PARIS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 3251, 8 July 1872, Page 3

PARIS.

(from our own correspondent.)

May 18th

Hasten slowly., seems to be the motto adopted by the reorganises of France, and in this respect they cannot be too highly congratulated. No fundamental measure is proposed for adoption till it has been perfectly threshed and sifted. Even the extreme journals are a few shades loss violent, and commence to think an opponent may have reasons for his faith, and is not to be ranked as an enemy because he has the honour to differ from them. Again, there is less indulgence in rant and fustian over liberty, equality, and fraternity, and kindred shibboleths ; the thing does not pay ; besides, the people have found out it is better to practise such precepts than foam over them. Yes, there is something like a serious tone and practical aim commencing to leaven French character ; true, the workings arc yet not very great, but the healthy reformatory principle has established itself. There are Mamelukes still existing to defend Utopian or rather Procrustean ideas, but they are dying out before the advancing sobriety of the times.

The Assembly continues to show that collectively it is as prudent as sage. The Republicans, if not partisans of M. Thiers, are undoubtedly of the principle he represents, and that they will not allow to perish in his hands ; they will sacrifice ambition and vanity, will act with patience and moderation, to secure the jewel of great price. The Republic, with order and security, is making rapid strides ; outside of that there are only coupx WeUit and civil wars. In the Assembly the Conservatives are becoming Republicans, and the Republicans Conservatives. One hears less use of the phrases Revolutionists and Reactionists. The country desires neither. There are deputies who held aloof, now quitting the Royalist for the Republican benches. Men of conscience and heart are so acting. General Clianzy, for example, who can faithfully and fearlessly state—*'l was not a republican." His conversion illustrates the inability of tho Monarchists to carry out their wishes, and being a man, of

order and sterling worth, ho is a tower of strength to the Ilepublicana. His example must be followed, for necessity and safety dictate it. Public opinion accepts him as heir-apparent to M. Thiers.

The social question, that great cancer for France, in to be treated in a btunneaslike and exhaustive manner. A Parliamentary Commission of 40 deputies is to sit in Paris, and every employer and eraployed will be free io offer himiielf for examination, stating what is wrong and what is requisite to right fairly the relations between capital and labour. The result at all events will be a correct diagnosis of the disease, and this is a great step towards a remedial treatment.

Since 80 years, and under all governments that reigned, no association of more than 20 members could bo formed without the express and renewable permission of the authorities. This abandonment of the right of association to the will and pleasure of a governmont, inconsistent with univeral suffrage, is a serious violation of the principle of the Sovereignty of the people. M. Lolain, a working man, and being such, elected by the artisans of Paris to represent them in the Assembly, has moved for the repeal of this law, and will succeed in so far that all am associate, possess the power to acquire, hold, and contract in the matters of property and commercial affairs, provided the object of such association bo previously announced, and have nothing illegal in its character. This is in itself a very great concession, and the French begin to ace the wisdom of accepting by instalments what they demand. The best means to combat Hocialism is considered in France to consist in interdicting the workmen to associate ; their common work already effecting that, all the year round in factories, &c. The Government must not be afraid to allow the <nu:rif:rn to unite and discuss "shop." Trades' Unions have been cmbarassing, but they have conjured perils, and if they have excited or encouraged strikes, their arbitration Committees have contributed to terminate them. Much of the helplessness of the French to take any step without the guidance of the Slate in owing to the Governments withholding from the people this right to associate.

The listening to M. Lolain at all is a sign of happier days. This tirno last year hu was hooted down because he was related to Communist constituent*. He is

about 4~> years of age, middle height, Htnall and intelligent eyes, very bald, and forehead full of wrinkle:}, jaws sunken, and features expressive of anxiety and care. Ho was a stone-cutter or mason— a kind of Hugh Miller. He lias a superb red beard, not so well cared for as a Triton's or a prophet's. He speaks practically when in the Tribune, and would be better were he more natural. He is proud of his hands covered with the horny proofs of toil.

The discussion on the project of law constituting a special court to judge Marshal Bazainc, is in many respects an important political event. For the firht time has taken place, after a pitched battle, the defeat of the united Legitimists and Orleanists by the united Republicans. The Government observed an equivocal attitude, it was also the first appearance of the Due d'Aumale in the tribune. The o- ject of the Bill wan to declare that in the absence of a sufficient number of marshals and admirals to tiy a marshal, the Minister of War was authorised to constitute a court from those generals of division who had commanded before an enemy. Now nearly all such are at present deputies, and those professing monarchical views disliked to have anything to do with the Bazaine trial ; but the Republicans, by a majority of 'M, declared military deputies eligible to be judges, as marshals would be were they deputies. As the Bill will likely make the Due d'Aumale and his brother the Prince do .'Joiuville judges, owing to their seniority, the Due took part in the debate ; spoke neither for nor against, but merely explained his "personal position." Under a Republic this looked like audacity on the part of a prince, and a popularly accepted Pretender. The Royalists cheered him, the Republicans sat silent and amn/.ed. The Due wished to bo a deputy, to be restored to his grade in the army ; both were accomplished, and thus he is rendered qualified to sit in judgment on Bazaine. lie must bite his lips at his situation ; he who demanded all public honours possible, and abstained like an old fox from every embaraassing political duty, ft is M. Thiers must laugh at thus seeing the Due caught; and it is quite natural to learn that the President's health is much improved.

Marshal Bazaine having delivered himself up, the country is so far pleased that he is deprived of the opportunity of escape, even were he bo inclined. The rigors of his eon linemen t to the house are softened for the Marshal by eveiy respectful attention consistent with his rank and position. Even the Reds could hardly in their heart's desire to see him chained on a stone floor, with a pitcher of water by i is side, and a pound of black bread. There is a little less talk about his incapacity and treason, but not the slightest alteration in the public mind as to "Inn evident guilt." A kind of popular catechism is in circulation, to enlighten thp masses on the prisoner's crimes. It has been composed by one who knows every weak point in Bazaine's armour—from his hesitation to retreat across the Moselle, instead of relying on Mebs and its limited, short, supplies ; to his bowing to the national will in overthrowing the dynasty, and then intriguing to bring Napoleon back, or himself forward. The gossip is rather, will the Marshal be shot, or imprisoned for life, rather than is he guilty I Perhaps it is only the prisoner himself who believes he is innocence itself. T ue trial can hardly open before the end of the month ; if 700 witnesses are to be examined, the " Claimant's " case will be eclipsed in point of duration.

As an orator, it is diflicult to judge the due d'Aumale from an extemporary speech. He was incoherent, confused, and embarrassed, well aware every word he uttered was accepted as a programme, and that ho was known to be a Pretender — that is, a conspirator against the Republic. His physical appearance is in his favour ; his attitude is soldier-like ; his head inclines towards his left shoulder ; his eyes had a wandering expression ; his gestures were moderate, and his voice sonorous. He is not timid, but he had an air of timidity, for he tried to avoid the devouring gaze of the Assembly. As an Academician, an "Immortal," his style was very incorrect, his words badly chosen, and his sentences never completed. He has a manly voice and appearance in his favour—what M. Thiers wants, but the latter has talent, elasticity of words, profound knowledge of public men, jiue.sse, ready wit, and tact.

When we dispose of all the scandals connected with the contracts effected under the imperial reyimc, possibly the questions of oblt.atory education and military service may be taken in hand. The postponement of these all-important matters would be regrettable, only delay confirms the wishes of the nation to have these reforms adopted. Colonel Denfert would take the child from infancy, and rear him up to all the requirements of

military life. Ho seems to think the citizen only exists for the State, rather than tho State for the citizen. It was Sparta that took charge of the education of its youth ; the women were only allowed "to bring forth men ;" the Spartan discipline is in many respect* admirable ; it accustomed to fatigue, and hardships, to stratagems of war; the study of eloquence was regarded with contempt, long speeches were held in abhorrence, and to express one's Belf with sententious brevity was (something like a virtue.

There are good reasons for supposing I that 3ML Thiers will not bo able to carry J out his protection scheme, and that he j will be forced to adopt the income tax as j the reliable source of revenue. Money is very plentiful in France at present, and. the proof is shown by the eagerness of* foreign countries to bring out national or local loans as heretofore. There will be no difficulty in finding the three milliards for Bismarck. Were a protection tariff to be carried, it would destroy these English^ and American houses that have been established not only in Paris, but in the chief towns of France. I am aware of two gentlemen, who give employment to 30 and 80 persons, and that protection, if adopted, would at once set adrift. The, population of English and Americans is* 25,000 in all France.

The weather continues to bo something milder, but it has been terrible and miserable. The intense damp and cold, in addition to developing sickness, and devastating market-gardens, has seriously injured vines and cereals. Except in stopping out-door amusements, perhaps citizens are reconciled to what they cannot prevent. The strangers are not returning permanently, and one-third of the most valuable houses in the fashionable quarters of the city, are in want of tenants. Parisians have themselves a good deal to thank for the absence of their best customers ; they have never been famous for liberality in their commercial, their sharp, transactions with foreigners. They are infinitely worse now. Even the most experienced stranger must have at present an Argus eye-sight, or he will be fleeced. He will ever have this consolation, that the French pluck each other quite the same ; there are losses to be made good, and terrible taxes to bo paid. I. visited the chief market a few evenings ago—the Halle Centralcs, and was much amused at seeing some 120 of these historically famous market women and girls, aged from 50 to 15, enjoying themselves in the game of battledore and shuttlecock, as well as the skipping-rope. These yen* form a colony of themselves, a close borough. I was informed that several ni the grown-up matrons attend an evening school after the recreation. Their houses are only places to sleep in ; their meals are taken at their stalls, and are furnished by a co-operative cook-shop. The Comte Dubourg will be put on his trial in ten days hence for the assassination of his wife. It is only to vindicate the law, as the jury would never convict him for killing his wife so taken in adultery. The Cointc Precorbin, who seduced the unfortrnate woman, has resumed his ofiicial duties as a clerk in the municipality. The court of Montpellier has just decided a very singular appeal case. In 18(J0, a gentleman farmer, aged 23, and named Darbousse, married Ann Jumas, aged 25. For two years the couple lived together, when the husband demanded the marriage to be nullified, as his socalled wife belonged to the male sex. Anne, however, objected ; alleged it was two years ago such objection should have been made, but declined to submit to the decision of a jury of matrons, as she produced a properly signed medical certificate that she belonged to the fair sex. Doctors differed, of course ; tho Galens of Paris documentarily decided, without seeing the lady it would seem, that she was not a woman, and had never been nor could ever become one. The Court ruled that " Anne " was mistaken as to her being a woman, and broke the marriage. It is for the census Commissioners to decide under which of the columns—male or female—ex-Madame Darbousse is to be classed.

Although France fabricated during the Prussian siege imitation calves' heads, famine was not at all kept back. Just now she is occupied making other heads; during the last three weeks one sculptor has sold 500 busts of M. Thiers ; 180 of Marshal MacMahon ; 125 of the Cornte de Paris ; 75 of Victor Hugo ; and 50 of General Chanzy. He has a stock-in-trade since years of public men. "When a poli tical character is played out—a soldier especially—he takes off the heads, and replaces them by the fortunate successors. It is thus he made his Napoleons the Third, by putting their heads on the Cavaignac busts. The first successful soldier who will be King will have his head fitted on the Napoleon trunk.

The phases of the Swias question arc as complicated as the marches of Don Carlos on Madrid, and the defeat of the "Revisionists" is welcomed by the French, because they believe the Germans have been at the bottom of the affair, and feel proud that the solemn mas* celebrated in this cit}' to invoke defeat has been heard. Switzerland contains 22 cantons, inhabited by a people of German. French, and Italian extraction, and Protestant and Catholic. In the voting that has taken place, religion and race became mixed, so that no fair or clear issue can be discerned, save that the voters are nearly equal in point of numbers, and that the Cantons by a majority of four, prefer to hold on by their individual independence, and decline io be swamped in a Central Federation. The grand feature in the popular, passionate voting is, that all was legally effected and in good order. M. Thiers observed, that in France everything is motion and locomotion- A strange accident occurred the other day on the Boulevard, whereby a waggon full of pigs, became "locked" in a passing hearse, knocking off a wheel of the latter. The hearse horses—four in number—l learned, were respectively named, " Repose," "Crier," "Catafalque," and " Philosopher." Never was a greater, a more curious crowd collected. Ultimately the vehicles were separated, the mourners rejoiced, the wheel was repaired, provisionally, and the looker-on left to his reflections.