It really does appear too monstrous that the able-bodied men of this city should wear uniforms, learn the goose-step, and refuse to take any part in the defence within shot of the enemy.

That they should object to be employed in a campaign away from their homes, is hardly in accordance with their appeal to the provinces to rise _en masse_ to defend France, but that they should decline to do anything but go over every twelve days to the ramparts, is hardly fighting even for their own homes.

Surely as long as the siege lasts they ought to consider that the Government has a right to use them anywhere within the lines of investment They make now what they call military promenades, that is to say, they go out at one gate, keep well within the line of the forts, and come in at another gate.

Some of the battalions are ready to face the enemy, although they will not submit to any discipline.

The majority, however, do not intend to fight outside the ramparts.