SHIPPING.

POET OF AUCKLAND.

ARRIVALS.

Wonga Wonga, s.s., 700 tons, Steuavt, from Hono lulu. Rita, brig, 19S tons, Edwards, from Tahiti.

IMPORTS.

Per s.s. Wonga Wonga, from Honolulu : — 564 kegs sugar, 187 bags ditto, Cruickshank, Smart and Co. ; 9 bags sugar, 24 ditto, Bu cholz and Co.; 2 cases books, H. P. Walker ; 2 packages straw hats, Brown, Campbell and Co. ; 1 box books, M. S. Grace; 1 case mer chandise, Mrs. Charles Samuels; 1 box of specimens of native history, Dr. J. Haast Through cargo: 131 kegs sugar and sundry assorted packages.

The p.s. Duke of Edinburgh will leave the wharf, Auckland, for Wangarei, at 4 o'clock to-morrow (Saturday) afternoon. ARRIVAL OF THE WONGA WONG-A. The C.N.Z. and A. mail steamer Wonga Wonga, Captain J. Steuart, ]eft Honolulu on nn the 27th of February, and arrived in har bour fit 8 a.m. this morning. Captain Steuart reports leaving Auckland at 2 p.m. on the 7th February., arriving at Honolulu on the morning of the 2Gth ult. The connecting steamer, Moses Taylor, ar rived from Sun Irauciscoon fhe following morning at 7 a.m., having left that port on the 16th uli-., having been detained one day later than usual on account of tie non-arrival o the Australian mails, owing to the unfortu nate accident that occurred on the Hudso f River railway to the train that left New York on the 7th February. The Wonga Wonga transhipped mails and passengers and left Honolulu at 5 p.m., 27th ult., with English dates to the 16th February.

Passengers. — For Auckland : — Messrs. Hopson, P. Walker, Alfred Fenton, Mr. R. Tait, mail agent; steerage, 7. Through passengers for Sydney and Melbourne : —Mrs. Howe and child, Mrs. Albeo, Mr. and Mr3. H. H. Hall, Messrs. A. Clerk, G. Harper, Mr. and Mrs. T. Casley aud three children, Mr. James Hunter, Mr. and Mrs. R. Patterson and 3 children ; steerage, 9, and 5 children.

ARRIVAL OF THE EITA.

The brig Rita, Captain Edwardes, arrived in harbour this morning from Tahiti, after a fair passage of nineteen days. She experi enced light winds and calms during the first ten days, thence a strong north-east gale till making the land. The Rita brings a cargo of 219 tons of barley for Messrs. Owen and Graham, transhipped from the Prussian barque recently captured there by the French. She has also 8000 orange 3. Passengers—Mr. James, Messrs. Cummings (2). The Prince Alfred wa3 to leave iv a few days after the Rita.

CHIEF POST-OFFICE.

Mails will close as under :— Mails for the undermentioned places, per s.s. "Wonga Wonga, will close at this office this day, as under : — For Sydney and tie Australian Colonies, at 4 p.m. For India, China, Mauritius, Mediterranean Ports, Continent of Europe, &c, at 3 p.m. For United Kingdom, via Suez and South ampton (for letters sppcially so addressed) at 4 p.m., and United Kingdom, via Mar seilles and Brindisi, at 4.30 p.m. For money orders, registered lettei'3, and newspapers, at 3 p.m. For Thames, to-morrow, at 8.30 a.m. For Mahuranai, &c, per Lady Kowen, to morrow, at 10 a.m. For Wangarei Heads, etc., per Duke of Edin burgh, to-morrow, at 3 p.m. For Russell, etc., per Comerang, tomorrow, at 3 p.m. Note.—Post-oflioe3 have been opened at North Omauharo and Tuipana Bay, Great Barrier. S. B. Biss, Chief Postmaster.

POLICE COURT.

The following is the rota for attendance of Magistrates at tlie Police Court for the week ending Saturday, March 25, 1871: — Monday, March 20 : Messrs. H. Grilfillan and T. Henderson. Tuesday, March 21: Messrs. H. Home and W. A. Graham. Wednesday, March 22 : Mes3r3. H. M. Jervis and E. Isaacs. Thursday, March 23 : Messrs. S. Ketnpthorne and T. B. Konderdine. Friday, March 24: Messrs. J. S Mucfarlane and T. Maeffarlanp. Saturday, March 25 : Messrs. Joseph May and &. M. Mitford.

BIRTH.

McKay.—On March 10th, at Hikurangi, Wangavei, Mrs. J. McKay, of a son.

The Evening Star. FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 1871.

Few will regret to learn that now at last the terrible struggle between Grer many and France has reached a close. No doubt there will be bloodshed yet : and the surging of the waves of popular feeling will, perhaps for years, tell of the storm that has been sweep ing over France. But the establish ment of a recognised and legitimate Government, and its acceding to the proposals for peace, followed by the actual capitulation of Paris, has prac tically ended hostilities. Sincerely as we may mourn over the humiliation of a gallant and friendly people, we cannot but rejoice that a struggle which had become hopeless, has been brought to a close, and that the tor rent of human blood has been stayed.

We regret to find that since the ar rival of the Wonga Wonga, a report has been current in. the city with re ference to the new Trans-Pacific mail contract, which is an unqualified un truth. "What purpose can have been intended by such a ruse we are at a loss to discover, except it be the tem porary enjoyment of a little idle boast ing. It is not difficult to see the hand thattraced the fabrication, and adroitly obtained for it publication ; but a moment's consideration might convince the most simple-minded that such an insult to the public must bring re action. Tt is alleged that Neilson's contract has been entirely ignored by Mr. Webb, and that the general im pression in San ITrancisco is, that Webb's line will not start, or if at all, it will be for mere experiment. We are in a position to state that this representation is utterly devoid of truth; and though, as has been generally expected, the terms of the contract have been modified, in all its main particulars the contract will be carried out. Letters have been re ceived in this city from Holla day and Brenham, dated Kan Francisco, 16th February, which announce telegrams from Webb and Holladay, who were in the East ern States, stating that the Nevada will leave San Francisco for Auckland on the 7th April, and the agents here are ordered to prepare 1,000 tons of coal for the ship. The Nevada will not go on to Sydney, but arrange ments will be made the following month for connecting with that port. Of course there are those in this city who at heart desire the ruin of the place, and would rejoice witli a " dis mal" joy over everything that would seem the defeating Of the hopea of Auckland. That the whole bod}' of the people must rejoice to learn that in all particulars in which A.uekland lias an especial interest the terms of the contract will be carried out, and New Zealand will retain that position iv connection with the mail route to which, from her spirited enterprise, she is entitled.

OUR EXTRAS.

We greatly regret that we have been disappointed in not receiving our ex pected extras by the WongaWonfja. The cause of this is explained in the following communication from our agents at Hono lulu, dated February 26 :—'" The Oalifor nian mail steamer arriving this (Sunday) morning, and the Australian steamer leaving at 2 p.m., leaves me no time to get out an extra for you by this oppor tunity ; otherwise I should have prepared one for you. I hope the next departure will be so timed as to allow me to serve you." It will be remembered that tihe mail steamer at San Pranciseo had been delayed in consequence of the burning of the overland mail on the Hudson lliver, with the object of enabling correspon dents to replace their advices by tele grams. This accounts for the short stoppage of the mails at Honolulu.

We have much pleasure in drawing atten tion to a notice in another column, stating that Mr. Mitchell has opened classes for, in struction in shorthand. Mr. Mitchell was, we understand, admitted a member of the Pho netic Society in March, 1860—a society formed by Mi1. Pitman, author of the system ; and being thoroughly acquainted, with the practice of reporting, is admirably adapted to impart instruction in the art. We wish him all the success he merits. . ,

ARRIVAL OF THE 'WONGA WONGA,' WITH THE ENGLISH MAIL.

« CAPITULATION-OF PAEIS. « ON THE 19th FEBRUARY THE PRUS SIANS MAECHED INTO PARIS. PEACE WILL BE PROCLAIMED. BELFORT AGREES TO THE ARMIS TICE, AND WILL CAPITULATE. BONAPARTISTS DEFEATED. THE CONTEST BETWEEN THE BOURBONS AND ORLEANI3TS. FAIDHERBE URGES THE ARMY OF THE NORTH TO PREPARE FOR FOREIGN OR DOMESTIC FOES. EMPEROR WILLIAM DETERMINED TO ENTER PARIS. THE ARMISTICE EXTENDED TO COTE DOR, JURA, AND DOUBS. SURRENDER OF BELFORT. Duo", February 15.— [World cable.] — Bolfort lias surrendered. The garrison will be allowed Ij march out with all the honors of war. The armistice has been exloncled to the De partments of Cote dOr, Jura, and Doubs. BORDEAUX, February 15.—The Assemby to-day engaged in the verification of the elec tion of its members. The electoral reports from Alsace and Lorraine were read, and caused warm demonstrations of sympathy for those provinces. '.Plie President announces that tomorrow the Assembly would proceed to constitute the new Government. The Deputies, on leaving the Assembly Chamber, were cheered by the populace; Victor Hugo received an enthusiastic ovation. Paris, February 15.—Favre returned last night from Bordeaux. Complete tranquility prevails. General Clement Thomas has resigned the command of the National Guard; General Vinoy succeeds him. London, February 15.—The eh this evening says Prince Napoleon is in London, «".d will make that city his permanent resi dence. The interruption of railroad communication between Lille and Paris is caused by the excess of traffic which blocks the road. Paris, February 15.—At the election of Deputies to the Assembly, Victor Hugo re ceived 2115 votes, Garibaldi 200,000, Gam bett-i 19,000, Roehfort 163,000, Thiera 102,000 and Rolliu 76,000. Bokdkaux, February 14.—1 n a letter from Ouribaldi, yesterday, to the Government, lie resigns the command of the Army of the Vosgca, seeing, he says, that his mission is finished. The Government replies, accepting his resignation and expressing thanks and regrets on behalf of the country. Garibaldi left last night, for Marseilles, whence he em barks for Caprera. Carlsrfiie, February 14.—The Minister of War ha 3 received a telegram from the com mandant at Mulhouse, that Belfort has agreed to the armistice, and wishes to capitulate. BERLifr, February 14. —The Cross Gazette estimates the French elections as two-thirds Monarchical and one-third Republican. The Bonapartists were badly beaten, and the future contest lies between the Bourbons and Orleanists. Brussels, February 14. —The reported dis turbances in Paris are unconfirmed. The people are very excited, and disturbances are apprehended. The Echo dv Parliament saya Algiers is de clared in a state of siege. Pressolles, Com mander of the Twenty-fourth Corp:-, has been arrested on the Swiss frontier, and sent to Lyons, and thence to Bordeaux. It is reported in diplomatic circles that Germany has refused England's request to communi''iite her conditions of peace. Faidberbe recently urged the Army of the North to be in readiness again either to fight foreigners or internal disturbers. London, February 14.—There are continued details of the increasing exactions of the Ger mans in the Seine Inferieure. A Times Berlin despatch saya the French elections being pacific, Bismarck has conceded, on principle, to a prolongation of the armistice for a week, and has made a definite agreement, dependent on certain military conditions. The Telegraph's Versailles special says the Emperor is very unwell. He persists in his determination to enter Paris. A resumption of hostilities is strongly ap prehended. The monster guns on Fort Valerian will be destroyed. Lille, February 14. —Railway communica tion with Paris is partially suspended, and trains hence for Paris are stopped by the Prussians ; but trains from Paris bound north are not interfered with. The Republican ticket for the Assembly in the Department of the Somme was badly defeated. London, February 15.—The Paris press is excited. La Reforme is opposed to the entry of the Germans and foresees bloody en counters. A majority of the journals counsel the citizens to remain in-doors, and display mourning emblems during the passage of the troops. There is a meagre distribution of provisions, but distress is decreasing. Sealed letters are now posted for Paris. It is said the Paris Government will pub lish the minutes of its sitting from tho 14th of September to the conclusion of the armisticet

The Siecle urges the Bordeaux Government to do likewise. Deputations from Dieppe and the surround ing country vainly appeal to the German commanders for an abatement of their exac tion?. Bucharest, February 14.—The excite ment is considerably decreased, and a settle ment of all difficulties is probable. The idea of a change of dynasty has disappeared. London, February 14.—1 n the House of Lords Granville said the mixed Commission was without po>ver to settle the fisheries ques tion. It is only authorized to frame a plan of adjustment, in which the members must be unanimous for submission to the respective Governments. In the House of Commons Enfield promised the papers relative to the English colliers sunk in tha Seine and said he had no doubt Bismarck would redeem his promise of compensation. There were riotous demonstrations in Cork On the receipt of the welcome news of the release of the Fenians. The mounted police cleared the streets with drawn sabres and the mob were scattered.

VERY LATEST.

[Greviixe'h Teleoram Compakv, Eeuter's AOENTS. 1 New York, January 28.—Paris capitu lated on the 27th. An armistice arranged for three weeks. The terms provide for the occupation of the forts round the city, feat exclude the occupation of the city itself. Versailles, January 29. —Paris allowed to revictual as soon as the arms arc surrendered. London, January 29.—The small pox is raging in London. February I.— Great shipments of food are being sent into Paris. The Times says that the conditions of peace arranged embrace the cession of Alsace and Lorraine, a heavy money indemnity, the ces sion of the colony of Pondicherry, and the transfer of 20 first-class vessels. February 2. — The Conference met to day. Most of the points insisted upon by Russia were conceded. War is not feared. Bordeaux, February 4.—A mass meeting at Bordeaux asked Gambetta to prosecute the war to the death. Lyons is favourable to its prosecution. London, February 4.—Several' train loads of provisions entered Paris to-day. February 5. —The official duality in France complicates matters. Favre has in formed Bismarck that he will rescind the decrees of Gambetta. Paris, February s.—Hundreds die daily from starvation. London, February G.—Tho Government ovens are baking bread constantly for Paris. February 7.—50 railroad waggons laden with provisions entered Paris on the 3rd, inscribed " London Gifts to Paris." Paris desires peace at any price. February 9.—Tho Queen opened jParlia ment to-day. Tn her speech she con gratulated the House on the prospects of a settlement of all difficulties with America. She recommends a re-organization of the army. A joint Commission has been appointed by England and the United States to adjudicate on the Alabama and Canadian fishery ques tions. It will meet at Washington. The English members are Earl de Grey, Mr. Thornton, Sir J. McDonald, and Sir John Rose (since resign. Jl). His place will, pro bably, be filled up by Sir Stafford Northcote. February 10.—The war contribution of Paris is fixed afc a hundred million of francs. February 12.— Louis Napoleon has issued an address to the electors in France. The result of the French elections prove that the departments are strongly Imperialistic or else support tho Orleans family. The cities are all more or less Republican. February 14.—The House of Commons has voted £30,000 dowry to the Princess Louise, aud £6000 annual allowance. A draft of a treaty of peace has been ap proved by Bismarck and Moltke. The Times says that the armistice has been extended. Bordeaux, February 15.—The Assembly will proceed to constitute the new Govern ment to-morrow. The Hon. Julius Vogel left San Francisco for Washington on the 18th January.

OPENING OF PARLIAMENT.

London, February 9.— [ World cable] —The Q.ueon preeee.led by the Horse Guards, in passing through Whitehall, to open Parlia ment to-day, was greeted with mingled cheers and hisstos, the latter predominating. The cheers were chiefly given by the Germans. Extraordinary police precautions prevented disorder. The Queen opened the sessions of the Houses of Parliament in person. The Lords and Commons mustered in full force, and there was a large attendance of spectators. The usual military and civil display was made. The weather was fine, and great crowds witnessed the procession and the dis play outside ; within the House ladies crowded the galleries, and many were on the floor. The Duke of Argyle, who appeared, early in the session, was the great object of undisguised curiosity; he was followed by the Lord Chan cellor and members of the Foreign Legations. An Oriental Princess next appeared ; she was magnificently arrayed in jewels and fine robes, and attracted universal attention. The Queen arrived at two o'clock, with her children ; she wore black velvet. On the en trance of the royal family the. House rose ; as soon as the Queen had taken her seat on the throne, the Commons were summoned to the bar of the House, and came in with their usual unseemly scramble. The Lord Chancellor read her Majesty's speech. At the conclusion of the reading the Queen departed, and the sitting was sus pended. On the return of the members to the House of Commons, Gladstone rose and gave notice of a bill altering the religious tests. Card well gave notice of a bill providing for the re-organisation of the army. The House of Lords met again at 5 o'clock. The Marquis of Westminster moved the address to the Queen. The Earl Roseberry seconded the motion. The Duke of Richmond hoped their lord ships would be unanimous in voting the address. House of Lords adjourned. In the House of Commons the address was moved by Major Hamilton, the member from South Lanarkshire, and seconded by the mem ber from Bristol.

Disraeli made some remarks on the address, in the course of which he criticised the policy of the Government. He advocated armed neutrality, and final pacification, which would exclude all the germs of hostility. He la mented the inertia of the Government last July, when it was able to-influence the belli gerents ; the value of its efforts to procure the withdrawal of Prince Leopold from the canoidacy for the Spanish throne could not be admitted, but it was then possible for the Government to withhold France from war by hinting at armed neutrality, and em ploying it 3 acknowledged influence to Prussia to induce her to forbenr. Mr. Disraeli was equally severe in his comments, in the course which England was made to take in the Blaoli Sea question.

Eeferring to American topics, lie denounced the hostile attitude of Senator Sunnier and others towards England, unlike the attitude assumed towards the other powers, and re commended that it should be encountered with forbearance and contempt; yet a passion might be aroused which could not easily be allayed, therefore ho hoped for the resumption of negotiations for the settlement of all ques tions between England and America. c, meantime, in view of the relations of England with foreign countries, opposed the proposed increase of the military forces of the kingdom. Gladstone made an able speech in support of the addres3, and replied to the criticisms of Disraeli. He denied that there was any need of armed neutrality last year ; to advise Prussia against the Hohenzollem candidacy was going to the extreme limit of the inter national right to interfere ; the neutralization of the Black Sea had lost its importance to England since the Crimean war, and ito maintenance had been abandoned by France. He believed that England's true policy was non-intervention abroad, the study of do mestic questions, anl the observation of neutral rights and obligations. He begged the House would not fetter the Government in liberty of action, or doubt for a moment its aim to secure peace with honor and safety to the country. The address was agreed to, and the House adjourned.

QUEEN VICTORIA'S SPEECH.

London, February 9.—Parliament re-as sembled to-day. Following is the Queen's speech, delivered at the opening of the session. Lords and Gentlemen :At an epoch of such moment to the future fortunes of Europe, I am especially obliged to avail myself of your counsels. The war which broke out in the month of July, between France and Germany, ha 3 raged until within the last few'days with unremitting and likewise unexampled force ; and its ravages may be renewed after a few days more, unless moderation and forethought, prevailing over all impediments, shall sway the counsels of both the parties whose well-being is so fatally concerned. At the time when you separated, I promised a constant attention to the subject of neutral obligations and I under took lo use my best endeavours to prevent the enlargement of the war and to contribute, if opportunity should offer, to the restoration of any eai"ly and honorable peace. In accord ance with the first of these declarations, I have maintained the right and strictly dis charged the duties of neutrality within the sphere of the two countries, originally en gaged. Cherishing with care the cordiality of my relations with the belligerents, I have ■forebore from whatever might, have been construed as gratuitous or unwarranted interference be tween the parties, neither of whom had shown a readiness to propose Jberms of accommodation, such as would bear .promise of acceptance by the other. I have been unable, ou more than one occasion, to contribute towards placing the representatives of the two contending countries in confidential communication, but until com pelled by the surrender of Paris, no further result had been obtained. The armistice now being employed for the convocation of an Assembly in France, has brought about a pause iv the constant accumulation on both sides of human sufferings and has rekindled the hope of a complete accommodation. I pray that this suspension may result in a peace compatible for the two great and brave nations involved—with security and with honor, and likely, therefore, to oommand the approval of Europe, and to give reasonable hopes of a long duration. It has been with concern that I have found myself unable to accredit myself with an ambassador, in a formal mannor, to the Government of Defence which, has oxisted in France since the revolu tion of September, but neither the harmony nor the efficiency of the correspondence of the two members has been in the slightest degree impaired. The King of Prussia has accepted the title of Emperor of Germany, at the instance of the chief authorities of the nation. I have offered my congratulations on an event which bears testimony to the solidity and independ ence of Germany, and which I trust may be found conducive to the stability of the Euro pean system. I have endeavoured, in correspondence with other powers of Europe, to uphold the sanctity of treaties and to remove any misapprehen sions tfs to the binding character of their obligations. It was agreed by the powers which had been parties to the treaty of 1856 that a conference should meet in London. This conference has now been for some time engaged in its labours, and I confidently trust that the result of its deliberations will be to uphold both the principles of public right, and the general policy of the treaty ; and at the 3ime time, by the revision of some of its conditions, in a fair and conciliatory spirit to exhibit a cordial co-operation among the Powers with regard to the Levant, and greatly regret that my earnest efforts have failed to procure the presence at the conference of any representative of France, which was one of the chief parties to the treaty of 1856, and which must ever be regarded as a principal and indispensable member of the great Com monwealth of Europe. At different times several questions of import anco havo arisen, which are not yet adjusted, and which materially affect the relations between the United States and the Territories and people of British North America. One. of them in particular, which concerns the fish eries, calls for an early settlement, lest the possible indiscretion of individuals should im pair the neighbourly understanding which it is ou all grounds so desirable to cherish and maintain. I have, therefore, engaged in an amicable communication with the President of the United States, in order to determine the most convenient mode of treatment for j these matters. I-have suggested the appoint- 1 ment of a joint commission, and I <have agreed j to the proposal of the President that this

■mi.- ...m-i..i,_.i ... _ .„„ mmm'_ » ■^WjJ commission shall be authorized at the samri time, and iv the same manner, to receive thl consideration of the American claims growi™ out of the circumstances of the late war Th arrangement will, by common consent, include all eltums for compensation which hare bee or may be, made by each Governmonfc orbv its cii izens, upon the other. <> The establishment of a Prince of the House of Savoy on the throne of Spain by the frea choice of the popularly elected representatives of the Spanish nation, will, I trust, insure for a country which has passed with so much temperance and self-control through a pro longed and trying crisis, the blessing of a stable Government. ° I am, unhappily, not able to state that the inquiry whioh was instituted by the Govern ment of Greece into the history of the shock", ing murder perpetrated during last spring at Diles, had readied a termination answerable in all respects to my just expectations/but T shall not desist from my endeavours to' seem* the complete attainment of the objects of tha inquiry. Some valuable results, however have, in the meantime, been obtained for (Tie exposure and the supressiou of a lawless and corrupting system, which has so long afflicted the Greek peninsula. The anxiety which the massacre at Tientsin on the 21st June last, called forth, has happily been dispelled, and, while it' will be my earnest endeavour to provide for the security of my subjects and their trade in; those remote corner?, T count on your con currence in the policy that I have adopted of recognising the Chinese Government as en titled to be dealt with in its relations with this country in a conciliatory and forbearing spirit. The Parliamentary recess has been of anxious interest in regard to foreign affairs but I rejoice to acquaint you that ray rela tions are, as heretofore, those of friendship and good understanding with the sovereigns and states of the civilised world. Papers illustrative of the conduct of my Government in relation to the several matters on which I have now summarily touched, will be duly laid before you. In returning to domestic affairs, I have first to inform you that I have approved of a marriage between my daughter, the Princess Louise, and the Marquis of- Lome, and I have declared my consent ■ to this union in a council of gentlemen of the House of Commons. The revenue of the country nourishes, and the condition of trade and industry may, though with partial drawbacks, be declared satisfactory. The estimates of the coming year will be promptly laid before you. The lessons of military experience afforded by the war have been numerous and impor tant. The time appears appropriate for turn ing such lessons to account by efforts more decisive than heretofore at practical improve ment. In attempting this you will not fi'il to bear in mind the special features' in the position of this country, so favour able to the freedom and security of the people, and if the changes from a less to a more effective and elastic system of defensive military pi-eparations shall be found to involve, at least for a time, an increase of various charges, your prudence and patriotism will not grudge the cost, as long as you are satisfied that the end is important and the means judicious. No time will be lost in laying•> before you a bill for the better organisation of the army and the aiixiliary land forces of the Crown, and I hardly need commend it to your anxious and impartial consideration. ,

SUMMARY OF LEADING EVENTS OF THE MONTH.

[" KEW3 OF THE WORLD," FEB. 16.] The news of the capitulation of Paris, which has doubtless reached the colonies ere this, was finally confirmed on the 27tli ulfc., and the present issue will be found to contain a full and complete account of the events pre ceeding and following it. The Germans.have occupied the whole of the outer forts of Paris and an armistice which will undoubtedly be extended, was at any rate to last until the 19th inst. The elections for th"c: National Assembly of France, now proceeding, haye demonstrated that while the cities are'mo^e or less in sentiment, the depart ments or provinces still adhere either to an Imperial form of Q-OTemment, or would .sup port the Orleans Princes. The chances for the establishment of a Republic > France ai-e very slight, and it ni'iy well be doubted whether the French people understand, or are ready for a form of popular G-ovevnment. Mail communication has been established with Paris, and large quantities of provisions have been sent in to its famished people, the liberal contributions of London largely swelling the amount. Vessels have been already despatched'from the United States laden with food' for,un fortunate France, and every large city inthe country is contributing its quota of niOTiey and provisions. A large sum has "bero. al ready raised for this purpose in San 'Iran cisco. The Germans will enter Paris on the 19th inst. (three days after the sailing of the mail steamer for the present month.) A mass meeting at Bordeaux has called for a prosecu tion of the war to the biiter end, and other French cities, noticeably those which have not tasted much of the horrors of the conflict, are said to be favorable to its prosecution. But it is generally believed and hoped that toe war is over. - Although England is preparing actively tor the possibilities of war, she has conceaea something to Russia, wisely refusing longer to, fight " for an 'idea," and it is now believe? that there is no danger of any new conipuc^ tion. The full text of the Queen's speech™ opening Parliament will be found in anotner column. A mixed English and American Commission is about to assemble at Wasuingj ton for the consideration of the Canadian fishery troubles and the Alabama claims -iWJ it settle those vexed questions for eTer<Y us hope that the year which °Pen?jLi fl blackly, may. yet be .mainly notl£Q in after years as an era of a6sr peace, and that the dream of the Anglo-a*" confederation, which has been ajehensbea»j» with mauy wise and good men, and hf) may remark, was so well expounded oy » Hon. Mr. Vogel in his recent address oeiu our Chamber of Commerce, may beoonw. The detention in our port on t}^\ oeT^ of the mail steamer for New Zeal^X Australia for one day later was awae* W burning of the mail which left NeW J'S*^. the 7th iust., by the Hudson River it*"* A full account of that terrible disaster «" found in our Atlantic summary of teieg^

THE EVENING STAR, MARCH 17, 1871



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