_Thursday, October 13th._--Read and made use of a report from Rome giving the result of the plebiscite, which shows that there is no longer any Papal party there. It would appear as if the whole political organisation of the Papal State has fallen into dust, like a corpse that, after remaining unchanged for a thousand years in its leaden shell, has been suddenly exposed to the air. There is nothing left of it--not a memory nor even a void which it had filled. The voting, which had to be conducted according to the Italian Constitution, is a voluntary manifestation of opinions which either involve no sacrifice or a very slight one, except, of course, to the emigrants. So far as those opinions indicate an antipathy to the political _régime_ of the Papacy, there can be no possibility of a reaction. On the other hand, whether the Romans will desire to be and to remain subjects of the King of Italy will depend, so far as the permanence of his rule is concerned, upon the manner in which they are governed. I received this report from the Chancellor, with instructions to utilise it in the press. The statistical information, however, was all that was to be taken. “It would appear therefrom,” he added, “that there has been some trickery. But do not draw any moral against either the Pope or Italy.” To judge by a letter from Saint Louis, dated the 13th of September, national sentiment amongst the Germans in America would seem to have been greatly stimulated by the success of the war, and to be now much stronger than their republican leanings. “A German who has lived here for twenty years, who was formerly your deadly foe, but whose ideal you now are,” thus enthusiastically addresses the Chancellor: “Forward, Bismarck! Hurrah for Germany! Hurrah for William the First, Emperor of Germany!” Bravo! But it appears that our Democrats must emigrate before they can be brought to entertain such feelings. The conversation at dinner was not of particular interest to-day. While taking our coffee, the Chancellor again read us a portion of a letter from “Johanna” (his wife), which contained some very severe judgments upon the French, referring, amongst other things, to Paris as an “abominable Babel.” _Friday, October 14th._--Busy working for the post up to midday. Telegraphed afterwards to London and Brussels respecting the false assertions of Ducrot in the _Liberté_. Also reported that General Boyer, Bazaine’s first adjutant, had arrived at Versailles from Metz for the purpose of negotiating with us. The Chief, however, does not seem to wish to treat seriously with him, at least to-day. He said in the bureau: “What day of the month is it?” “The 14th, Excellency.” “Ah, that was Hochkirchen and Jena, days of disaster for Prussia. We must not begin any business to-day.” It may also be observed that to-day is a Friday.