The Strength of Paris.

Cromwell Argus, Volume 1, Issue 52, 9 November 1870, Page 7

The Strength of Paris.

Oil this subject the Sydney Morning Herald of the 29th ult. says:—" Each monarch has left monuments of his rule, and every part of Paris teems with memorials of victory. But all these architectural and engineering achievements would have ottered only a richer prize, but for the fortifications erected by Louis Philippe during the Ministry of M. Thiers. All round Paris there are walls of solid masonry, mounted with artillery. Beyoud are forts of great strength, which it is difficult to imagine could be taken by assault. Between the walls and these forts there is a space of from one to nearly two miles, should any of them be captured, there are subterranean passages connected with the city, and chambers for the reception of gum. powder, which would make-the possession of these forts' very drngerous to the captors. The Seine runs throughout the centre of Paris, which shows on the map nearly a circular form. The two parts of the city are connected by bridges. We learn that all the intervening land between the city walls and the forts have been cleared, so as to afford no shelter to an approaching enemy. These walls are manned chiefly by the workmen of Paris. Every Frenchman knows something of war, and the force within is estimated at three hundred thousand men. No one, after what has been done, would venture to predict the issue of this war. The removal of the Emperor has, however, for the present taken away one cause of division, whatever may be its ultimate consequence, and now the French are able to make peace without the shame of his defeat. ISo one will pretend to judge of the prudence of strategical measures by their success. But according to the reports which reach us, the presence of the Emperor was the primary cause of defeat. General M'Maho.n could not take those measures which were necessary because he had to take care of the Emperor. It was impossible for him to return with safety to Paris. Thus the lilmperor could only await the accidents of the held, or surrender himself to the enemy.