The French Assembly separated on Saturday for the Recess, and
M. Thiera delivered a somewhat optimist speech, in which he stated that the reconstruction of the Army was the "true revenge 'r of France, that there was no danger either of war or of a dis- turbance of the internal tranquillity,—" the parties being as impotent as they are incorrigible," that Europe was astounded at the courage of France in taking up her burdens, that he had now a real sinking fund of £8,000,000 a year, and that France would speedily be able to take up her old attitude. The speech has been interpreted by the journals which support the Government as implying that M. Thiers intends when once the Army is recon- structed to recover the lost provinces, and has attracted considerable attention. There can be little doubt that this is M. niers' inten- tion should he find a convenient opportunity, but that will hardly be just yet, as time is still required. Before he can move h s must have his mobiles trained, must buy the Germans out of their strong position, and must complete the fortifications of the alternative capital, Bourges, all of them enterprises not to be finished in a year
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