,frann.—France has been absolutely quiescent, the only rumours. in 'circulation
referring to the Emperor's health. His Majesty is staying at Vichy, and it was asserted that Dr. Rayere had been sent for in all haste. The Moniteur denied the statement with a promp- titude which excited suspicion, and the funds fell. There seems, however, no reason to believe that the Emperor is seriously indis- posed. The country people crowd round him in thousands, and the official press is never tired of stories of the popular curiosity and the Imperial kindliness. Most of the stories are probably true. Country people are as curious to see an Emperor as anybody else ; and playing Sultan is for a man of decent temper very pleasant work. For the rest, the only news of the slightest political interest is con- tained in the follcwing paragraph; " Experiments have been made on a grand scale at Gaves, near Lorient, and at Cherbourg, with the cannon and ammunition to be used against any enemy's Ship approaching the coast. These experiments were tried in presence of the commissioners appointed to superintend the defence of the coast, and were re- markably successful. It has been ascertained that the guns and ammunition have arrived as near to perfection as possible, and that at a distance of fifteen hundred yards the cannon shot will perforate the thickest steel plating which a ship will bear. The batteries of the Pharo, Endonme, Roncas, Blanc Montredon, and Frionl are now nearly complete. These batteries will render the entrance of an enemy's ship into the gulf of Marseilles impossible. The defence will be so perfect that hundreds of shot may be fired simultaneously from the coast and from the islands of If, Pomegue, and Ratonneau against any part of the harbour. Two batteries are to be erected on the Napoleon Dock similar to those on the Joliette. Formidable batteries are likewise to be erected at Cape Pinede and at Cape Jarret. Isolated forts will add to the defence, and barracks will be erected to accommodate four hundred men. The ammunition and stores necessary for all these batteries are already collected in the arsenals of Toulon and Marseilles. The defence of the coast on the Channel being now complete, the credit opened for the Minister of Marine is expended on the ports of the Mediterranean. Thus considerable works are being constructed at Port Vendres, Collioure, Nouvelle, and particularly at Cette, to strengthen the fortifications of these important positions.'
M. Mires has appealed, and the Court of Cessation will probably re- duce his sentence, and in a few months the Emperor will remit the remainder. M. Mires has a talent for holding his tongue. Count Simon, who was condemned to civil responsibility for the debts of the bank, intends to plead privilege, as a senator can only be tried before the High Court of Justice.
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