Paris, December 5.

Not so long ago no Parisian journal would have dreamt of publishing a series of articles drawing comparisons between the French and German armies in the eventuality of war between the two nations. But all that has been changed, and this evening General Langlois, while refuting in the "Temps" M de Lanessan's very pessimistic arguments, prefaces his remarks by giving the explanation. The Emperor William's striking war trumpet call has, he points out, very happily revived the instinct of self-preservation-the idea of a terrible war to the knife which it does not seek, but which may be imposed on it-in the mind of the French nation. This is frank language from so high a authority, and it is true. The general has little difficulty in showing that things are not as M. de Lanessan represents them. The infantry along the eastern frontier is not greatly inferior to the German as regards numbers, while the cavalry and artillery are quite as strong, as the corresponding arms across the border. In nearly all the mobilisation operations France is on a par with Germany, and it is a mistake to affirm that the work of concentration would be hampered. "It suffices to throw a glance on our network of railways to perceive at once the flagrant exaggeration of the former Minister of Marine." France's real inferiority chiefly consists in the lowness of her birth rate as compared with prolific German. The German army can always be superior in numbers to the French, which, however, can compensate for this drawback by suppleness. General Langlois will discuss the "fortification crisis" in a subsequent article.

Will the Russian internal situation improve? It seems more than doubtful. Much more likely is a long continued Jacquerie. The Russian peasant is slow to move ; but he is harder to stop when once moved. We may expect that the rising will be much more serious than in France in the Fourteenth Century. I put this question to a financier this afternoon : 'Would you, as a sensible man, buy Russian Four per Cents at this moment, considering what their price is?" He replied : "I would not touch them with a long pole." I believe that this view would be endorsed by all responsible men at this moment if their interests were not the other way. No money is coming into the Russian Treasury, because the taxes are not being paid. No money, unless secret sources exist, is available for paying the exterior debt, because no loans are being floated, which, hitherto, has been the method of paying the coupons. An attempt was made recently to fix another few millions on the shoulders of the French public, but they refused to take it. Therefore, the logical outcome of the situation is this-the repudiation of the coupons, or, at least, their non-payment. These are not light words to write. In plain language, it means the ruin of France. It is hardly possible that this country could recover from so stupendous a blow as that involved by a real panic on the Russian market. The figures have touched to their yet lowest point in Russia ; there will be some sort of response here. If the stock were not artificially propped, it would be quoted at thirty to-day. One has only to remember the Spanish Exterior that fell to twenty-five during the war, and to-day is at ninety. It dropped five or six points in a single day.

The terrible scenes in Russia have their echo in the Latin Quarter. There is a large number of Russian students in a destitute and deplorable condition. In some cases their parents, upon whom they relied for remittances, have been ruined by the troubles and are no longer in a position to help ; in all cases the breakdown in the postal arrangements has led to embarrassment. There are really some tragic cases of poverty amongst these young men and women. During the recent severe weather, two young girl students were discovered by a benefactress in an attic without a fire, endeavouring to study out of the same book. In normal times even the lot of many of these students is a very hard one. They are passing rich on eighty francs a month. The student who receives a hundred francs is a plutocrat.

Most of these interesting young persons are drawn from the small shop-keeping class in Russia, and they come to France to attend the classes of the Sorboune in an effort to improve their positions in the world. To this end they are prepared to make extraordinary sacrifices of comfort and almost of the bare necessities of life. It goes without saying that the major part of this colony is not on calling terms with its country's Embassy. The student, certainly the Russian student, is by nature a revolutionary, if not "par le fait," at least by sympathy. These hard times, therefore, have brought him no assistance from the representatives of his Government of Paris. A rich Russian general living in the quarter of the Etoile was asked to help, but he replied : "I am a patriot ; the others are not. I decline to assist them." Others, whose conception of patriotism is somewhat different, have not been content to leave a body of young persons wholly devoted to learning in a state of destitution.

Now that the prisoners are acquitted by the verdict of the jury of the Assize Court of the Seine, some unpublished facts may be given with regard to the attempt on the life of Alfonso XIII. and M. Loubet. The plot was known to several persons of the official world of Paris a few days before the commission of the outrage. A personage prominently connected with the Opera received a warning from a man whom he had befriended in earlier years. This informant, realising his perilous position in face of the Anarchist society to which he belonged, asked his benefactor to meet him at a certain spot on the Boulevards a few mornings before the day on which the attempt was to be made.

"I shall be sitting on a bench," said the communication, "and you will take no particular notice of me." The high official who had received this intimation repaired to the rendezvous indicated. He espied his quondam protégé sitting on a bench. Near by was a kiosque, to which the official went, and bought a newspaper. At that moment the man sidled up, and rapidly conveyed his information. The attempt on the life of the King would be made, he said, in the Opéra itself, during the progress of the gala performance. The man then disappeared. Twenty-four hours afterwards he was found in a bar on the outer Boulevards with two bullets in his body. It was the vengeance of the secret society against whom he has committed an act of treason. The police made no arrest in connection with this deed, knowing the utter impossibility of finding the instrument of Anarchist vendetta.

M. Cronier was evidently a man who had a more exquisite sense of art than he had of financial morality, as the sufferers in Egypt by the Sucreries crash should be aware. The "Parisian" event of the week has been the sale of the Cronier art collection at the Galerie George Petit. The crowd of would-be purchasers or the merely curious was so great that all could not enter the auction-room, but many stood in a compact squad along the pavements of the Rue de Sèze. It is to be feared that in their zeal to limit overcrowding, the police have prevented some having a serious intention to buy from entering, in favor of the early bird who is merely attracted by a free spectacle.

Never of recent years have pictures of such value belonging to the French and English eighteenth century schools come into the Paris market. Gainsborough is represented by a portrait, presumed to be that of Sir John Campbell ; a study for the famous "Squire Hamlet and his Wife," and "Meditation," a delightful figure of a young girl in a toilette of yellow silk. There is a portrait of "Miss Day," by Sir Thomas Lawrence, and an admirable Sir Joshua in the figure of a man in green uniform. "Lady Stanhope" is a brilliant sketch for a portrait in the Reynolds manner. "The Young Dairymaid" is Romney's portrait of Emma Hart, later Lady Hamilton. "Emily, Duchess of Leinster," is also by Romney, and comes from the Witkins collection. A picture in the French school to make a sensation is Watteau's "Lovers Asleep." It is a little masterpiece in colour and composition. "Le Billet Doux" is a delicious example of the master, a perfect evocation of beauty and youth. Of the later painters there is Fragonard, whose genius and perfect freedom from conventionality stand revealed in "La Liseuse." No very important bibelots were included in this sale, but some of the choicest tapestries of the Goberins and of Beauvais were submitted to public judgement this afternoon. Evidently a man of great taste, M. Cronier.

More than six months ago, I was invited with several of my confrères to take part in a trial run on a Gardner-Serpollet auto-omnibus, and I was assured then that before long the auto-omnibus would be a familiar sight in the streets of the capital, but weeks and months went on, and now we are informed that Paris will not see the auto-omnibus running regularly before the month of May. When we remember that Paris is the cradle of the motor car industry, we are surprised to find that London should have so far outstripped her in the popular developments of the automobile, and that long before this city has come to a decision on the subject London has offered the advantages of the motor omnibus to its inhabitants. Cost, we are informed, has played a large part in the delay, and, that being so, I am not surprised that Paris should lag behind, for wherever there is any risk of a financial kind involved it will usually be found that an Englishman will venture his money before a Frenchman. How the Frenchman reasons is shown in an interview with the director of the workshops of the Paris General Omnibus Company, published by a contemporary, "It would never do for us," said the director, "to launch into a speculation of that kind"-the motor omnibus-"until we had made the most complete tests, and had assured ourselves that our profits would not be diminished by the change." One of the reasons given for the delay in adopting the new method of locomotion is the difference in the price of petrol. In London it is sold at 18 francs the 100 litres. In Paris it costs 48fr. 50c., which means that with 300 omnibuses working at the same rates as in London the expenses in Paris for petrol alone would be £100,000 more per annum. The reason of the excessive cost of petrol in this city is that the State claims a duty of 10fr. on every 100 litres, and the municipality exacts another 20fr. on every 100 litres coming into the city. Then there is the item of rubber for the tyres. Rubber is only a fraction higher in this country than in England, but there is much more wood paving in London than in Paris, and the difference in expenditure involved by hundreds of heavy vehicles running over the well kept streets of London and inferiorly paved thoroughfares of Paris would, we are assured, be very considerable.

Some morbid persons declare that the "beaux jours" of French cooking are over. One of these, I remember, was the famous chef, Joseph, at the Maison d'Or, alas, now nothing but a café like any other. "People do not dine any more," he said in the bitterness of his soul ; "they just eat." It is sad to reflect how many of the great restaurants have gone the way of all flesh. The disappearance of Tortoni's and the Maison d'Or are but instances of the growing taste for dinners at "prix fixe" instead of the stately repast-and the stately bill-of other times.

But there is one place, at least, where they dine well in Paris-though I am not saying that the banner of the "cuisine francaise" is not worthily upheld by the clubs-and that is at the Elysée. Have not the Presidential dinners played a large part in the creation of that pleasant atmosphere of entente with which France is at this moment surrounded? If that is conceded, then M. Loubet's cook is a very important personage. He has promoted the harmony of the nations, whilst raising the culinary art to a high pitch. His name is Tesch. He is a master of the mysteries of roasting ; he excels, likewise, in the preparation of M. Loubet's favorite dish, the seasoned chicken. These young and tender fowls are reared specially for the President's table. One of the glories of M. Tesch's menu is his ragout of woodcock. When M. Witte was the guest, recently, of the President at his country chateau of La Bégude ae Mazenc, he tasted this traditional dish. Nevertheless, human ingratitude is such that even the memory of such a triumph did not prevent him from conspiring against France-or, at least, so it is said-in his interview at Potsdam.

It is not often that the theory of a man's death being as his life receives an illustration so dramatic as has just been given at Ville-en-Blasois, in the Loiret Departnment. There lived in the town a Monsieur Adam, of good fortune and standing, whose one weakness was wine, and he rode his hobby to death. Becoming tired of life, but not of liquor, he resolved that even his end should be an act of devotion to his only attachment. So getting a cask of wine upright, and having the end taken out, he literally dived into nectar, and, as he doubtless hoped, into elysium. Whether he also took one last long draught history will never record. When found, he was dead-literally over head and ears, and shoulders, too-in love.

No employer can afford to engage a man whose movements are languid, whose eyes are dull, and who visibly lacks energy. The man who is strong, active, full of energy, and pleases at first sight always has the preference. Unfortunately, men of real value to employers are often the victims of overwork, and their breakdown is a serious matter in business and at home. To such men Dr. Wlliams' Pink Pills are valuable above all other medicines, for these pills restore strrength and nervous force, and enable breadwinners to undertake work that was once beyond their physical strength.

Mr. Thomas Luce, whose home is at 6 Dennett-Road, Waddon Marsh-lane, Croydon, found himself at the age of 38 in a most serious state of health.

"I first complained of pain in my legs," he stated, "and was treated for Rheumatism. In spite of medicine I felt no better and would tremble all over at times. A doctor then stated my disease had developed, and ordered me into hospital, where I learned that my trouble was paralysis. After skillful treatment I was finally brought away from hospital quite helpless, unable to eat but morsels, a shadow of my former self, in constant pain and unable to sleep.

"One day, at the request of a friend, I purchased a box of Dr. Williams' Pink Pills for Pale People. That one box made a difference in me. I gained courage, and as I continued the pills my health improved and helplessness passed off. Before long I could eat well, became more vigorous, and soon felt entirely cured and ready for work again."

Dr. Wlliams' Pink Pills arrest loss of strength in workers ; they fortify the nervous and muscular systems, and give zest for business as well as recreation. They are a perfect blood builder and nerve tonic, and have cured in thousands of cases anemia, indigestion, consumption, early decline, eczema, St. Vitus' dance, rheumatism, sciatics, paralysis, locomotor ataxy, neuralgia, results of overwork, and in ladies the ailments of their sex. Sold by dealers, or direct from Dr. Wlliams' Medicine Co., Holborn-Viaduct, London, post free at 2s. 9d a box, or for six boxes 13s. 9d.

Sold in Egypt by all chemists at P.T. 13 per box or P.T. 70 per 6 boxes. Can be bought at the general depot : Max Fischer, Cairo, Hotel du Nil St. (1st floor), and Alexandria, Rue Stamboul, No. 8.

The absence of a cavalry regiment from Cairo is apparently a great drawback to that garrison in more ways than one, judging by the lamentations which periodically come therefrom. I am afraid, that in the present rage for economy, there is little hope of a cavalry regiment going to Egypt. If, as is expected, a Liberal Government succeed the present Conservative one, there is every prospect of the necessity of a cavalry regiment, as Liberal administrations have usually been characterised by troubles in the Sudan.

Next June Brevet-Colonel S.G. Bird, D.S.O., Royal Dublin Fusiliers, will vacate the command of the 1st Battalion which recently went from Malta to Egypt, under the four-years' rule. In the usual course the command should go to Brevet-Lieutenant Colonel A. W. Gordon, second in command of the 2nd Battalion at Buttevant.

Judging from the report to hand, the Rifle Club of the Depot Royal Berkshire Regiment made a fine record in the past year. The team made the good account of 19 wins out of 25 matches. The ranges were 200 and 600 yards, and the average score was 83.35 per match. This was a fine performance when we take into calculation the calibre of some of their opponents-the Royal Horse Guards (Blues), Reading and District Rifle Club, and 1st V. B. Royal Berks staff. The Walton Cup, presented by Captain Walton of the 3rd Battalion, was annexed by Colour Sergeant W. Cox. The latter's score for the 25 matches was 89.61.

The Army Council have had under their consideration the present condition of the labour market, and the difficulty which appears to exist in finding employment. With a view to enabling soldiers about to be transferred to the Reserve or discharged to obtain information as to the state of the labour market in the towns where they are contemplating taking up their residence, officers in charge of Records are requested to forward monthly to the several units with which they are connected, whether at home or abroad, a statement of the condition of the labour maket, in the different centres in their area. In addition, information should be given as to the number of ex-soldiers in the district whose names are on the register of employment, what prospects exist as to being able to provide this number with employment, and whether, if any further increase in the number registering is made, there is a reasonable hope that additional employment will be forthcoming.

Captain C. F. Thursby, who commissioned the cruiser Encounter the other day, will not take that ship out to the Australian Station, as he has been appointed to the command of the cruiser King Alfred. The Encounter will be taken out by Captain H.V.W. Elliott, who recently commanded the sloop Beagle in the now defunct Atlantic Squadron. Captain Elliott has spent over 33 years in the Royal Navy, attaining his present rank in the June of last year. He served in the expedition against an East African potentate named M'buruk, June, 1895-whilst commanding the gunboat Magpie-and was present at the storming and capture of his stronghold ; was in Sir Harry Rawson's expedition to the Benin, 1897, resulting in the capture of the "City of Blood" (mentioned in despatches, promoted commander, medal with clasp), and during the South African War he landed guns for the defence of that Mossell's Bay, which had been threatened by a Boer force.

Early in February the cruiser Berwick will return home from the Mediterranean for recommissioning. The challenge shield which the people of Berwickshire have subscribed for as a gunnery competition trophy will be presented to the cruiser on her return.

The first-class cruiser Duke of Edinburgh will be completed for sea in about six weeks time. She is destined for service on the China Station, where the cruisers are to be strength-need by the addition of the latest type.

5 Francs a Day and More Earned by home work.

Persons of both sexes wanted to work with our Knitting Machine. Simple and prompt work the whole year by staying at home Preliminary conditions needless. Distance no object. We buy the work done. Thos H. Whittick and Co., makers of Knitting Machines for home use, 13, viaCampanile, Trieste.

26895-3A2

Under this heading advertisements are inserted at the following rates :—

The address is counted. The advertisement must appear on conseontive days for above rates to be obtained. 50% extra is charged for advertisements not appearing consecutively.

All such advertisements must be prepaid, and to this rule no exception whatever will be made. Letters in reply to advertisements will be posted to any address if a few stamps are sent by the advertiser to cover postage.

Surveyor and Contractor in shipping. Takes charge of Engines and Boilers. Undertakes repairs of same, guaranteeing success. First class references. Address : Rue el Warsha, Maison Gabriel ALEXANDRIA.

Continental Hotel Buildings CAIRO.

St. David's Buildings, ALEXANDRIA,

and 35 - 37 Noble Street LONDON, E.C.

English Tailors, Drapers and Outfitters.

TRAVELLING REQUISITIES: COMPRESSED CANE TRUNKS. SOLID LEATHER OVERLAND TRUNKS. GLADSTONE & KIT BAGS. SUIT CASES, RUGS, &c.

ATHLETIC GOODS: A VARIED STOCK, INCLUDING Slazenger's Doherty "E.G.M." Demon. AND Ayre's Central Strung Racquets.

TENNIS BALLS FRESH SUPPLY WEEKLY.

BOOTS & SHOES.

All the newest shapes in the best English makes:—

BUCKSKIN TENNIS BOOT AT £1 A SPECIALITY.

Owing to the increased business in this Department a new Showroom has been fitted up where better attention can be given to Customers.

CLOTHS: The largest Stock in Egypt of Cloths of the best British Manufacture : TROPICAL TWEEDS, FLANNELS, DRILLS, & c., & c

All garments cut by experienced English cutters. Fit and style guaranteed.

GENTS' OUTFITTING: The newest Shades in Crepe de Chene Ties. Cellular, Oxford, Zephyr Shirts and Pyjamas in great variety.

Special Attention paid to Shirts Made to Measure.

HOSIERY AND UNDERCLOTHING IN THE BEST MAKES.

PANAMA, STRAW, & FELT HATS CORK & PITH HELMETS. CAPS.

HOUSEHOLD LINEN AT SPECIALLY CHEAP PRICES. TABLE CLOTHS, NAPKINS, SHEETS, AND PILLOW CASES. FLANNELETTES, VIYELLAS AND CEYLON FLANNELS.

SOAP, PERFUMERY, RUBBER SPONGES, BRUSHES, STUDS, MIRRORS (Hand & Shaving) FOUNTAIN PENS, &c., &c.

Davies Bryan & Co., Cairo & Alexandria.