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Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 741, 24 November 1870, Page 2

Amid the almost universal echo of blame that has attached to the French Imperial Government for mal-organiz-ation of the armies, in so far as their effective strength fell far short of public expectation, there would, at least, appear one matter reflecting no little credit upon their administration, and which gives them one claim to the consideration of the country. If in the matter of numerical strength the armies have been deficient, in arms there appears to have been an abundance. Even though put to a test more severe than most Frenchmen could have contemplated we hear of no scarcity, and although some delay has attended the distribution of arms owing to the unforeseen contingencies, there would appear ample proof that the oft-quoted reply of General Leboeuf to the Miuistry, that " even to a gaiter button the army wa3 in a thoroughly efficient state of preparedness," was-by no means worthy of the ridicule that has been attempted to be cast upon it. When we consider the vast destruction of arms on the side of the French, the quantities that have been surrendered or are locked up in the various besieged fortresses, it might have beeranticipated that some difficulty would have arisen with respect to the equipment of troops. In finding France unprepared in one essential, it could only be assumed that in other respects the organization would prove to have been similarly defective, but such has not hitherto been shown to be the case. Extraordinary levies have been hastily raised, but nothing of a serious character has been alleged about any difficulty experienced in arming them or providing them with necessary supplies.