Paris is in a strange state,--more resembling a town in a state of siege than the most gadding capital; but, as far as the exterior appearance can be the guide, I cannot see why the Government should have assembled nearly 25,000 troops round Paris, the riots having been confined to the students of the _ecoles_ and the _gardes de corps_, the people, _proprement dit_, taking no part and showing no interest. The violence of the Chambers is sufficiently seen in the papers, and their whole time is occupied in hearing different members relate their own adventures on the preceding day. The ultra-Ultras have returned to their foolish language, which ruined them in '14 and '15, about having a general tax to reimburse them for their lost property. They might as well think of dividing France. The other party, of course, keep pace. Two days ago, some French ladies on the Boulevards were obliged, by a body of men looking like _le bourgeoisie_, to get out of their carriages and cry "_Vive l'egalite_." One of the worst circumstances is the distinction which has been made between _Le Roi et la Charte_, which last year was the watchword of the Royalists, and is now divided into the _mots de ralliement_ of the two parties; and when the one cries _A bas la Charte_, others have been found rash enough to answer _A bas les Bourbons_. The Royalists are universally anxious for the double electoral colleges; their opponents will not give up the direct election; and the amendment which was carried the other day is a sort of _mezzo termine_, as the 170 new members are to be elected by the double colleges, and the _remplacants_ by the old law. There was a considerable riot on Friday night, in which Oudinot was rode over, and several people badly wounded; one only killed. The troops have shown the greatest steadiness, and evince rather an anxiety than an unwillingness to act. The Jacobins are, I am told, as much depressed by this as the Ultras are elated. Madame de Flahaut is here, acting the French Lady J----; and to you I need say no more. I am in a great fright about the Queen. What could make the Government employ Lord H----, who seems to have committed himself and employers most lamentably? She will, I fear, have a tremendous party of many well-disposed, good, moral men, as well as of all those who hate the King and the Government. If you have leisure, I should be very grateful for a word or two on this. Ever affectionately yours, J. W. STANHOPE.