22 OCTOBER 1870, Page 3

The Germans appear inclined to postpone or abandon the inva-

sion of Normandy. It was reported on Monday that Rouen had been threatened, but since then no movement in that direction has been recorded, though the extraordinary richness of the pro- vince in cattle and grain must tempt invaders. The people of Rouen, Dieppe, and Havre talk much of defending themselves, and a sufficient number of Mobiles has been gathered together ; but there is no trace of effective organization, of good field artillery, or of strong discipline. The people seem willing to die, but that is all. The want of capacity to organize visible in this splendid province, with its wealth, its gentry, and its open communication with England, is the worst symptom as yet seen in the condition of France.