PARIS.

Southland Times, Issue 1719, 25 March 1873, Page 1 (Supplement)

PARIS.

♦ (FKOM OUfi OWN COBHESPONDENT.) Jakxjakt 9 " The most remarkable woman is she wbo bas most children," retorted Napoleon to Madame de Stael. France is now of tbe Mime advice in seeing a diminution of one third of a million on the total of tbe population during the last five years, and tbat neither the cession of Alsace, tbe losses by war, nor sickness, can explain as other thing than a sign of degeneracy. In round numbers the present population of the country is 36 millions. Of course tbe deaths are greater than tbe births. In the census returns there ia the strange disparity between the numbers of husbands and w jv #B — -tbe latter exceeding tbe former by 32,000. Thia difference between what is considered equal factors, is wbat no fellow can understand— excepting French officials. It is tbe masculine sex tbat exhibits tbe highest diminution ; tbe late war does not account for tbe fact, as the evil existed before 1870 ; neither does the tendency on the part of tbe " rural*" to emigrate to tbe large centres of industry explain the present falling-off in tbe increase of tbe people, since in these centres even, tbe increase is but ▼cry slight. In tbe case of Paris, however, the population is now 1,852,000, being over 70,000 more than before the •ieg©Putting aside causes wbicb can only be alluded to behind closed doors, tbe French journals accept tbe diminution in tbe population, or even its resting stationary, as a fatal sign of degeneracy ; and draw attention to the fruitfulness, and consequent power, of the Teutonic race. The decadence of Rome may be traced to two prominent sources .* a decline in the number of marriages, and a falling-off in tbe number of births. There is a growing feeling among young men in France to regard married life as a " bore," a state surrounded by too many perils, and demanding too many sacrifices, despite tbe efforts of fathers to pinch themselves to provide a dowry for their daughters. Are Frenchmen approaching tbe times of Sylla when people ceased to marry ? It is said the recognition of divorce would correct tbe evil. It did not remedy tbe mischief among tbe Romanß, where divorce was less difficult to effect than marriage. Pompey had five wives, Cseaar and Augustus, three each. Pompey divorced Mucia ; Cicero, his wife Terentia", after thirty years of married life ; and Cato tbe younger divorced also bis spouse Marcia to enable his odd " friend Hortensius" to marry her. Augustus paid every marked honor to the married men ; gave tbem " the highest seats in tbe Synagogues," relieved tbem from many public burdens, and bestowed upon them rewards. Yet tbe persecuted bachelors did not become Benedicts — did not see the necessity of the world being peopled. Concubinage, rather than marriage, is unhappily on the increase in France, and hence the corrective must be found in altered manners. Tbe Spartan plan of " taking proceedings" against tbose who married too late, or did not marry at all, is not to be thought of. In ancient times a father compelled his son to marry to check his extravagance ; in modern times it is but too true a wife promotes it in many cases. The wife of the period should have for model tbe Roman matron — who presided over her house, educated her children, guarded the honor of her home, and shared in ber husband's success. In France, when a man marries, he is said to retire from the world, and bis wife to enter it. Both take different roads subsequently ; hence arises tbe question, " Why don't the men propose, mamma P" The Assembly being considered by the nation as the equivalent for agitation, the deputies bave retrieved a little of their character by so far abstaining from transacting business — a role that people would heartily add Amen to. Yet tbe Roman question, and the Ministerial scheme for gratuitous and obligatory education, will soon raise storms • may such, aa usual, be confined to teapots ! The first is as delicate as it is dangerous, and while directly affecting Italy, extends at the same time as far as Germany. The unity of Italy is a stubborn fact. The education question has the clergy against it, and tbeir influence is not to be despised. However, the next to certainty tbat the autumn of the present year will see the German account settled and general elections decreed, will compel deputies to be more reflective as to their votes. Nothing serious will be attempted in tbe way of making a twelfth constitution for the country ; this Penelope-task will be left for the new Parliament— tbat must be elected on the ticket, " monarchy or republic" Pending the arrival of thia millenium, the Assembly will keep an eye on the main chance — obtaining as much money as possible to make both ends meet. There is a tendency tbat the government is returning to saner ideas on finance. It is not polite to look a gift-horse in the mouth, but the high postal tariff iB about being reduced to former prices. For example, tbe registration of letters is 100 per cent less since last New Year's Day. The good news was not proclaimed from the housetops, but on a slip of paper, in the most fairy style of penmanship, and posted as high as a Draco decree, so tbat tbose who ran could not read. This pride " the Romans would call Stoicism." Last week Paris was all smiles ; tbis week she is all grimaces, because citizens haTe been balancing their books and know how they stand after meeting all demands on their purses. The sight of a toy-shop, &c. y creates feelings now akin to the view of a gibbet, or any refined instrument of torture. However, the pain having ceased, it is to be hoped pleasure will soon return — for the dance of the francs bas been fatiguing. Ah! if M. Gambetta would but include in his new " couches sodales" tbe whole tribe of tbe not-to-be-forgotten classes, it would be a greater delight for the country than M.

Thiers's reception on New Year's Day, or a Billy O'Rourke's feast at the Prussian Embassy. By the way, bow fortunate it was tbat M. Thiers did not " slip" after leaving Count Amim's residence ? His fall would certainly have been set down to an invention of tbe enemy ; as it was, no one accuses Lord Lyons of any malice aforethought. Besides, the ambitsfador of perjide Albion owed an Oliver to M. Thiers. Dining with the latter on one occasion, Lord Lyon6 left at a late hour ; on arriving at tbe vestiary, he stood just so, expecting tbe valet to bring and hold his top-coat ; after waiting awhile, be turned round, and saw " Jeameis" encased in and buttoning himself up in the coat. His Lordship requested the valet since he was inside the garment to keep it, and passed , on directly to his carriage. If diplomacy i were confined only to such phenomena, j instead of to de Gram out incidents, and de Beust good-wishes ! The fair on tbe Boulevards is over ; the electric toy no longer shocks both as to price and effects ; it is said the small boya received extra tips from their mammas and grown-up sisters by threatening tbem with a discharge in full. Science made easy, bas received an illustration — but at tbe twelfth hour — in tlie " mechanical horse," a toy wherein a horse, without wheels, goes ahead, backs, walks, trots, and gallops, by means of a spring. To make tbe invention " draw," it was exhibited alongside a tame hyena — on a par with tbe hyena in love. The patriotic joujou is the pile of five milliards in gold, exhibited by a woman wbo has been for tbe last year occupied in preparing a parallelopipedon, 24 feet high, 15 broad, and 11 deep, composed of rouleaux of gilt zinc pieces of twenty francs, to represent by an object lesson the ransom money fixed by Germany. It strikes tbe imagination much more forcibly than tbe statistical picture of how many times tbat sum could be made to go rouud the globe in five-franc pieces, or in thousandfranc notes ; of tbe number of horses to draw it, or railway trucks to convey it. The exhibitor deserves the Legion of Honor for her industry, and a Treasury clerk for a husband. M. Loyson, formerly Carmelite- Father Hyacinthe, has delivered an address on tbe Roman Catholic Church in a Protestant meeting-house. He admitted there was much that was excellent both in the Catholic and Protestant Churches, but tbat be belonged to neither ; be appertained to the " Church of the future," whatever tbat may be, with perhaps Wagner's music. M. Pressense suggested to him that he might in tbat case feel himself alone, and to beware of vee soli — whicb of course drew all eyes towards his wife Naturally tbe ex-prießt was eloquent on the subject of matrimony — more than ever a paramount question in face of a decreasing population. The congregation left with the impression, that the ex-padre was rapidly becoming bald, and that be still uses the silver cross which he wore wben in the pulpit of Notre Dame. His proselytism makes about as much progress as the petition for the dissolution of the Assembly. Twelfth Night, called in France "Jour des Rois," is a merry festival. It is truly, respecting bis elected majesty, a veritable " what you will." Since the Concordat of 1801, the fete bas been held on tbe 6th January, instead of Christmas Day. Perhaps France ia the only country where a special galette, containing a Windsor bean, is made for the event. Pormerly the cake and fun succeeded a black fast and penitence. But we have changed ail that, as well as the decree of 1704, compelling the bakers to sell the cakes at ten sous each. After dinner the galette is produced, and cut into morsels according to the number of guests. He who finds the morsel with tbe bean is chosen king by acclamation. The first thing his majesty does is to select a queen, which, like ordinary monarchs, he is cften bound to accept contrary to his tastes, and to reward next day with a gift or a bouquet. Their majesties being married and enthroned, their will becomes law in tbe direction of the revels. Old King Cole is the monarch whose reign is imitated, and all his subjects Boon feel like Tarn o' Shanter, "o'er a' the ills o' life victorious." In 1521, Francis 1., while enjoying tbe fun of the fete was accidentally struck with a burning log of wood on tbe bead. He afterwards had to wear his hair cut close, but fearing to be mistaken for a monk, be permitted his beard to grow, and patronised his famous hat. During the Fronde rows, Cardinal Mazarin effected the escape of himself, Anne of Austria, aud the royal family, pending the lete des Rots, to Sainte-Germaine Parisians were naturally discontented at losing a minister to curse, and their \ sovereign, whom they never like to part with, especially when the capital is in a state of revolt, and thus bas become uninhabitable. On the present occasion some republican confectioners, out of compliment to M. Thiers, substituted an imitation pair of little spectacles, in place of tbe historical bean. Indeed M. Thiers bas become sucb a " straigbt-our democrat," that wben he attends a dinner of his late monarchal friends, he feels himself to be a spectre rouge. The Municipality is devoting great attention to the founding of public schools, so that they will soon be more numerous than the barracks. Jules Favre is occupied with a diplomatic work on the Roman question, and rumor says be will send the proof-sheets to Prince Bismarck for revision. The frontispiece of the book will bave three figured teardrops, similar to what one meets with on French tombstones. M. Littre having been worthily entertained by a number of his admirers in honor of the completion of his grand dictionary, a&sured his friends tbat he was neither an Atheist, nor a Deist, nor a Radical, and tbat he owed bis seat in tbe Assembly to tbe fact of his never making a speech. Suicides are still plentiful, but none of them interesting since no fashionable prostitute like . Pearl Curch is mixed up with tbem.

The journals have all given obituary notices of the defunct year, are unanimous in snubbing it, assert it does not deserve an epitaph, but write one twenty columns in length all the same. Among the eminent men lost to science, art, &c, during 1872, a newspaper, by some mysterious blunder, includes the 22 murderers, &c, guillotined. A Frenchman may enjoy a bad reputa tion, and even find apologists ; but to be deficient in any of the obligations of politeness is an unpardonable offence. To omit honoring your father, mother, or employer, by visiting them on New Tear's Day, would surpass in infamy tho seven capital sins consolidated. The real Code "Civil" exacts, to wish, not later than the Ist of January, a happy new year, and good health, to parents and relatives coming within the degrees of j prohibited affinity. In case of annuitants, I and uncles with disinheriting countenances, many long years of life must be markedly hoped for them ; friends may be disposed of in the course of the following fortnight ; and that arriere ban, acquaintances, as far as the 3 lat current — when the epoch for the exchange of politeness closes, as irrevocably as the last day for receiving subscriptions to a loan for some South American Republic. The book post enables reputations to be saved from absolute perdition, by delivering visiting cards. The bits of pasteboard are received as a shade more interesting than the Minister of Justice's speech tbat now papers the walls of tbe city. He delivered it last month in tbe Assembly, but since then, the Sun has entered Capricornus, and thus explains why people forget all about it.^ Note : in the private visits in question, tbe visitor is not expected to remain longer than " ten minutes"— the orthodox time allowed generally to travellers for re freshment. Ennui is thus mutually avoided. Paris has never been more agreeably French than during the last ten days. Everything was so light and graceful, everybody so good-humored and amusing. It is said many persons during this balmy period paid tbeir taxes in advance, which is on a par with tbose good souls who receive acknowledgments — but never *vith thanks— from Chancellors of Exchequers for unpaid income tax. On the boulevards everyone seemed to be roaming, stroking, or drinking coffee. The pastry shops were stormed and held exclusively by the ladies and children. It is asserted that all tbe unsold pastry during the year ia preserved for the New Year's market. The flagways were black wita men — battalions — like ol ants. That army was alone more numerous than ihe total of tue invaders But the bourgeois don't fight ; it is only the Legitimists aud Reds — the opposite poles — who do. It has been remarked that Parisians complain but under two circumstances — when they are compelled to mount guard, and are prevented from doing so. In this season's crowds the Upper Ten never mix ; considering themselves the salt of the earth, they either conserve their savour by remaining within doors, or return to their castle till the tyranny ba past. Tet they spend their mouey ungrudgingly in purchasing presents, whicb, like going a soldiering henceforth, is a Service obligatiore. Sancho Panza implored blessings for the man who invented sleep. Thousands would do the same for whoever could protect us from these annual highway like aesaulrs on our purses. A saviour of society is here sadly wanted. Etrennes is the name given to these New Tear's gifts, derived doubtless from " Strena," to whom a box was consecrated at the gates of Rome, for the reception of donations during tbe Calends of January. Romulus was contented to receive branches of evergreens, but Augustus exacted — like the custom at present — largesses. The Roman Republic patronised free-gifts in dates, figs, and honey ; tbe French Republic now requires cashmeres from thousands of francs, down to the modest almanacs of fifty centimes ; the ladies insist on jewels, the young girls on dolls, the boys on swords, guns, books, and bonbons. Among the serving class, the tribute resolves itself into one of indirect taxation— a debt falling due and to be punctually paid every first of January. Cardinal Dubois gave his house-steward for present, " all that you have stolen from me throughout the year." In ancient Egypt citizens had to confess to tbe governors wbat they had done during the past twelve months ; the kings of Macedonia drove through towns and scattered gold and silver broadcast among their subjects — bappy people, no wonder moderns have a weakness for olden times. However, Artaxerxes acted in quite a contrary fashion. The an cient Kings of France gave, as New Year's gift to their subjects, the assurance tbat they would maintain peace, and constantly occupy themselves with the interests of the country. Modern Kings promise as much, with whom the empire is always peace — till they provoke war. Well, although we cannot feel that " it ia more blessed to give than to receive," the custom of gifts imparts a strong stimulus to local trade, and enables a great many worthy small tradesmen to put money in the purse. In 1793, when the Government suppressed the practice of New Year's gifts, as it did everything else, including itself, the retail trade of Paris was nearly annihilated ; after all, if this levying of black- mail secures but for ten days atteution on the part of domestics, willingness from employes, and tranquility in all departments of the nursery, not a little advantage is reaped ; for " — — — by some deg-ee of woe We every bliss must gain." Abolished in 1838, the privilege of holding the aunual fair on tbe Boulevards was restored in 1851. As usual the cheapest toys come from Germany and Switzerland. Tbe wooden houses and their furniture from Saxony ; the leaden soldiers, Ac, from Nuremberg ; Paris produces the sheep, dogs, rabbits, drums, and dolls. Two millions and a half of

drums are manufactured here yearly ; so ! no wonder we make a noise in the world, to which tbe speaking dolls contribute, and as some say, aid the extension of the French language. No trade is more remunerative than that of dolls ; in preparing them they pass through as many hands as the making of a pin. It is gratilving- to observe that the dolls are more decently dressed this year ; there is no imitation of Cora Pearls and such creatures. The luckiest toy continues to 'be that dubbed " the future of France" — a telescope with the image of Henri V. or Gambetta, inside; thanks to thei journals disputing about which of the { two celebrities ought to be considered as the future of the country, tbe manufacturer of the bagatelle has been successfully advertised. A small and ingenious bagpipe, christened by tbe inventor " the music of Paris," meets | with a ready sale, as also a cylindrical box for sweetmeats, made to resemble a pile of the large five franc pieces. What has never occurred hitherto, the three wholesale bonbon makers iv Paris have not a sac or a box of goods left unsold. The same remark applies to the fat livers of geese, remarkably excellent this season, probably in consequence of the German occupation of Strasbourg. The best system of toy-presents exists at Vienna, where a child is given a bambin, corresponding to itself in size, and clothed according to means — with a trousseau for a change. The child ia expected to step | into the bambin's shoes. The patriotic dodge told in the case of Maltese oranges, wbich bad been profitably baptised — " Alsatian." The beggars had full liberty to pursue tbeir lawful calling on New Tear's Day. Children who did the misery business well, and displayed a writing that tbey were " made orphans by the Commune," did a roaring trade. All these youthful vagrants had the appearance of robust health, although swearing they bad eaten nothing since the usual three days. The guardians of the Zoological garden received a holiday in honor of the national festival, and one of the bears managed to escape to pay the compliments of the season to bis neighbor bear, a native of Greenland. In death they were found not divided. The guards were withdrawn from the Tuileries garden for tbe time being also, and some thirty stray dogs took a mean advantage to enter. About Bazaine all that is official is that 220 witnesses have been examined. What all require to know ia the length of each deposition, so as to calculate how many miles in extent the process must be. The Prussians bave found out a sister of the Marshal's, an indigent room keeper in Berlin. Poverty ought to be no crime, especially if it be helpless, and above all on the banks of tbe Spree. Perhaps Bazaine has poor relations, like everybody ; but he has respectable ones also. His father was a general, and is buried in Montmartre, though he bimselt rose from the ranks. A worthy citizen regrets he has to indulge in an extra cup ot coffoe to stimulate bim, ever since the Assembly broke up. An actress reminded a rival that she contradicted the arithmetical rule, as with her two feet made a yard. A nephew has been cut off with an angry shilling, for blundering in congratulating his uncle in having one year less to live. A French ambulance, by covering up a slaughtered sheep and pig, waa thus able to carry fresh provisions through a town occupied by tbe enemy. The Prussians saluted these two draped individuals, with all honors, as the biers passed. A debtor has invited his creditors to an open-air meeting in the Champs de Mars, promising there to tell them a tale. " What age has your eldest brother ?" demanded one small boy of another. " I don't know," was the reply, " but he is just commencing to curse." The Emperor of Brazil has decorated M. Chevreal " for his noble and courageous conduct in conveying to a subterranean shelter the animals of the Zoological Gardens, and sharing their fate, pending the bombardment of the city." " There is enough of porcelain already in the house to break," said a cook, on seeing her master arrive with a " find of old china.