The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. In the cause of Truth and Justice we strive. TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1871.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 791, 21 March 1871, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. In the cause of Truth and Justice we strive. TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1871.

TriE news that Paris has succumbed to famine, cannot be regarded as surprising. Since the earlier period of the siege, the beleaguered city was reported to have provisions that would last until January, when, Uules> successful iu compelling the Germans to raise the siege, capitulation would be inevitable. According to the telegrams, Trochu would not appear to bave made any final and supreme eftbrt to cut through the besieging lines prior to arranging terms for capitulation—at least if it were so, the telegrams are singularly silent upon a subject of such interest. On January 27th, an armistice was arranged for three weeks, terminating on February 17th, aud on the 19th the Germans purpose entering Paris. Our latest dates are to February lGth, but by the Suez mail, due in Melbourne on the lGtli instant, aud hourly expected in New Zealand, we shall be in possession of a few days' later intelligence. The question to which the chief iuterest will now attach is whether the declaration of peace will quickly follow upon the fall of the capital. On this point there appears to be some doubt. It may be argued that France is crushed and helpless, but is she less so than alter the surrender at Sedan, and the investment ofMetz? Neither Paris nor France then possessed soldiers, arms or ammunition, and yet in that condition of uqpreparedness, the Republic achieved more than the trained armies of the Empire. The struggle that has been made to save Paris may yet be repeated elsewhere. It is very certain that a peace based upon the cession of Alsace and Lorraine can possess no elements of permanence, the French would never rest without making efforts to regain the lost Provinces, and sooner er later an opportunity may presen h itself for their recapture. To England, however, there are grounds for uneasiness altogether apart from humane considerations for the present belligerents. So far as observation may serve in forming an opinion, there can be no doubt that German}' feels herself in a position to avowedly defy the European Powers. There was an attempt to involve Holland in respect to the Duchy of Luxemburg, and the pretext then adduced can easily be urged when the fitting opportunity arrives. As one of the co-sig-natories to the treaty guaranteeing the neutrality of these territories, we all know England's obligations. The question is, with France humiliated, and possibly but a lukewarm ally, can she undertake tho enforcement of these obligations ? If she could, would she bo justified in attempting the perilous effort ? That the cession of Pondicherry should form a stipulation in the peace proposals has also its significance. It may be said that England has no more to fear from the German occupation of Pondicherry than from its being in the hands of the French. But we think otherwise. Under the circumstances in which she is placed, the natural ally of Prussia is Russia, aud if ovents continue their present course, the Eastern question, as also British supremacy in India, may, before long, be re-opened by new bauds, and with new interests. An eminent writer in the " Fortnightly Review " recently expressed' his conviction that France was the natural ally of England, and the present aspect of political affairs would confirm thai: opinion.