GENERAL SUMMARY.

West Coast Times, Issue 1747, 8 May 1871, Page 3

GENERAL SUMMARY.

On 20th March President Thiers issued a proclamation, appealing to tho reason and patriotism of the citizens of Paris to preserve order. Immediately following this the insurgents of Paris commenced to trouble the Government ; in some cases the National troops fraternised with them. On the 21st news arrived that the insurgents were successful, and on the 22nd that in reality they possessed the city of Paris. At that lime it was

found necessary to remove the bullion the Bank of France to Versailles. On the 23rd a crowd of apparently peaceable persons were fired upon by Government troops in Paris, and at least thirty killed and wounded. The more orderly citizens of Paris left in large numbers on the 27th j it appeared as though the revolutionary element was dominant in several other cities of France ; noticeably in Marseilles this was also the case. Bismarck informed Thiers that un-

less indemnity was paid before the 16th inst., 80,000 Germans would enter Paris to suppress revolution, andiemain until the money was paid.

London, April 3. The Commune (of Insurrectionists) issued a decree arraigning Thiers, FaTre, and the leading members of the Government before a tribunal of the people, and ordering their property to be seized. ' "\ Another decree pronounces separation of Church and State, suppresses religious bodies and abolishes national property.

The insurgents were defeated in one great battle on the 3rd ; again on the 4th, by the Government troops. Many thousand prisoners were taken. The Churches of Madeline and Assumption were pillaged by the insurgents.

The Archbishop of Paris has been arrested, and charged with conspiracy agaiust the State.

April 6.

Thiers had commenced negotiations ■with the insurgents, offering- the commune to concede many of its demands. Bismarck informed Thiers that he considers all restrictions concerning reoccupation of Paris removed, and that he may occupy the city with 150,000 troops if necessary. The Insurgents have been dislodged from the bridge of Neuilly. > A nun who escaped from Paris has arrived, and reports that the churches have been sacked, and the priests insulted and maltreated. New York, April 7.

A special telegram from Paris says : — At the funeral of the insurgents killed there was great excitement" Three hearses with black velvet palls covering tho dead, and decorated with flags were followed to Pere la Chaise by 8000 Nationals, and crowds of citizens, including a large number of women.

As they arrived at tho cemetery, each hearse contained thirty-three coffins, and twenty-three other hearses from the hospitals joined them.

One huge grave had beeu made for all the bodies.

The cemetery of Pere la Chaise was one mass of people, swaying with passion, screaming " Vive la Republique," " Vive la Commune."

London, April 7.

Cannonading is heavy on the south side of Paris. Several shells burst in the city, and Government believed that the Communists have 100,000 men under arms.

The official announcement of a great victory for tho Government has been pronounced.

Bismarck has received the rank of Prince, and Von Moltko is invested with the rank of the Iron Cross.

Sir Henry Bulwer is elevated to the Peerage.

The marriage of the Princess Louise was celebrated with great brilliancy on March 21.

The Bishop of London, assisted by the Bishops of Oxford, Worcester, and Winchester performed the ceremony. In ike House ot Commons Mr Seely gave notice that he should move for a reduction of Trans- Atlantic postage to one penny.

The weekly returns of the Bank of England, show an increase of £88,000 in bullion.

Washington, March 23. The naturalisation treaty between the Uniied Slates and England has been confirmed by the Senate. j Great Britain acknowledges the right | of her subjects to renounce their alle\giance,and Americans wishing to become " naturalised as British subjects may do so. Sumner made a powerful speech against annexation of San Domingo. ' Commissioners have been appointed to investigate the San Domingo business, and have reported favorably to the President. President Grant visits California immediately on the adjournment of Congress. Yogel telegraphs to the News of the World that negotiations for New Zealand ou the guaranteed debentures proved a great success. Tenders were called for £1,200,000, and the total has been tendered for at and above minimum of £95 for tens.