THE DEFENCE OF PARIS.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2391, 30 November 1870, Page 3

THE DEFENCE OF PARIS.

Gambotta, the Minister of War, on arriving at Tours, issued a proclamation. He says,' “the situation imposes upon us great duties. First of all, it is for you to cease to be diverted by any pre-occupation unconnected with the war combat. The second is, until peace comes, to accept fraternally the authority of the Republic—a power proceeding from necessity and right—and a power which would not exist a moment more if exercised for profit or ambition. There is but one thought, one passion, to rescue Franco from the abyss into which Monarchy has plunged her. This makes the Republic, which has been charged with the duty of employing and utilising all your courage and capacity. It is as a tradition to arm our young leaders. While wc do this, the Heavens will cease to favor our adversaries. The rains of autumn will come ; and lingering around the capital, the Prussians, far from their home, alarmed, harrassed in front »id rear by your armed population will be d cimatcd by our arms. By fact and by nat ire it is not impossible that the genius of France shall be clouded for ever—that a great nation shall allow itself to take a place under the domination of 500,000 men. Let us then rise up en wicisse, and let us die rather than submit disgracefully to dismemberment. I’aris asserts again that immortal motto which also calls upon all Franco “ Vive la nation ! Vivo la Republicpic indivisible ! ’ By order of the Republican Government, I left Paris to transmit to you the hopes of the Parisians and others who am seeking deliverauce from the foreigners. Paris, invested for 17 days, presents the spectacle of two millions of men forgetting their differences to_ withstand the invader who expected civil discord. The revolution found Paris without guns or arms of any kind—4oo,ooo of the National Guard are now armed, and 100,000 Mobiles, and 09,000 regulars are assembled. The foundaries are casting cannon ; women make millions of cartridges daily. Every battalion of the Nationals have two mitrailleurs and field pieces, and are preparing for sorties. The forts are manned »>y marines, and are suppled with artillery of the greatest excellence, which arc served by gunners the first in the world. Fort Encicnte, on the 4th instant, had only 500 cannon, now it has 3,000, with 400 rounds each. Every defence has its men at their posts. The Nationals drill constantly behind the Enciente, and barricades which are adapted by the genius of the Parisians. This has been all achieved Calmly and orderly, amid general patriotism. The impregnability of Paris is no illusion. It cannot be captured nor surprised, and there is no danger of sedition or starvation, which the Prussians have been counting on.” Such is the statement on the one side, On the other hand, the Prussians are confident of being in Paris within a week from the opening’ of the general bombardment. The condition of affairs in Paris, as stated by Gambctta, is confirmed from various other sources. Communication is kept up between Paris and Tours by mcaus of balloons with amazing success. The prevailing winds carry the balloons towards Tours, and carrier pigeons take the replies back.