COMMANDERS OF THE FRENCH ARMY.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 141, 20 October 1870, Page 7

COMMANDERS OF THE FRENCH ARMY.

[From the "New York Herald."] Of the French commanders, the most conspicious are Marshals M'M.'hon, Canrobert, and Bazaine, who will, undoubtedly, have the principal commands. Marshal M'Mahon, a descendant from a family of Irish nobles who lost their all in defence of James 11., and remained in France after the final overthrow of the Stuarts, began his military career during the war of Algiers, in 1830, particularly distinguishing himself in the assault of Constantine. The reestablishment of the Empire in France found him a Brigadier- General and a devoted adherant of the Emperor. The Crimean war established his reputation as a soldier. At the head of the division formerly commanded by General Canrobert, he stormed and captured the Malakoff, one of the most brilliant feats in modern, warfare. Following the war with Russia came that with Austria in Italy. In the campaign of 1359 he again distinguished himself by the celerity of his movements and the skill he displayed in handling his men. To his ability and dash were clue the great victory of Magenta, and as a reward for his services Napoleon created him a Marshal of France and Duke of Magenta - There is not in the French army a more dashing officer than Marshal M'Mahon. A close student of the military manouveres of the first Napoleon, he believes in sudden and rapid marches upon his enemy.

Marshal Canrobert is, if anything, better known as a soldier than Marshal M'Mahon. Like the latter, his military career began in Algiers, and he first distinguished himself in the assault on Constantine. Subsequently, placed in an independent command, he defeated the Arabs in three campaigns, in the last of which he displayed great military skill in the disposition of his forces. When Louis Napoleon was President, General Canrobert was one of his aides-de-camp, and aided in carrying out the coup d'etat. Sent to the Crimea in command of the First Division, he participated in the battle of the Alma, where he was wounded by a splinter of a shell, which struck him in the breast and hand. After the resignation of Marshal St. Arnaud, General Canrobert took command of the Army of the East; and at the battle of Inkerman greatly distinguished himself by his personal valour. ' He led the famous charge of Zouaves, during which he was slightly wounded. Bad health compelled him, in May, 1855, to return to France, on arriving in which the Emperor treated him with marked distinction. During the Franco-Italian war of 1852 he won fresh laurels by his heroism at Magenta, while at the battle of Solferinohis famous movement in aid of Marshal Niel turned the scale of victoiy in favour of the French. For these services he was made a Marshal of France. General Canrobert is one of the heroic men in Europe. In every engagement in which he has participated he has with almost reckless courage, exposed his person to the enemy. As a consequence, he is immensely popular with his men.

Marshal Bazaine is well known to the people of the United States. He first distinguished himself in Africa, and subsequently served with credit in the Crimea. During the Italian campaign he remained in France on home duty. In 1862 he was placed in command of the French expedition to Mexico, and succeeded Marshal Forey in the supreme command. In the sister Republic he greatly distinguished himself considering the number of men at his disposal, and for his services he was created Marshal of France in 1864. Marshal Bazaine bears the reputation of possessing one of the most strategic minds in the French army.

There are several other French Generals of established reputation, who will, no doubt, take active part in the contest Count de Palikao, General de Goyon, General Lebceuf, and count de Montebello are skilful officers. Marshals Baraguay d'Hilliers and Randon are each seventy-five years of age, and will probably not take the field.

A match for LIOO a-side has been made between Mr E. M. Weedon's Colleen Bawn and Mr E. Devine's Captain Scott, to come off on the Oamaru course on Saturday, the 22nd October. Distance 3 miles, list. up. The mare has been put into training and is much fancied, being backed freely here at 2to 1. It is thought by the cognoscenti that she stands a good chance, as it is believed that the horse is not up to the weight for so long a spin. One thing is certain, that the race will be an honest one, and we look forward therefore to capital sport. — " Oamaru Times"

Billy Ross, a temperance lecturer at Rushville, Illinois, was preaching to the young ones on his favourite theme. "Now, boys," said he, " When I ask you a question musten't be afraid to speak right out and answer me. When you look around and see all these fine houses, farms and cattle, do you ever think who owns them ; your fathers, do they not !" " Yes, sir !" shouted a Imndred voices. " Well, where will your father be twenty years from now ?" " Dead !*' shouted the boys. " That's right. And who will own this property then?" "Us boys," shouted the urchins. " Right. Now, tell me did you ever, in going along the streets, notice the drunkards lounging around the saloon door waiting for somebody to treat them V " Yes, sir ; lots of them." " Well, where will they be in twenty years from now V " Dead !" exclaimed the boys. " And who will be th© drunkards then V "Us ' boys." Billy gave it up.