The New York Herald Newspaper, February 22, 1871, Page 5

"EUROPE. The English Press on the Anglo- , American Difficulties, MM. THIERS AND THE REPUBLIC. A Frane-Tireur Burned Alive by the Prussians. TRE FRENCH ARMY IN SWITZERLAND Turkey Reorganizing Her Army System. The steamship Wisconsin, Captain Williams, of ‘the Williams & Guion line, from Liverpool the 8th, via Queenstown tne 9th, arrived at this port yester- day, She brings one day's later papers than those brought by the Siberia, which arrived at Boston on Monday, General Podbielskl announces that during the armistice oficial military news will only be pub- Mshed in the case of extraordinary military events eceurring, The Gazette de Cologne refers in glowing terms to the aid afforded by Mr. Washburne to the 1,700 Ger- mans who remained in Paris, notwithstanding the ceree of expulsion, From Berlin it 1s stated that until the war indem- nity is paid Champagne will continue to be occupied by the Germans, The Fifth corps is even desig- nated already as the corps of occupation. Prince Charles, of Koumania, it is rumored in Ber- Mn, 18 about to quit his capital; and a pleviscitum 18 said tobe in preparation at Bucharest to abrogate the constitution. ‘the: Independance Belge yublishes a letter from Lyons, dated the ist inst., which say that ong of the onuses of Bourbaki’s faire was the non-fulfiiment Of contracts epteread into by an army contractor, who absconded with a large sum of money. The Fremden Blatt of Vienna states that the Porte has ordered a concentration of troops on the Rou- Manian frontier, and has informed the Powerg that 2 la age oy age ues this movement 1s oniy intended to guard against the action of revolutionary agitation among the neighboring Turkish population, The London Observer says the report that Count Bismarck will ask for the cession of Pondicherry 1s, according to information we receive from a Berlin source, correct; but the purpose is not to obtaina footing in India, The object is to have something to offer England in exchange for Heligoland. The Germans want Heligoland, but nos Pondicherry, and they contend as we ao not want Heligoland we might hike to have Pondichersy, The former republican members of the Spanish Cortes have issued a man festo advising the people wo strive to obtain by means of the elections a re- form of article thirty-three of the constitution and the dethronement of une Savoy dynasty. The mani- festo claims for the Spanish people full soverelgnty in all matters of constitutional power, and concludes by expressing ardent wishes for the success of the French people, wuom it describes as victims of the ambition of the Rouse of Brandenburg, the crimes of the Bonapartists and the ingratitude of tie House of Savoy. On Saturday evening, the 4th mst., one of the most destructive fires known in the annals of Manchester occurred at the extensive cotton mill in the occupa- tion of Messrs. Shaw, Jardine & Co., Elizaveth street, Oldham road. ~Although the whole of the fire brigades of Manchester and Salford were at the 8cene of the fire shortly after it was discovered, they Were utierly unable to master the dames, which spread with awiul rapidity. After the fire had burned for teu hours the mill was completely ae- stroyed, A large quantity of vaiuable machinery and an immense siock of material were in the mill when the fire occurred. The damage is estimated at $250,000, and is only partially covered by insurance, Upward of 500 hands.wul be thrown out of work. ‘The cause of the fire ig unknown, ENGLAND. The English Press on the Anglo-American Difdcutties. The London Daily News says:— In the address of the Anglo-American Association it is saia that “ihe lameniabie Ignorance of coniem- porary American history which exists m Engiand, even among otlerwise well mstrucied politicians, {3 too notorious; and the case 1s Much the same 1n tke United States with refereuce to Great Briain.” This allegation is founded on facts with which all wio attentively study contemporary history must be perfectly fumtlar, Nearly all the ‘il feeling which now extsis in the United States towards this country nas its origin and excuse in the aititude of what is calied “society” in England and the acts of a few Engilshmen durin, the late war. That England not ouly sympatuised With the rebels, bat aeiively aided and abeted tuem, is an arti le of faith which Ainericans cling to with extragrdinary tenacity. Having made up their minds that they are enurely in the right, they cannot easily be induced to admit that the case has two sides, and admits of an explanation dilleriug irom that they have too hastily accepted. When Mr. Thomas Hughes, M. P., wao is the president of ‘Uns association, visited the United States last autumn, he endeavored to explain the exact position which Englaud occupied when the North and South faced each other in battie agray. His lecture, entitied “Jolin to Jonathan,” which has been reprinted in this country, is an unvarnished, straightiorward statement of facts which it is im- possibie to controvert or explain away. Mr. Hughes makes it clear that the American people arrived a’ an unfair conclusion vy taking the part for the whole, and by giving a mistuken interpretation to some matters which were fraught with suspicion, but were not absolutely damnatory. ‘Their main error consisted in ascribing to malice that which was due to ignorance, and of accepting the unmis- taxable tokens of individual prejudice for tne formal demonstration and execution of national policy. * * * What gives promise that the future will be brighter and more enjoyable than the past is the fact that such a body of gentlemen as those who form the Anglo-American Association should unite together, not only with a view to cnlignten opinion with re- gard to America, and to loster amity between Great Britain and the United States, but with the expressed desigu of attaining these objects in concert with all American citizens who are animated with a like purpose, and ready to co-operate for its accomplishment, This is some- thing not less noyel than gratifying. It is one of the products of the war which slaveholders began, aud which Killed slavery. Before emancipa- tion had beceme otact one section of Englishmen might have united for a common object with one section of Americans; but no appeal could have been issued resembling that of the Anglo-American Association—an appeal which contemplates the as- sembling of citizens of both couutries, irrespective of party politics and ot personal opinions. In such ®@ gathering the points of difference between the Englishman and the American vantsh, and the points of resemblance and uniformity become more cleariy apparent. ‘hat the Anglo-American Asso- ciation should achieve ali the aus of its promoters is what every righteminded citizen of both Great Britain and the United States ust desire. ‘The Manchester Guardian thus comments:— An Anglo-Amertcan Association has been formed, under the presidency of sir. Thomas Hughes, M. P., to obtain securities for the maintenance of a friendly understanding and the cultivation of more cordial relations between the United States and Great Britain. A large number of Englishmen well known in literature and politics participate in the under- taking, the scope of whitch 1s lor the present to be confined to “the publication of carefully prepared statements upon the questions atissue”? between the two countries, Wliha view to correcting “the Jamentuble ignorance of contemporary American history which exists in England even among other- wise well instructed politicians.” Heartily approv- ing of the movement we beg to suggest to the Asso- elation a theme to begin with, Let them explain the peculiarities of American institutions or of Ame- rican character which permit the House of Repre- sentatives at Washington to vote by an enormous majority acordial weicome to the expatriated Irisit rebeis, Whiie at the same time, as We are assured, and as the Association will maintain, there te no (agar desire elther openly to quar. rel with the mother country” or to subject her to wanton afivont. This is a state of things of which Eaglishmen are rightly described as ‘damentably ignorant.” We are accustomed to regard a national representative assembly as havin, & grave purpose in its formal acts, aud to attac: the natural opvious meaning to a straightforward deciaration of its feelnge. A treatiee showing that the habits of thought on public matters ave so widely diferent in America that the Parliawent of fiat country can express ogtentations sympathy vith the domestic enemies of an Independent nation ‘and yet not have the slightest idea of oficlaly sup- porung @ war pelicy would be a yainable eontrivu- lion to the prosgecta of peace. Whether it would tend to raise democratic inetituuons in the WwatOD OF Englikhinen is a diferent question. 1 De sh ‘ly ascerta! iB a i iia ae el NEW. YURK. HERALD, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1871.—ITRIPLE SHEET, . ‘The following article 1s from the London standard of rebruary 7:— » General Schenck 8, it may be supposed, now on is Way across the Atlantic, although he nas made eo many false starts that his Val must not be reckoned upon until it 1s un fait accompli. Signs are nob waating that when he does arrive here he will proceed at once to reopen the question of the Alabama olatms. In reference to those claims there are two queations—will England pay the little bill that the United States is going to present, aud, assuming her readine-s to pay, how is the amonnt of the bill to be fixed? That we are ready to pay any reasonable compensation for any 1, ite tha can legally be jaid at our door is an induvitabl fact, but that we are not going to pay either an un- reasonable amount or anything at all except as gpptpensation jor direct injuries, is equally certain, We have the best reason to belleve that General Schenck will urge bis countrymen’s claims in a true spirit of conciliation, But the practical diMeuity is this—how 18 the amount of compensation which England 13s willing to pay to be ascertained? The United States appear to be taking this matter into their own hands with a vengeance, The President, in his Message, having suggested the appointment of @ commission to ascertaim the amounts and ownership of individual claims in the matter, a bil has been brought into the House of Representatives, by a sepablican member to carry out the suggestion. According to the bill three commissioners axe to be appointed to examine cla!mants and witnesses on oath, All claims are to be presented within six months from the first meet- ing of the commissioners, and are to be decided within one year, ‘The decision of two commission- ers is to be final. For the payment of these claims the United States Treusury 13 to issue ‘British bonds” to the extent of "$20,000,000. The m- quiries of the comuission are to extend to claims Mm respect of losses not only by the Alabama, but also by the Florida, Shenandoah and Georgia, and then tenders, and they are to hear counsel Sippinted by the English government, Of course, af the government of the United States choose to proceed ex parce to settle the amount of the claims, with @ view of paying them off and presenting them in & consolidated form for setuement, they are wel- come to do so, but it must be pointed out that if hey pass and act upon this bill in the tirst place, the English government will not dveam of instruct. img counsel to appear before such an informal tri- bunal; for to do so would be tantamount to agreeing to accept its decisions as binding; and, secondly, that, even. supposing we admit some Hability in re- spect of tue Alabama, we posttively deny our llability for all the losses occasioned by ali the Southern cruisers, To sppoint snch a commission as that convem- lated by the bill 1s, In iach, perfectly superfluous, ‘he firat point ts to make out that England is under any liability at all. This the United States assumes, but Engiand will not admit, until the matter has been brought bel and adjudicated upon, by some trtbunai of arbitration agreed upon by the parties. The extent of the liability}. e., whether it extends only to Gamage onused by thé Aipbame, or whethe! to that cau: yy any other and what cryisers—must sin ed. ‘Then, and Ayt UU then, comes tit oecuylary question—what is to be fie amount of the indemimty, if any, to be paid by Eng- land? Unless tins country and the United States can agree upon the Sagan {his question also must be submitted to arbitration, but to the arbitration of @ proper tribunal, not .to that of commisstoners ap- pointea by the United States government and sitting as a United States court. “ Hughes om the fron Ti Dispute. On the morning of the 6th Mr. Hughes, M. P., de- livered his decision on the wages dispute in the North of England iron trade, from tne evidence which had been laid before him by both masters and men on Thursday and Friday, at Darlington, and when both sides bound themselves in connec- tion with the Board of Arbitration to abide by the honorabie gentleman’s decision. The standing com- mitvee of the board yesterday proceeded to fait- burn, where they met Mr. Hughes at the Zetland Hotel, and received his decision. Besides the award, ® statement of reasons which have induced Mr. Hughes toform the decision will be given in a da; or two. The masters, it will be remembered, claimed @ reduction of ten per cent on wages for 1871, the canse alleged being the depression of trade caused by the war. Mr. Hughes has granted @ re- duction, though but half that claimed, and for a less period. His award is as foilows:— I, Thomas Hughes, the arbitrator appointed by a resolu- {fon of the Board of Arbitration and Conciliation for the Manutactured Iron Trade of the North of England, dated the 81st December, 1870, having heard the statements of the representatives of the employers and of the workmen 01 the sald Board, ani having care‘ully considered the matters re- ferred to me, do hereby award ind declare that there shall be a reduction ‘of six pence per ton on the wages paid to pud- diers, and of five per cent on the wages paid to other work- men in the empioyment of the several rms and persons is Board; and that such reduction shall take wary 1 and continue until July 1, 1871; or in the event of no further change being mace by resolution of the said Board or by arbitration, after the said Ist day July, 1871, then until the Bist day of March, 1872. FFERUAKY 6, 1871, THOS, HUGHES, N. B.—In using the phrase “five percent on wages,” in this award, I mean to indicate the precise sum which was added to wages by agrcement of the Koard in February, 1870. My Intention # tat the exact advance then made sill bs now taken off, jo Wages Opinions of the London Press on n Govern- met for France, The London Times discussed the future form of government for France:—“The Duc d’Aumale looks fondly back on a constitutional monarchy, M, She- rer argues for a moderate republic. The civic mobs who support M. Gambetta would proclaim a repub- le by Divine right; while the conspirators of Brus- sels declare that in the restoraticn of the empire is the only chance for the satvation of France, All these proposed schemes of national organation are In essence republican, The empire itself was a republic, subject to the great defect—that 1t wa3 founded m violence. This blot Ought to prevent its ever being again established. A ,olitical system which cannot be changed except by a revolution ts self-condemned. For the same reason that demo- cratic republic which M. Gambetta, by his. arbitrary decrees, confesses cannotexist except by the disfran- ciusement of large masses of the natloz, ought to be rejected. M. Gambetta’s republic woula begin, as it would end, in violence. But why should there be any stroggle between & constitutional monarchy and @ republic where the nation is goverued by an elec- tive representative Legislature and an ex holding orice only while possessing the conti of the Legislature? A constitutional monarchy 18 nothing more nor less than this last, with a head either hereditary or elective, and the couception of such a republic has been familiar ty all French poilti- cal thinkers since the discussion on the ‘‘amende- ment Grévy” in 1849, If the Duc d'aumale were explicitly to renounce the pretension of reviving the constitution of July, and, seeking and securing election for humseif, his nephews and lis brothers as Deputies, would aspire to the position ol Prime Minister of @ permanent republic, tue postuon or the family, under such an arrangement, would be one of immense power, and it would have this ad- vantage—that a temporary mierraption of their authority would be no more than an exile from -place, and not from their country.” Tne London Daily News remarks that “the feuds between Bordeaux and Paris, between the war party and the peace party, the. strifes of dynastic preiensions and of theoretical principles of Uriean- ist, Bonapartist, and legitimist, of moderate and of red republican, of socialist reiormer and social conservative, threaten all over France, and unless means can be found of conjuring away the elements of danger, thev will undermine any settiement which may be attempted. When the very principies of society anu the bases of government are ques- tioned, the perll menaces established order every- where, Tle year 1848 overset many European thrones, and the catastrophe of 187) threatens to be More disastrous than that of 1848. It may be doubt- ful whether the danger which we believe Count Bis- marck to have seen in Septemper, and which then might have been obviated, has not now reached un- manageable lintits. If it isto be got rid of it can only be by the proposal of such terms of peace as shall mvite the unanimous acceptance of the French people, and leave them free to turn, with some de- gree of national self-respect aud under burdens not too heavy to be borne, from @ miserable and humili- ating past to the work of securing a stabre and orderly present and @ brighter future,”? FRANCE. M. Thiers and the French Republic. The correspondent of the London Daily News in Bordeaux writes, under date of February 1, iu the following strain:— I was sitting yesterday in the ofice of one of M. Gambetta's principal secretaries when M, Thiers came in. He sald that, knowing M. Gambetta was Mi, he would not attempt to disturb him, but that he should be glad to hear the news. A conversation ensued, in the course of which oficial despatches confirming the very worst rumors that have been cireuluted about the terms of the capitulation of Paris arrived. M. Thiers expressed bis grief and indignation In no measured language. Me said he was “disgusted”? with ‘Trochu, and that Jules Favre had covered himself with cvepaning disgrace; he, after his proud speech, “not an Inch of our territory, nor @ stone of our fortresses,’? should have cut of his mght hand rather than sign the horribie treaty. He attributed the fall of Paris to cuipable tucapacity and carelessness on the part of Trochu and most of the members of the provi- sional government, ‘There had been a shocking aud improvident waste of provisions early in the stege. On this occasion—a Memorable oocaston—I heard from M. Thiers’ own lps confirmation of waat I stated the other day—that he, when a member of the Committee of National Detence, fad vainly urged and entreated Trochu, before Paris was invested, to occupy and” fortly St Germain, and those very helghts toward Celle St, Cloud which were tneifec- tually attempted to be taken during the feeble sortie of the 19th. ‘The member of the administration with whom {was then sald to M. Thiers:—“T have watched your literary aud political career for forty years, and the saying of yours which [ most admire is that of 1349—The republic is the government which divides us the least.’ Allow me to ask whether, under existing circumstances, you are willing to repeat that dictum.”’ Without a moment's hesitation M. Thiers yehemente regio “Ido; lam not now an Orieauist; I go in frankly for the repub- Le, and it would have been better for you if your rovernment had been more dceldedivy republican m the beginning. A great many Onleanists have been tratlicking with Prussta, I am ashamed of them ant repudiate then.’’ This important expres- sion of M. Thiers’ opinion was delivered ajoud in the Presence of severa) persone, aud thereivse J can, x without any breach of confidencs, repeat tt. Iwas surprised to hear M, ‘Thiers speak as he did, for nj to to-day Thad thought him not only an Orieants but the centre of Orleantst intrigues, Decree of the Paris Government Reluailve to the French Elections. Paxis, Feb, 2, 1871, The following is the decree issued by the govern- ment of Parls relative to the elections: ~ ‘The government of the National Defence decrees :--- ABTLOLE 1. The electoral colleges are convoked to elect a National Assembly on Sunday, Pebraary 5, in tho Depart- ment of the Seme, and on Wednesday, the &ib of February, in the other departm Arr. 2. In the ep iments or portions of departmen| whore, by reason of tho war or from other causes, the vo cannot be taken on tho Sth of February, the day of voting will be appointed by an order of the Prefect, {f the vote can Detakem before the meeting of the Aanambiy, but tn accord. ance with the decision of the Assembly itself should the volo not be able to be taxen until after the fawating. Axr. 3. The election will take plate by department, by tloket insoribed with a hst of members for whom they wish to Foto, 13 conformity with the law of the lth of March, 1849. Ksach department will elect the number of deputies deter: mined by the table annexed to the decree of the lith of Sep- tember, 1870. ART. 4, Eligibility will be foguiated conformably to the giecetines of clause four, of the law of the 16th of March, Nevertheless, the disqualification created by aritole 84, of a paid public functionary, will be sugpended until a contrary jecision of the Assembly, without, however, permitting the oficlal pay ided 10 that allowed as a deputy. nb. Article ative to the option permitted to depu- t ments, and articies 16 an: (paragraph 2, relative to payment of deputies) of the law of the 18th of March, 1819, will be put in force, Ant. §. ‘Those eltizens regularly inecribad in the electoral lists at the timo of tho vote will take part in the elections, as well ag those whoue cl ited before the close of the election, At Paris all claims will be deolded upon by the justices of the peace, without proliminary decision of the “Municipal Commission, Tu the rural districts of the Scing, or where the electors have taken refuce in Paris, aud in the depart. ments, tho claims will be declded upon by the Municipal Commission without appeal. Aux, 7. Tho election, will onty tast one day, The poll will be opeued at oight A. 2. and close at nlx P. Bi. It will ve held at the chief town of the district, ander tho presidency of the mayor of the chief town. Nevertheles should circumstances render ft necessary, the district mad by a pubjlo decree of the prefeot may bs! divided Lato sec- tions on the eve of the elections. ‘These eections will be pre- slaed over by the mayor of the district where the vote is to be taken, ARt. 8. The vote wili be taken in conformity with the lawa actually in fores; nevertheless, Ardcles 68, 6, 64, 6 and 66 of the Inw of the 16th of March, 1849, retative to the manner im which the ballot shall be taken, will be applied. ‘sccond ballot provided by article 65 will take place po day afier the prociamation of the resuit of the first ballot Ant. 9. Soldiers under arms will vote xt the election of depu- Hc in those departments where they are registered as voters, 0 first #ix paragrapha of articie 62 of the law of Lita of March, 1849, will be observed. Soldiers in the sield, or form- ing part of the garrison of a place in a stute of devence, will yote as the chief of the corps or the commandant of the fortross may arrange. ART. 1, Zhe Assembiy will decide about the elections in Aigeria and the colonies. ‘Aw. il. Tho Assembly will meet at Bordeaux on the 12th of February. GENERAL TROCHU, ERNEST PICARD, EUGENE PLLLETAN, JULES FYB . BERRY, ° PAGES, , AIMON?. Done at Paais, Jan. 29, MaeManon Corrects Bismarcl. >... Marshal MacMahon has sent the following letter, Gaied Wiesbaden, the 21st of January, to the Minis- $y for Foreign Atains:—.. Your EXOFLLENoY—Count Biemarek, in his circular of the 9th: of January to the diplomatic agents of Germany ‘abroad, asserts that in the battle of Woerth several German soldiers were wounded by explosive buliets, and he accuses Army of the Vosges, but to the Third legion of the Mobilized National Guard of Suone-et-Loire, On the 2ist they had taken possession of the village with two batiations. As soon as the outposts were placed @ patrol of the enemy's cavairy eatered; they were repulsed, Half an hour later a patrol of infantry Were repulsed likewise; but towards evening, at- tacked on three sides by the Prussians, they were obliged to retreat behind the ‘rae The ambulance surgeons and nurses remained at thelr post in the house they had occupied in the centre of the village, When the Prussians entered, and, long after firing on oth sides had ceased, attacked the unarmed ambu- lance. Dr. Morin, head surgeon, received two balls ip his Dead, an gMccr discharged his revolver tn his breast, and the soldiers finished him off with tho bayonet. Dr. Millard was murdered outside the house while trying to escape; the Infirmiers, D’He- ret, Cuampigy, Fleury, Legros and Mone, were fired on py oillcers armed ‘with revolvers, ‘the assassiua carried off the four horses, the material, and even the surgical instruments belonging to the ambu- Jance. The bodies of the murdered surgeons have been exhumed and brought to Dion; the wounded nurses are lying in our hospitals, HABITS OF THE EMPEROR WIL- LIAM. An English journal gives the followiug account of the Emperor Wiillam’s daily routines — His Majesty usually rises at soven o’clock, in summer frequently much earlier, in winter some- Uines later. Le never sleeps butin his owa cam- paign bed, whicn 1s carried to all reviews and mill- tary Mancuvres witch he attends. If there is already a bed in the room where he stays it {3 taken. out aud the campaign bed substituted. ‘The laiter consists ol an ron frame; tt 1s only a foot high, and has but little furniture, In raw weather the King Wears his cloak, Only a small pocket watch Is hung up by the wail near this simple couch, this being & favorile souvenir with whlch the King was resented, in 1814, om accompanying his royal ather in a journey to Neufchatel and through Switzerland. .At a previously fixed, or otherwise at the ordinary, time, if the King has not already Trung, two attendants enter the room. On days when there 13 to be a battie this occurs at a very early hour, as at Sadowa, where he was awoke at four A. M., and at Gravolotte, where he was awoke at three, for the King likes to be present at the marching out of the troops. If this is not necessary, despatches, c., are laid on the table Where the King drinks Collee, 80 that they come mnned@iately into his hands, The King, as soon as he rises, @resses from head to foot, and romains dressed the whole day, merely unbuttoning his: overcoat if he is aloue 1 his room, or receives only persons in his suite. When other persons are reocived he always appears with buttoned over- coat, a8, also, When he steps up to a window to watch troops marching vy, or if he kaows that military persons can see him On returnlug from journeys and reviews, or from a bat- te, he changes bis linen, but entirely dresses agai. A ‘dressing gown, slippers or any other domesic luxury whieh almost every independent man allows himself at home, the King has never used, even dur- ing Indisposition or sickness. ‘The King opélis all his letters himsell, without excoption; even quring Serious illness they must be opened in hig presence. 1 He goria them, On a tirgt pernsat hé Thakes signs or Marginal comments on then. These signs have a 1xXed signification, and the oMicials into whose hands they come know how to deal with them, All letters destined for the Berlin Miulstry go back thither; otherwise they are sent to the authorities at head- quarters, Kverything goes aceording to a regular method, and the King has really only one habit~ tue French army of baving made use of Count bis- marck has Leen led into error, and the fact brought forward by him cannot have happened, as the corps, wilch was én. gaged in the baitie of Woerth was, pot provided with a single exploaive bullet, I certify this with a thoroigh knowledge Of the case, and I request you to be good enough to conira- dict Count Biamarck's allegation, 1 remain, se. ‘MAGMAHON, A Visit to Paris. The London Deity News’ correspondent transmits from Longwy some further particulars of bis fying visit to Paris after the capitulation: It surprised me to see s0 many well-appointed Vehicles BUil in the streets of Paris, with weli-condl- tioned horses. Nor were the ommibuses eitier few or Tar between, and thei horses were in the best of condition, a8 Were the horses ridden at break-neck speed through the streets by oilicers who looked, and who probably were, transmogritied petits crévés, After visiting the American Legation I made my way to the Hotel de St. Honoré, to an old- fasiioned and weil known house, kept by a worthy Brion of the naine of Unthank. Mr. Unthank had for his boarder through the siege Dr. Gordon, our medical commissioner in Paris, and he takes pride in asserting, what I behave to be true, that the doctor, under his aus- ices, had lived better than any other man In Paris, When dinner came it bore out Mr. Unthank’s boast. Positively there was a fowl—pretty weil, I reckon, the last fowl in Paris. Mr. Unthank was offered eighty fraucs for the biped wile yet it had its feathers on, and refused ii, and so we had mun for dinner. I believe tins house Is the only one in Paris into which horsefesh has not been allowed to enter, and ts owing to exceptional circumstances. I had intended to promenade Paris all night, to make tae most of the time, necessarily limited; but by ten o’clock the promenade became a solitary one. By nine the dim lighis were put out in the Kiosks, and were waning in the street lamps. By half- past the calés were putumg up their shutters; the red-striped waiters looked curiously non- Gescrip® By ten the word of Paris was left to darkness and to me, and so 1 wept to bed. The morning was wet. Would Paris collapse if her streeis were not cleaned? ‘here were the scavengers at woric tn thts crisis, just as if the Ewpire was still to the fore and as if its naine was peace; and the shops open in the rue de St. Honoré, nd ladies tripping about and cabs plying and beg- gars cadging, ani everything as like peace nme as could well be imagined, except that everyvody was ip uniform, that you saw no food forsaie, and did see | crowds of women Waiting ougside the bakers’ and the butchers’. I was inside Parl, but how was I to get out? Jrotiing down the rue Rivoli I mes Dr, Cormac, who, as head of the Engish ambulance, supported by Mr. Wallace, has been doing very good work. On my right the gardens of the Tuileries | were utteriy desecrated, ploughed up with indiuei able hoof priats of cattle. scored with tracks of pro- vision wagons. Wooden barracks have been built where dainty flower pots once were. The Piace du ‘réne has its eastern end viocked by a gigantic barricade, erected, I suppose, pour passer le iemps; for it is impossible taat 1b could be of any use for defensive ‘purpo-es. Once outside this, the Vincennes gate stood before me. I pulied up into a waik, and tried to look as if | were doing the most ordinary ching mm the world. Tiere was a cordon of soldiers across the narrow passage just inside the gate. One made a half motion jor me to halt. I began to whistle, and looked the other way. He forsook his purpose. In another minute 1 was ta the broad road outside the Vincennes gate, and was mn fall trot through the suburp. sentiy 1 came to a tort on my right, the only fort still occupied by the French—a concern of barracks, stone wails and siated roofs, utterly use- less as a defence, The trees of the Wood of Vin- cennes have suifered terribly. A little beyond the fort I caine to the forepost line of the Wartem- burgers, and, chancing to mect an officer | Knew, rode through without as mach as being cial- lenged. Except her forts, ner garrison and her enceinie, it is curious to notice how much of an open | town Paris has been all ee the siege. The fore- post defence line of the French is hardly worth talk ing of as an obstruction, Here and there, it is true, it is formidabie. Around the chateau of Villante- neuse, for insiance, there is a seres of works which are of @ regular foriress character, and of a con- struction which ts creditabie to those who made them; but there they stand all alone, unsupported, as French soldiers, as well as French works, have been so oiten during this war. So the German pa- trols were wont quietly to walk round these Villan- teneuse works and do their business on the farther side, utterly negativing them. Non-continuity is the striking feature everywhere of the French tine of de- fence. Fort Nogent, close on the right of which L passed in my ride to-day, has not, to ail appearance, suffered so Muchas th . Denis forts. It may, I think, be taken a8 granted that there will be no Ger. man occupation of Paris. ‘ihe Germans have got he substance, and in God's name, say they, let us eave the poor devils the empty siiadow. 3 German Atrocities-A Franc-Tireur Burned Alive=Surgeons and Nurses Shot in Cold Blood, The burning alive of an oficer of Garibaldi’s force is confirmed to-lay by the correspondent of the London Daily News, who writes from Dijon: Yesterday, while watting for a batch of wounded coming up from Daix, to ve housed in the general hospital, one of the porters tela me that in the inner courtyard was the corpse of a Franc-tireur, who had beea burned ai 1 went to the secretary and asked to see the corpse; then went with Lieutenant Davis and two Baden surgeons. Of ail ghastly sights seen in these days this was the ghastliest. The poor fellow, who Las since been recognized asa captain of one of Ricciotti’s companies, had been tied to a tree; the marks of the cords were on his aris. The tire had been lighted at his feet and he had barned slowly upwards. His back, which had been vound to the tree, was not touched by the fire, his neck and face tatact, a part of hts red plaid suit still hanging on. It 18 probable that the mis- creants had been disturbed in their infamous spo! and that the fire went out before the unhappy vic: tim was dead, It so happened that the same Baden surgeon who examined the corpse was assigned to me in the evening to attend to the few Prussians left at Daix. He was ina most pitiable state of terror. Trove out to Hautevilie, to the house where the members for the Saone-et Loire Ambulauce had been murdered. I found a very respectable woman, sis- ter of the Mavor of Hauteville, and her daughter, at home. They told me that on the night of the 2ist— 22d, some surgeons and nurses came aud took ossession of her house for a temporary hospital, hoisted the flag with the red cross, avd, hav- ing attended to all thelr wounded, were seated dn the kitchen awaiting some food that she was pre- paring. Suddenly the Prussians rushed in. One Oflicer, who spoke French, swore that she concealed Franc-tireurs, She let them search. They found none. Then in coid blood they kilied-the head sur- geon and avother doctor who was trying to escape, and left for dead on the ground four of the nurses, The soldiers returned in the morning and stripped that of Working, SWITZERLAND. Bourbaki’s Army ia Switzerland—Noamber of Men and Extent of War Mater A correspondent ot the Independence Beige, writ- ing from Berne, says:— ‘The text of the capitulation of the commander of the French army with General Herzog has not yet boen published; but it is to be noticed that tuis army has surrendered with all its war értel, ine cluding 100 cannon and mitrailleuses, and abont 80,000 carbines, Switzerland would not, therefore, be a loser in a financial sense, even in the improba- ble event that tne repayment of the expenses of feeding the prisoners had not been stipulated for in the convention; for this matériel would belong by the laws of war to Switzerland, without a special stipulation to the contrary. The Federal Council has directed the military department to make urchases of rice and wheat for the food of he prisoners, It has decided to-day to distri- bute them among the diiferent cantons, as follows:—Zurich, 11,000; Berne, 20,000; Lucerne, 6,000; Uri, 400; Schwytz, 1,000; Owalden, 400; Nid walden, 300; Glaris, 7, zangen, Friburg, 4,000; ‘Soleure, *3,000; Balevilie, 6,000; Bale Cam- agne, 1,500; Schatfuausen, 1,200; Appenzelle, R. S., 1,500: Appenzelie, R. “I. 00:’ St. Gali, 7,000; Grisons, 1,00; argovia, 8,800; Thurgovia, 3,900; Canton of Vaud, 8,000; Valais, 1,000; Neuchatel, 1,000; Geneva, 1,600—a total of 84,900 men. TURKEY. A Change in Turkish Policy—faking a Lese son from. Prassian SuccessesPreparing a Large Military ForeeoRevival of SelfUone fidence. A London correspondent of one of the English papers in Pesth writes as follows, under date of the Sst uit. t= 8 you know, Turkey, too, has taken a lesson 10a ‘the Prasslan successes’ and is organizing 4 system of reserves which will make the whole Ma- hommedan population by degrees into a nation in arms. She possesses in this respect material such as few countries have. Bodily streng}h, endurance and sobriety are combined with a feeling of obe- dience to the ruling powers which leave unimpaired that sentiment of a dominant race which, in spite of iiattl Humayums, 1s as strong as ever. ‘The suc- mall ag Uley have deen In themselves, Raye Coiiri« fated “Hot & ftele a6 wee bthen ahilduive 1b the regenerating power of the empire, and this conii- dence has considerably shaken the belief in the ne- cessity of protection on the pert of Europe, wnile the downfall of the imperial power in France and tie moderation evinced by the treaty Powers at the insult offered to them by Russia have rather upset the belief in the efficacy of such protection, ‘The habit Whict liad grown up was strong enough to make the Turks pause beiore committing them- seives, but when they saw that the joint protection of Europe did not take that energetic form wiich had been, if not reckoned upon, at least thought possible, the feeling arose that under te altered circumstances it was much saler to trust to oneself rather than to others, and to regain as much as pos- sible ‘hat liberty of action which had been sacrilived in the hope of sucht protection, And this is now the tendency which prevails in Constantinopie, and the effects of it will no doubt ve felt at the Conference. It was this which made the Turks, who, a few months before, shrunk at the very idea of the abollt-on of the neutrality of the Black Sea, when it first appeared in the shape of a vague rumor, now consider such a change not only without repugnance, but rather favorably, on condition that all restrictions in times of peace as ‘well as war in the Straits should be also removed, ‘They see that they have a strong iron-clad fleet, while Russia has none in the Black Sea. However much this latter may hasten to oome up with them they think they will always be able to keep ahead of her, They begin to have faith in their army, and expect great things from the new organization of the reserves. One of the consequences of thisrevived self-con- fidence has been, strange to say, the establishment of better relations between the Porte and Russia than have existed for years. While the Turks were: stili basking under the imaginary shade of European protection, they looked upon Russia as the possible disturber of this repose. Now that they have been shaken out of rt, and see that they must more or less stand upon their own legs, and that they are able to do so, Russia no longer appears to them so very formidable, and they are readier to listen to those assurances of goodwill and absence of all evil designs. It they do not really beileve in them, the idea of emancipating themselves from the witelage of Europe ts so much in harmony with their own inclinations that they may well be parcaoned if they see to follow it. This reviving seli-confidence, which is at the bottom of all, is the healthiest symp- tom which has been shown by Turkey since 1856, and it may be a better check, ou the ctvilzing mis+ sion of Russia than any joint guarantee of the Turk- ish territory by Lhe Powers oi Europe, THE ERUPTION OF MOUNT VE- SUVIUS. The Naples correspondent of the London Zimes, in a letter dated the 28th uit, says:— An eruption of Vesnvius {8 an event of such gen- eral interest that even at times when your columns are so full you may find roum fora brief report. It has presented a brillant spectacle now for some days, and great numbers of foreigners have arrived, who on tite nights make the ascent at least as far as the Atrio del Cavallo, for the grand cone is almost prohibited ground. The action of the mountain, however, Varies 80 much that it is impossible to pre- dict, with any degree of probability, what its state may be on the morrow. times it ap- pears to be sinking into @ quiescent state and then bursts out in greater fury a few hours after, At the beginning of the week its activity was slight, and the instruments of the Observatory gave no iudicasion of an immediate increase. Less smoke anu scarcely any stones wero thrown out, while the principal crater thundered more rarely and with less force. The continual rain which ici! at the time soon carried off the small sub- limates, leaving no trace behind. Professor Palmiert, In bts Jast report, says:— Vesuvius is scarcely tn a state to promise a real erup- tion, and In this period of agitation we are accustomed ‘baerve isolated shocks at greater or less intervals, Many, in fact, were signalled to m \de pre- er paration for the grand confagr in seven days covered the fertile land of the “Novello” with twenty million cuble metres of java, slight flaino Which shines on the top of an Insignificant cone, together with small intermittent currenta of Java, which are ex- tinguished before arriving at the base of do not the dead and wounded. In the same house @ young girl of twenty years of age was shot through the heart, but acetdemity. Hitherto I nave stood up for the Prussians and disbetieved the stories of their atrocities. Now my whole goul revolts against then. Ricclotti's surgeons are still prisoners. To- day (the 27th) T have seen some of the oilicers of the legion whese surgeons were massacred by the Prus- wiaus at Hauteville. They do not beloug to the j month, ae lately cone, constitute the real eruption, by means of which the period of earthquakes may Ue expected to terminate, Neveahe. jess, earthawakes, with return shocks renewed month b; appened in Calabria and in Forli, are, think, less probable—though other shocks may be veritied, wopposing 1 at Vesuvius continues iis labor, which at this moment las much sinckenod. We may ‘nfer, therefore, that Vesuvius will for some time present a more or less brilliant spectacle | before arriving at the grand finale, and travellers May bent tacir steps towards Naples with almost a | certainty of seeing something worth seeing. The uew cone which opened toward the north on the 12th ult. has closed, but at the back of it another mouth has opened and 1s this morning throwing out @ lofty column of biack smoke. In fact, the moun- tain 14 1n @ state of intermittent fever, being some- times almost passive, and 4! others ejecting smoke and stones to a great height, PACTS, INCIDENTS AND PHRSONALIA FROM THY CONTINENTAL EUROPAAN PRESS, The Congress of Republican Journalists held at Toulouse on the 2ist of January comprised repre- sentatives from the press in nearly every great quarter of France, and tne resolutions they adopted were of the firmest character with reference to de- fending the honor of France, reorganizing the eouns try and resistiug all unreasonable demayds on the part of Its invaders, The German army cantoned around Parts requires for its daily consumption 148,000 three-pound loaves of bread, 1,020 quinta’s of rice or bariey, 595 beeves or 1,020 quintals of bacon, 144 quintals of salt, 9,600 quintals of oats, 24,000 quintals of hay, 28,000 quarts of brandy or other spirituous liquors. Each army corps, consisting of from 25,000 to 30,000 men, re- eplves every ten days sixty quintals of smoking tobacco, 1,100,000 cigars for private soldicrs and 50,000 cigars for ofticers, Nearly all this immense mass of supplies has to be brought from Germany, 4 distance of some hundreds of miles, every army corps requiring daily the use of five railway trains Of thirty-two freight cara each. The passing winter has been unusually severe throughout Northern and Ceuatrai Europe. In Swit- zerland all the lakes were frozen, and thore has not Veen such good sleighing on the highroads since 1858. The Swiss are establishing special government factories of improved firearms, cartndges and cannon, The mountain republic seems to be fully aroused to the necessity of providing for its own defence, Paris retained much of its gayety during even the Worst hours of the slege. The Gaulo published, among otier things, a restaurant advertisement, as follows:— Wine at ten sous the litre, et eau-de:sus—(trans- latable either “and at higaer rates” or “with water on It’) Rosse-beer—(transiatable either “roast beef? “old horse beel."?) Ral-gout de mouton—(transiatable elther ‘mut ton ragout” or “rat with a mution fiavor.’’) Two hundred and thirty-two oflicers and 25,490 solliers among the french prisoners of war now held In Germany were born in Alsace and speak the German language. The population of Alsace and worraine, numbering 1,30,000, constitutes but the thirtieth part of the toial of France, and yet the French military prisoners of that origin constitute @ fourteenth of the wnoie count. Could we take this a3 a sure criterion the infercnce wouid be that those two provinces furnish twice as many soldiers relatively as any of the rest, Count Bismarck, it seems, occasionally responds to untimely queries by whistling and other signifl- cant but non-committal signs. A corresponden: at Versailles writes to one of the German papers that when the Count was coming away from his confer- ence with Jules Favre he was met by a distinguished ofMicer, who asked whether there would be peace. The statesman, in reply, merely puckered his Mps and whistled the bugle signal, ‘‘Kest arms!” “Only an armistice, then?” said his questioner. Bismarck shook the three hairs that adorn his cranium and whistled the nunting call, “Tally ho! Tally ho !-~ meaning that they were in at the death, Among tne French corpses found on the fleld after the last terrible sortie from Paris were many of the National Guard, elegantly uniformed in fine cloth, with gold watches, rings, &c., delicate linen, and hands and complexion that denoted the gentler ranks of life. Many a fair home was desolate for these anreturning brave | ‘The armed forces still actually afoot and in a goed condiiion of discipline and equipment on the French side amount to nearly 400,000 men, and this number is hourly augmenting while the armistice lasts, Several of the German papers are crying out, “Germany is depopulated, All her stalwart males are being drafted away to the slaughter house in France.” Father Hermann, a noble spirited priest, who for five months devoted himself to the care of the French sick and wounded prisoners at Spandan has or cessful expeditions in Montenegro and in Gandia, | died ofexhaustion. He was @ distinguished mem- ber of the Carmelites, @ man of great piety and energy combined, universally respected and be- loved, and 'he author of some beautiful composi- tions in music. Of forty-eight Sisters of Charity tending the small- pox patients in the Bieétre Hospital at Paris, eleven Gied of the hideous malady. Volunteers from the sis. terhood were called for to fill thelr paces and thirty- threo instantly resp 1, Wit is the heroism of the batiie field dipated witn tars? Vesuvius has, for some weeks past, been threaten- ening fierce eruption, and volcanic symptoms are rife in all the region surrounding Rome as well as at Naples. 1 ‘The Prussians are excluding from the French ter- ritory under their control ail the Swiss Journals that comment unfavorably on their proceedings. An enthusiast in the south of France is predicting a terrible calamity to fall upon the invaders of France, the complete rescue of that coantry, a tre- mendous revolution and a religious war in Central Europe and Italy, in whitch bot Kassia aud Great Britain will take part—ail to liappen within atwelve- month, Ex-Queen Isabella of Spain has requested permis- sion to accompany the first party that wil! pass by rail through the Mount Vents tunnel. In Southern Germany the peace feeling has made great progress, and the King of Bavaria nas ofi- cially spoken on the subject. The science of aerial aavigation has profited greatly by the experiences of the French war. Sev- eral acronauts at Paris confidently aMfirm that the problem of a sufMicient motive and guiding power bas been solved. Scleuce also wins her victories while men are fighting. in the far East all Persia 1s ringing with the splen- aid festivals and joyous imeients of the Snah’s recent general tour through his dominions. Bagdad is having a gay time, and the pageantries of good Haroun al Raschid seem to o¢ revived, with all our modern appliances. GENERAL SIG.L AND TLE ST. COMMISSION. DOMINGO New York, Feb. 21, 1871. To THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD:— Everything connected with St. Domingo annexa- tion seems destined to muisrepresentation. I regret to observe, on reading in this day’s issae of your valuable paper, an incorrect representation of the position iny friend, General Sigel, occupies om the Commission now engaged in an examination tnto the atlairs of St. Domingo. You will see by the en- closed letter of President Grant that Gencral Sigel was originally offered the position of secretary to the Commission, which position the General declined, believing that his knowledge of the Spanish lan- guage was too limited to enabie him to perform its auties inan acceptable manner. He therefore con- tented himselt with a more subordinate, but not less ‘useful and important position. His German frienis, and they number many, expect important results from his labors, He occupies an official position, and is no interloper, nor is in no way connected with any German immigration scheme. Respect- lully, yours, 0. ANFENGDR, EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, D. C., Jaa. 7, 1871. General F. SigEL:— DEAR Six—The resolution authorizing me to send Commissioners to St. Domiugo having passed the House of Representatives, it Would not seem prema- ture for me now to get tie consent of those whom [ would like to undertake the service. My choice 1s for yourself as secretary of the Commission, — If you accept will you be kind enough to notify me by tele- graph? The aim will be to get this Commission of ‘at as early & day as practicable. A naval vessel will bo in readiness at Norfolk, Va., 48 soon as the pa) ig ready to start, and wiil be fully provided for the comfort of ail. Yours, truly, U.S. GRANT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STEAMBOAT, The owners of the wrecking and fire steamer John Fuller have just added to her previous’ powertul equipment two more steam pumps for fire service especially. These pumps were made to order ex i, for the Fuller by the Amoskeag Manufactur- jug Company, and are of suiticient power to furnish water at fives anywhere within the limits of New York, Socing their supply from either river, Asa fire engine she ts now abie to threw thirteen streams of water. The Jonn Faller is connected with the re departments of New York and Brookiyu ; the hght fantastic While the darkness las! 5 ST AND FAST. FE Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday—The Secular Follies and Clerical Rites, Shrovetide, the Carnival, Mardi Grae, pancak@ Night, or by whatever name the day preceding th Jenten season is called, ts always understood to the ANTITHESIS OF WASTED ANATOMY, as represented by fish and poor food of all descrip. tons, Lent, seriously meant an abstinence froin ant mal food for forty days, was ever considered noth« ing more than an impuise nataral to humanity, which created the carnival; juse as men ou the verge of a shameful deatit at tho land of the execu-, tioner have often rioted through the preceding night. MUMMERS, MASKERS, FOOLS, and their witty folly were the features of the sea. Son, and in tue Cathohe cotintries sil!) the oldem feast means fun and gayety uncontrolied. At Rome tt 18 the popular holiday of the year: for, though Easter in all its pasehal splendor outshines it in magnificence and display, the carnival all over Italy ts the only time when the people's mirth bub« bles over into the streets aud turns them for a While into the scene ot ; A MONSTER PANTOMIME, In Venice this year may be revived the sportiva scenes of which Byron sung in praise—the cortéga, of carriages, the bondons or conyertt, the four bagt flung irom bystanders to carriages, from carriages to draped balcony and back again with biliety aon and sweet wishes of all kinds, verbal and writien. In France the cynicism of the modern school has, been : EDGING THE CARNIVAL TO TE WALL. ; The sun ts not so untversal. Yet if in its capitalyou wished to see a relic of Its past you should leave the: rive drott and cross the Scine into the Quartier Latin, There among the students you might but one year’ ago have seen maskers enough, male and female, | with all the olden aiandon, Ditung from ease to} brasserie. At night under the dimsy roof of thé closerte des (ilas you could see them tipplagt 3h 01 woe to the masker whom (he eye of one of Pietri’s mouchards, guided by the eye of rniog, foun about the streets on Ash Wedaes At the Gran Opera House and at the Cuatelet more costly but no! nearly such real fun was evolved, In Engtand they simply eat pancakes, Tney ALWAYS BAT IN ENGLAND, i and itis hailed as a blessed reminder that there ig something else in the world besides roast beer, Tha sentimental element ig represented by a ring placed in thé pan of batter from which the pancaké stat ts ladied, and wioever finds the ring is first to be married. Ireland eats pancakes also, and thanks Providence for the opportunity to’ eat anytuing. Scoiand eats “sauty banuocks,” bug takes no further notice of the day, It in America Shrovetide has ceased, with certain spasmodic ex- ceptions, ty be litle more than a ghost of its olden’ f THE SUCCEEDING ASH WEDNESDAY 18 still to immense numbers a season of deep re- Higious significance, Tue carnival, or desk feast, was go called irom its being in old times the farewell to epicurean indulgence untii Lent had vanished in the Sun of Easter morn. g—tne Sun whose rays danced ‘with joy that the Lord had risen from the dead and the world’s mental darkness was no more. ‘The carnival all over the world, tosuch nations ag preserve its traditions, has this year ‘falien on evil days.”” Rome, its great centre, may go mad with hilarity ag of old, but it is Certain that the Ko nan nobles, Barberinis or Borgias, will not have eiied in the motley crowd of” flour-fin wry maskers who drive at slow pace but with fast beatin hearts before the cafes and under the balconies o! the stately Corso. ‘There will have been no sign of, light or lite around the Palace of the Vatican; for the Roman Ponts court has wrapped itsel! in THE ITALIAN PROTESS OF SILBNOB, which, In the days of Austrian occupation, made beautiful Venice such a living tomb. ‘rance, too, lying under the conqueror’s heel, can ahe cast off ber blood-stained Serments, and, with her old sunny heart, put on the raiment of folly? Ne! To famished France, as to Kome, Mards Gras will have been a mockery, and Ash herent with its por- tent of sorrow and irail mortality, will be the fit day. ‘The lesson of mortitication of the flesh whic! it inculcates is drawn from the forty days’ tast of the Saviour in the wherein Satan tempted) and failed. From long ore it the Rom: Church, when it alone st forth among men the expounder of Christ’s Gospel, has made thia fortieth day before Easter a rei ‘er of the begin- ning, the composition and the of man. In Catholic coe When the frivolities of the carnt« val are husheg and the ast masker hag dotfed his motley, as the morning breaks, @ solemn walllug sound is heard in the churches, like the groan @f all the worid Weariness of spirit. Is comes from the lips of ti! mmaie choristers. A mags is sung, and the people with bowed heads and saddened demeanor approach the allar rails. The priest, vested in his alb and cince ture, descends the steps, bearing in his hands @ silver dish, on which are the ashes of the palm or yew: branches sanctified on the previous Paim Sunday. Aline of people have occupied the altar steps, and the priest, alter an Invocation, pI to the leit of the line, and, dipping a finger in the ashes, makea the sign of the cross upon the forehead of the first penitent, repeating THE SOLEMN WORDS OF WARNING, “Memento, homo, quia pulves ex, et in pulverem re- verteris,” “Remember, man, thou dust, and uhio dust shalt These are fitting words for remimding one of the spiritual importance of the lenten season, if out- ward signs have any use at all. In the Protestant Church it was retained for some time, but the re- forming spirit swept it out of the rit asa “vain show,” with many of the rites which, although of more pretentiousness, were scarcely of so much meaning. Lent, a8 aseason of fasting or abstl- nence {rom flesh meat, is fast disappeartug even im Catholics lands, where it is being so modified as scarcely to make any appreciable difference whether, it be un jour matgre or un jour gras—a fast or a feast. The age, with its fast living, compares with past ones a3 @ ponderous steam engine wit a wind- mill, It requires more nourlsiment to Keep it run- ning, and gives a latter day reason for a geutieman’s exclamation atan Ash Wednesday dinner in Enge land, that he could set as much connection between pancakes and plety as salt fish and sanctity, THE PaLSive £.STIVAL. The second annual festival of “The Puleti2,” an artists’ association, was most successfully celebrated Monday evening at Allomania Hall, S:xteenth street. The popularity which this young and vigorous asso- ciation has rapidly and deservedly wou 1s attested by the large number of 300 members already be!ong- ing to it, Its officers are:—Paul Scbulze, President; Victor Nehlig and J. Roy Robertson, Vice Presidents; Dr. C. Wiener, Treasurer; W. Kurz, Financial Secre- tary; Dry ©. Metmecke, Corvespouding Secretary; George Hess, Recording Secretary; M. Von Mittendorfer and L. Roeth, Libravians. The mem- bers are “artista and frieads of art.” Together with their guests they composed @ gav assembiage at last evening’s entertatuinent, which began with a capital speech by Mr. Schuize, and the presentation of an original comedy, m three acts, wrliten expressly for this occasion by George Hess, the sculptor, end de- picting tie vicissitudes of the life of an American arcist. The titie of the play was e Ladder of Fame.” ‘The following was the cast Mr. Fieldstone (a banker). . J. Deacon . Williamson ‘Roy Roverteon J.B. Sowlund . Bu P. tingle Mr. Snarly a5 sir, WW. Scott Young Smith (who would be a seiiptor).......Mr. W. Bagley Timothy Hurlvut (Landlord uf the Rock House) Mr. T. A. Field Bella Chester (betrothed to Guido), Mins Juua Gaylord ‘Mrs. Johnson (an Irish Widow)... Misa Saidee Cole Both projessionals and anateurs acquitted them- selves excellently weil. The play was followed by tableaux vivants by members of to Palstte, under direction of Mr. V. Nehiiz, represenung the progress of civilizauon— first, “Indian Hunters;’ second, *Setulers Attacked by Indians in a Log House;” third, “Secured Home," and fourth, “friumphs of Art.’? ‘Then came the ball, with its dances and the first and s¢cond supper, with their doubie feast of 1 stantial and delicate eatabies, ther harmonious flow of German and French wines, and their toasts to the Palette, Art ai its patrous; tue Press, German and Amerifan Artists, aud the Lies. The hall was decorated by embiems in reiief of sculpture, architecture, painting, piotography, Ppovtry, science, comedy, music, tragedy on i en graving—the work of Balllag, Tueodere Wist, son, Bowland ana Botlengesars by trop Otto Feoht, representing Indtan arms, ag: implements, mechanics and navigators’ and One aris; by centre pi artists’ coat of arms, by F. Enge}, aud end pieces on the ceiling by Wilst; by portraits of Columbus by J. Roy Robertson, of Washtigton Irying upd W. C Bryant by H. Le Vasseii, of Longleilow and Morse by J. Hammer; by figure o: P: H. Beurer, and two fine ideal female statues, Tepresenting art and its reward, by 0. Buber! and L, Roeth; and by eight grand cartoons, sree “American Progress;” an “Indian on the Prairie au Feliiug the Tree,” by Victor Nehiig; “The Log Cabin and Hunter,” by J. Roy Robertson; ‘ihe School- Master,” by James C. Beard; “Agriculture?” by George Gerhard; “industry and Trade,” by Bailing: “Seience,” by Thomas Gaylord, and “Art,” by ‘rheodore Wist. Tnen there was a maine, a “Wilderness,” by Max Eyiau, and ‘Acricaltural Perspective,” by Paul Schulze; “rhe Wine Cards,’ one of which was designed by Victor Neblig and hotographed by W. Kurtz, and the other designed yy M. Waist and photographed by Sarony, 23 well as the Dancing Card, with is cae by Max Mitten- dorfer, and “Bacchante,” by Victor Nehlig, and the Memonal Card, aiso by Victor Neklig, were equally artistic and admirable, The dining room was enlivened by hutoristic decorattons; the “He. micycle,” by Wast, and ‘Types of the Adiro: by Robertson, In fine, thts Palette festival only wiligue, but completely succesa/Uls tropuies e3 In color, represenilag