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What a position they would have been in
There is no question as to this, for the
fall of Metz alone enabled for many
to complete the Investment of Paris
& keep off the relieving army.
alas! alas! when is it to end –
English politics are in a most
anxious state – and the meeting
of Parl: now so near, will be one of
singular importance & probably a
most stormy session –

Brights resignation will tell upon
the Govt – I wonder if you have read
the Exposé of army & navy mis-
management in the last Quarterly.
We are indeed sunk very low – and
one hears from those who know – that
England cannot at present go to war
and that thanks to the press all the
Continent is aware of the fact
and insult her with impunity –
Certainly it begins to look very like it
Public attention however seems fairly
aroused as to the miserable economics
and huge extravagance of late
Government officials –