412-415.

For Bismarck's fears of intervention, especially that of Austria, see his _Reminiscences_, vol.ii.p.

109 (English edit.); Count Beust's _Aus drei Viertel-Jahrhunderten_, pt.ii.pp.361, 395; for Thiers' efforts see his _Notes_ on the years 1870-73 (Paris 1904).] Accordingly, France had to rely on her own efforts.

They were surprisingly great.

Before the complete investment of Paris (September 20), a Delegation of the Government of National Defence had gone forth to Tours with the aim of stirring up the provinces to the succour of the besieged capital.