The New York Herald Newspaper, August 19, 1870, Page 4

4 Special Despatches by Mail to August 6. England’s Position Towards Belgium and the Belligerents. The Neutrality of Belgium---Coal and Other War Contrabands. iow the British People and the Eng- lish Aristocrats Incline. The Alabama Case and the Present Code of Neutrality. Irish Agitation and Popular Ferment. GENERAL MOLTKE AS A SILENT MAN, The Earopean mall of the 6th of August at this port supplies the following important news detalls, vy special correspondence, for our columns. ENGLAND. The Secret Treaty and Neutrality ef Bel- sium—French Oversight and Prussian Ad- vantage—Luxembourg—British Anxiety—The Navy Army—Coal and Contrabands— Moltke and Bismarck—Financial and Com- mercial Consequences. Lonpon, August 3, 1870. We were oll startled by the publication to the Times of a draft of a treaty between France and Pruss.a, without date or signature, but very eiminous for all that. Jn consideration of France makiog no objections to Prussia's gains in South Germany, Prussia was to put preasure on Holland to well Laxembourg to France, and, further, to assist France with an army if that Power should choose to annex Belgium. An alliance, offensive as well as defensive, was to secure these Objects, It 1s not too mauch to say that this document has almost monopo- lwed attention in France, Prussia, England and Belgium, At first it was thought by many to be clear proof of a desire on the part of France to disregard the faith ot treaties, though some regarded it simply agan attempt toembrou this country with France, since England stands pledged to guarantee the neu- tralty of Belgtum., The course of the week has not favored enUrely either of these simple constructions, On the docum nt being brought up in Parliament the government gave no opinion as to the value to be attached to it, bat sald that the Powers implicated would doubtiess hasten to explain whatever mystery there was about 11, OVERSIGHT IN DIPLOMACY. Phere has been plenty of planation” since, put not enough to clear np the matter. The Prussian government says that the document in question was written by Comte Benedetti, and exists in thei ar- chives in his handwriting; and so much Is conceded by France. The difference ts this, that while Bis. marck ys it was one of a series of similar French proposals, the French Ambassador here says it Was a suggestion of Bismarck reduced to writing by M. Benedetti from his dictation. Each perty, while alleging that li was the other who made the proposal, says tnat it was at once and definitely rejected. Biswarck adds that he kept the fact of she offer a secret in the interests of peace. He adds ‘hat he belteves but for the publication of the drait NEW YORK gentioman in Berlin lately tried to pump — “How aro things going on, General'” ‘The answer crops are doing was, “Thank you, gir; my TF nicely, but my potatoe are-backward.” His affira are, at all even! eeeng oe weil in one respect— the supply of men—for numbers of eligibie recrutta are declined owing to a sufficiency in the army. Every indication shows that the Germans will have pleoty of reacrves to fill the gaps ma by baie FINANCE AND CO! 1B. Fatlures on the Siock Exchange Keép still occur- Abvut forty cases ring, both here and in Livérpool. have been reported in London and more are ex- pected, still fhé markets are growing steadier and moderate investments are made, ‘The war burst upon a ‘bull’? speculation not unworthy of Wall street, and with similar results—tbe only difference being that certain foreign government loans are the vehicle of disaster here for the most part. In the commercial markets the only favi le item is that the grain market 1s lower than last week, both in wheat and other domestic crops and tn Indian corn. ‘The cotton spinners and clothmakers are very gloomy, and well they may be, with lower prices and a market slipping away from them. All production 18 in suspense, unless we except that debatable ar- ticle of coal, Popular Feeling Toward the War Combat- ante—The People Inclined Toward Prus- Aristocracy te Napoleon—fias Civi- menced or Is It Ended t—First Failares—Two Millions Ster- ling Gone is One Bank—A Banker Shot. LONDON, August 4, 1870. The war has, of course, been the all-absorbing topic here. The general sympathy 18, no doubt, with Prussia, unless it be in the lordly circles to which the Standard addresses itself, ‘That paper has been very solemn, PecksniMan almost, in tts lectures to other journals, and bidding them speak more respectfully of England's “great ally,” not without @ covert threat that Napoleon may punish them for their blunt language. But the sermon falls on needless ears. The war 1s generally considered a3 Napoleon's wanton act, and newspa- Pers cannot be expected to hide that belief, To be sure, pretty strong language has been used, but who can wonder at it? Europe always de- ludes itself with the thought that the war of tne day is the last that will ever occur, and ‘hat tn face of armaments which waste almost as tiuch money as war does. There can never be another war, It 1s argued: that would be “a scandal on our boasted civilization.” The next war arrives in due time, and the homiites which ushered in the last are worked up to suit the present, and ‘scan- dal’ is explained away or laid at the door of one party. It does seem a little odd that men find, even in these old days (for they are old and not young, although new) no better means of settling their dis- putes than by slaughter; 80 odd that one is driven to think that the fault lies in human nature, of which, according to Sam Slick, “There's a deal in man." It would not so much matter if the customary way of speaking were true, and that France or Prussia really bore the whole burden, It is that plaguey Jacques Bonhomme or Hans who will put an individual human tuterest into the business by getting wounded or killed, and his great and glorious country labors under dificuities if ittried to act as his substitute in either of these events, Horace is as right now as ever. ‘‘Whatever the madness of the kings the people get the blow: No doubt each man flattors himself that he will qur- vive the war on thesound principle what “all a think all men mortal but themselves.’ But each man knows, as well as we more fortunate outsiders, that thousands will be killed who will each leave a hole in some family and circle, and they go to it just as cheerily as if killing were the politest thing in the World. One cannot but think @ thing or two proved by the conduct of civilized mankind with regard to war: either people utterly disbelieve the Christian religion as taught by any of its churches, or they believe that a man who dies in lis country’s service goes straight to hea- ven, AS I do not think the latter opinion is prevalent Tam driven to the former, and record it as my Conviction that the treatment of the ques- tlon of war proves that Christians disbelieve their religion. Itis very cleat that they face with much calinness the risk of damnation—for other people. EFFECT ON 'CHANGE. However, we do not want to talk theology, since even our universities are to be freed from a compul- sory dose of it. Let us speak of mundane things. It Was said above that the war was an all-absorbing topic “of course.” If you were here you would see the strict propriety of that statement. The Stock Exchange affects almost et, Han ti ie child in this land of capltalists And pdubers, and & lively time there has been in that mysterious tnsti- ution. Thirteen failures as the resuit of one fort- nightly settlement make a pretty heavy list. Not that any one but their friends ever care a bution iit che Times France would have renewed the offer a8 soon as the rival armaments were both compleie, and have urged Prassia to make peace at the ex- pense of Belgium. 1t is useless to try to reach a eecision ab present as to who originated this neat plan of spoliation; in any event it is unlucky for France (nav the plan exists in Berlin in the hand- writing of M. Benedetti, Whose indiscretion tn leav- ing such an Instrument im such a place seems in- credibie. DOUBTS OF BOTH POWERS. ‘This ts about all that can be made of it at present, thougit the French government might clear up tts part in the agai, if it is capable of it, by publishing its despatches from M. Benedetti at the time in ques- ‘ion, the date of what was called the Luxembourg afta .S8e Matter stands no one can help feel- ing that confidence in both these friendly Powers 13 considerably shaken. Its felt that such proposals re uot usually made, at any rate in writing, with- ut atolerable certainty that they are not sure of ymmediute rejection, AS matters stand Belgium feels that her uhmost strength must be always in readiness to deiend her neutrality. And Engiand sees wilh what suddenness she might have been dvagged into war for the defence of Belgian neutral- Nor is she by any means too snre that anger not in store for her yet. The is ' has been before the House of Lords twice, where Lord Gra to documen day ven such information as ed above. But on Mon- House of Commons will undertake the in Will be properly introduced by Mr. as jeader of the opposition. On that even- government will no doubt be pressed for the atement of what it knows and what it a (ne more powerful and popular Chamber |, make clear the wiskes and feclings ry. rOw ER OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE. if MuXlety 18 naturally felt to know the state ple incase of trouble breaking is reported at 60,000 men and 400 ch forty are lron-clads. These are in agreater state of efficiency than has wh in ihe for years. With regard to the army, it 1s stated by Mr. Card- Well to be aa nei ly as possible at the full strength called for by the estimates, Of course many more questions have been asked On this subject than it prudent for the Ministry to answer; but, as re- | sd abuve, Monday is expected to ‘bring out a | vatisfactory expianation from the Premier himself, COAL AND CONTRABANDS Coal 1s already @ subject of lively discussion. 1ce Will dot consider It coutraband of war, while | Hence, if the French navy captures | J¥ carrying coal to ¢ it will let them go as innocent; ‘al torce, t nge r- tbg that Engiand will vio- railly Wf she allows Newcasti¢ to supply coal » Frenen flee nd asking if England realiy nother Alabama question, ‘Truly, the ways of neutraliy are hard to travel, Coal, unfortunate- ly. 18 a> uselul in peace as in war, ‘which 1s more said of ball cartriages. However, with- 48 copiraband ariicies of doubtful na- Param nt ts amending the Foreign Enlistment act as it should have been amended before Mr. urd’s business practices were enabled to do 1 harm. it 18 hoped that the new provisions will preyentany one of Mr. Laird’s turn of mind trom re- peating those operations in which he so cunningly suade (he whole country his special partner. But avout the coal business ft is Impossible to say what wil be done, since neutral nations are not in the halito: redressing irregularities bet ween beiligerents, or 0: laying Gown rujes lor the decisions of their prize courts, FROM THE SEAT OF WAR. Very littie news frou the seat of war reaches us. The portion of the French army is not Known with certainty, while the Prussian arrangements can only be guesse it 18 certain, however, that the olleys Of the Moselle and the Saar are crowded with agrJoliturisis whose tools would scarcely be recog- nues' by @ farmer. One or two skirmshes are reported. but im very different terms by writers of oppescd nationalities, The Emperor Napo- leon has reached Meiz with his son, and with his rest.¢es8 consin, who is snpposed to be ail the safer for being under the Emperor s eye, and without a commad. An lnperial proclamation has been issued in the atmy, telling it traakly that the war will be long and severe, and that the enemy con- <I ec the glory of overcoming Wen, Which is certainiy to happen, since the French soldier will prove him- self worthy of bis fathers, The army of civiuzation depends on ita success, and Ske Case * “hat if every man does his duty the God of Battles will L . with the French, It must be very comforting to know all this on the word of their Emperor, put the Pron Would hardly have objected to 4 little more fire the proclamation, An address specially ce % ‘for the navy was read by the Empress ar ust beloré the denartare oF the squadron, ourse ler Majesty’s inspiriting presence really to the natural enthusiasm of the mo- Oberbou and of adaed 4 elleved to have oni, Som fity thousand sen are believed to t ! t for an expedition to land on the coast of North Germany, ho one Kuows whe MOLTKE AND B The German preparations are . Coant Moltke inspires as mu Ia matters military a8 docs Hismarck in i > cy @ven though tic solaier is 80 chary of cipionas at silent In seven lan- is that he is sald to be ‘ aane” He remiuds aue of General Grau. & sts of sumne of the best treops in Europe. The great- | assured that | about the failure of stock brokers or dealers, always barring their creditors. But the fali in securities is the thing that pinches. Consols down two per cent, five-twenties ten, Turkish bonds heaven knows how much, and even English raliways as high priced as iiltnois Central ten or twelve. The bad feeling was aggravated by the failure of a bank in Nor- wich with liabilities of nearly two millions sterling. It was a private affair, the Crown Bank, with thirty- one branches, and owned by three persous. One worthy partner had been speculating for years with poor success and managed to lose some three mul- Jion pounds sterling. As bis own resources did not reach this trifling figure, and a8 his deposits were temptingly within reach, the deposits of the Norfolk tradesmen and farmers had the honor of defraying his expenses, A few days since a pistol bullet entered his chest, by whom fired the discreet papers omitted to state. The coroner's inquest leads one to think that he committed suicide. Decidedly these English papers are very delicate to the troubles of an untortunate man if he is @ baronet or better. What pnzzics me is whether the ruived speculator shot his banker for not continuing bis advances, or the banker shot the speculator for not keeping a better account. At any rate, the depositors have thrown the concern into bankruptcy, and will be lucky tf they get seventy-five percent. The circulation was forty-nine thousand odd pounds sterling, all un- secured; aud the holders of notes take their chance with the others. This viclous practice of issuing notes without special security is the usual ong here, though it has not escaped the condemnation of the philosophic John Stuart Mill, This bank failure added intensity to the first panic, which was already so severe as to show a wide spread system of operations forarise. What would become of forelgn governments without this speculative feeling in England it 16 hard to say; they might be driven to keep the peace. The phieg- matic John Bull is, beween ourselves, the greatest gambler in the world, with the possible exception of one or two of your Congressmen. But he does not like the ‘chips,’ so be buys Turkish sixes, or any other neatly drawn device for raising money. A small bookseller near me sees that ‘Turks’ are down six per cent, #0 he buys a bond; the weel sees his Turk down nine per cent more. He isa pre iné, a8 Baizae would say. Count on him as awarm friend of Turkey till be gets his money back. Now this bookseller, and thousands like him, would have bought five-twenties if they had been in smaller denominations, The sanguine Bowles 13 80 fur io the rigut. Butif he thinks bonds of fifty dol- lars would fund the existing fiye-twenttes and ten- forties into a four per cent loan he shows an amount of faith which Tam sure does not characterize his own successful business. All the same; he is doing good service to America, both by his published tes- timony before Congress and by hls weekly lucubra- tions published here, a The Naval Armameat—A Fleet for Gibral- tar—Its Agurcaate, Power and Command= A Cruise in the Atlantic. Lonpon, August 6, 1870, The whoie of the ships forming the Channel squad- ron will leave this week for Gibraitar, where they Will meet the Mediterranean squadron about Sunday week. The combined fleets wit proceed thence under the command of the Mediterranean Com. mander-In-Chief, Admiral Sir Alexander Milne, for a cruise In the Atlamlic, when the several ships will be exercised in divisions and a trial will be made as HERALD, FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 1870.—TRIPLE thom, The dookyard hands are being increased a» far as practicable, and, 1n every means is being ued od the augmentation of all the naval establish MEN AND STORES WANTED. The stores are being surveyed, but in every respect | found deficient tor the requiremenis, the dockyards and victuulling establisumenuts being entirely de- nude’, Men are in great demand, both for (he feet and the Royal marines, so much 80 that geod bounties | will have to be caven if the government really witend to increase tnese fore: ‘ure to come from I aim at a loss to kaow; they cortaiuly are not to be found in any of the ports I have visited this week —viz., Plymouth, Portsmouth, Sheerness, Chat- ham and Woolwich, if the latter may Le termed one. Agatn, where the stores are J am at a loss to know, ‘They most certainly are not in the dovkyards, and since my return from Plymouth | bear, ou a re.table authority, that the ships at that port belonging to the Uhanpe! sjuadron are unable to leave, as there are no ordnance stores to Mill them up with. A GREAT BAM. T have just had a telegram saying that the Hot- Spur, & New armor-piated ram, mouol two guna, left Mcsars, Napier’s yard, at ee ths morning. She is 2,637 tons and 600 nominal horse power, and will be brought forward for comiission on her arii+ yal at Devonport with as litte delay as Profite of a Peculiar Neutrality—Both Bel- ligerents Welc for Cash. [From the London ‘felegraph.} Many of our manufacturers are already beginning to reap a rich harvest from the war. At Leedé sev- eral of the mills have begun to work five days a week, aud they wi!l soon, no doubt, have to work six, in order to supply the requisite military stores. Birmingham 1s enjoying a stlil greater share of good fortune, the nmakers has received more orders for amall arms than they can execute. Of course the orders do not come directly from the bel- ligerenis; they are forwarded, in most cases, by neutral Powers desirous to guard themselves against the contingencies of the conflict; but in some cases, no doubt, they ure sent by agents, who carefully conceal the name of the party for whom they act. France, atleast, seems to lave been active two months belore the war; for, according to a well in- formed provincial contemporary, a Birmingham firm recently supplied her with 30,000 chassepots, During the war each of the velligerents 1s likely, under whatever diMficulues, to make ample use Birmingham. It ts not comforting to think that we even an indtrect part in the should thus be berg 1 present war; but the belligerent character of Bir- side, Itisa mingham has at jeast one assuring source of atrength to England. By means of the oMictal us well as the private factories, this country, should the government but choose—as it does not— to avail itself in time of the guomakers’ services, can produce more rifies in a given time than any other nation. Were we at war the gun factories of Birmiagham couid, of course, if prior orders were of hand, be virtually made government works; and in the present perilous state of atfairs that fact affords a certain sense of security. On the other hand our supply of rifles seems so depiorably short that the soouer the War Office turns its eyes to the resources of Birmingham the better it may be, not only for the security of England but for the peace of Europe, BRITISH NEUTRALITY. The Cabinet Policy and Code Between France and Prussin—Provisions of the New Taw and a Glance at the. Old—How the Queen and Government Stand Towards u Belligerents—The Alabama Ciaims Case—Hints ter the United States Execu- tive—Will Queen Victoria Pay Up? Lonpon, August 6, 1870. In one of the late Lord Macaulay's essays—that on the “Seven Years’ War,” | think—after referring to the breach of faith of which the English were guilty in abandoning the cause of Frederick the Great, he goes on to say that the result of this act of treachery was that, many years afterwards, all the efforts of Piit to get up a coalition against tne First Napoleon were for a long time fruitless, the re- Inembrance of the perfidy of which Great Britain had been guilty on a former occasion being stil fresh in the minds of the German people. ‘The moral deduced from this incident by the great essayist is that nattons never can hope to escape paying sooner or later the penaity of any crimes they may commit. “Instances may be adduced,” he says (I quote from memory, not having the volume at hand), ‘of indi- viduals who have committed great crimes and who have yet gone down to the grave in the full enjoy. ment of all the advantages they had ever hoped to have obtained from those crimes. But in no case does 4 nation escape retribution, and for the simple reason that the life of a nation, unllke that of an Individual, is not limited in duration, the whirligig of time, sooner or later, bringing its revenges.”” These remarks of Lord Macaulay apply with singu- Jar force to the present position of this country. During the late American civil war, utterly regard. less of public morality, and looking only to the imme- diate advantage of the trading classes, the English government, while professing to act according to the strict letter of the law, systematically closed its eyes to the fitting out in Brttusn ports of privateers for the service of the Confederates. To the remonstrances of the American Minister Lord Palmerston’s Cabinet turned a deaf ear, refus- Ing to admit even for one moment that it was their duty to remedy by legisiation the defects in the ex- isting law, notoriously inadequate as it was to deal With the emergency, and rejecting any suggestion to that effect with an affectation of virtuous indignation. “The present law,” said Earl Russell, “is sufficiently stringent, if properly carmed out, to prevent any violation on the part of our people of the neutrality we profess; and, even if tt were not so, it would not be consisient with our dignity to entertain the idea of altering it at the suggestion or request of any foreign government.” The neutrality we profess! Profess is a good word, forsooth! Well, the Alabama escaped—her doings are a matter of Listory—the resuit being that the american mercantile tag was alinost driven, tor the time, from the sea. Apropos of the Alabama, the London Standard of last Wednesday, vie Sd iust., in the course of au ediiorial on the war between France and Prussia, makes the foilowing damaging admission:— i The Alabama was allowed to steam out of the Mersey at | atime when public opinion was so strong in tavor of the | South that Earl Russeil was not sorry to avail himself of the loopholes afforded bim by the somewhat scanty evidence and coincident illness of the Crown's official law adviser. Subsequent experience hus only shuwn the fallacy of walling 40 ciose to the wind. To return. The immediate gain to the English people from the line of conduct adopted by the gov- ernment was considerable, “But what will be the ultimate consequences of it?’ objected some tew statesmen—Bright for one—who saw an inch beyond their noses. ‘Oh!’ was the reply, “the South is certain to secure its independence (the London Times said, ‘The federals aud Contederates can no more be reunited under one government than the heptachy restored in Kagland’), and the North will beso exhausted by the struggle and so weakened by the separation that we can afford to despise its eamity.”” If, again, it had beep suggested at that perioa that, one day, a war might break out in Europe, say, as has happened, between France and Prussia—the one strong enough at sea to blockade every one of its adversary’s ports—and that as tne weaker Power in this respect might seek to play over again the same game that the Confederates had done, it would be wise to provide for the contingency; the man who had made such @ proposition would have been laughed toscorn. “Sufficient for the day ts the evil thereof; Jet the morrow take cure of liself,” was the motto of the British Ministry of that epoch. THE CRISIS COME. Well, the contingency, which any one deserving the name oO! statesman ought to have foreseen must, necessarily, one day present itself, has arisen; and what was refused to America at the hour of her utmost need has been done, 1n not haste, in antici- pation of the demands of the Emperor of the French. Abii to amend the Forelgn Enlistment act was read a second time in the House of Commons on Monday last, and is, says the Standard, to be hur- ried through both houses at express 8} , in order that shipbuilding for belligerent and their agents may be placed under a ban which will effectually to the comparative merits of the Monarch and Cap- tain, armor-plated torret ships. ORGANIZATION AND COMMAND. The feet will comprise the Lord Warden, 32 guns, armor-plated ship, with the fag of the admiral commanding in chief. The Belierophon, 14 guns, ship. The Royal Oak, 24 guns, armor-plated screw ship. The Prince Cousort, 24 guns, armor-plated screw and The Caledonia, 20 guns, armor-plated screw ship, from the Mediterranean squadron. The Minetaur, flagship of the Vice Admiral, Sir Hastings Yelverton, in temporary command-in-chief vl the Channel squadron, The Agincourt, flagship of Rear Admiral Henr; OChads, second in command of the Channel squad- ron, and the Northumberland, Wartior, Hercules, Mouarch and Captain (iron-clads) and Inconstant and Volage make up the squadron from here. ‘The jatver vessel is at present watching the move. ments of vessels in the Downs, but will be ordered to Join the feet before It leaves Gibraltar. AT WOOLWICH, armor-plated screw | The splendid dockyard at Woolwich, the freehold |} of which Was ordered to be put up for sate, 1s, | hear, to be jor the present retawed by the government, } and the town, which has bere desolate for the past | twelve months, is once &yatn likely to show some tokens of activity, although the pre. vent Board of Admuraity have created @ vast amount of havoc by the recent sale of machinery and ihe displacement of the tron fooring as weil as we breaking up of the tron shafts, all of which was sold by public auction at an euormous sacrifice, At all the Ke dockyards ships are beiug got ready wud (ae wieg du ue reserves pre bela tranalerred Wo prevent a European reproduction of the Alabama controversy. NEUTRALITY TO-DAY. The bill js entitied “Ihe Neutrality Act of 1870.” It repeals the old statute of 1519 and substitutes a new code, Its provisions generally, however, do nov differ very mate! from the enactment of 1819, except that the Clauses are expressed with greater precision and leave less op- portunity for evasion. The part of the measure which beats more particularily upon the present juncture of affairs is that entitied ‘ile gal Shipbutiding and Illegal Expeditions,” Here the lang’ itfers widely from that of the former statute, i) shows that the lesson of recent unsuc- cessful prosecutions has not been forgotten, Any buiider who “with intent or knowledge or having reasonable cause to believe that the same shall or will be employed in the naval or military service of any foreign State at war with any eis State,” ig liable to flue and imprisonment and to the contis- cation of the ship. The same punishment 13 to be inflicted on any one who equips a ship or causes it to be despatched with the Jike intent, or with “rea- sonable cause to believe’ that she will be illegally employed. Obviously the net of the law is made far more comprehensive and its theshes closer than they were under the old act. The former law forbade ac- tnal equipment or attempts to equip; but a ship might be constructed in English ports with a full conviction on the part of the English builder that she was to receive warlike apparatus and arma- ments elsewhere, and to be employed for belligerent purposes; yet if the ship were only built here she id not come under the operations of the stacutory words “equip, furnish, fitout or arm.” That was the result of the decision respecting the Coniederate ship, the Alexandra, But, under the present law, & cruiser cannot escape in this way, for the mere act of building, with a reasonable canse to believe in the idegal destination of the crait, is now rendered & penal offence. Under the mew act, tog, uot only are Muck lancer powers given to local authorities to detatn & sns- pected ah & judicial inquiry into hor character, but of State ‘ts, by one clause, authort: to #eiz., summerily, any ship whici he may have reason to believe is intended for the dervice of a belitxerent, throwing the buraen of proving the innocence of the vessel upon the builder OTP will be seen that the provisions of the above statute just remedy those defects which were so con- splcuous in the old law. ‘The passage of this we. cannot all €0 be a ot © passage of this ac. { & strong argument on the side of the United States im any tuture renewal of the discussion of the “Alabama claims, ' for tt 18 not only & palpable admission that the old law was not suitictently stra it to enable the British government to fulfil 1% obligations towards foreign Powers ta gouergl, but tt is also a tacit acknowledgment of moral responsibility for the consequences which resuised from its refusat during the American civil war to comply with the Teasonable demands of the federal government, The Secret Treaty—Earl Grapville’s Report lish Houre ef Lorde~Bismarck’s In the House of Lords the Earl of Malmesbury asked the government if they had any further infor- mation to give in reference to the Projet de Traite, whioh was published in the London Times, Karl Granville said that Count Bernstom had placed in his hands yesterday a telegram from Prus- sia, of which he would read an English transila- tion:— BRBLIN, July 28, 1870, Feo OounT BISMARCK TO COUNT BERNSTOFF:— Your Excellency will be goo! enough to com- municate the following to Lord Graoville:—The docuzent published by the Times contains one of the proposals which have been made to us since the Danish war by official and unotiolal French agents, with the object of establishing an alliance between Prussia and France for their mutua: aggrandize- ment, I will send the text of an offer made in 1866, — aocordin, to which France p to ald Prussia with 300,000 men aguinst Ausi and to permit Prussia’s Sporadic ment by six or eight milions of subjects in return for the cession to France of the district between the Rune and the Moselle, The im; - bulty of agreeing to this course was clear to all ex- cept Freuch dipiomatists. On this proposition bemg ted the French government began to calculate upon ourdefeat France has not ceased to tempt us with Ooms i be bai Gree ab ory Mi of road many jum, ne interests e) them secret. After the Luxumourg adair the Dre Dongs dealing with aT | and South Germany were renew M. Ben ‘3 age belo to this period, It 13 not likely that benedeni acted without the Emperor's sunction. Finally, the convicticn that no extension of terriiory was attain- able in copjunction with us must have matured tne resolve to obtain it by my eee us. [have even grounds jor bell-ving that, had not this project been made pubic efter our armaments on both sides were complete, France would have proposed io us jointiy to carry out M. Benedetti’s programme against unarmed Europe, and to conciude peace at Belgium’s cost. Ifthe French Cabinet now repudiates aims, for our participation.in which it bas uninterruptedly labored since 1864, elther by demands or promises, this Is easily to be explained by the present political situation, BISMARCK. Yesterday afternoon M. Lavalette made a state- ment to him (Lord Granville), which he would read from a despatch to Lord Lyons, in which was em- bodied a despatch from Granville to Lord Lyons, auted Foreign Office, July 29, 1870:-— , My Logp—The French Ambassador called on me On the 28th inst., for te purpose of communicating to me the purport of a despatch which had peen ad- dressed to his Excellency by the French Minister for Foreign Affairs on the subject of tue pretended dra{t treaty published in the 7tmes, kn that despatch, which M. de Lavalette was good enough to read to me, the Duc de Grammont observed ‘that the very form in which ius Weaty is drawn up and the terms in which it is couched showed clearly whence it | came and can deceive no one. Those who have watched the course of European affairs since the ac- cession in office of M. de Bismarck are aware {rom which side have come those suggestions which aro now attributed to France, ever since the year 1665. M. de Bismarck has constantly eudeavored to carry out his own pe by endeavoring to draw the attention of the French government to territo- rial aggrandizement. He told M. De Lefevre de Be- haine, then Chargé d’Affairs at Berlin, that Prussia would wililng:y recognize the right of France to extend her borders wherever French language is spoken, thereby Indicating certain Swiss cantons be- sides Belgium. These overtures the government of the Emperor deciined to entertain. Immediately ane Re. batt of adowe similar proposals were made at Brunn . de Kehaine, and on this occa- sion Count Bismarck told him that the course of France was clear, The French government should go tothe King of Belgium and explain that the tnevi- table increase to Prussian territory and infuence Was most disquieting to their security, and that the sole means of avoiding these dangerous issues would be to untie the destinies of Belgium and France by bonds so Close that the belgium monarchy would become in the north a real bulwark of safety to France. Further reporting @ conversation with Count Bismarck in July, 1866, the French Am- bassador informs his government that he re- ported nothing new in stating that M. Bis- marck is of opinion that compensation should be sought by France in Belgium, and offered to come to an understanding on the subject with the government oi the kmpe The Ducde Grammont went on to say he deciined to listen to these pro- posals, and when at a lator period they sought a ratidcation of the frontiers they expressly declined to mention even the name of Belgium. The Duc de Grammont then points out that if such designs against Belgium had really been entertained by his government it would have been easy to carry them out with the proifered assistance of Prussia, who is only anxious to secure the fruits of her victories, ‘These suggestions were again made at the time of the Luxemburg affair. ‘they were unwillingly re- ceived, and categorically rejected by the Emperor. Finally the Marquis de Lavalette was instructed formally to assure her Majesty’s government that in these proposals the initiative was entirely taken by the Prussian Cabinet. M. de Lavaiette then in- formed me that he had received instructions, by telegraph, to acquaint me that the documents in the handwriting of M,. Benedetti were written by him under the dictation of Count Bismarck, who wished to entangle the French government in a conspiracy against the liberties of Belgium, and that then, as at other times, the scheme was fg he Se I am, &c., @ VILLE. M. Lavalette stated that this was not an answer to the telegram from Berlin, but that farther infor- mation would be afforded. The Bismarck Assaults on England, {From the Cork Herald.) A violent anti-English article appeared in the North German Gazette (tne Berlin organ of Count Bismarck), on Wednesday. It charges England With “being a French arsenal for the manufacture of cartridges to shoot down the sons of Germany,” and reminds Englishmen of the loss that would fol- low to their commerce if Prussia allowed France to absorb Belgium. The refusal of the British gove: ment to cousider coal as contraband of war 18 also causing considerable dissatisfaction tn Prussia, as the movements of the French fleet would be seri- ously retarded if the export of coal from England were prohibited, The Loudon Post 1s very trate at the nnmistakabie menace contained in Count Bis- marck’s mouthpiece, and reminds Prussta that in the event of her violating the neutrality of Belgium, the first wo resent the outrage would be the Power whose commerce and prestige she has threatened to extin- guish. Another Berlin paper published yesterday a Suill more significant menace, by stating ‘that the people of Germany were asking whether England wanted another Alabama question.” FRANCE. Lf Prussia is Defeated—What hay [From the Paris Temps, August 6.) As to the issue of the war, the adviser of King William looks forward to it with the utmost calm- ness—not that he affects any arrogant confidence in the military resulis, but the political consequences appear to him to present little danger to his canse, even on the supposition of @ striking defeat. “if Prussia is victorious,’’ he says, “she would not only achieve German unity to her own advantage, but she would retake, if she thought fit, Lorraine and Alsace; she would have in France only a neighbor lessened 1n territory and lowered without the nope of recovery, subject to a political crisis, of which 1 will require ten or twerty years before it will be over; she remains incontestably in possession of the first rank among the Powers of Western Enrope. Should Prussia, on the other hand, be beaten, what has she to lose? Atthe very worst the boundary of the Rhine. In point of fact her territorial Integ- rity ia not interfered with; her power of expansion as representative of the Germanic idea remains what it was before; her invernal constitution rests Intact; her power and her military renown will be shaken for & time, it 1s true, but she will re- main in fall possession of all the elements necessary for her recovery. For Pruasia, in a word, defeat means simply loss of time; for France it would be equivalent toruin. The first risks at the most to see lier present compromised ana her advance de- layed, while the second plays her future and her ition in the world. So reasons M. Bismarck, and it is from such arguments that he derives the serenity of mind of to-day, just it caused him for four years to brave us unceasingly. He piques him- Self on the fact that he led us where and how he pleased. He nas the conviction that he has, on his art, secured all the advantages on his side before Beginning the game, and ne thinks himself, at least, certain that he will not lose even if he does not suc: ceed in winning. The calculation 1s worthy of the rofound politician who prepared and made the ssia of 1866; but M. Bismarck has already expe- rienced a first surprise in seeing France acclaim the war, and her people range themselves around their government instead of separating from it. Per- haps this is not the only miscalculation that this result of the enterprise may entafl upon him, in arte of his confidence that he has foreseen every- thing." What Thiers Says. The following is the translation of a private letter from M. Thiers, published in London:— Sim—I thank you for the letter you have done me the honor of writing concerning the circumstances throngh which we have just passed, J have always beloved that Franco would beded to resist the al: | SHEET, bition of young and but I heve always been of oj hr to be Sieeene cous So ers ty course. If in demand! Crapaiohas | Lyd en le to en twenty-four oura’ reapite ink that w countrymen, having time for reflection, would have de- cided In favor of fares was unable and now, always faithful to the iton'y remains to me to pray desiring that this may cost humanity as littie sufer- Ing 43 possible and lead to a durable peace, IRELAND. Demonstrations for France in the War--The Franco-Hiberninn Muster in Dublin—Socenes im the Streets—The Fiouch fiag Tora Down By the Pellco—Menster “Tara Out” Against England and Prussian, DuBLIN, August 3, 1870, Irish sympathy with France at the present crisis bas during the paat week mantfested itself in a most unmistakabie manner. Three monster demonatra- tions have already been held—two in this city and one in Cork, while several otner smaller towns have expressed their sympathy nos legs decisively in favor of France. The first of these demonstrations took place succeed, here in front of the french Consul’s house, in which, it is sald, not less than 15,000 persons took part. This was & large number, considering that no advertisement or public information was given.of what was about to take place. The promoters of it, anticipating a col- lision with the police, kept the mattera secret. Thetr intention, however, was anticipated by their enemy, and, at the appointed hour, a lange force of police crowded the place of rendezvous. Several bands were in attendance, whioh played French and Irish airs, such as “Partant pour la Syrie,” the ‘Mar. selllaise,” “God Save Ireland,” “O'Donnel Aboo"” and others, The enthusiasm of the people was very great, and as they passed the house of the French Consul cheered vociferously for the people of France, the Emperor, the Empress and the Prince Imperial, and cried, ‘Down with Prussia and England." The police endeavored to suppresa this manifestation, but {mn vain. They however succeeded, in the early part of the proceedings, tn preventing the music, but afterwards they found it impossible to restrain the numerous bands from Playing whatever airs they pleased, At one time a serlous collision took place between the police and the people, which, had it not been for timely inter- ference of the leaders, might have been attended with evil consequences. COLLISION. About half-past nine o'clock, when the streets were thronged with a living mass, cheering vocife- rously apposite the Consulate, a French tri-color, with a broad stripe of orange and another of green entwined with it, was raised on a pole by one of the groups standing close by. The appearance of the French colors’ was, as might be expected, hailed with the wildest enthusiasm, when suddenty half a dozen or so of the police endeavored to seize the flag and to remove it out of the hands of those who bore it. A scene of great excitement ensued. The cry was raised, “‘Tney are tearing down the French flag,” and then the populace rushed forward to attack the police, and, if possible, to rescue the flag. A strug- gle of some moments’ duration ensued, which ended in the destruction of the colors; but the re- mains, such as they were, were in the hands of the people. ANOTHER ASSEMBLAGE. An immense gathering for the same purpose took place on the 24th instant; uot, however, as was previously announced, at Harold’s Cross, but in Sandymount Park. The bills and ad- vertisements summoniny this meeting were purposely printed so as mislead the police. It was first announced that the meeting would take place at Harold's Cross; but it is believed that there was no serious intention on the part of the pro- moters of it to hold it there. Several thousand per- sons, however, assembled at the Cross, but when they ascertained that the meetmg was to be neld at Sandymount they at once repaired thither, The number assembled at tuis latter place 1s estimated at between 40,000 and 50,000. French and Irish airs were played as usual; the national colors of France and Ireland were worn; aud speeches were made showing the sympathy which always existed be- tween the two countries. Mr. Augustus QOhapro- niere Byrne, a Frenchman, read au address to the boys of St. Thomas’ band, and, in behalf of the French residents in Dublin, presented them with some instruments in place of others which are al- leged to tiave been broken by the police on ‘tuesday night. ADDRESS, ‘The paper read as follows:— DEAR FRIENDS—A glorious demoustration of aym- athy with our nation took piace in the streets of Bupin a few evenings since. You participated in 1t and we thank tae Returning on that evening to your homes we learned with regret that you were wantonly assaulted by some members of the police force and that your instrument* were broken. We are come to replace those instruments and to ask you in the name of France to accept the ones we now present to you. In this presentation we mean to reciprocate the feeling of good will offered to us on the evening of the 18th July. We do this in the strong belief that our offeriog 1s not to any one section, but to the whole Irish people, Your axsem- bled thousands expressed symuthy to us under the united banner of Ireland mingled with the tri-color of France. France and Ireland are inseparably aliled. We who reside among you feel thai we are notin a strange land, nor that our lot is cast among strangers. We feel, on the contrary, that we are as one people and one race, and that the destinies of France and Treland, of Frenchmen and Irishmen, are similar. God protect Ireland and France! signed on behalf of the French restdencs in Dublin, EUGENE BOURG, M. BONNETT. REPLY. Mr. Madden, of St. Thomas’ band, in repiying to tne above aduress, remarked that their instruments were broken by the agents of the enemies cf Ireland, while the restoration of thein was the work of Lre- land’s frie He hoped that the demonstration of Tuesday evening, though apparently so trivial, but in reality so significant, mighi -erve to strengthen and consolidate the alliance between the kindred nations: and tend to prove to all Frenchmen that we are a distinct people, having uothimg In common with the Euglish. The world, ie hoped, would observe that the English press, on any question did not represent the views of Jreland. The drum, which was one of the articles of pre- sentation, bore the following tmseription ‘Pre- sented to St. Thomas’ band by the sons of France, vo reciprocate the feeling of sympathy offered by dJreland to France, July 15, 1870." Alter the ceremony the new drum was taken up by the boys of St. Thomas’ band, who marched along the entire line formed by the other bands playing the *Marseillaise,” which was afterward taken up by the associated bands, ORDER. ‘To the credit of all be it said the greatest good order prevailed throughout the entire proceedings. The banda, on their return to the city, played through the principal streets, but there was not, as on ‘Tues- day last, the slightest interlereuce on the part of the police. A REPLY TO RNGLAND. The whole proceedings, from first to last, were most unmistakably a demonstration of a very signttl- cant character, and no one who wil sed them can for & moment doubt that they were intended as an answer from the Irish people to the tone of the Eng- lish press respecting the conduct of the French gov- ernment in the war about commencing between France and Prussia. The thousands which met to- day, not merely in Duviin but also in Cork and G: way, prove, beyond all doubt, that Ireland mal fully and indignantly repudiates the sentiment ex- pressed by the English press regarding the Tuler and people of France. In the great struggle about to ensue Ireland takes the deepest interest, She has expressed herself in the most decisive and emphatic manner that France nas her sympathies, and, under the circumstance: Unis can hardly be wondered at. It 1s perfectly evi- dent that England, in case she should be induced to pre her physical as well as her moral support to russia, Will not find a willing ally in Ireland. .No- thing would induce the Irish people to side with Prussia and England in a war it France. Public feeling apon this question runs rather high at present, and I have no doubt that before long it pa manifest itself im a vartety of ways on the side of France, Mr. Johnston, M. P., the Leader of the Orangemen—NSpecial Interview with the Political Chief of the North—His Views on Pablic Affairs—The National Situation as At Ins and May Be, Bevrasr, August 5, 1870, Mr. William Johnston, M. P., Belfast, is one of the most remarkable men in Ireland. For years he has been identified with the cause of Orange- ism, and there is not in the whole north ® more tried or trusted member of that association. Whenever his public duties admit of his doing so he invariably attends the Orange lodges; he is the chief organizer of the July and Decem ber celebrations, and, with Viscount Crich- ton, Mr. Verner and Colonel Stuart Knox, he is the champion of Orangeism in the House of Commons, His fidelity to the cause is above all suspicion. Under all circumstances he haa con- tinued a stern and unflinching Orangeman, and even those who do not agree with him, either in politics or religion, are ready to bear testimony to his cagdor and consistency. He does not say ove a thing and think another, for he is ® man who has always acted up to his word. Moreover, he has suffered for his opinions. Not many years ago, for marching at the head of an Orange procession at which party tunes were played and party colora worn, he was tried and convicted, and sent to jail. for six months, But this persecution did not cool his ardor or enthusiasm in the cause to which he is so devotedly attached. No sooner was he liberated than he availed himself of the first opportunity to violate the law again, this time, however, with impunity, as o liberal government had come into office. He be- came the darling of the Ulster Orangemen, and was regarded by hia friends asa martyr; but he received a martyr’s crown by being elected to re- present the second city of Ireland in the British House of Commons. The people of Belfast are very well pleased with Mr. Johnston’s Parlia- mentary career, and there is no doubt that should he again seek their auffrages he will be returned with an overwhelming majority. To politics he is what is known in this country asa tory nationalist, and, notwithstanding his vio lent Orange proclivities, he has always endeavored &s best he could to unite in one bond of fellowship Persons of every shade of religious and political opinion. However anxious he may be to secure this end, he has adopted very peculiar means to bring it about. As soon as he came to Belfast I resolved to see him, and, although he complained of Lary 8 somewhat unwoll, when I announced myself from the Humaup he readily granted mo én interview and conversation. THB DIALOGUE. Conaesronpant—What, sir, do you think of the Party Processions act? Mx. Jonnsron—Well, I think the Party Pro- cessions act ought to be repealed. I may say that virtually it is a dead letter, for it is repeatedly violated with impunity by Protestants and Catholics. Both parties set it at defiance whenever it suits their pur- pose ; but, at the same time, as long as it remains upon the statute book, it offers a gratuitous insult both to Orangemen aud nationalists. It would, therefore, in my opinion, be doing no more than sane justice to both parties to repeal the act. Believing this opinion to be the correct one, I in- troduced a bill into Parliament for this purpose. The Chief Secretary for Ireland and the ar + Advocate General promised me their support ; the former said that it would give him the greatest pleasure to record his vote for the repeal of so odicus an act, while the latter declared that only he happened to be a member of the administra- tion he would have seconded my propcsition for repeal, But, strange to say, wh-n my bill wae being read a second time these two members of the government, instead of supporting me, as they promised to do, voted against me, and one of them, the Chief Secretary, introduced a bill which, had it become law, would have made the Lord Lieutenant dictator and made our pro- cessions liable to be dispersed at the point of the bayonet. It was a second Coercion act. But there is no likelihood of its becoming law. Should it again be presented to Parliament it is certain to be hen wr by @ majority of the House. Protestants and Catholics, Orangemen and na- tionaliats, are agreed on this question, and government bill will receive the same cppomsicn from the Romen Catholic members of the south as from the Orange members of the north. There never was such unanimity among the Irish memd bers as upon this sash of party processions; The Orangemen believe that they havea right to celebrate their ‘anniversaries in whatever manner they please, and the nationalists think also that they have a right to hold their processions; and both are agreed that the time has come when they oan do these things without arousing any party feel- ing or spi For my part I must say that, stro: as my sympathies are with the Orangemen, claim for the nationalists the same privilege and the same right to hold their processions aud to celebrate their anniversaries us 1 claim for my ewn people. ConrresronpENt—Don't you believe that the celebration of your anniversarics ia likely to in- sult the Roman Catholics? Mr, Jounston-—-lt may; but I think it ought not to do so. There is one thing I may suy, and it is this—these celebrations are not intended to insulf the Roman vatholics, but to preserve the mem of a struggle to which we owe our liberties. deny that the observance of these anniversaries is inconsistent with our duty and allegiance to the throne. On the contrary, if we err at all we err in oar excess of loyalty, and not by any want of respect or devotion to the laws and constitution, CoRRESPONDENT—-Do you think, sir, is the feel- ing occasioned among Protestants by the dise: tablishment of the Church dying out, and is thera any reason to believe that the present govern- ment are in league with the Roman Catholics? Mr. Jounston—Weil, I think the feeling still exists in some quarters ; but, speaking generally, 1 thiok it is rapidly d: ing out. There are, to be sure, many persons who will never be reconciled to the disestablishment of the Irish Church, be- jieving, as they do, that it was an act of robbery and spoliation, but these are a very small number in proportion to the population, 7 regards your other question, many are inclined to think ‘that the government next year will concede denomi- national education to the demand of Cardinal Cullen, and this is one of the chief reasons why eople suspect the Cardinal has some influence with the present ministry.. The bill, too, which the Irish Chief Secretary introduced with regard to the arty processions was, I must say, far more partial to Catholics than to Orangemen. The Secretary did not think, nor could he believe, that green was & party color; and green is, as you know, the color usually worn by the nationalists. Besides, his bill was chiefly intended for us—Orangemen—as it was introduced a short time before our July anniversaries, aud was framed so as to prevent them. Nothing else occurs to me just now to show that the Catholics are more favored by the present government than their Protestant fellow countrymen, TERMINATION AND CONCLUSIONS. This brought my interview with Mr. Johnston to a close. ‘Though naturally indiscreet and vio- lent, jon pablo occasions, aud particularly when addressing a crowd of Orangemen, Mr. Johnston is an extremely affable and courteous gentleman. He has @ very prepossessing appearance, is over six feet in height, and wears an unusually lon; beard of a light red color. His appearance anc manner appear to me to be such that, were you yr th him, you would be tempted to ask ‘*‘ Who she?’ Sympathy with France in the War—Popu- jar Demonstrations in Support of the Tri- color—The Movement in Tipperary, Castle- bar and Kanturk—Democratic Agitation Extending—Marsha! MacMakon—Hopes of the People. DUBLIN, August 4, 1870, irish sympathy with France continues to mani- fest itself in several parts of the country, Tipne- rary, Kanturk and Castlebar have followed the ex- ampleof Dablin, Cork and Galway in holding pub- lie demonstrations, while Limerick and other places have announced their intention of adopting a simi- jar course 80 as to give expression to the feeling. In several parts of the county Tipperary meetings of @ most enthusiastic character have been held, and others, unless prevented by the authorities, will be held ina few days. Sunday, near the ‘Devil's Bit,” alarge meeting was held under the prest- dency of Mr. Peter B. Gill, at which the following resolution was passed:. That we, the people of Tipperary, assembled on this eventtul day for Europe, when France’s sword 4s unsheathed for human jiberty, deem it our duty to express our entire sympathy for her arms, which were always identified with Ireland in her struggle dor liberty. At the meeting in Castlebar, county Mayo, some sixor seven thousand persons were present. The French tricolor was carried in front of a brass baud, which, during the proceedings, played French and Irish national airs, The meeting, though lively and Spirived, was very orderly, and the names of the Emperor Napoleon and Marshal MacManon elicited the wildest enthusiasm, in Kanturk another mecting was held, at which, it must be admitted, a very strong anti- English and anti-German feeling displayed itself. Several of the speakers contrasted the sympathy which France has always nad for Ireland with the language and policy of Great Britain towards this country, and reminded the meeting that “the Germans were employed as mercenaries to oppress Ireland in the Williamite wars, and also dnring the rebellion of 1798.7 A resoiution was passed tendering to France not only the syinpathy but the arms of Ireland should they be required in the present emergency, The chairman said that “Marshal MacMahon bad only to speak and an Irish brigade, like that which fought at Cremoua and Fontenoy, would raily around him." SOUTH VERSUS NORTH. These demonstrations, held in different, parts of Lemster, Munster and Connaught, show that beyond ali doubi the feeling of the Southern population of (reland jy decidedly in tavor of France, Amay say,