LATE TELEGRAMS.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 329, 28 January 1871, Page 2

LATE TELEGRAMS.

LONDON, December 19.—Gortsehakoff, in replying to Earl Granville's last note, regrets that England takes exception to the Prussian circular. He says Russia is preparing to assist in any deliberation that is based on the principle of a united guarantee for a consolidated peace. Earl Granville's reply to Gortschakoff's last note is, that England frankly accepts the proposed Conference, but will maintain a firm adherence to the position assumed. A peaceful conclusion was contemplated on the 7th. On the 9th, the proposals as to the Black Sea question were uncou dlionally accepted by the French and British Governments, who have given a definite understanding that the conference shall proceed. Prussia aud England declined the proposals made by France as to the scope of the terms at the discussion of the Conference. It is feared that this will lead to further complications. On the 11th an interview, which took place between IgnatielF and Ali Pasha, was reported to have resulted unsatisfactorily. The Conference is fixed to take place in the fiivt week in January. On the 7th it was stated that the neutral Powers were disposed to ask for an armistice to facilitate the participation of the French Government in the conference on the Black Sea question. On the 2nd of December a great battle was fought to the east of Paris. The Germans attacked and recaptured several positions outside which the French had held since their sorties. Heavy losses wore sustained on both sides. The J ) uko of Mecklenburg defeated the Fifteenth aud Sixteenth Army Corps near Soigney and Artenay, capturing 11 cannon and several hundred men towards Fontavneblcau. He was successful, the object being to effect a junction with the army of the Loire. The German accounts admit a temporary success, but declare that no substantial advantage was gained. The German line investing Paris is still unbroken. Garibaldi repulsed the Prussians at Autan. The French have lost very severely in their sorties from Paris, and have been compelled to ask for an armistice to bury their dead remaining on the ground. It is reported that a fresh sortie on the 2nd and a severe engagement took place under a terrific fire from Forts Bosuy and Nogent. The French retreated after several hours' desperate fighting. Great losses were sustained on both sides. On the 7th the French evacuated Orleans after a decisive victory by Prince Frederick Charles and the Duke of Meckienburg, who captured ten thousand prisoners and forty guns. Gambetta, the Minister of War, narrowly escaped capture. The _? reneh retreated across the Loire. Rann was occupied by the Germans under Manteuffel. The French army of the North have arrived at Lille. General Ducrot rallied back on Paris after destroying the bridges at Maine. On the 6th it was reported that the French had lost in three days' engagement last week about 3000 prisoners and 70 guns. The German loss in the same period was very considerable. The Gorman military position is deemed critical. General Manteuffel has been ordered to return to Paris to announce tho taking of Orleans, and the entire defeat of the Army of the Loire, with a loss of 77 guns and 1000 prisoners.

The Duke of Mecklenburg fought a victorious battlo on the Bth, near Bramgency, which was afterwards occupied against three French Army Corps, capturing 6 guns and 1000 prisoners. The German loss was also considerable

The French lost 15,000 prisoners before Orleans.

Horleon (?) has been occupied. Great dofensivo preparations have been made at Havre.

On the 11th the Germans held a Council of war, which was decided in favour of a bombardment of Paris. _ The Germans are threatening Cherbourg. Havre has been occupied by the Germans. It is reported that Garibaldi has resigned The Germans have evacuated Dieppe. Toues, December 15.—General Chancey has retired on Tours and Blois, being unable to maintain his position on the right bank of the Loire. Blois is occupied by the enemy. Phalsburg capitulated unconditionally, and 65 guns and 1900 prisoners were captured. The Prussians are concentrating considerable forces near Havre. Beaumont has been occupied by garrisons after a short fight, in which 15 guns and 3000 prisoners were captured. An energetic defence is maintained by the French of Vendoine. December 19.—The forts around Pans are Havre, Dieppe, and Fecamp are blockaded by the French. General Chancey's army was attacked on the 15th by the Germans, who also attacked the French, in a strong position near Lannrcss, with success. J The forces of the Duke of Mecklenburg attacked the unoccupied post of Trebonar on the 14th November, which was afterwards retaken by the French. . December 19.—Balloon news from Paris states that there has been no fighting since the 2nd.

Preparations are being made for resistance, and an extreme defence is still contemplated.

Complete tranquility prevails. Twenty-four thousand Prussians occupied Tours on the night of the 18th, after a severe battle.

The French Government has gone to Bordeaux. The King of Prussia ha 3 accepted the title of Emperor. Gambetta remains with the army, which has abandoned any forward movement, and is retreating. Montmedyhas capitulated to the Prussians. A Prussian note declines any longer to recognise the neutrality of Luxemburg. This was communicated simultaneously at 7, at Brussells, Luxemburg, Hague, and London on the 14th.

A Cabinet Council was held at London on the 15th to discuss the Luxemburg question, which has assumed a prominent character. Ministers declined to discuss the accusation against Luxemburg in the absence of the accused. When their guilt or innocence is proved, impartial judgment will be given. A Berlin telegram, dated the 17th, gives the assurance that an explanation was given by Luxemburg which removes all danger of a conflict.

President Grant's message to Congress recommends tho Government of the United States to accept an assurance of his leadership in the settlement of the Alabama claims, and says he desires conclusions consistent with the honor and dignity of both nations, and expresses a wish for the restoration of peace in Europe. Referring to the Fisheries question, he declares that tiie course adopted by Canada, if persevered in, will compel America to adopt measures to protect the rights of her citizens. London, December 25. —Bordeaux journals report an nttempt at insurrection movements within Paris, but nothing is officially known. Hard fighting is shortly expected. The forts around Paris commenced heavy tiring on the night of the 20th. On the following morning an attack was made by tho garrison with three divisions. They were repulsed chiefly by artillery.

The Germans arc calling out their reserves and augmenting their artillery before Paris. Upwards of 6000 French wounded were left between Blois and Orleans without medical assistance.

The French officially deny the rumours of disturbances in Paris.

An address from the population of Luxemburg was presented to the Grand Duke, begging him to save the country, and never to allow them to be transferred without a free vote of the Chamber. The Italian Chamber has approved the Ministerial protest against the transfer of the Capitol next month. Hence Amadins has left Italy for Spain. The piercing of Mount Ccnis for a tunnel is complete. A battle took place between Fredschorles and Mont Cufford, in the north. Bo!h sides claim tho victory.