The spawning in the Forth and its tributaries, although protracted for longer than usual, is now over for the season. Such an unprecedented number of large salmon has not been seen for some years as we noticed this winter in the Teith. The new French Assembly is unexpectedly conservative and moderate, although there is a large sprinkling of some of the worst of the Reds. Gambe tta, however, is quite out of the field, and Thiers is the Qoming man — nay, to quote what Talleyrand said of him nearly helf-a-centiiry ago, "II est arive." At one of the first meetings the Assembly was nearly committing itself to a resolution which would have amounted to a declaration of war a outrance, but Thiors, by his tact and dexterity, managed to smooth over the excitement, and to induce the members to pass on to real business. In fact, it is perfectly well known that Alsace and Lorraine are doomed, and that France will accept almost any terms rather than continue the struggle. There are over 800,000 German soldiers encamped in all the strongest parts of France, including the Paris forts, and there is no possibility of shaking off their grip. France must yield with as good grace as possible, and in that article, at least, she will not be found wanting. As to the future, no one can say what it will be. The Assembly contains a preponderance of members who, if not pledged to Orleanism, will rather have it than the Republic or the Empire —the only other alternatives. The majority of the members of the present Executive are known to be inclined the same way, although Thiers continues to affirm that he is staunch for a republic. If a prophecy may be hazarded, I venture to say that three months hence we shall have the Orleanists installed in power, either in the shape of Aumale as President of the Republic, or the Cornte de Paris as King. There is some delicacy about bringing forward the latter at present, as he is by blood closely related to the German Imperial family, being a grand nsphew of the pious William, and besides nephew of the Grand Duke of Mecklenburg, the conqueror of Le Mans. Whatever happens, the Empire is defunct for ever. There are not half-a-dozen Bonapartists in the Assembly, and four of them are from Corsica. Napoleon is said to be very downcast at this result, though the faction at Chisleliurst still continue to hope and intrigue.
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Grey River Argus, Volume X, Issue 861, 1 May 1871, Page 2
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416Untitled Grey River Argus, Volume X, Issue 861, 1 May 1871, Page 2
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