mes, and they appear entirely to have
forgotten that they welcomed with shouts of ecstacy in July last the
commencement of the triumphal march to Berlin.

_January 2nd._

Yesterday evening, notwithstanding the cold, there were groups on the
Boulevards shouting "_a bas Trochu_." It is understood that henceforward
no military operation is to take place before it has been discussed by a
Council of War, consisting of generals and admirals. As the moment
approaches when we shall, unless relieved, be obliged to capitulate,
everyone is attempting to shift from himself all responsibility. This is
the consequence of the scapegoat system which has so long prevailed in
France. Addresses are published from the commanders outside
congratulating the National Guard who have been under their orders. The
_Verite_, in alluding to them, asks the following questions:--"Why are
battalions which are accused by General Thomas, their direct superior,
of chronic drunkenness, thus placed upon a pinnacle by real military
men? Why do distinguished generals, unless forced by circumstances,
declare the mere act of passing four or five cold nights in the trenches
heroic? Why is so great a publicity given to such contradictory orders
of the day?"

The _Journal Officiel_ contains a long address to the Parisians. Beyond
the statement that no news had been received since the 14th ult., this
document contains nothing but empty words. Between the lines one may,
perhaps, read a desire to bring before the population the terrible
realities of the situation.

The deaths for the last week amount to 3,280, an increase on the
previous week of 552. I am told that these bills of mortality do not
include those who die in the public hospitals. Small-pox is on the
increase--454 as against 388 the previous week.

Nothing new outside. The bombardment of the eastern forts still
continues. It is, however, becoming more intermittent. Every now and
then it almost ceases, then it breaks out with fresh fury. The Prussians
are supposed to be at work at Chatillon. If they have heavy guns there,
it will go hard with the Fort of Vanves. The rations are becoming in
some of the arrondissements smaller by degrees and beautifully less. In
the 18th (Montmartre) the inhabitants only receive two sous worth of
horse-flesh per diem. The rations are different in each arrondissement,
as the Mayor of each tries to get hold of all he can, and some are more
successful than others. Thes