No. 104.
Mr. Noyes to Mr. Evarts.

No. 4.]

Sir: Since my dispatch of the 6th instant the funeral of Mr. Thiers has taken place. It was attended by an immense concourse of people, [Page 170] estimated at from four to six hundred thousand. During the solemn ceremony the rain fell incessantly, but this did not deter the multitude from manifesting by their presence at the burial their sympathy and sorrow. The most perfect order everywhere prevailed. Occasionally there was a shout, “Vive la République,” “Vive la France,” or “Vive Thiers,” but whenever this occurred the senators of the left, by a motion of the hand, enjoined silence, and their signals seemed to be telegraphed along the whole line, producing the desired effect. I do not believe that in any city of the world more perfect order and decorum could have been maintained. The unaffected sorrow of the people seemed to allay for the time all political excitement.

For a day or two the republican leaders were evidently stunned by the unexpected death of Mr. Thiers, but, so far as I can observe, they have recovered their confidence and are as determined as ever. Mr. Gambetta told me, on the day of the funeral, that the result on election-day would not be unfavorably affected by Mr. Thiers’s death, and Mr. Jules Simon remarked to me, about the same time, that the lite of the republic was not dependent upon the life of any man. Predictions as to the result of the impending election, of course, are colored and controlled largely by the wishes of the various parties. Mr. Gambetta thinks the republicans will carry 400 members. Mr. Thiers, a few days before his death, expressed the same opinion. The government hopes to reduce the number below the old 363. The contest is a very bitter one, and all parties are persistent and active. Whatever the result of the elections, it is not generally believed here, in circles which ought to be best informed, that there will be any violent overturning. The prosecution and sentence of Gambetta do not, of course, seem to soften or modify the severity of the political struggle. * * The day of election is not definitely fixed, but will probably be about the middle of October.

I beg leave to add that on the day before the funeral of Mr. Thiers Mr. Washburne and myself called at the Thiers mansion, and were kindly admitted to an interview with Madame Thiers. We sent, with our cards, from the legation a floral tribute to be placed on the coffin, and, with the secretaries, attended the funeral. Our attentions seemed to be fully appreciated.

I have, &c.,

EDWAED F. NOYES.