ARRIVAL OF THE 'WONGA WONGA.' with the ENGLISH MAIL.

Auckland Star, Volume I, Issue 213, 14 September 1870, Page 2

ARRIVAL OF THE 'WONGA WONGA.' with the ENGLISH MAIL.

THE WAR IN EUROPE.

THE PRUSSIANS EVERYWHERE

VICTORIOUS

PARIS IN A STATE OF SIEGE

GREAT BATTLE, AUGUST 6.

RETREAT OF THE FRENCH APMY

FROM METZ

ANOTHER GREAT BATTLE EX-

PECTEO, AUGUST 12,

THE PRINCE IMPERIAL SENT TO

LONDON

TELEGRAPHIC SUMMARY OF EUROPEAN NEWS TO AUG. 11.

[Compiled tor the "N.Z. Herald."]

In commencing the history of events, we date from 20th July. On that day the Ring of Prussia announced to Reichstadt that" Prussia had no interest in the election of Hohenzollern, except that it might bring peace to a friendly people. Though his candidature had been withdrawn, it had furnished the Emperor of the French with a pretext of war, (war had already formally been declared by Napoleon) unknown to diplomacy. He had indulged in language to Germany which could only have been prompted by a miscalculation of her strength. Germany was powerful enough to repel such insults. He said so in all reverence, knowing the results, and weighing the responsibility which rested on the man who draws into war and havoc two great nations tranquil and striving for peace and enjoyment of the common blessings of Christian civilization and prosperity, and for contests far more salutary than those of blood. Those who rule France have shrewdly studied the proper method of hitting the sensitive pride of their neighbor, and to promote selfish ends have misguided it. The King then con-hided, " As our fathers before us have done let us fight for liberty and our rights against the wrongs inflicted by" a foreign conqueror, and as he was with our fathers, so God will be with us in the struggle, without which Europe can never enjoy a lasting

peace. On the same day, in the Corps Legislatif, the Due do Grammont announced that war had been declared in the following words: According to the rules and usages of nations, and by order of the Emperor, I have requested our charge de affaires at Berlin to notify the Cabinet of Prussia of our resolution to seek, with arms, the guarantees we could not obtain by discussion. 'Ibis has been done, and I have the honor to make known to the Corps Legislatif that in consequence thereof a state of war exists since the 19th July between France and Prussia.

Thus, the gage of battle was thrown down by the French, and defiantly accepted by the Prussians. Troops at once began to assemble from all quarters in France, and to march to the frontier. M. Thiers made an exciting anti-war speech, but all to no purpose. The greatest enthusiasm prevailed throughout France. Those who had hitherto opposed Napoleon were constrained to join in the' war cry. The opinion of Kngland and other nations was that France had taken Prussia b} r surprise, and that by quick marches Napoleon would defeat his opponents as his uncle had done in other days. This was the cry for some days. Nothing heard but of the marching of French was tr:ops to the frontiers. In a grandiloquent address Napoleon took leave of Paris, and took the Prince Imperial with him to learn the art of war. The Prussian boundary was crossed, and the cry was, " On to Berlin." The civilized world stood amazed. For some days rumors were everywhere current as to the side different nations would take ; Italy and Austria, it was declared, would forthwith join France, whilst Russia was expected to declare for Prussia. England's neutrality was never doubted, although Prussia loudly com plained of her selling coals to France. After the first excitement was over, it became apparent that the two belligerents were to be left to fight their quarrel out to the bitter end.

After war bad been declared, the Times came out with the text of the treaty, which, it vas said, had been agreed upon by Prussia and France some time previously, by whl:h Belgium was to be conceded to France, as a quid fro quo for the accessions of Prussia. Much discussion '.n.sucd. Prussia stated that such a treaty had been offered by France, and rejected by the King. England at once announced, through a speech by Gladstone, that she would fight for the independence of Belgium. A treaty was prepared and submitted to the two powers concerned, guaranteeing the independence of Belgium. It was ultimately signed by both powers.

France found it necessary to evacuate Rome, and its occupation by Italy is

hourly expected. The Pope has asked for the use of a man-of-vrar from France.

Eugenic was declared Regent during the Emperor's absence. The Corps Legislatif adjourned, and many members joined the army, Great demonstrations were held in Dublin and throughout Ireland in favor of the French. Irishmen in America sympathise with France, and are raising money to assist the wounded soldiers. Nineteen out of twenty Americans sympathise with Prussia; On the second of August the first fighting took place. The accounts of the results at Saarbrucken were contradictory. The French claimed the advantage, and Napoleon sent the following despatch to the Empress :—" General Frossard, with one division, defeated three divisions Of the enemy. Louis has received his baptism of fire ; he was admirably cool and a little impressed. A division of Frossard's command carried the heights overlooking Saar. Louis and I were in front, where the bullets fell about us. Louis keeps a bullet he picked up on the field. The soldiers are delighted at his tranquility. We lost one officer and ten men.—Signed Napoleon." A large wager was thereafter offered by M. Thomas that the French would be in Berlin by the 17th August. Enthusiasm was intense throughout

France. On tho 4th of August there was hard fightincr, the French losses being heavy. The Prussians took many prisoners at Weisseoburg. The French were driven offfc'ic field .and the Prussians occupied the French camps. From thenceforward the Prussians met with a succession of unparalleled successes. The Crown Prince commanded, and attacked General McMahon's division, which was composed of the flower of the French army. He was entirely successful. The losses on both sides were great. McMahon's loss was set down at 30,000. He was cut off from communication with the Emperor. Other reverses followed. Frossard's division was defeated, and almost annihilated. The Emperor took ill. The Prince Imperial was sent to Paris, and it is expected that he and the Empress will leave Paris. The news of the reverses was suppressed in Paris, and the greatest consternation prevailed. The city was in a tumult, and demanded to know the worst. The Ministry vacillated At last came despatches from the Emperor, admitting serious defeats, but declaring that all was not lost, and calling upon France to rise as one man to save the country. Paris was declared in a state of siege by the Empress, and the Ministry I —the Corps Legislatif—was assembled to take into consideration the emergency that had arisen. The news soon became known that defeats had been sustained greuter than had been admitted. Jules Favre, in a speech of great force and brilliancy, said the Legislature must take the matter into their own hands, and save the nation. The French, at last accounts, were concentrated at Metz. A battle was hourly expected, which, if lost, would seal the fate of Napoleon. Retreat to Paris was impossible. The superiority of the Needle Gun over the Chassepot has been placed beyondall question during the'present war. Wheat rose in the Liverpool market to 12s. per bushel; it is now firm at lis. 3d. The markets in California have been very much disturbed in consequence. Wool has an upward tendency ; an advance of Id. to 2d. per lb. being maintained. New Zealand flax and gum remain firm at last quotations. Good wheat can be purchased in California at 1 dollar 60 cents. Hides are firm at previous quotations. Paris, August 7. —The Journal Officiel publishes the following proclamation : — Frenchmen : —Up to this hour we have always given, without reserve, all certain news which we have received, and we continue to do so. Last night we received the following despatch : ~= Metz, August 6.—Midnight.—Marshal McMahon has lost a battle. General Frossard, on the Saar, has been obliged to retreat. His retreat .was effected in good order. All can be retrieved. Napoleon. Metz, August 7—3.30 a.m.—Aly communications have been interrupted with Marshal McMahon. lam going to place myself in the centre of the position. Napoleon. Metz, August 7—4.30 a.m.—-Major-General of the Army, to the Minister of the Interior: After a series of engagements, in which the enemy brought a heavy force into the field, Marshal McMahon was forced to fall back from his first line. Tbe corps of General Frossard had to fight yesler.iay from two p.m., with an entire army of the enemy. Having held his position until six p.m., he ordered a retreat, which was made in good order. Lb Bceuf. Details of our losses are wanting. Our troops are full of elan. The situation is not compromised in our territory, and a serious effort is necessary. A battle appears imminent. In the presence of this grave news our duty is plain. We appeal to the patriotism of all. The Chambers have been convoked. We are placing Paris with all possible haste in a state of defence. In order to facilitate (he execution of military preparations, we declare the Capital in a state of siege. There must be no faint-heartedness, no divisions. Our resources are immunise. Let us pursue the struggle without flinching, and the country will be saved.

J'y order of the Empress, Regent, and signed by c .eh of the Ministers.

.Metz, Align ;r, 7th.—s 20 a in., during the fight yesterday, the Prussian., fired upon the ambulances at Forbach, and set lire to the town.

'The third corps was engaged at For - bac'i, supported by only two divisions from others corps. The corps of Generals

l'Admirault and Failley were not .ya fl,fight. The combat commenced al ten o'clock, and at first appeared of lifctl* j,portance, but soon large masses of woods' hidden in the woods attempted to (urn oiir position. At 5 o'clock tile Prussians acted as if they had been repulsed and had given m. the attack, but a fresh corps arrived to the assistance of the Prussians. General Frossard was oblige!! to retire; To-day the ti'otips which got separated yesterday are concentrating around Mel2.

In the battle near Frieleekwelier Marshal AtcMttli'Lin had the support of five Divisions of General Failley's Corps. After the battle, these divisions were m..' able to join their corps. The details of the battle are still very vague. It i s said that many cavalry charges were made. Metz, Angiist 7th, _. a.m.—The nioSaU of oiir troops is excellent. It is impossible to give the exact figure of our losses. Gen. Coilitners is organizing the defences. We have official confirmation of the evacuation of Thionville, and the capture of Sierck and Haguenau, and the advance of the Prussians across the Rhine from South Baden. We know, however, that large Prussian armies are gathered at Saar Louis and in the Southern part of Baden.

Paris, August 7.—The Empress hag issued the foTowing proclamation i —

Frenchmen : The opening; of tho war has not been favorable to us. We have suffered a check. Let us be firm under this reverse and let us hasten to Tepair it. Let there be but one party iv the land —that of France ; a single flagthat of the national honor. I come amotig you faithful to my mission and my duty, You will see me the first in danger to defend the flag of France. I conjure all good citizens to maintain order, To agitate would be to conspire with our enemies.

The Palace of Tuileries, the 7th day of August, 1870,1 a.m.

Empress Eugenic.

Paris, August 7.—La Lihtrte says a special train left the station at half-past five this evening to bring back the Prince Imperial. We have urged his return and are glad it has been decided upon in this grave crisis. The enemy should find opposed to them the breasts of men. The camp should no longer resemble a court out of place.

Paris, August 7, evening.—Official advices from Metz to the 6th say McMahon has not had time to send a report from his headquarters ; he simply writes that he is in good position, and has been joined by another corps of the army from Metz.

Paris, August 7. — Journal Officiel contains the following despatches :-—

Metz, August 7, 6.35 p.m.—No further news has been received from Marshal McMahon on the Saar.

General Frossard's corps alone has been engaged. The result is still uncertain.

Berlin, August 7. —King William sends the following dispatch to the Queen :—

" Good news ! A great victory has been won by our Fritz. God be praised for his mercy. We have captured 4000 prisoners, 30 guns, 2 standards, and 6 mitrailleurs. McMahon, during the fight, was heavily reinforced from the main army. The contest was very severe, and lasted from eleven in the morning till nine at night, when the French retreated, leaving the field to us. Our losses are heavy." Mayence, August 7, 4 a.m.— The Prince Royal reports :— * " August 6, evening.—ln the battle in which we defeated McMahon, whose corps had been reinforced by divisions from the corps of Failley and Canrobert, we have taken 2 eagles, 6 mitrailleurs, and at least 4000 prisoners. General de Bose was wounded. The loss is great on both sides."

Berlin, August 7 (via London), 1.30 p.m.—The French Emperor has with* drawn his entire force, and is concentrating his troops for the defence of Paris. His losses have been enormous.

The Prussians overtook the retreating French forces early on Saturday morning, west of Saarbrucken, near Spluchen Hills. General Earners commanded the forces, supported by Generals De Barnekow and De Stulpnagel. General De Goeben ultimately assumed command. The action was severe. A position at which the French endeavored to make a stand during the retreat, was carried by the Prussians at the point of the bayonet. The battle is known as that of Haguenau.

Sulz, August 7 —Morning,—lt is reported that McMahon was wounded in the battle yesterday. We have taken over 4000 prisoners. Lieutenant-General De Bransecky 1* dead. Berlin, August 7.—General Steinmete telegraphs to General Henemfelt, chief ot staff at Berlin, as follows :— , " Tbe conflict between Saarbucken and Forbach was a bloody one, and closed only with nightfall. It was opened by the Fourteenth Division, which was reinforced by six battalions, three butteries, and some cavalry. We took by assault the heights of Spluchen and flung the enemy back upon Forbach. At the same time the thirteenth division advanced on Verkliner, took Forson, and with itsadvance reached Forbach towards evening. We received another despatch, dated Saar-brucken, to-day, at, noo^. f says : —

The result of the fight exceeded oar expectations ; we have occupied Forbad), where we have surprised the baggage ana earnp equipage of two divisions. The Liberie bids the people of France to rise en masse and repel the in^l^ersA dispatch from the Emperor, dated 3.W a.m., Sunday, says -. — *' Communication with McMahon having been cut off", nothing has been received from him since last evening. General

SHale has been wounded. McMahon's '«Joss was great in the battle, hut his retirement was effected in good order. On the left the action began at about one o'clock am., but was not serious till several masses of the enemy had concentrated, before which the Second Corps momentarily held its ground. Between six and seven a.m., the masses of the enemy became more compact, and the Second Corps retired on the right. To night all is quiet. I go to the centre of the position." Paris, August 7.—The following dispatch was received : —■ "General Head-qUarters, Metz, August f __That we may hold our position here, it is necessary that Paris and France should consent to great efforts of patriotism. Here, we lose neither our coolness nor our confidence, but the trial is hard. McMahon, after the battle of Kirschoften, teh-eutcd, at the same time covering the toad to Nancy, aild the corps of General Frossard, which suffered severely. He is taking energetic measures tor defence." . . . . , The Major-General is in the front. General If cad-quarters, Metz, August 7.—11 a.m. —The concentration of the troops continues without obstacle. Hostilities seem to have ceased. Paris, August 7—via London.—The Senate and Corps Legislatif hove been Summoned to meet on Thursday, the 25th instant. '1 he despatch from the Emperor, announcing McMahon's defeat and his separation from the main army, caused the utmost consternation. According to the Emperor, however, all may yet be retrieved. The Prussians are over the frontier, and advancing on Paris. The French speak of a great battle as imminent, New York, August 7.—The Herald's special, from London says:—Serious apprehensions of disturbances are entertained in Paris, and the strictest surveilanco is exercised over telegrams sent from there. The Empress presided at a meeting of the Council of Ministers yesterday. The Gardes are under arms. Street gatherings are prohibited. Paris, August 7.—The Journal Officiel says the defense of Paris is assured. It would require an army of half a million to invest its fortifications, while 30,000 would suffice to defend them, and there are troops enough in and around the city to furnish the necessary garrison. These, with sailors from the fleet, which could be procured, tho Garde Nationale, the Garde Mnnicipale, and firemen, would make up a solid army of 100,000. Paris is free from danger. The Garde Mobile will be sent to the frontier. London, August 7.—The fDanish Government's believed to have authorised the taking of Klsinore as the base of operations—an act more significant than a declaration of alliance. New York, August 7. —The Tribune's special correspondent at Cherbourg under date of London, August 7th, writes that on Friday the transports and fleet will comprise not less than three hundred and fifty vessels, and preparations for its departure will still take eight days. The Government has not more than twentytwo vessels of its own, aud takes possession of all trans-Atlantic steamers. The expeditionary squadron has been strengthened, and will include twelve battalions of marines, each with one battery of artillery, and one battalion of Turcos, under Generals Kedou and Martin. The main force consists of forty thousand troops of the line from various regiments, General Troche being Commander-in-Chief. It is well known here that Danish neutrality is only ostensible and temporary. The Danish Government cannot withstand the enthusiasm with which Admiral Bovct and his squadron have been received at Copenhagen, and the known sympathies of the people. The secret mission of Duke Cadore and the arrival of the French fleet coincide too nearly to leave any doubt of the course of events. Not many weeks, perhaps not many days will pass, before we have the announcement of an alliance, offensive and defensive, between France and Denmark, for war. Meantime Bovet blockades the Baltic ports, and when the whole fleet assembles, will bombard Kiel, Stettin, and Dentes. A service for revictualling andresupplying the fleet is to lie organised at I- Jsinore, by French officers, who left Cherbourg on Wednesday, in the Hirondelle. Before entering the Baltic, Bovet captured two gunboats at Elbe. Paris, August 7- —The Li.berte says one hundred thousand Italians will be fighting with us in a {'cw days, under a treaty of alliance, offensive and defensive. As for Austria, she remains the Austria of 1811 ; she sold herself to her enemy, King Willium, for (he German subjects which were left her by the treaty of Portugal. If victory should crown our arms, France will remember Italy, and she will not forget Austria. Paris, August 7. —The Univers, the ultramontane organ, sounds the alarm for Rom-". It predicts not, only the invasion of Papal territory by Italy, but it doubts thepowir o Jthe Italian Government to resist the] pressure, even if it wished to, und it docs not even moderate the people.