THE WAR IN EUROPE.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2299, 19 September 1870, Page 2

THE WAR IN EUROPE.

Although avc have abundant telegraphic news by way of Sau Francisco, of the events of the war between France and Prussia, we scarcely know a more perplexing task than arriving at a clear comprehension of its progress. The fashion of the American papers is to insert their telegrams from different places, in utter disregard of date, o-dcr or repetition. The consequence is that it is n cessary to wade through column after column of news, and to compare date with date before approximation to the truth can be arrived at. To save our readers this trouble, we purpose reducing these disjointed fragments into as clear a narrative as we can compile. Last month we were informed that the French Government had taken umbrage at at the choice by General Prim of Prince Leopold of Hohenzollern, and objected to his assuming the monarchy of Spain. The earlier telegrams profess to give an insight into the councils, both of France and Prussia. As a matter of course both nations assume to he light. Wc may dismiss the preliminary steps described so many times over, which are necessary to excite the inhabitants of a country to _ the war fever. Both countries seemed inclin'd to have no more published than suits their purpose. The 11 cv. Ward Beecher prracuing on the subject stated that the piesout war was a war of despots, and for no principle of right or justice,” Many will be found to think with him. At any rate the pride of diplomacy stood in such strong relief on both sides that none can arrive at any other cinclusion than that boh -cant lighting from the first. It is said that on the Sfch July Bismarck wrote to Count Worthier to “ make no concessions to Franco. Still do not be too much impressed; wc are ready too prolong matters to the 20th July.” On the ifith July a discussion on the situation took place in the French Chambers, if. Thiers made an attack upon the Government, and affirmed that Prussia had given every satisfaction that Prance had a right to expect, and that “war should not be made on her for a mere formality.” The prime mini-ter, M. Ollivier, replied that the Government could not have acted otherwise than it had done. On which M. Thiers again spoke. He reminded the Corps Legislatif of Sadowa and Mexico. He was supported by -Miles Favre audCamhetta, theformerof whom condemned making war on “ telegraphic despatches.” They were not listened to, and tiie reply of the Minister of Foreign Affairs was, “That it was necessary to make war, and to do so immediately, in order to give Prussia no time to arm. If any other course were adopted, he threatened to resign. _ The divi i sion in 'avor of the non-production of correspondence between the two nations was 1154 to 84. In fho evening iiTwa* ie;olycd to call the Garde Mobile into active service, to authorise enlistment of Volunteers to serve . during the war, .and for a loan of 50,000,000 francs' for the army and 16,040,000 for the navy. These propositions were carried by 146 for and 10 against. The feeling of the Senate was equally with the Government. The Duke de Grammout made ft statement of the position of affdrs, and on resuming his seat, M. Rouher, the President of the Senate, asked if any Senator wished to speak -; “ Loud cries of ‘ No, no,’followe 1 : on which he said, ‘ Ae President of the Senate, I will respond'ior the nation. We must place our hopes in Pro\idencc, and rely upon, out eglifage fqr the triumph of our rights.”’ While the two principals in this quarrel were thus precipitating jt by words ami actions, the pe pic outside, according to their nationalities, were drinking in their feelings. On the IBth, the King of Prussia arrived at Berlin from Ems, and” throughout the journey could not have received deeper homage had he been Mars himself. Idolatory could not have improvised a reception more enthusiastic. At Coblentz he was surroundhd by an immense throng, who greeted him wl th eficers. ' He appears npt to have been prenared for this outburst of loyalty towards himself and pent up hatred towards France. He came forward, however, and addressed tin m. We presume the telegram only gives the pith of his speech, which, however, graphically expresses his paternal feelings :—“l am pleased with this surprise. See to it that you behave as hruyply c’sewhere.” At Berlin, 100,600 people were waiting his arrival, with the intention of escorting him to his palace. The magnificent street, Unterdcu Linden, through which he had to pass, was densely dressed with Hags and splendidly illuminated. The crowd shouted, cheered, and sang national hymn#, and the King gratified them Incoming forward agd bowing to them from the palace windows. In France as far as her institutions allowed, like demonstrations took nlace, but there was this difference between the first and second empires : sixty years ago, the Emperor himself would have received ovations ; last July his successor did not shew himself. On the evening of the Ifith July, there were “great popular manifestation.', «£ Paris in favor of the war. Tjjc street baudMkiideva, .«*»d fill public places, wpye G rowded t.» .excess'till afyor midnight, and there v/as mu dr enthusiasm Tiro “aitists" (performers) of t)m various pleasure gardens were prrniiltul to sing the “Marseillaise,” and the audiences joined in amid much excitement and enthusiasm. .Several of the Senators congratulated the Emperor ami several club houses were illuminated. A telegram from Paris, under date the I?th July, (abates “ The war feeling has taken entire control qf the people. Yesterday tin, Dllko dc Grammciiit Was greeted by crowds with cheers and plaudits, amounting to an ovat-on in front of the i-esi? dunce of” M. Thiers, who, in the Corps Legislatif, pxnressed dissatisfaction with the latUr's course, This y/fis followed by a demonstration in favor of tin. latter. The Journal dr France says it was not respectably supported, and was the work of unknown coteries. Matters remained in this state a few days longer. During this interval England endeavoured to negotiate a peu.ee, but without effect. We are not informed what steps were taken, but have Mr Gladstone’s assurance that Russia and Austria had used every effort with Prussia and

France to preserve peace. “He was sorry to say t!iat all the correspondence in the Foreign Office on the proposition of a mutual disarmament of the nations of Europe was not ready for publication.” “He had no doubt on the score of the neutrality of Holland, Belgium, and Luxembourg.” Under date the '2lst July, the Journal Official publishes a circular addressed to the diplomatic legations of France at foreign capitals. The circular charges the Prussian Government with secret designs, characterises it as “ an adversary resolved to render peace impossibleinsinuates that the Berlin Cabinet might c insider war necessary for the accomplishment of their projects against the self-government of German States, or with a wish to turn to account “ the power already accpiircd, by displacing definitely, to the advantage of Prussia, the international equilibrium and with the premeditated intention >-f refusing such guarantees ai were indispensable to the security and honor of France. The circular then mentions the candidature of Prince Hohcnzolleni, and declares that the Berlin Cabinet had hoped to place him by surpri-e on the throne of Charles V., believing that Europe would accept the accom; d shed fact, and France, although temporarily displeased, would not oppose the will of the Spanish people. That Prussia stood alone in her dangerous policy, and that France “took up the cause of the balance of power, knowing it to be the cause of a people manacled, like herself, by the disproportionate aggrandisement of one royal house.” The circular cites as proofs the wars of Belgium, Greece, and .Naples, and the refusal of the Great Powers to allow any of their princes to mount those thrones. The circular then lays down the dogma that France ought to demand guarantees of Prussia, which had been refused by that power because, in March, 18 )9, the French Minister at Gorlin had told the King that 110 Prussian could reign in Spain In reply to that, Count Hismarck said, “France need not concern herself aba contingency so improbable ami Her Von Thiel, Prussian Under Secretary of Foreign Affairs, gave ins word and honor that a Hohcuzolleru was r-cA a m

could not be ac vndidate. “If,” says Die circular, “ an assurance so solemn cannot be relied upon, diplomatic intercom - .-e must cease. In repudiating such pledges, Prussia challenges France, who now only demands, in view of previous tergiversations, that the former s renunciation of her ih signs he made real and permanent.” The circular concludes by asserting that history must throw on Prussia the h'ame of a war that she might have avoided, but which, while affecting to deplore, has been sought by her—that for four years Franco has refrained with an almost exaggerated scrupulousness from invoking against her treaties conc’udod under the mediation of the Emperor, hut to which she has failed to give a voluntary support. “Of all the acts of this (the Prussian) Government, which has only thought of the means of freeing herself from the obligation of treaties even -while signing them, Europe has been the witness : let Europe pronounce upon the justice of it (the war) and of the cause. ”

This then is the justification put forward by France of this war. On the 22nd July the Emperor arrived in Paris, and received the Corps Legislat'd at the Tuillerics. The President in his address informed his Majesty that the required subsidies had been voted, threw the blame of the war upon Prussia, un the grougd tlj.it hp who causes it, and not he who declares it, is vcspogsible for it, Napoleon, in. reply, thanked, the members for their co-operation, and s dd, “ War is legitimate when it is made with the assent of the country and the approbation of its representatives. All had been done that could be done to avoid it; and ho confided to them in parting the Empress, who would call them around her. Should circumstances require, she knew they would courageously fulfil the duty their position imposed.” The next day the Emperor issued a proclamation to the people. He' jib rev; - the whole blame of the war on Prussia. He stajied that t];e tongs proposed by liVanc.e were 1 eiadej, and the evasion was followed by contemptuous 'treat-incut. Ho pledged himself that the German nationality should dispose freely of their destinies. His wish was to conquer a durable peace based on the true interests of the people, and to assist in abolish jug that precarious condition of tilings, in which all nations arc forced to employ their resources in arming agdnst each other.” As a matter of course, the beginning and ending of the address were in the usual bombastic style adopted in war proclamations. On the 22nl July, the AVw Iqrl; Tribune published a telegram from ijc special coifespqndeut, stating that the army jgQvojgents both sides were alow — that Prussia was actually taken lay sutpr.se ; that nobody contemplated wa i ’j and that in consequence the Prussian forceg were pot so concentrated as those of France. He'described the enthusiasm and confidence of the people as increasing daily, but added—“ The financial and commercial distress is terrible, and there are innumerable failures of old and strong houses." We nood not trouble oups dvea with repeating what jhas already been published of the commencement of the war, But little is real'y known concerning it. On tho 4th August the Prussians attacked and took Weisscuhurgh. The King, on .his arrival at yiayenro, palled a council of war, and urged that the spoil"!-' inaction ceased the bettor. His advice was taken, and on telegraphic orders being r cvivc l, two regiments (if the line, a regiment of Bavarian troops, and some artillery, numbering altogether about 0,000, drove tho French before them to Wcisssenhurg. The artillery was then brought forward, and opened on the fortifications, Tim town soon caught lire ; seeing some confusion agjqng the FrrziM; trqops, tl)o Prussians coqld not be r. strajueil. Tho sqldiqrs ri|sl]e<l fpriyard with bayonets to surprise the French, who, nqt expecting any attack few several hours, were barricading and entrenching, 'Hie Prussians lost heavily, but took SOO prisoners and the town. On the Gtli there was a battle at Saarbruckcn, which commenced at 11 in the morning and lasted until 0 at night. The French wejie defpatp I gftor severe loss on botl). sides). d’he Prussians claim to have tiikpn t>yo ciggies, six and at least 4000 prisoners. The Prussian account itates that the French Emperor had withdrawn his entire force. The Prussians OV’crt'tol; then on the morning of the Gth August, west of tfaarhrupken gear Speckeg Hills. General Wemigerode assumed the command. Tho French made a stand ; but their position was carried by the Prussians after a severe struggle, The Prussians claim a complete victory. A report reached London that M‘Mahon was obliged to fall back upon a fresh line between Metz and Nanqy, ami that the South Ger-

man Volunteers lial reached Strasbourg. The Emperor telegraphed to Paris, “Marshal M'Mahon 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.” The Major-General of the Army telegraphed to the Minister of the Interior: After a series of engagements, in which the enemy brought a heavy force in the field, Marshal M‘Mahon was forced to fall back from his first line. The corps of General Frossard had to fight yesterday from 2 p.m., with an entire army of the enemy. Having held his position until (5 p m., he ordered a retreat, which was made in good order. Details of our losses are wanting. Our troops are full of daa. The situation is not comprised 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 p itriotism of all. The Chambers have been convoked. Wo. are placing position [Paris?] with all possible haste in a state of defence. In order to facilitate the execution of military prepar dions, wo declare the Capital in a state of siege. There must be no faint- . heartedness, no divisions. Our resources arc immense. Let us pursue the struggle without flinching, and the country will be saved.

The effect of this announcement on the people of Paris is thus discribed by La Liherte : Paris, August 9fh —10 a.m.— La Liber! e publishes the following account of the scene to-day about the hall of the Corps Legislatif: —At one o’clock, groups formed before the hall, which grew greater every moment, and soon there were m >ro than ten thousand persons assembled. The people were calm, and unarmed. There were, however, shouts from time to time, of “ a has a Praise ” and “Vire la France." Deputy Ferry, who appeared, was re c'vcd with shouts, and commenced an address, as follows: “ Friend*, be cdm.” At that momo t Marshall Paraguay d’Hillicrs arrived, and the officers of the National Guard and others surrounded. There were Imi I cries of “ Vi re Charyankr," and “ Fire la France ” The crowd was increasing all the while, and shouts were hoard of “ lire Ttnchfort," from the Electors of B ■llevil**, who had come to make a demonstration. At two o’clock, the tnops of the line were ranged around the hall, as also a squadron of cavalry. They were received by the crowd with cries of “ To the frontier! to the frontier!! Circulation was stopped on the bridge loading from the hall ; and the Commissary of Police made a legal summers for the people to disperse. The cavalry at once broke into a long trot along the street, and the crowd withdrew, still shouting. At a later hour a detachment of Grenadiers of the Guard cone up, and were received with derision by the crowd, and sho its of “to the frontier !”

Parts, August 9th—Evening.—There are enormous crowds on the Boulevard l and streets to-night. The people are much agitate 1. The shop* closed early; in many places the authorities arc taking pr caution-a-y measure 1 : with both police and military. Paris, August 9ch.—The session of the Corps Legislatif opened at two o’clock this afternoon. Schneider presiding. As soon as tho formalities of opening were oyer, Ollivier’ addressed tho Hohse. 1 Ml Ollivier said “We are prepared ; we can arm 4-")rt,000 men. Paris and the Departments which are threatened, are in a State qt siqgq ; Krgssia hopes tq grid to hej* own advantage by her intestine troubles 3 hut her expectations will n 4 be realised, “Wo shall defend ourselves. In one word, it were unpatriotic at such a time to dwell upon personalities. Accuse, doubt us, we shall not answer, 'except to defend the measures we intend ta propose. If the Chambers is not with us [lronical cries and interruptions] it is wanting in the performance of its first duties. Let us not lose time in disccussions. This I beg as perhaps this is the l ist time I shall mount this tribune. Make no speeches ; send me away if you deem it best.” [shouts from the Left of Yes, yes."] Ceil. "Tqouu ggd Jules Favre demanded that the Chambers should at once assume the direction of public a (fairs, Paul Je ‘Oasaaguao said that if ho was a Minister he would send before a council of war men sustaining such a proposition, Finally, Ollivier, after a great effort to make himself heard in tho confu ion, said;— “ Some of my colleagues ask me if I would have them shot.” [Duke de Crammont exclaimed : “They all ought to he.”] At this expression Deputy Estauceliu reached teward the Duke, shaking his fist in his face. Deputy Ferry also loft his seat and [hreafoupd tljc Duke, agd the igcinhers of tho Light rushed frqm their soaps, age] interposed tq restore order. The President put op his hat, and ig the gjldqt qf the confgsiqg its session was trig, porarily suspended.