ARRIVAL OF THE 'WONGA WONGA,' WITH THE ENGLISH MAIL.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 316, 13 January 1871, Page 2

ARRIVAL OF THE 'WONGA WONGA,' WITH THE ENGLISH MAIL.

« DATES TO DECEMBER 13. _ «—_— THE FRENCH SITUATION GROWING DESPERATE FROM TOURS TO BORDEAUX. RUSSIA'S DEMAND—ENGLAND'S ATTITUDE. FRANCE WILL FIGHT TO THE BITTER END. ♦ The steam ship Wonga Wonga arrived in harbour at 8.30 o'clock a.m. to-day, from Honolulu, with the English mail, and the following passengers for Auckland :—Saloon, Mr. T. Ball, Miss E. Ball, Messrs. J. Knowles, W. A. Hunt, E. S. Bray, J. G. Sterry, S Stuckey, Mr. R. Kaye, mail agent.—Second Cabin, Miss Reynold, Messrs. G. Leaning, J. Harrison, A. Scott, F. German, J. Adams, A. Jacobs. 10 Steerage.—For Sydney and Mcl-

bourne : Saloon, Efc. Rev. Dr. Sheil, Rt. Rev. Dr. Goold, Hon. G. Rolfe and wife, M. Rolfe. Steerage, 4. The following is from the Honolulu Advertiser Extra: — By the Moses Taylor, Captain Floyd, which arrived on Sunday morning last, nine days from San Francisco, we are in receipt of papers from that city to December 15, New York, December 14, and from London up to 13. We are indebted to Mr. Hughes, the gentlemanly purser of the Moees Taylor, for files of the latest papers. Gold at New York on the 14th closed at HOf ; sterling, 9 to S|. The telegrams which come over the French cable only—the two English being still disabled —are extremely contradictory, but we give them below. St. PeteesbtteO-, Dec. 2.—The Czar warmly congratulates President Grant on his offer of assistance. All the powers have accepted the proposal for a Conference, but the date of the meeting has not yet been fixed. London, Dec. 2.—A special correspondent of the Herald at Versailles, writes on the 28th ulfc., that if the army of the Loire should capitulate, Paris would be summoned to surrender within three days following. The terms of surrender to be offered are : Regulars and G-ardes Mobiles become prisoners of war j National G-uards and irregulars to be allowed to return to their occupations in private life. The forts, cannon, and munitions of war to be given up to the Prussians, and the regular garrison to be permitted to march out with the honors of war. If these terms of surrender are refused, bombardment of the forts will immediately follow. Totjbs, Dec. s.—ln au engagement near Potay, 14 miles northwest of Orleans, 20,000 Frenchmen held ground against 60,000 of Frederick Charles' army, but were cut to pieces by the sheik of the enemy. The Prussian"artillery was served with fearful and overwhelming effect. The Papal Zouaves fought with superhuman bravery, but nearly all were killed. The Government appeals to the people of Franco to still further maintain their resistance, which is certain finally to end in triumph. The army of the Loire is still over 200,000 strong. In another month 800,000 Frenchmen will be in arms. Paris may fall; but the campaign has changed in character, and is fast becoming a detached warfare of large armies, manoeuvring in an open country. France herself is unconquerable. Beelin, Dec. 6. —A letter from the King of Bavaria to the King of Saxony says :—-" The Germans led by the King of Prussia will .celebrate the brotherhood of arms by giving a glorious proof of the importance and power of United Germany. I have negotiated with Versailles to urge the King of Prussia to assume the title of Emperor of United Germany, with presidential functions. I am proud thus to take the first Btep in crowning German unity, and hope for your assent and that of other Princes and free towns. London, Dec. 6.—The British Government has given out a contract for sixty batteries of light guns, each of Gatling's mitralleuses, to be made in America. The Russian Government has in its employment a number of American workmen in Russia, engaged in manufacturing mitrailleuses. There is ample evidence ef other kinds that Russia is preparing for war on a grand scale. Veesailles, Dec. 6.—The French were utterly defeated at Orleans, 10,000 men were made prisoners, and 77 pieces of artillery, including several mitrailleuses ; and four gunboat? on the Loire were captured. Beelin, Dec. 6—The King of Wurtemburg has signed his concurrence with the King of Bavaria and the other German Sovereigns, in the proposal that King William shall assume the title of Emperor of Germany. WLLHELMfeoE, Dec. 7.—The general impression prevails that the prospects of the restoration of the Emperor are steadily improving. The argument in favor of his restoration is the ruinous consequence to the many poverty-stricken sections of Germany in case of a much longer protraction of the war. London, Dec. 7. —The Tribune cable corres pondent at the headquarters of Prince George says the prisoners look sturdy fellows, and anything but badly fed ; they were hearty, and good fighters, to judge from their expressions. A sergeant bade me " Bon jour," and told me cheerily that every one who indulged in the anticipation of a speedy capitulation was entirely out of his reckoning. " Food is plentiful," he said, with a laugh, and the programme is, sorties every day and in every direction. London, Dec. 7. —A correspondent at St. Petersburg writes on the 2nd instant, that the warlike feeling prevailing over the whole Empire is like that on the arrival of the Sebastopol news. Gortschakoff's circular created a universal feeling of joy. Notice is given by the Emperor to the reserve corps to hold themselves in readiness, which is considered of great importance. This measure has not been resorted to since the Crimean war. Russia is committed to a bold line of conduct, and is resolved to carry it out in spite of all opposition. It has been announced by the Emperor that forty million roubles -will be devoted to extraordinary war expenses. FiiOEENCE, Dec. B.—Parliament was opened on Monday by King Victor Emanuel. The King, in his speech from the throne, declared that with Rome, as the capital, the edifice commenced by Charles Albert was crowned, and the freedom of Italy completed it j it was now the task of the Chambers to make her great and happy. "While we are thus happy," he continued, '^two nations, the glorious representations of civilization, are engaged in a horrible struggle. We will persist in our efforts to induce them to end the conflict, and prove that United Italy is an element of order and peace in Europe." In reference to the Pope, he said it was the duty of the nation to secure to the Supreme Pontiff the free exercise of his religious offices, and the maintenance of his relation with the Catholic world. Improvements in the administration of the Government, and the development" of the military and educational, system were promised. Bebiin, December B.—The King of Saxony has signified his acceptance of the proposal made by the King of Bavaria regarding the title of " Emperor of Germany." The North German Parliament has approved

of the Federal treaty with Bavaria. All amendments rejected. The President announced yesterday to the North German Parliament that a note was •eeeived from Bismarck that King William had accepted the title of Emperor of Germ Protocols and treaties with Baden, Hesse, Wurtemburg and Bavaria had been sane--ICTottbs, December, 9.—The Official Journal announces that the Government has removed to Bordeaux. General Chaussy reports that he fought yesterday against the army of Prince Frederick Charles, and repulsed them along the whole Private letters received in London from Versailles say the German losses before Paris and oq the Loire since the 28th ult. are immense. Correspondents are forbidden to communicate the truth. A. republioation of official returns show the losses to be over 12,000, with many returns lacking. London, Dec. 9—A dispatch from Gambetta asks the Courier to announce that he had asked an armistice to enable the National Assembly to be elected, and requests that Favre be permitted to leave Paris to consult with his colleagues, and to conduct negotiations. He admits that he has lost all hope of prosecuting the strugle successfully, and has ne expectation of being able to defend Tours. X,o vbok, Dec. 9. — Le Citoyen, of this city, in an editorial to day, says that further resistance on the part of the French will end in anarchy or the permanent occupation of the country by the conquerers. The intervention of neutrals would be worse that either anarchy or foreign occupation. The guilt of further resistance would not be on the men of the 4th of September, but upon the counsellors of the Empire who prevented the Empress presiding, must now meet and make peace with the conquerer. Vienna, Dec. B.—The Porte has called for immediate returns of further regulars that each district can famish. He has also summoned the reserves, and called upon the Naval Council to increase the strength of the fleet. Berlin, Dec. 9. —There was a war riot of a very serious character yesterday which was caused by the resistance of an order drafting men for the landwehr, and the police were unable to quell the riot. The military were called out and suppressed the disorder after using great severity. If the order for drafting married men is carried out it will give an additional force of twenty-five thousand to the army, and is of great importance at the present time for the promulgation of the war, while every day France increases in strength. Versailles, Deo. 10.—The French are assuming the offensive in strong force. They -were repulsed at nightfall, after a day's artillery fight. The Prussian loss was slight, but French prisoners were taken. The French at Ham captured a detachment of Germans with artillery. Lille, Dec. 10.— General De Hencourt arrived in a balloon from Paris. He says in the fighting on the 30th and 2nd the French were victorious. The Prussian losses were 15,000 prisoners and six guns. Ho states that Paris suffers no privations on account of food. The object of this journey is to insure a concert of movement by all the French armies. Ham and St. Quentin are occupied by the French. New Yoke, Dec. 13.—Smalley tellegraphs to the Tribune from London, that a despatch from Gambetta, on Friday, says that encouraged by the continued resistance of the Army of the Loire, he has resolved to postpone the request for an armistice ; and remain with the army. A despatch from a special correspondent at Tours, Friday, says that a V onlrance. is more firmly resolved on than ever. Cremieux and Fournichon were to go to Bordeaux that evening. Minister Bancroft writes to Fish that the accomplishment of German unity is bo speedy as to surprise even King William himself. Prior to the war the King only lived in the hope that such an event would some day be accomplished, but Bancroft says the King never expected to see it accomplished in his time. London, Dec. 10.—[Special to the World."] —Bismarck declares that he will not treat with the Tours Government on any consideration, because it has connived at bad faith, and its officers have broken their paroles. The Paris Government has refused a summons to surrender, saying that they will fight to the last. London, December 10.—The Times has received a telegraph from Berlin which says King William will return to Berlin after the capitulation of Paris, even if the war is continued beyond that time. . The German terms of peace'are likely to be much more oppressive the longer the French hold out. A newspaper correspondent at Berlin telegraps that Bismarck reiterates his denial that he opposes the bombardment of Paris. It iB reported a Council of War at Versailles has decided to bombard the city. London, December 12.—The German batteries command every point of Paris. Notre Dame presents as fair a target as did Strasbourg Cathedral. The opening of the bombardment is fixed for December 19th. It is rumoured that there was fighting at Laon on Monday. . A correspondent with the army of the Loire on the 10th, says Frederick Charles was repulsed with severe loss during the last three days. Bordeaux, December 13.—The following news is official: — Gambetta writes to the Government under date of the 11th :" I have returned to Tours, having left General Chancey yesterday, continuing his efforts to successfully defend the line of the Loire. I think the situation so good that I may go to Bourges to see what can be done with the Second Army." It is reported at Bordeaux that Bourbaki repulsed the Prussians yesterday. London, December 12.—The Eastern Question is again agitated. The Russian Minister at Constantinople is asking further annulments of the Paris treaty. England is taking precautionary means to guard against surprise. Bismarck, in a circular to the North German Ambassador, dated December 3, grounds his disregard for the neutrality of Luxembourg on the fact that the Grand Duchy had forbidden the transit of wounded Germans through the territory, had suffered the re-victualling of Thoinville, and had ommitted to stop French fugitives. A telegram from Brussels, says the Germans Will immediately occupy Luxembourg as a military necessity. Pall Mall Gazette correspondent credit the statement that the King of Belgium in No-

vember assigned Luxembourg to Pru9s|a for Luxembourg-, December 13. —The Patriotic Committee to-day voted a protest against the Prussian charge of violation of neutrality and denying any popular desire for change of alVIENNA, December 13th. —All the press denounce Prussia's course towards Luxembourg as arrogant. The Press implores the guaran. teeing powers to rise and repress the insolence which makes all treaties valueless. The London Shipping Gazette deplores the resolution of the French to defend Havre as a wanton destruction of life and property. A railway accident near Barnsley resulted in 14 killed and 20 wounded. Ice impedes the navigation of the Elbe. French despatches say the army of the Loire is leading a forlorn hope in its last struggle for France. The Germans claim continued victories. = , 5> It is reported from Luxembourg that Montmedv is bombarded. Havre) December 13.—The Prussians are in force at Benzeville, 16 miles out. Havre is. .^ defended by a largo force and 350 guns manned by marines. The population are eager for fight. On Saturday 10,000 troops reconuoitered the enemy and captured 10 Uhlans The Prussians threatening Honfieur were repelled by the troops occupying PouteleTl6Tt e'is reported that Trochu has cut through the Pruasion lines. London, December 12.—The crew of the brig Bessie, lost on a voyage from Baltimore to Falmouth, were saved and landed at Penzance. • -» T tr i_ |;' : The barque Ada Gray, from New York to Falmouth, was compelled to throw overboard 425 bags of cargo during a storm at sea. •, Advices from Montevideo to November 15, are received. The siege causes a food scarcity 1 almost amonnting to famine. __ ; The ship Escoesa, from Manilla for_ Cali- ■ fornia, refuged in Shanghae. She was seriously r damaged in the rigging. Commodore Ashbury dmed with the Corporation of Brighton, December 4. _ > Florence, December 13.—The Committee on the bill transferring the capital to Rome, recommends removal before April. New York, December 14. —An enterprise has been started under favorable auspices for s laying a new Atlantic cable ; and by a pub-'i 1 lished communication from George T. Curtis,;.:; | counsel for the company," it seems that they mean business, and do not intend to sell out to rival companies. The name of the company is the " New York and London Direct Telegraph Company." London, December 13.—The French are retreating before Prince Frederick Charles, at Beaugency. Berlin, December 13.—The Queen has re- \ ceived the following dispatch from King William: — "German Headquarters, Tuesday.—After four days' fighting around Beaugency, the French retired to Blois and Tours. Their loss was severe. " Many desertera came into our lines here and at Rouen. " William." METJNG-, December 13.— \_WorU Cable.]— Prince Frederick Charles outgeneraled De :.| Chancey, holding his front constantly engaged while he turned his position, and he now threatens his right flank and rear by sending the Eighteenth Division of the Ninth Corps along the south bank of the Loire, in the direction of Blois. The movement was executed quietly. Since the 7th the Germans have encountered n part of the Fifteenth Corps, between Mont j Vauld and Chambord, and drove them across the river at Blois, and they now occupy posi- v tions commanding the passage of the river at , j that point. .<; The Third and Tenth Corps of the German ' army continues the pursuit of the French towards the south and south-east, but they have not yet proceeded in force beyond Vierzon and Gien. The reported occupation of Bourges is in* correct. Spies and prisoners state that there is a considerable French force at Mert, supposed to be fragments of the Eighteenth and Twontieth Corps. Letters from Versailles say that eighty battery and siege guns are ready mounted, and that the bombardment will oommence on the 15th. London, December 13, 3 p.m.—Pfalaburg, a stronghold in the Vosges, the siege of which was commenced soon after the battle of Woerth, has surrendered unconditionally. The Prussian troops marched into the place to-day. * . Lille, December 13.—1t is rumored that La Pere has been retaken by the French troops, with 850 prisoners, and supplies, ammunition, and provisions for large masses of troops. I All the armies are concentrating here. Tho Mobiles are armed with, new American revolvers. London, December 13th. — It is reported that General Yon Fabric, the Saxon Minister j of War, has been appointed Governor-General of Northern France by the King of Prussia. Brest, December 13.—The French steamer Ville de Paris, from New York, has arrived. London, December 13th.—(Cable to the Associated Press.) — A correspondent at Versailles makes the statement that in a conversation on the political situation Bismarck said that strong efforts were making for the * restoration of the Emperor Napoleon : that a Congress on the Eastern Question would not be held without the French Plenipotentiary: that France had no authority to appoint one just now, and that he would not recognize the authority of men of the pavement to sit among their betters. King William is excessively anxious to return to his home, and Yon Moltke laments the intense suffering of the German troops on account of the cold. Carlsbuhe, December 13.—The Baden Chambers opened to-day with an address by the Grand Duke, who said he hoped that with the new reforms Germany might obtain f'S embodiment of the national unity now syn w. lized by the dignity conferred on the King,, « Prussia. j\*' The sanction of the Chambers was asked for provisional laws and financial measures rendered necessary by the war. The speech concludes with the hope that further burdens may be avoided by the con- • elusion of a durable peace. St. Petersburg, December 12. — \Herald cable.] —Advices continue to be received, congratulating the Czar upon his action iv regard to the treaty of 1856.

Winter Ji'as commenced in earnest. The I ire" nb Gv^nstadt is s0 frozen tll;ifc il is im' possible fo* ships of war to leave the harbor this year for the Black Sea. Subscriptions for the construction of a Black Sea fleet are prohibited. (Jortschakoff remains firm in hia deteririnaiion to regard the Treaty of Paris as abrogated. _ Madrid, Dec. B.—Prim cannot understand Grnnt's message, when it refers to redress for injuries. He says it is nothing but a political stratagem to secure the votes of the filibusters London, Dee. 13. Private advices from ■- Tientsin to November 28 contradict the report of Secretary Wade, and represent that serious disturbances have occurred in the Province of Ilonan. , London, Dec. 13.—Business is at a standstill in consequence of tho approach of the t Doc. 13.—The Lord Lieutenant of . Ireland declines to receive the deputations soliciting pardon for the Fenian convicts, on the ground that no good result is possible. London, Dec. 13.—The Russian forces are rapidly concentrating on the Turkish frontier. Wssels, Dec. 10.-The report is received that Havre is occupied by the Germans. Great excitement prevails, and troops were arriving in large numbers. Florence, Dec. 12.—Tho Royal decree, announcing the transfer of the capital to Rome within eight months has been announced in the Italian Chambers. A credit of seventeen million livres is requested by the Government, with the demand that laws be enacted which will establish a basis of guarantee, and securing to the Pope the privileges connected with the Leonine City, and granting to the Pope full indepedence and the exercise of free spiritual authority. The Italian deficit is twenty-four million litres. . :. London, December 12.—There are reports of more fighting around Paris, but the result is not yet ascertained. Bismarck is believed to bo negotiating terms of peace with representatives of Eugenic. The German papers insist on more oppressive terms than would have been given after Sedan. The archives and bacgogo of tho French Provisional Government have arrived at Bordeaux. A feeling of despair is prevalent through France, and Irn- \ perialist agents are making their appearance everywhere. LONDON,Dec. 13—The Luxembourg note has ' occasioned great excitement. Communications have already passed with Vienna on the subject ; but the determination of the British Cabinet is not known. The general feeling is that Prussia can hardly be resisted successfully, though a Prussian-Russian alliance for the dominance of Europe is already evidentAll the Birmingham firms engaged in the manufacture of arms are running night and day. Every nation of Europe"^ in the market. New Yobk, Dee. 13.—The French Cable is working worse than before, and grave fears of a total suspension are entertained. A new cable is on the tapis, but it cannot be laid before midsummer.