o let
us know the terms of the armistice or capitulation, whichever it is to
be called. We hear that it is expected that trains will run to England
on Tuesday or Wednesday, and by the first train I for one shall
endeavour to get out of this prison. It will be such a relief to find
oneself once more among people who have glimpses of common sense, who
are not all in uniform, and who did not insist so very strongly on their
sublime attitude. Yesterday evening there were a series of open-air
clubs held on the Boulevards and other public places. The orators were
in most instances women or aged men. These Joans of Arc and ancient
Pistols talked very loudly of making a revolution in order to prevent
the capitulation; and it seemed to me that among their hearers,
precisely those who whilst they had an opportunity to fight thought it
wise not to do so, were most vociferous in their applause. The language
of the National Guard is indeed most warlike. Several hundred of their
officers have indulged in the cheap patriotism of signing a declaration
that they wish to die rather than yield. This morning many battalions of
the National Guard are under arms, and are hanging about in the streets
with their arms stacked before them. Many of the men, however, have not
answered to the rappel, and are remaining at home, as a mode of
protesting against what is passing. General Vinoy has a body of troops
ready to act, and as he is a man of energy I do not anticipate serious
disturbances for the moment. As for the soldiers and the Mobiles, they
are wandering about in twos and threes without arms, and do not affect
to conceal that they are heartily glad that all is over. Poor fellows,
their torn and tattered uniforms contrast with the spick and span
military gear of the National Guard. They have had during the siege hard
work, and they have done good duty, with but little thanks for it. The
newspapers are one and all down on the Government. It is of course held
to be their fault that the lines of the besiegers have not been forced.
General Trochu is not a military genius, and his colleagues have not
proved themselves better administrators than half a dozen lawyers who
have got themselves elected to a legislative assembly by the gift of the
gab were likely to be; but still this system of sacrificing the leaders
whenever any disaster takes place, and accusing them of treachery and
incompetence, is one of the worst features in the French character. I