 
ANAMOSA, IOWA.
Thursday, April 6, 1873
FROM EUROPE
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Paris continues in a most perturbed state. The communist leaders are ahead of their time and show little judgment.—They may, and probably will, accomplish some good but the French people are not intelligent enough. Ledru Rollin, Victor Hugo, Rochefort, etc., desire a Republic and have poor material to work on; still the agitation and angry passions now in ferment will not be devoid of some degree of benefit in the coming years. Among their decrees is one for separation of church and state; another requires compulsory education and of unsectarian character. These two requirements; excellent in themselves, array the Catholic priesthood against the Paris government, and yet the effect of the two resolves will not be wholly lost. They show the tendency of thinking minds in France.
Queen Victoria has visited Napoleon at Chizelherst. Its meaning may be that the British aristocracy do not sympathize with Republican proclivities.
Marshal McMahon, it is said, has been appointed commander in chief of the French army—that is the army acting under the orders of the Versailles government.
Bismarck says, if we are to believe reports, that if quite is not restored by the 15th the German army will enter Paris. Bismarck does not desire to interfere with French quarrels, but must make sure of the preliminaries of peace being confirmed and the indemnity being paid.
In Paris the word “guillotine” has been whispered among the ruder sort and in connection with the necks of the priests and men of wealth or distinction. Fear of impending evils has led to removal from the city of 160,000.
No courts are open in Paris, all the judges having fled from the city. Thirty-five hundred law cases remain in abeyance.
The manufacturers of Paris have asked permission of the authorities at the Hotel de Ville to resume work. The reply was, “certainly, but the workmen must keep their arms stacked and ready for use, as a conflict is very probable.”
Paris, April 3, 6 p.m.—One hundred thousand Nationals, in three corps, with 200 guns, marched out of Paris this morning, via Montrogue, Issy, and Reuil, all destined for Versailles. Mont Valerien fired all day upon Reuil, and the flying batteries at Meudon cannonaded the Nationals, debouching from Issy on the Versailles road. Valerein cannonaded the rear guard of the Nationals entering the valley between Puteaux and Buzenval
. Some detachments are retreating in a disorderly condition.
During the operations on the right, there was a fierce engagement between the artillery at Meudon and the Parisian artillery, several members of the commune wearing red sashes, led battalions. It is said a superior Versailles officer has been taken prisoner.
The Moniteur says the Zouaves repulsed the Nationals in an attack on the Castile of Mendon, and the Nationals’ loss was very heavy.
Col. Bourgain telegraphs to the commune at 11:15 a.m. that Bergeret and Flourens have formed a junction and marched on Versailles, and that success was certain.
Another dispatch says: At 2 o’clock in the afternoon Duval and Flourens formed a junction at Courbevire. They were cannonaded by Valerien, but the men were well sheltered. A concerted and successful movement was made by which they passed the line of fire of Valerien and marched on Versailles.
Bergeret had two horses killed.
Communication with the outside world is cut off, and only peasants bringing provisions are admitted to Paris.
INDIVIDUALS.
It is said that Gen. Henry, commander of the Montrogue Nationals, is dead.
Floquet and Lockray have resigned their seats in the Assembly and remain to share the sufferings of Paris.
It is reported that the Assembly has been arrested by order of the Commune.
ANOTHER INSURGENT DEFEAT.
New York, April 4.—A special, dated April 3d, evening, says:
About four o’clock yesterday afternoon, after great preparation, the National insurgents commenced passing out at the Neuilly gate, in all 50,000 men, Generals Bergeret, Flourens and Menotti Garibaldi commanding. It was understood that Fort Valerien would not fire. About 6 o’clock the artillery was all in front, and Gen. Bergeret in advance, with 10,000 men, when suddenly Valerien opened fire, killing Commandant Henri. Gen. Bergeret had just got out of his carriage, when the vehicle was smashed by a bomb-shell. The wildest scene ensued. The troops tried to retreat. The main body left Bergeret along with 10,000 men. He tried to fight with field artillery against Valerien, but it was useless. The Communists got in the city, but Bergeret and his men were cut off and cannot pass Valerien. The main body escaped with a loss of 100, but Bergeret must lose large numbers.
Altogether, there are 12,000 men killed, wounded, and missing, including Bergeret’s force.
The Communist’s troops, under arms, number 150,000. Tremendous excitement prevails.”
GAMBETTA AND CLUSERET.
New York, April 4,—A Bordeaux letter says Gambetta was recently challenged by Gen. Cluseret, and declined to fight with what he termed an unprincipled adventurer.
THE BONAPARTES.
A London letter says Louis Napoleon walks feebly, and is in very poor health; that he and Eugene are extremely popular in England.
THE INSURGENTS.
Though the insurgents now seem to have lost less than 150 killed and wounded before Fort Valerien, they are declared demoralized by late dispatches.
Cluseret is said to be their Minister of War, and Riccotti Garibaldi their Director. The great mass of them are the scum of the populace.
London, April 5.—The following details are received: Gen. Bergeret commands the right wing of the communists, with Flourens in his rear as a
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support, Gen Dovale, commander of the center, and Gen. Endes, of the left center.
The left and left center suffered more heavily than the right in the engagements, but were protected in the retreat by the fire of the forts held by the communists. The nationals were badly organized, and having but a limited supply were soon out of ammunition. Many tried to return to Paris, but found the gates shut and men posted on the ramparts who threatened to shoot them if they attempted to re-enter the city.
The contest at Lebas Mendon was exceedingly bloody. The firing of the batteries, manned by artillerists from the Versailles army, was pronounced fully equal in effect and spirit to the German bombardment of Paris.
A dispatch from Versailles says that the government is disposed to show the greatest kindness and humanity to the insurgents.
The Red Republican proclamation, dated at the Tuilleries, condemns the conduct of the Versailles government in attacking Paris.
The Times special from Versailles states that 1,500 were captured. Paris is in consternation. The people of Versailles are greatly irritated against the insurgents.
The Telegraph’s correspondent says the first Prussian army corps is ordered to hold itself ready to march to Paris if the reign of terror continues in the city.
Dr. John Swinburne, of the American ambulance corps, is seriously ill.
The daily News’ special says the Nationals attacked the government troops Tuesday near Mendon, and suffered a complete rout.
Garibaldi declines the command of the insurgents.
It is rumored that 20,000 Nationals have entered Versailles. The report is considered doubtful.
The effective strength of the communists is 120,000 men and 200 guns. Gen. Endes is reported wounded.
Paris, April 4, —evening, Via London, 6 a. m., 5.—It is rumored that the Nationals have sustained a decisive defeat. Forty thousand are now massed before Issy and Clamont. The ramparts are strongly guarded.
Mont Valerien is silent. The duel between Issy and Versailles continues. The Nationals occupy the bridge of Neuilly. The government troops are invisible.
The Paris Deputies to the Assembly had an interview with the Communes to-day.
Versailles, April 4.—Pickard issued the following circular to the perfects: The insurgents have met with a decisive check. Our troops have captured the redoubt at Chatillon with 2,000 prisoners. Flourens and Duval are dead, and Henry is a prisoner. Twenty-two of the communists have resigned and Assey has been imprisoned by his own followers. The government is happy to inform you of the condition of affairs it has effected.
Madrid, April 4.—Senor Olazoga is elected provisional president of the Cortez.
ELECTIONS.
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Cincinnati elects, Davis, Republican, as Mayor of nearly 2,000 majority. Toledo elects Seeny, Dem., Judge by 2,500.
In Iowa Davenport, Keokuk and Dubuque have all gone Republican in their Municipal elections. In Dubuque Judge Burt, Rep., is the new Mayor, and three out of four councilmen are Republicans. The minor offices are variously divided.
Connecticut has gone Republican. On the Governorship the vote is very close, and at this writing (Wednesday) doubtful. Last year English, Dem., had over 800 majority. We have elected a Republican majority in both Houses and three out of four members of Congress, same as before. The N. Y. World had, previous to the election, claimed Conn. by 2,500 majority. It hoped to carry the State by Tammany money and sending on repeaters. It now gives up and says the election was carried by fraud. The negroes voted for the first time. They were over 1,000 and voted solidly for the Republican ticket. A dispatch from Washington, 4th says:
The news from Connecticut is read by the Republicans with great glee. The vote is rather light, but the falling off is not on the Democratic side, who polling their average strength, lost most in their strongest places, while the Republicans gain without anything like their full vote. A dispatch has just been read in the House, announcing the election of a Republican Governor and three Congressmen. Jewell’s and Kellogg’s majorities are less than one hundred. The Legislature is Republican by a good majority.
So much for Democratic assurances that the Republican party is on its last legs, is dying out, going to the bad, vanishing, etc.
THE GOVERNORSHIP.
——
John A. Elliot, late State Auditor, writes a letter to the State Register withdrawing from the list of those whose names are up for nomination for Governor of Iowa. This is as it should be, for he would be defeated any way. The remaining names, so far as authoritatively announced, are those of Col. C. C. Carpenter, Maj. Henry O’Connor and Col. John Scott. All three good.
For Lieut. Governor, several are mentioned, but of hitherto so little prominence that it is rather difficult to recall them to memory.
The Convention meets at Des Moines June 21st.
 The idea is expressed that the Joint High Commission will fail to accomplish much, if anything, in the settlement of the Alabama claims. We have various rumors, but it is not to be supposed the members speak their views openly, nor is it the way of diplomatic bodies.—Give them time and we trust they will reach a conclusion satisfactory to the country.
Mr. Sumner’s resolutions against the San Domingo project were debated at great length. Mr. Harlan made the concluding speech which we will publish next week, and ended by moving that the resolution be laid on the table. Adopted, 36 to 16—only four of the 16 being Republicans.
Jones County is entitled to eleven delegates to the Republican State Conventions, to meet at Des Moines, June 21st.
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NEWS BY TO-DAY’S MAILS.
The election for Governor in Conn. is still in doubt. One account gives English, Dem., 5 plurality. Another gives Jewell, Rep., 19 majority. The official count alone will settle the question. The legislature may be required to elect, as in New Hampshire.
Cabral’s army has been defeated by Baez and Azua. Neither army amounted to much, we suspect.
The President, yesterday, sent in a Message and the Report of the San Domingo Commissioners. He recommends that no action be taken for the present, beyond printing and dissemination of the Report, and thereby giving the people time to consider..
The Ku-Klux bill is still in Congress.
WATER WORKS.
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Our city ought to have public cisterns to use in case of fire, and eventually waterworks will become a subject of importance among us. Davenport is about to adopt the Holly System of supplying herself with the indispensable element. We take the following from the Gazette:
Now that Davenport is, in the not distant future, to enjoy the privileges of this system of works, all facts pertaining there to have great interest. Within the past year a large number of cities and towns have availed themselves of the Holly System, and the reports from all are very favorable. Those for Covington, Kentucky, were tested for the first time a few days ago, with the most favorable results. In seven minutes from the beginning of the display, the pressure in the pipes was raised from forty to ninety pounds, and two steams were thrown through nozzles an inch in diameter. The number of streams of this size was increased to six, then to ten, and finally to twelve. Several of the steams reached a wire stretched across Madison Street at an altitude of one hundred feet. Four streams were thrown through one and quarter inch nozzle, and while they were playing a dog undertook to cross the street, and was struck by one of them. He was instantly whirled along the ground for a distance of twenty or thirty feet. These facts serve to show how available these works are in case of fire. Surely Davenport may be congratulated on the prospect of soon enjoying the advantages of this system of water works. Not every city so fortunate as we in the manner of getting them.
Carroll County, in this State, has been terribly fleeced by its gang of official thieves within the past few years.—Last year its newspaper contrived to pocket $3,000 for printing. And here is another rascality brought to light:
In the district Township of Carroll, Carroll county, is a school house which one Crockett Ribble contracted to build for $10,000. It was sworn in the District Court the other day, that the house as it stands is not worth $3,000, but that prior to the issuance of the order in suit, there had already been issued in pretended payment for the house over thirty thousand dollars in orders.
RAILROADS
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The Midland road is running heavy trains, every day, both ways, and is doing a business entirely unexpected in amount when the road was opened. We are glad to see it so great a success.—Lyons Adv.
Railroad Survey.—Wednesday morning a company started out from Bellevue toward Cascade to make a preliminary survey of the new railroad. Mr. R. E. Farnham, of Chicago, is chief engineer. Mr. H. H. Robbins, of Muscatine, is leveller. The following persons accompanying as assistants on the expedition: M. V. Foley, Thos. B. Warren, J. C. Coulehan, Jr., James Kilborn and Orley Smith. A location for the route of the railroad will be sought for. The practicability of this road has heretofore been demonstrated, and it will inspire its friends with renewed hope to know that energetic measures are being taken to prosecute the enterprise. In due time a report will be given of the survey.—Bellevue Leader.
Whitewater township, Dubuque county, voted a five per cent railroad tax on the 29th. Cascade will vote on the 15th. Washington, Jones county, is preparing to vote. It is expected $50,000 will be raised and $10,000 by subscriptions.
Mississippi Affairs.—It is understood that the Legislature of Mississippi will be notified at an early day that there is a vacancy in her representation in the United States Senate.
Governor Alcorn, it will be remembered, was elected to fill this position, but, not having accepted it by the 4th of March, the commencement of the term, and having since discharged the duties of Governor, it is considered equivalent to resigning whatever claims he may have had.
The lamentable condition of affairs in Mississippi is mainly attributable, it is now believed, to the course of the Governor. It is with reluctance that his friends have arrived at this conclusion, but they have at last been forced to look at the matter in that light.
A very prominent officer of the Government, while speaking of Mississippi affairs the present week, remarked that “Alcorn is making the same mistake as Andrew Johnson did; he is trying to get the Democratic party to come to him, while he is going to that party all the time.” We fear there is too much truth in this statement of the case.
In case Governor Alcorn should be permitted to take a seat in the Senate, he will be succeeded by Lieutenant Governor Powers, who is represented as a good officer, a true Republican.
The friends of the Administration were yesterday quite jubilant over the pungent and forcible reply of Senator Harlan to Senators Sumner and Schurz. They contrast the effect of the speech with that of Senator Sumner, and affirm that it produced a stronger feeling and a greater effect on the audience in the galleries than that of Mr. Sumner. They speak with enthusiasm of the numerous congratulations of Senators, of members of the House, and of many others who listened to it.
The speech will be printed and widely circulated as a compact and yet a complete and convincing defense of the President.—Washington Chronicle, 31st.
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The Democracy are still engaged in defending the Ku-Klux and palliating their offences.
Frank Blair told the Senate yesterday that “Congress was the original Ku-Klux,” thus admitting that these veiled murderers were an opposing body.
The Times has a dispatch from Mississippi stating that “Huggins, a school teacher, was whipped, though not severely;” and “notwithstanding Governor Alcorn had protested that there were no outrages there requiring the interference of the General Government, the lower house of the Legislature had passed a resolution asking for troops to defend the lives and property of the people of that State.”
The Kentucky Legislature nullified the law to admit negro testimony, by a clause providing that it should go into effect when Congress repealed the Fifteenth Amendment. And this is the “situation” of the Democratic party, who are defending this new rebellion on the one hand, and asking for general amnesty on the other.
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Later advices from Mississippi represent the anarchy prevailing there as extending over all the State. Fifteen school houses were burned in ten days in the eastern part of the State, and superintendents and teachers have been compelled to fly for their lives. Next to a Republican voter, a school house seems to be the chief object of hate of the Ku-Klux, a peculiarity which has always distinguished the Democratic party in the South. The purpose of breaking up the school system, which was never made common throughout the whole State until Republicans came into power there, is freely avowed by the leaders of the new rebellion. In addition to the information which we publish of additional outrages in that State, we have information by mail which leads us to conclude, what we have already expected and expressed, that Gov. Alcorn has little wish (or design) to suppress the Ku-Klux in Mississippi, but is largely responsible for the demoralization of the party which elected him as an exponent of Republican principles.
The New Haven Register asserts that “The early statesmen of the Republic were Protectionists, and Clay was a Protectionist, yet they never imposed, or thought of imposing, a duty of over fifteen per cent, on imports.”
If the Register will only turn to the Tariff of 1824, for which Gen. Jackson and Col. Benton voted, and that of 1828, which was likewise supported by Martin Van Buren, Richard M. Johnson, James Buchanan, Silas Wright &c., &c., it will find that Pig Iron which now pays, $7 per tun, paid $10 by the Tariff of 1824, and $12 ½ by that of ’28—and so with most articles now protected. Mr. Clay supported both of these Tariffs, and Mr. Monroe signed the former. Messrs. Clay, Buchanan, Silas Wright, &c., also voted for the Tariff of ’42, whereby the duty on Pig Iron was fixed at $9 per tun. Our present tariff may average higher than those, for we have to raise a much larger revenue; but it is not more protective.—N. Y. Tribune
A Hibernian, fresh from the “old sod,” having sufficient means to provide himself a horse and cart (the latter a kind he probably never saw before), went to work on a public road. Being directed by the overseer to move a lot of stones near by, and deposit them in a gully on the side of the road, he forthwith loaded his cart, drove up to the place, and had nearly finished throwing off his load by hand, when the boss told him that was not the way; he must tilt or dump his load at once. Paddy replied that he would know better the next time. After loading again, he drove to the chasm, put his shoulder to the wheel, and upset the horse, cart and all, into the gully. Scratching his head, and looking rather doubtfully at his horse below him, he observed: “Bedad, it’s a mighty quick way, but it must be trying to the baste.”
— “The most amusing and comical reading,” says the Mount Pleasant Journal, “that we find now a days is contained in the Democratic papers. They are busily engaged predicting the death of the Republican party, because three or four Republicans and all the Democrats in the land are opposed to the administration. These Democratic editors forget that this job has been tried several times and has always proved a failure. Andrew Johnson and a score of Republican Senators undertook to way-lay the Republican party a few years ago. Then, as now, the Democrats were in the rear, shouting and predicting, but the men who were to do the murdering, themselves received the death blow and now they fill political graves.”
The Oxford stone, which has been both accepted and rejected by the Capitol Commissioners, has been tested by the chemist of the Agricultural Department at Washington, who gives as a result of his tests, the following report: “In reviewing the behavior of the stone under the foregoing treatment it would appear to be unchangeable in color, capable of bearing repeated frosts without suffering much, in climates which are dry, but as the stone is light and porous it is capable of allowing great penetration of drifting rain, and therefore in a climate where the winter alternates, wet and frost, the stone is apt to suffer.
Des Moines, Iowa, March 25.—Gov. Merrill has called a meeting of the State House Commissioners in this city, on Wednesday next, when the question of proceeding with the work, in view of the injunction suits, will be decided. The attorneys for the plaintiffs in these suits, in reply to Gov. Merrill, say that when the majority of the Board, “at a full meeting, or at a meeting when all who voted for the award are present, shall, upon due deliberation, in which all the evidence before them which has been collected and which is in course of preparation, resolve that the enforcement of the contract would compel the State to take a stone which should not be used in the work, for which it is purchased, these suits will be dismissed.”
A petition is being circulated by the tax-payers of Davenport, praying the City Council to exempt from taxation, for city purposes for ten years, all capital invested in manufacturers at that point within the next four years.
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