FRANCE

Southland Times, Issue 1594, 21 June 1872, Page 3

FRANCE

In tbe course of discussion in tho As. tsembly, M. Thiers delivered a menacing speech, in which he spoke of the reconstruction of the army, and of revenge. Prance, be said, bad eight millions a year for a sinking fund to pay off tbe national debt, and she would soon resume her old attitude. Her army numbered nearly a million men at the present time. These indications of a determination on the part of France to renew tho struggle, produced dissatisfaction in Berlin, and tbe Daily Telegraph published a letter and an article, avowedly an answer by the German Government, intimating that an explanation had been demanded from tbe French Government. If this unsatisfactory war was to be recommenced, the negotiations for the earlier evacuation of French territory would certainly cease. The English Press believes that M. Thiers meditates attempting the recovery of the ceded Provinces of Alsace and Lorraine. Grave complications are feared. DnriDg the recess, M. Thiers gave a series of receptions in the Champs Elysees, gratifying the citizens of Paris. The Trochu libel case has been tbe great sensation of the month. It was an action brought by General Trochu against the conductor of the Figaro for asserting that he (the General) had insinuated himself into the favor of tbe Emperor, and got himself appointed Governor of ' Paris in order to betray the country. The leading Bonapaftists were cited as witnesses, and exciting disclosures were made. After a trial extending over six days, a verdict was given acqaitting the accused of the charge of being guilty of defamation of character, but convicting him of insulting a public functionary. He was sentenced to a month's imprisonment, and ordered to pay a fine of 4000 francs. The Constitutionnel has been suppressed by the military commander of Paris (General Ladmirault). The report of the Commission appointed te enquire into the circumstances attending the surrender of Metz, blames Marshal Bazaine. The sentence of Blanqui, one of the Communist leaders, has been revoked, and a new trial ordered. Junqua and Moritz, two interdicted priests, defy the Archbishop of Paris, and publicly denounce tbe Papal pretensions.