this he must make sure that he would get in without being s3en, commit ths murder, and get out sgain without meeting any one. Then, was it possible ? The time of the murder was fixed definitely at 5 45 or 60 by the time the fall was h ard. At this time the boys were changing their boots, and the prisoner was heard to go upstairs. He was out of the observation of any of the inmates forflfteon minutes, and his statement wai that at that time he saw deceased asleep in his chair. There was also a further admission that he had been several times up and down stairs ln this interval. Theee statements closed the door for his escape, as if a stranger had done it Howehin must have seen hIm. He submitted that all these circumstances taken together must lead the jury to the irresistible conclusion that the prisoner was the only man who committed this deliberate and brutal murder. Mr. Torr, for the defence, in an energetic speech com- mented on the danger of resting on circumstantial evidence Here there was no direct evidence. There were others in the house, and, while he did not wish to cast a breath of suspicion on any of them, he must use as an argument the possibility of some other inmate having done it. Here in one point he process of exhaustion set up by the prosecu- tion failed. It was possible, too, for a stranger then or at any other time of the day to have got in by either the back or front door, and to have concealed himself in the house. N ) fact had been proved inconsistent with the prisoner's innocence. The spots of blood, if human blood at all, he might have got when holding the deceased during his convul- sive struggles. How strange, too, if guilty, that he should ask Mr. Preyss to speak to the deceased in German, his mother tongue, which might have awakened by its old familiar tones the consciousness of the dying man and in an instant revealed his murderer. Again, how is it possible that so young a man, having committed such an act, could go down at once and, without trepidation or excitement, join In the boyish games of his pupils, and with a steady hand immediately write a letter? Under all the circum- stances (on which he commented in detail), he urged npon the jury that a verdict of guilty would be dangerous and unsatisfactory. The learned Judge, In a most able, impartial, and lucid summing up, told the jury that in considering this case of most horrible and audacious murder they were not to be deterred from doing their duty by the consequences of their verdict. If the act were done by the young man at the bar, he must be a parson of remarkable self-posse3&lon and self- control, and able to conceal excitement wonderfully. He then read through the evidence, commenting on it, as to the prisoner's asking Mr. Preyss t) speak to the deceased in German. He said it might be either wonderful art or an innocent act. If the blow the first and worst had been struck, as was alleged, from behind, and while Mr. Flueck was aslsep, there would be no danger to the prisoner In any etatement he could make. In conclwion, hetoldthejary that the high degree of improbability as to its being any one elee was of great importance, but It must be conclusive before they could couvict. A speculative doubt should not prevent them from convicting, but if they had a reasonable one they should pause. The question was, Is thitthe man f' and before they could answer affirmatively the proof must be Irresistible. The jury retired at seven o'clock and at 8.15 returned into court with a verdict of Not Guilty. This was received with applause in court, and with cheers by an excited crowd who were awaiting the result without. The prisoner has behaved with remarkable self- possession and coolness throughout, exhibiting neither effrontery nor excitement. Eren when the widow of the deceased described the scene which first met her view in the study, he showed not the least sign cf emotion, and even while the jury were deliberating his coolness did not forsake him. The verdict he re- ceived with only a sigh of relief, and ran quickly down the stairs of the dock. The sympathy shown for him by the crowd caused some surprise.

THE GREAT IRISH WILL CASE. The great will ca ie of "Cullen v. Brophy," involv- ing property to the amount of JE200,000 has abruptly come to an end. At the sitting of the Court the j ury suggested that a compromise should be agreed to. Judge Warren referred the matter to counsel, and after a short conference Dr. Ball announced that the case had been settled, the plaintiffs consenting to give the heir-at-law £5,000, in addition to his legacies, and the next of kin £6,500 between them, in addition to their legacies. The trustees could not, he said, take notice of persons who were not next of kin, but perhaps the Brophy s would consider their claims. A request was made on the part of the jury that the case of other legatees who were not relatives should be included in any settlement which would be sanctioned by the Court. One of them etpjcially, who had taken good care of the properly after it was placed in his charge was entitled to favourable attention, and the jury ex- pressed their belief that the trust eep, from their high character, would not forget such faithful services. Formal evidence of the execution of the will was given and Judge Warren directed a verdict for the plaintiffs. He expressed his opinion that there was no ground whatever for saying that any person had used any undue influence. It even appeared, upon the evidence of Mr. Martir, the solicitor who drew the will, that when the attention of Cardinal Cullen was called to the intended testamentary act, he said the first duty of a man was to attend to the claims of his relatives, and this observation was communicated to the testator. It was to be regretted that he had not dealt more liberally with his relations, but that had nothing to do with the case. A decree was pronounced establishing the will The result is to secure large benefits to a number of hospitals and other meritorious charities.

ENGLISH DEMOCRACY & REPUBLICAN FRANCE. In London, last Sunday afternoon, an open-air de- monstration, originated by the International Demo- cratic Association, in favour of the French Republic, took place in Trafalgar-Equare. Processions were formed between one and two o'clock in various parts of London, and soon after three they arrived, one after another, with bands and banners, at the Nelson column, the result being an aggregate assembly of between three and four thousand persons, among whom were a considerable number of Frenchmen, and here and there a well-dreseed Frenchwoman watching the proceedings with a puzzled sort of interest. The plat- form was, as usual on such occasions, the base of the pillar dedicated to the hero of the Nile, and from this elevation the speakers simultaneously addressed two audiences, one on the north and the other on the east side. The first and principal meeting was that facing the National Gallery, the other being no doubt an echo of it. Citizen" Solomon—so he was announced—in that case presided. In opening the proceedings, he said they (the Association), had come here to ascertain whether the English Government fairly represented the English people as regarded France. (Cries of No no.") The hasty closing of the last session, and the late conduct of the Lord Mayor of London, showed the feeling of their rulers. Prussia, he maintained, owed its existence to robbery and aggression, while Republican France had never interfered with her neighbours. Mr. Weston moved the first resolution, v; z" That this meeting tenders its heartfelt sympathies to the people of France in their noble struggle agaiRstdespotism for liberty, and, whiiBt protesting against the indifference shown by the British Government to the sufferings of our tried ally the French nation, asserts that the true feelings and desires of the British people have been ignored." He attributed the conduct of the English Government to dynastic considerations, and indulged in some ratht r strong language from this point of view, especially con- sidering the visit paid by the Queen to the wife of a murderer." Mr. Saga, in seconding the resolution, observed that as an Irishman he had, like the bulk of his country- men, sympathised with France from the first as a matter of sentiment, and he now pleaded for her 803 the pioneer of liberty, which was being ciuahed by Prussia. M. de Fonvielle, already known to the Erglish public, read an English ppeecb, in which, after thanking the meeting for its sympathy, he said, in effect, that ha did not FO much blame Mr. Gladstone for the conduct of his Governaient, because he had to attend to the interests of a royal family which were identified with those of the Empsror of Germany's family. It was not to be expected that Mr. Gladstone would act as it he was" a gentleman of the pavement." He conc'uded by citing Nelson'd Trafalgar motto, and declaring that Frenchman would do their duty and fight to the last. The resolution was then cariitd amid grtaS cheering. Mr. Bradlaugh, who denounced the prostitution of Englsh diplomacy through the influence of Court marriages, and contended that meetings of that kind were likely to exert a useful influence on the policy of our Government, moved the following resolution :— "That since the British Government has not, reprelented the nation by officially recognising the French Republic, we, the people of London, recognise the de facto Government of the Republic as the only legitimate Government of France, and we appeal to our feilow-coutitrymen in Great Britain aud Ireland to adopt a similar course, so as to disavow the tcts of our rulers, and to avoid misrepresentation." This was seconded by Mr. Walter, and adopted; after which three hearty cheers were given for the French Republic. On the motion of Mr. Le Lubey, seconded by Mr. Collins, the following resolution was also carried :— That the Democrats of London gladly recognise tha effortg of their German hrethren who are now suffering by imprisonment, and otherwise In the cause of liberty." The assembly then dispersed; the proceedings, which occupied about an hour, having been of an orderly character. A collection was made by means of boxes towards the expenses of the association.