PARISIAN GOSSIP.

Southland Times, Issue 1137, 7 April 1869, Page 3

PARISIAN GOSSIP.

♦ (FEOM OUR OWN COEHESPOIfDENT.) Pakis, Jan. 30, 1869. On the 18th, the Emperor opened the French Parliament in a speech, which was the most vigorous he delivered since he came to the throne. He was put on his metal, as for some time past, he has been accused of being indifferent to the affairs of the nation, and further, that on the death of his right-hand man, some years ago. the brains of the second Empire, it was said expired. Richard, however, has become himself again. The discourse was devoid of those apostrophes to every thing in general, which latterly reduced the Imperial uttrances to a nullity. On the occasion in question, the Emperor announced that France was armed to the teeth, rather desirous of peace, but not at all averse to war — determined to uphold her prestige of the first military power on the Continent, and to do battle with all who dispute her championship. The results of tiadowa must be re-arranged, so that Bismark will have to keep hid house in order, and be ever ready. Napoleon had only a firim hope in peace ; the same as common mortals, who regard it, however, as extremely faint. The Conference, he expected would make Greece and Turkey friends — but events point otherwise. Ihe working of the new press-law, and the limited permission to his loving subjects to hold public meetings for the discussion of subjects not political, showed that the Old Adam of Revolution, socialism, and several other " isms." still lived, but were powerless for harm, as the good 3enseof the country looked up to him still as their saviour. It is to be regretted that under the circumstances, an extension of liberty still greater, is not accorded, since we are assured the Crown can bear, " even the excesses of liberty." One thing, His Majesty will not permit the calling in question of his rights and powers. He was elevated to his present position by an overwhelming national vote, and he means to stop there. " Arrah, small blame to him," as Pat would say. The object of his dynasty is to maintain liberty associated with power. It is to be hoped the occasion for " strong government " is passing away, and that the liberal wants which Frenchmen sigh after, may be supplied without the aid of revolution. The evil in political parties here is, that they aim to arrive at power, and from this point control the destinies of the nation. It is not to be wondered at that the " Ins " resolve to remain in. There has not been much slackening in the matter of press prosecutions, the fining and imprisoning of editors. Some red republicans have come to grief, for issuing inflammatory documents against the Emperor, whose downfall they regard as the one thing needful for their " unfortunate country." If one is to trust the popular belief, even without the aid of any prophetic almanac, this year is to witness the demise of Napoleon the Third. What might then ensue the French themselves do not know. The chances would be against a regency. Paris makes the . revolution, and sends it to ihe country for ratification as a matter of course. The National G-uard has never been accused of an over-zealous attachment to the second empire, and when they fraternize with the regular armj, the three " glorious days " end. Nor ia the National G-uard Mobile, whose duty is to occupy the strong place, when the army marches to the front, in the best of humors at having been called into existence. The strongest hand will sway. Four presidents of recent public meetings have been fined from one to two hundred francs, and imprisonment from one to four months, for the expressions used by the speakers. At such meetings a police inspector and a short-hand writer attend, their report is generally conclusive, no adjectives or adverbs can be explained away, the reporter may be doubted, but a policeman's memory never is at fault here as elsewhere. The Chancellor of the Exchequer has presented his financial report to the Emperor. It has the merit of being straightforward, and deals in m> chimeras. He hopes, as all financiers in his position do, to make the two ends inieet. Ordinarily, deficits in French ■ budget! are balanced by a national loan,

Patriotic speculators run it up, the momentary " tight place" ie relieved, and the bill handed down to posterity. The " Blue Book" principle has become quite fashionable with European nations, each of which haa its distinctive color : last year Turkey gave us one, as green as the plumes of a Pasha's headgear. Altogether, a collection would form an interesting political rain.bow. France has been delivered of hers, fully setting forth the internal state of the country. It corroborates that the land force of the nation is nearly one million and a half of men, and the naval force, over 300 ships, of all classes and armaments. The Conference haa been the "butt" of the city, and indeed of the world, since it was broached. It was felt to be a hollow thing —to allow the wirepullers to gain time, and to prove that Prussia and Bussia understood each other. King George and his one million of subjects would not play their fantastic tricks, before high heaven, and the Sultan with forty millions of people, unless he had "big brothers" to back him. The collective note of the Conference has been presented to His Majesty of Greece who, it is known, will not be allowed to " cave in." Bussia is already feeling " a touch of nature for him." Why Turkey should not be allowed to punish the impertinence of her insignificant neighbor, for • his filibustering is astounding. Every other power would, in such a case, speedily apply the law of nations. The Greeks want a sound beating, and Omer and Hobart Pachas will soon bring them to a sense of their situation. The Congress has not been wholly useless. It has led people to discuss before they fight, and so far, common sense has gained ground. Prussi a remains stationary. She boasts like France of her floated armaments, and is ready at any moment to take the field. She is watched with a tiger vigilance by France ; the first cotnbattant in the field has the odds in their favor. Meantime, Prussia sends "agricultural implements" into Boumania, under the form of needle guns, and " railway material," in the shape of rifle artillery and Krupp cannon. Eoumania, by-the-bye, desires to solve the Eastern question in her own favor. She has selected her Prussian Prince Charles, but to make a Southern Prussia — to walk in the footsteps of his ancestor, Frederick the Great. Small powers have been playing the fable of the frog and the bull of late, and it is time that the nationalistic unity and religious agglomeration sentiments be " played out." Eussia boasts never to be more pacifically inclined, and less solicitous about the health of the " sick man." Although her people cry aloud for the execution of railways and public works, the Czar has fourteen hundred thousand men ready, and in the South, has the means- secured for sustaining them in campaign. Austria has her million of warriors ready for eventualities, and is daily becoming more intimately allied with France; both of these powers may very soon take to revise the map of Europe, but an Austrian alliance would at once throw Prussia into the arms of Eussia. Besides, Austrian alliances never have been fortunate for France. It would be the salvation of Austria to be at peace for many years to come, and consolidate her "autonomy." Italy is open to any alliance that the fortune of war may bring her. The " unity" idea is still on its trial ; the King feels daily more and more the burthen of his position, and longs to "retire from business," and spend the remainder of his days with his Fair Eosalind, the Countess Eosine. The " miller's" strike, which at one time threatened to be serious has calmed down ; the nation cannot have its cake and eat it. If a monster army is to be maintained, money must be forthcoming, and it is as well to raise the millions from the grinding of corn .as elsewhere. His Holiness is following suit in keeping the " arm of the flesh" in full vigor. Like his secular potentates he is armed to the teeth, and awaits Garibaldi's march. Spain has got through her elections creditably ; of the 346 Deputies elected to the Oortes by universal suffrage not more than 18 declared for Isabella, and 2 for Don Carlos. The " King question" will very soon be decided, and opinion oscillates between the Duke d'Aosta, second son of Victor Emmanuel, and the Duke de Montpensier, son of the late Great King Smith, Louis Philippe, and brother-in-law of Isabella. If the former gets a " unanimous call," he will accept, but then he must renounce his claims to the throne of Italy, which, as his eldest brother is dying of consumption, and has no children, are very apparent. Prince Napoleon's boys, will in such a case, by right of their mother, have the reversionary interest in the Lombard iron crown. The real difficulties of Spain will but commence after the new King is seated ; the Spaniards are proud, and remember the throne of Charles the Fifth and Philippe the Second is in a lumber room of the Palace. In consequence of the assassination at Burgos, where the Mayor went to take an inventory of the " unnecessary valuables" in the cathedral, and dispose of them for the national Exchequer, an act which has created a profound sensation, the Provisional Government has proclaimed, what it ought to have done iv September — freedom of religion. It is not improbable that Spain may have to pass through a second revolution to repair the errors of the first. Belgium is in mourning. As nature shines alike for shepherds as for kings, so death strikes down, with an even handed justice. The young Duke of Barbant died after months of agony, the i primary cause of his malady being neg- ; lected scarlatina. Four days before his i death he was delirious, and breathed his i life away between the arms of his disi consolate parents. Like Bachael, his i mother refuses to be comforted, she weeps > fgi her sdn, '' as a low for ever new j" the

Bang's silent suffering is the measure o profound grief, and the nation, the world sympathizes with the bereaved parents their suffering is that touch of natun which makes the whole world kin. Oi the death bed was, a crown of roses oi the pillow, and a statue of the Virgin and the Prince's toys at the foot. Th< Queen would not listen to having th< body embalmed, spices but prolong decay The funeral may be said to have taker place without any pomp or circumstanc< of woe, and the child-prince, as he died ii the same chamber as his grandfather has very appropriately been placed bj his side. In forty minutes after th< event took place, the Emperor anc Empress's sympathy was in the hands o afflicted royalty. It is well-known tha the Empress has chosen one of th< Belgium princesses for her son's futun wife, apart from any political consideration In default of male issue, the Crowe reverts to the Count of Flanders, brothei to the King. Their Majesties are onlj getting up to forty, and may yet give more hostages to fortune. At one period, their married life was something of the cat and dog, the King not speaking hardly to his wife until she returned from Miramar with the Empress Charlotte, when the proof of such affection brought back her husband's love. Il is 3aid tha Empress Charlotte is keeping a journal, in which perfect sanity reigns She has also finished the life of "Maximilian the First of Mexico." Since New Tear's Day, the Court has been very gay. The evening before, the drums of the National Gruard, and those of the army of Paris, joined in " beating in," the new year before their Majesties. This proceeding is familiarly known as the " Chorus of the Asses' Skins." The ambassadors wished his Majesty the formal happy new year, a painfui pleasure that his subjects has got througb to the great " not to be forgotten class' of porters, postmen, and postboys Parisians have sent their cards, and photographs through post, at the rate oi some thousands, to one another, and the rising generation has luxuriated in the fair of the Boulevards, in every description of toy got up, regardless of expense, and lollypops ia every variety of pattern : and in boxes of every magnificence and artistic design. As Lent comes in early this year great haste is naturally made to get through as many balls as possible. Not that quiet dancing parties " do not take place under the rose during the " forty days." In France every |one is religious, so far as renting a "chair" in their parish chapel is concerned — much as a box iB rented at the opera — but it would puzzle the oldest inhabitant to remember when " Monsieur" occupied it. For concerts, &c, the ladies dress more than for balls. In the former, a great opportunity is afforded for studying " chiffons" and the value of diamonds, &c, as one listens to the enchanting notes of Tarnberlick or a prima donna. An attempt is again to be made to inaugurate the fashion of " short dresses." This time the leader of " Woman's Rights" is the Princess Sagan. The idea is not popular, as unhappily pretty aokles are as rare in France as in Fatherland. Many ladies we know " have the faces of the Queen, with the feet of the King." The Empress never was so simply nor so richly dressed as she was of late. At the opening of the Legislative Session, she wore a sky blue silk, trimmed with white lace, and boanet to match; and diamond earings. At the last court ball but one, an exquisite white satin, ornamented with carnations, same flowers in the hair, with diamonds, a carnation in diamonds, expanding their petals on her forehead ; diamonds on her breast, and a simple piece of black velvet knotting behind her neck. Admission to the State balls have been difficult this season, as a great number of " questionable people" have hitherto been admitted. There was less politeness, however, among the invited. The Emperor and Empress partake of a stand-up supper on these occasions, and only the ambassadors and their wives and high officials are permitted to share their company. A jelly and a glass of sherry satisfies the Empress, a champagne glass of pale ale and a biscuit the Emperor. They retire after these pleasures of the table, and the doors are then opened, and the most " ugly" of rushes ensues. Ladies leave morsels of their costly dresses attached to gentlemen's spurs, and gallantry seems to for the time " bid the world farewell." For what ? To eat and drink what each has equally good at home. Mr Burlingame and his troupe of Celestials have been presented to the Emperor on Sunday last. Court carriages con- , veyed the representatives of the Flowery Land to the Tuilieries, and " the whole strength of the establishment" was brought out to receive them. A general Bhaking of hands, and " happy to see you in Paris," on the part of the Imperial family, constituted the ceremony, excepting the " delivery" of the autograph letter from the Sun of Heaven, some feet in length, which surprised all, and which Napoleon declared to be very interesting. After the presentation, the Celestials were sent home in the same carriages, which was a great favor, as ordinarily a new minister, after a similar ceremony, is left to " call a cab," or take Irish tandem — one leg before the other. The ex-Queen of Spain is busily occupied fitting up her new Basileuski palace, and is laying in everything for a long residence. She is hand-in-glove with the Imperial Family, and her sor and the Prince Imperial go like Juno'e swans, coupled and inseparable. Spain does not like these attentions in high latitudes, but chen his Majesty is graciousness itself to the Spanish Ambassador. The Emperor gives some of his spare momenta to instruct the Prince Imperia in Velocipedism. Indeed Velocipedes are becoming a nuisance, since shops have taken to make tlienS deliver " iigft

f parcels," and journals to announce, " second and third editions " by these • modern Mercuries. 9 Mr Jeff Davis and his lady have ari rived, and are the guests of Mr Slidell, i the ex-minister of the Confederate , States. "Jeff" is very poor, and is 3 writing for Longman and Co. of London 3 the history of the Secession for £3,000. Portable gas now "lights up' the i omnibusses of Paris, and works well, 3 throws a strong flood of soft light into i the interior. Further, the oxy-hydrogen gas having proved a success, will be emr ployed for the city. Suicides have been 3 few, those that have occurred were al--1 ' most uniformly effected by hanging from f staircases, one unfortunate taking b chloroform beforehand. The " masa sacres "at the Isle of Eeunion created 3 less talk than our two day* frost now [. gone from our gaze.