By the latest accounts, M. Thiers was attacking Paris in
earnest. His idea appears to be to enter by Forts Issy and Vanvres, which are accordingly being shattered to pieces. They have not, how- ever, been stormed, nor have the troops of the Commune been forced back within the enceinte, while they incessantly construct new batteries. It is supposed that the forts once taken, the enceinte will be carried by storm, and an attempt made to force a way to the Hotel de Ville and the Tuileries ; but it is by no means certain yet that the Versailles' troops are prepared for severe street fighting. The Commune, though much divided in opinion, still retains its hold on the city, and its General, Clnseret, the able Franco-American, increases rapidly in power, and will probably be proclaimed Dictator. His calculation is that he will be able to resist the grand attack, will inflict a severe defeat on the entering army, will be joined by some of its regiments, and will then be master of the Assembly. While waiting the grand attack, how- ever, he wastes a good many lives a day in desultory fighting.
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