took the opportunity of asking Bismarck his opinion upon important questions of state, and received answers in a similarly candid spirit. The writer's contemptuous allusion to the unhappy Emperor and his son 'Loulu' seem intended to reflect the tone of the society in which he was temporarily placed; but Dr. Russell's narrative leads us to form a very different conclusion. According to the account of the latter gentleman, Napoleon's sword and letter were received with the same respect as Napoleon himself, when Bismarck, with uncovered head, insisted upon treating the fallen Emperor as he would his own royal master.

Some of the best pictures connected with the war have been those of Mr. George Augustus Sala. This gentleman does not care for facts. He is all the better without themcertainly in relation to other gentlemen writing under the same condition. Nelson declared bad weather to be a point in his favour in battle -Mr. Sala has the advantage in what may be called no weather at all. When nothing is to be said he can say it better than any of his compeers; and although ferreting out news is not his forte, he supplies service which is frequently more acceptable to the public through his keen powers of observation, facility of description, and the wonderful range of illustrative material at his command. Mr. Sala has upon former occasions described battles and battle-fields with force and effect; but his best letters are those in which he has leisure to be discursive, and during the present campaign they have been entirely of this character. He went with the French army as far as Metz; and his sketches by the way were frequently finished pictures of that enthusiastic advance. Not that he shared the enthusiasm, though his sympathies were evidently with the brave men who have been so terribly beaten, and who never fought better in success than in this gigantic failure. Who will not remember that grim remark with which he followed up the description of the Emperor's departure from Paris? He had never before, he told us, seen Napolecn looking so ill and

anxious; and he added: 'The Emperor is going on a long railway journey, and he has not taken a return ticket.' The writer himself italicised the concluding words, thus indicating the significance which he meant to give them. How prophetic they have proved we all know!

When Mr. Sala shared the fate of the other correspondents, and was obliged to leave Metz, he returned to Paris and concentrated himself upon the capital. Thence some of his best letters have proceeded. They always treated passing events from a picturesque point of view, and were rich in the usual resources of the writer. It is to be regretted that he had no opportunity of describing the great events of the 2nd of September. On the previous Saturday night he was arrested as a Prussian spy, and was imprisoned until two o'clock on Sunday the day of Revolution. When released he was suffering so severely-at the hands, it seems, of his fellow-prisoners-as to be placed hors de combat for some days. It might have happened to anybody, however, to miss a revolution of so sudden a kind. A little extra sleep on the Sunday morning would have been sufficient. Many persons, probably, living in quiet parts of the city, went to bed under an Empire and woke up under a Republic.

It has been said that the correspondents of the London journals differ in qualifications for their office; and in nothing is the difference more marked than in the matter of judgment and discretion. No amount of caution, probably, would secure safety under the circumstances; but some of these gentlemen seem to have invited suspicion and met interference half-way. A foreigner is necessarily in a false position in a country fighting for its life. What is he doing there? The French of all other nations cannot understand the spirit which leads Englishmen and Americans to follow armies for their amusement, and to take-as they so frequently do-an interest in a contest for its own sake, apart from any partizan feeling. And when they find strangers indulging in independent criticisms at public

tables upon the conduct of their ministers and generals, they are naturally led to regard such persons as enemies-an influence which is still more pardonable when the said strangers are found prowling about among fortifications, and taking comprehensive notes. Even when such persons prove to be nothing more formidable than correspondents the situation is not quite satisfactory. Rightly or wrongly, it is considered that the agents of the press may, with the best of intentions, do the work of spies; and added to this is the jealousy of the press which is felt wherever the press exists, by large classes always, and by everybody whose interests may happen to be affected by publicity. There are many occasions when a chiel among us taking notes and, faith, determined to print them, is far from being a welcome visitor; and there are few of us who, from time to time, do not find cause to rail at the newspapers. In the current chronicles of the present war there have been some exaggerations and misrepresentations; but the representatives of the English journals have performed their task wonderfully well considering the difficulties involved; and few instances have occurred in which it would be fair to say that there was not an honest desire to get at the truth.

The results of these gentlemen's labours are certainly enormous as regards bulk. Our principal journals have been teeming for weeks past with accounts from the battlefields, which may well be, considering the large number of correspondents employed-a considerable plurality for every paper. From Paris alone we notice in one journal letters published on the same day from Our Special Correspondent,' 'A Special Correspondent,' 'An Occasional Correspondent,' and 'Our Own Correspondent-the latter being the regular representative of the paper. And these are in addition to the several correspondents with the French and with the German armies, and those stationed in outlying places where information is most likely to be obtained. A London newspaper in these days

has, besides, from three to six articles about the war, daily. The three or four leading articles have been, and still are, devoted to different branches of the subject, almost to the entire exclusion of domestic matters, which at the most get a column or so two or three times a week; and there is always the regular' headed' article, following the course of the campaign, interpreting the telegrams, and weighing the probabilities on either side. This at least was the process while there was more than one side actively in the field.

The war, too, has raised an immense amount of discussion upon our own military system; upon the state of the Army, the Militia, and the Volunteers; upon war generally; upon warlike implements generally and particularly; upon political considerations affecting ourselves; upon international duties devolving upon us; upon the duties of the Sovereign and the ministry at the crisis. Then there are the money articles, which are influenced by the war from beginning to end; the commercial returns of all kinds, and the shipping intelligence all affected by the war. The lists of subscriptions in aid of the sick and wounded occupy a larger space every day; and we have besides the interesting accounts of the contributions in kind, made to the Committee in St. Martin's Place, and the exertions of the benevolent ladies there engaged.

These ladies at their labours furnish a subject for an admirable engraving in one of our illustrated papers-the latest in the field. But this is by no means all that the illustrated papers have contributed towards the records of the war in this country. From the first artists as well as writers have been on the scene of strife; and amidst all dangers and discouragements they have plied their pencils with great success in the public service. With the pictorial added to the literary records which surround us on every side, it would be strange indeed if we did not feel ourselves in the midst of war.'

But if not satisfied with the record and the delineation of the

ad

events of the campaign-have we not the maps to help us to understand them? Not merely the maps in our old atlases, but military maps, made expressly for the occasion, with the strong points and the communications marked, and the strategical combinations made clear to all who choose to follow them. The majority of these maps-which may be had by the score at every library or printsellers - are mirably suited for the purpose; and the bird's-eye views are especially interesting to the eye. The French first adopted the plan of marking with the little French and Prussian flags; and here in England we have followed them with great enthusiasm. Paterfamilias will of course fight out the latest operation upon his breakfast-table before going to office, with the aid of the cruets; explaining to his wondering family the extraordinary Iway in which the mustard holds out, and how the pepper must fall into the hands of the Prussians, who are making a flank march upon the salt. But, after dinner, when the labours of the day are over, Paterfamilias tests his calculations with the aid of the evening paper and the map, which he carefully posts up, according to the latest telegrams; and he would not think of going to bed until he has placed all the flags in their right places, and made the combatants comfortable for the night. He has tired of this, however, of late; for it is fatiguing to note the progress all in one direction; and the seat of war looks sadly monotonous with little else than the Prussian colours.

Very valuable assistance to the comprehension of the campaign may be gained by a visit to the Egyptian Hall, where there is a map occupying almost the entire floor of a large exhibition room, models of the battalions composing the two armies being placed in their positions every day; and at certain hours, beginning at twelve o'clock, an excellent explanatory lecture is delivered by a gentleman of much military experience, and in every way competent for the task. A similar record upon a

large scale may also be seen at the Crystal Palace.

In current literature-apart from the newspapers-the war is everywhere. Books are promised upon every subject more or less relating to it-the Rhine question, the German campaigns of the first Napoleon, the personal history of the Bonaparte family, new principles of warfare, improved projectiles, breech and muzzle loading, the military systems of the Continent, our own military system, the army, the militia, the volunteers, military maxims as laid down by distinguished commanders, &c., &c. The monthly magazines, of course, contribute their quota to the literature of the war; they are already deep in the question,' and will follow up immediately with personal experiences. The forthcoming quarterlies will also pronounce on the subject. Meanwhile collections of patriotic songs, translated from the French and German, are finding a ready demand. The German Fatherland' and the 'Rhine Watch' are everywhere; so is Alfred de Musset's celebrated defiance; while the Marseillaise,' 'Mourir pour la Patrie,' and other popular Republican productions are printed on sheets and sold for a penny.

The war is, of course, made the medium for considerable satire. The comic journals live upon it, as a matter of course; but the opportunities for effective illustrations of the subject are not many, and they have already become fatiguing. One week two, certainly, and we rather think three, of these pictorial jesters produced cartoons quite identical in idea, and almost in execution. As a rule we usually find that they sufficiently vary the representations of King William and the Emperor Napoleon or the Emperor Napoleon and King William, as the case may be; and, it may be presumed that they take turns in presenting us with pictures of the conventional young lady with a cap who represents France in so many moods, of the other conventional young lady with a helmet who does the same duty for England, and in ' entering into the feelings' of the Empress of the French. One of our

comic contemporaries, we are sorry to see, has ceased to exist, in the midst of all the excitement. This is the more to be regretted as its artist seldom drew a cartoon without a skeleton in it, and the war would have given him every opportunity for the development of his peculiar talent.

Some independent squibs have also appeared. One, apparently very popular in the shop windows, represents the heads of a file of soldiers on the march, looking very gay and gallant, and inscribed

Going to Weissenbourg:' on the opposite side are the same designs turned upside down, by which process the heads become those of donkeys, the inscription being, 'Returning from Weissenbourg.' A coarse jest this, and not quite consistent, since, if there was any foolishness in the case, it must have been for going to Weissenbourg, not for returning from it.

None of

the English squibs, by the way, have been so good as the French one, which may now be seen everywhere in London. I refer to the character map, representing the attitudes of the respective countries at the crisis. It is very cleverly conceived, albeit especially uncomplimentary to England, who is represented as an old woman quaking with fear and rage, and holding by a string Ireland, in the shape of a little dog, who evidently wishes to get loose and fight. A Comic Map of Paris,' sold by way of companion, is not nearly so good. The sketch seems to be the work of a French artist, but the verbal jocularity is evidently English.

Some of the chief personages of the war are already added to the collection at Madame Tussaud's,that last test of fame or notoriety,-and they are all of course at the photographers. The Prussians here are more largely represented than the French, in honour, it may be presumed, of success; and every fresh portrait of King William looks more fierce than the last. The versions published before the war had an air of severity which was only military; but ever since Weissenbourg his photographic appearance has grown more and more truculent. I have not noticed any portrait taken since

the capitulation of Sedan; but that ought to be ferocious indeed. Let us hope, if the face be indicative of the moods of the man, that his next carte de visite--taken, perhaps, before the appearance of these pages-will convey the idea of diplomatic magnanimity, with something of human pity. At present the countenance says, as clearly as scientific art can portray, Two milliards of francs, half your fleet, with Alsace and Lorraine.' The Crown Prince, who has shown himself such a wonderful warrior, has a mild and amiable appearance, curiously contrasting with that of his father-a thoughtful face, but not essentially that of a soldier. There are Englishmen of far more ferocious aspect than either the Crown Prince or Prince Charles Frederick, who are clerks in banks, or hold harmless appointments in the Inland Revenue.

There appear to be no new portraits of Napoleon. There is a very triumphant-looking one in uniform, and a very thoughtful-looking one in civilian dress, which are most prominently before the public. And in allusion to these I may mention a little anecdote of the Emperor illustrative of his kindly courtesy, a quality not denied to him even by his enemies. A few months ago a young English lady, instinct with a courage which is a characteristic of young ladies in these days, wrote a letter to Napoleon, dated from the residence of her family in Paris, enclosing a copy of the civilian portrait, and requesting the honour of his signature appended thereto, in consideration of her expressed admiration of his character. By return-not of post, but of special messenger-there came a communication in grand official form, through the private secretary, conveying a very handsome acknowledgment of the tribute, and enclosing not only the civilian portrait with the autograph signature appended, but a copy of the military portrait, of which the Emperor begged her acceptance.

The war is being illustrated at the Agricultural Hall by a moving panorama of its principal scenes; and also in some public gardens at North Woolwich, where there is an

al fresco painting of Weissenbourg, and a representation of the battle, with real fire-the personal part of the exhibition being furnished by real volunteers. The latter arrangement is not perhaps in the best taste; but her Majesty's soldiers have gone on' before now at some of the London theatres in support of military dramas, and the popular excitement in the present case seems irrepressible.

It pervades all classes. In Pall Mall the war news' held its own against the grouse, and it has to some extent been proof against the partridges. There are certainly many more people in town than is usual at this time of year. A few carriages may be seen in the Park in the afternoons; and one morning in the Row,' between twelve and two, I counted eleven riders, five being ladies. But this to be sure was early in the month. You will, of course, not meet many men at the clubs. The club man, as a rule, has an abnormal development of the usual instincts for escape soon after July; and it would be a very clever war that could keep him long after Parliament and the grouse were on the wing. Still, even at the most orthodox clubs, at that interesting period of the twenty-four hours which is known on the Boulevards as 'the hour of absinthe,' there is a little run after the evening papers; and within the last few days I have seen at one of the sternest of these institutions a group made up of at least six members who have been eagerly discussing the chances of peace. The sight is cheering to those whose lot is more or less cast in town during the Long Vacation; but the manifestation is a mere farce compared with the agitation of the latter days of Parliament, and the first week or so afterwards. Then the clubs were thoroughly alive from two in the day until two on the following morning. When it was found that there was at least no immediate probability of armed interference being required on the part of England, the excitement lessened in political circles; but among the general public out of doors it is as keen as ever. It VOL. XVIII.-NO. OVI.

sets in in the streets as soon as the evening papers begin to appear. In the leading thoroughfares-east and west-nearly every man has a broad or a narrow sheet in his hand, perusing it on the pavement, and occasionally communicating its contents to a passer-by in whose face he reads the common curiosity. I saw a very excited gentleman the other day in High Street, Kensington, with an open journal in his hand, who stopped a couple of strangers and, in tones of great agitation, communicated to them the news of the surrender of Secan and the Emperor. He almost screamed his sympathy with the fallen, but added, with tears in his eyes, that there was one consolation -it would stop the carnage. He was an Englishman, he said, but his heart bled for poor France. In railway carriages and in coffeerooms strangers talk on the common topic as to intimate acquaintances, exchanging their papers, comparing the latest news, and freely deciding questions of strategy and policy that are puzzling generals and prime ministers. I heard a hansom cabman the other day-who was resting his horses, and himself, outside a house of refreshment, where I dare say the war is discussed from morn till (mountain) dewy eve-enlightening an obtuse four-wheeler and a policeman as to 'what he should have done had he been in the place of Lewis Napo. leon.' It seemed clear from what he said that in such a fortuitous event the disaster of Weissenbourg might not have been prevented, but Wörth would not have been lost to the French arms, and that we should have seen the tide of Prussian success stayed in time.

There are a great number of persons of more pretension as authorities, who know all about the arrangements of the Imperial family from the first; the precise amount of money they have invested in English and Dutch securities; the houses they have had for years, in London and other parts of England, in constant readiness for the reception; the exact amount of property in plate and jewels which has been

2 A