THE WAR.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 20, 10 June 1871, Page 3

THE WAR.

Paris, April 26th—Evening—The Versailles batteries commenced filing vigorously to-day along the whole line, and espescially against the southern forts, which replied feebly. The siege works are actively prosecuted. A second parallel has been commenced. The Communists have made several sallies to interrupt the work, and desperate encounters have taken place at Bagneaux, Clamart, and Chatillon. A general attack on the forts is expected to night. The Commune has sent its best batallion to the south defence; nevertheless it appealed to be insufficient.

Versailles, April 26—Evening.—Port Issy ceased replying at noon to-day, but the outer batteries continued firing. The first parallel of the seige works was opened to-day. In the Assembly, M. Duffaine said the Government was in favor of conciliation as soon as order was restored.

London, April 27—A “ Standard ” special despatch says that the Commune confesses to a want of union, money, and men. The Nationals openly disobey orders. It is believed the Commune will make a last stand in the Rues Rivoli and Castiglione. The sentence for disbanding the 105th battalion for cowardice is quashed. Fort Velerien is silent now, and Montrouge will probably be stormed to-day. The Commune impressed the porters of the Lyons railway. London, April 27. —A deficit of half a million francs has been discovered in the Swiss Treasury, and a prominent official has confessed to embezzlement.

New York, April 28th.—A special from Paris, midnight, April 26th, says : “ The declaration of Bismarck that the Northern forts shall remain in the hands of the Germans, gives great satisfaction to the Communists.” Gens d’avmes in St. Denis are becoming numerous and the loyal National Guards there have been organized. M. Seguin, sous-chef of the War Office, attempted to reach Versailles’ but was arrested at the outposts. M. Dubois advanced to explain that Seguin was a staff officer, arranging the positions of the advanced posts, and he was arrested, but afterwards liberated. The “ Rappel” says a correspondent of the London “ Times” has been arrested. It is stated that while the Prussians hold St. Denis, the Northern railway will be open to carry provisions to the oity. At 2 o’clock this morning heavy musketry firing was heard in the direction of Bas Meudon. Tn this attack the infantry lost heavily. The gunboat Fancy was disabled, and returned to the Pont de la Concorde at 5 o’clock this evening with difficulty. AH hands were kept pumping. Fighting at Bas Meudon continues. Montmartre is being heavily fortified. Monday night a balloon started secretly from the College of Rollin. Thiers, in a speech, tells the country the situation is painful. French blood is flowing, but a consolling denouement is near. All are doing their duty, especially the army, which is eulogised. He says it is commanded by a cavalier without fear or reproach ; who, completely unfettered, has now completed the investment of Paris, and commenced active operations. Fort Issy is silenced. Molineaux is captured. As we are not the assailants, but defenders, of law and order, we wish conciliation; we wish to save liberty against despotism born of unbridled license. Theirs defended the Assembly and the Republic. He said the insurgents were isolated. All France is with the Assembly, in its efforts to combine unity with liberty. Paris, April 27th.—Noon-—The Commune has forbidden the requisitions on the property of foreigners and interference with traffic in merchandise and the management of railways. The Commissariat is provisioned for a long period. A delay of 48 hours is granted persons between the ages of 89 and 49, to join the battalions, otherwise they will be court-martialed. The Free Masons informed the Commune that they had exhausted the means of conciliation at Versailles.' They are resolved to plant their banners on the ramparts, and if struck will march against the Versaillists and appeal to brother Masons for support. The Federalists have established a battery on the road to Asnieres to bombard Gennevilliers, Colombes and Gourbevoie. The bombardment of the southern forts is

more feeble. The Versaillists’ calibre is small. The combatants are increasing. The Governor of the Hotel des Invalides has been arrested. The total Communist losses are 9000 killed and wounded, and 3000 prisoners. Paris, April 28th.—The Communists reconnoitered towards Bagneaux,driving the Versailles. The latter thrice attacked the station of Clamart, but were repulsed. The.Clichy batteries are silenced. The Versaillists at Fort Valerien are active with 10 heavy guns. Dombrowski reports vigorous attacks on his advanced guns. The 80th Battalion was forced to abandon the barricade in the Avenue Peyrouat, but the 90th drove the enemy, and recaptured the defence. We hold all the positions, and the enemy retired along the whole line.

London, April 28th.—A “ Tribune” special from Paris yesterday says Greusset announces that persons and goods of foreigneis shall be protected under guarantee of the rights of neutrals and the proverbial hospitality of France, and that no furniture of carriages, horses and apartments of foreign citizens shall be subject to requisition. A despatch from Versailles says Thiers, in the course of some remarks in the Assembly, was moved to tears when he declared he was disposed to clemency, except for the murders of Generals Thomas and Lecompte, and that he should only remain President during military operations. He said the taking of Molineaux was of great importance, as the musketry range thence reached the middle of Fort Issy. Paris, April 27tli.—The Commune has issued decrees in relation to cutting off cattle, milk, and fish supplies. No goods trains will leave Paris at present. Passenger trains, however, continue to depart, but nobody is visible in them. Berlin, April 28th.—A deputation of Catholics recently had an audience with the Emperor, and prayed his Majesty to intervene to prevent the occupation of Rome by the Italian Government. It has since been extensively circulated that the Emperor on that occasion promised to take some action in the matter. The “ Gazette” has been authorised to contradict the report, and that the reply given the deputation did not commit the Government to any positive line of action, and that no promise of any kind was made.

Paris, April 29th.—The cannonading has ceased all along the line. The Southern forts are dilapidated, and it is believed will soon be untenable. The Commune will blow them up if obliged to abandon them, and earthworks will be constructed to replace them. Versailles, April 29th.—The Southern forts were bombarded furiously all yesterday. Vanvres replied vigorously. The right is quiet. The incessant fire fatigues the Nationals, whose strength is diminishing. “ La Francais” says the Commune troops do not exceed 25,000. Paris, April 29th.—The' Northern railway has paid 300,000 francs, and the Lyons railway 622,000, demanded by the Commune. Other lines have also paid, excepting the Western. It is stated by a decree that Cluseret divides the army into two parts, one for the external, and the other for the internal defence of Paris. Dombrowski commands the external, and Cecelea the internal. Another decree urges officers of the Nationals to be furnished with a regular commission. Paris, April 28tb, Evening.—Heavy firing to-day south and west of the city ; it slackened during the afternoon, but is now again violent. The Versaillists are attacking all points simultaneously. The erection of barricades in the interior of the city is fastened. The Commune has made a requisition for 200,000 francs upon the railroad companies. Provisions arrive but seldom, and are growing scarce. Paris, April 29th.—At the sitting of the Commune yesterday, Grousset, in reply to an interpellation, said there was something offensive in asking Europe to recognise the belligerency of Paris. It was peurile to ask for what they had already. The Commune war irreproachably ; no explosive bullets were used; there was no bombarding places filled with women and children ; these violations of the usages of civilised warfare he charged upon the army of Versailles. In the car-tridge-boxes of the prisoners taken by National troops, explosive bullets had been found, and wanton shelling of the

most crowded parts of the city had been going on for weeks. A misunderstanding with the Prussians in regard to the operation of railways has been adjusted. The Commune now proposes to confiscate the property of the Northern Railway, unless it resumes running its passenger and provision trains into Paris. A Masonic procession, half a mile in length, passed through the streets to-day, and planted their banners on the ramparts under a heavy fire. All the Lodges of the Order in Paris were represented. Several Masons were wounded while on the walls.

Paris, April 29th —[Press Cable.] — Versrllists, to the number of 12,000, have occupied Gennevilliers. The Nationals are making preparations to abaudon the southern forts. Rumors of reverses to the Nationals in other quai cers are current. Batteries have been placed at Orleans and Vanrigard gates. The inhabitants of Mo.ntrouge, Plaissance, Vangirard, and Montmartre are now leaving from their dwellings. Fort Issy has not yet teen abandoned. Versailles, April 30th.—The Park, Castle, and Cemetery, of Issy, were carried last night by the Government forces; 8 cannon, a quantity of ammunition, and 100 prisoners fell into their hands. The advance is now within 200 metres of Fort Issy, whose capture is momentarily expected. President Thiers granted an interview to the Delegates from from the Masons of Paris, who arrived here last night. He told them that the Government desired to see an end to the civil war, but the Assembly could not capitulate in the presence of an armed insurrection. He referred them to the Commune for restoration of order within the city, of which it had usurped control. Versailles, April 29th—Evening.— President Thiers, in a public circular, gives a despatch from General Cissy, announcing the success of the coup de maine on Bonnay farm, near Chatillon, in which thirty-two insurgents were killed and wounded and seventy-five taken prisoners. Paris, Sunday evening, April 30th. — There was a sharp engagement on Saturday night at Les Molineaux, in which the Versaillists were repulsed with the loss of 29 men made prisoners ; but in the meanwhile a column of the enemy advanced on Clamart Railway Station, and occupied houses 200 yards from the entrenchments of Issy. The fort was a wreck, casemates broken in, embrasures demolished, thirty of its sixty guns dismounted, and the ammunition for mitrailleuses exhausted. The garrison became panic-stricken; the gunners mutinied and spiked their remaining guns, and this morning before daylight the entire garrison abandoned the fort. Its commandant, General Negry, has arrived in this city. General Cluseret, who went to the front at the first news of the defection of the troops, returned at noon to day, having failed to stop the panic. He has sent ©ut fresh troops, among them the “Avengers of Paris,” to re-occupy the works, and a desperate fight is now in progress in that quarter. The Nationals, on Saturday, having pursued some Chasseurs almost into St. Denis, the Prussians threatened to fire into the latter if they attempted to enter the town. The Chasseurs made a detour and escaped. The instalment of 500,000,000 francs has not been paid. The money has been offered, payable by the Government in 1886, with interest at six per cent., but the offer has not been accepted. Thiers says when Paris falls he can get better terms.

London, April 30th.-—The “Observer” says the Napoleonists consider that the Assembly, now sitting at Versailles, does not represent the will of the nation, and are of opinion that when the internal strife is ended it will be necessary to consult the people anew. On the question of government, they express their intention of abiding by result. Versailles, May Ist, 10 a.ra. —Fort Issy has displayed a flag of truce, and a party has gone to convey the Government terms. A disturbance at Lyons yesterday was quelled. New York, May Ist.—A despatch, dated Paris, last evening, says yesterday witnessed a grand scene at the Champs Elysees on the departure of the Free Masons on their visit to Thiers. A vast crowd collected, when fire was suddenly opened upon them, scattering the people in every direction. The Free M asons,

undeterred, advanced and planted 120 flags—a flag f6r every lodge represented, on the ramparts. At six o’clock they reached the Versailles outposts, bearing a banner, “ Aimoos Nous les Unes Les Autres.” Thej? were blind-folded and sent back, with the exception of the President and two delegates. Their mission was unsuccessful. At 10 o’clock this morning, Dombrowski warned the Versaillists that hostilities might commence hourly ; 40,000 men are ready for fighting in the Champs de Mars. The Versaillists routed the Communists at Molineaux and drove them through Issy. The Archbishop of Paris has been released. The provision trains have all been stopped. Paris, May Ist—General Cluseret is dismissed from the office of Minister of War by the Commune, and is replaced by M. Rossell. The “ Cri du Peuple” says Cluseret has been arrested by order of the Executive Committee, with the approval of the Commune. Versailles, May 2.—Last night the Chasseurs captured the Clam art railway station at the point of the bayonet. Three hundred insurgents have been killed. Simultaneously two regiments attacked Chateau Issy, the defence of which the insurgents temporarily abandoned.

London, May 2.—A “ Times” special says the insurgents at Neuilly are throwing petroleum shells to Paris to keep up the indignation of the populace. The Reds were successful at Le Mans and Narbonne. ,The “Daily News” says 25,000 troops have been sent against the insurgents making sorties by Choisy. A great battle is expected to-morrow. A new army is forming at Auxerre. A “ Telegraph” Berlin special says a Council of War has agreed to give a certain limit to the Communists to submit, otherwise the Prussians will interfere. In the same manner they have notified the Versailists. The “ Post” says Napoleon is still suffering from rheumatic pains. Paris, May 2.—The Commune decrees a Committee of Public Safety. Cluseret’s arrest was ordered, because he was negligent whereby Fort Issy was compromised. New York, May 2nd. —Special correspondents telegraph the following: * Berlin, Sunday. —An imperial council was held to-day, to consider the situation of Paris. Bismarck was present. It was agreed to notify the Versailles Government that a further limited period would be allowed for the restoration of authority, the enforcement of order and the fulfilment of treaty stipulation, after which Germany will take independent action to establish law and order in Paris. The despatch will emphasize the wish of Germany not to interfere in the internal political affairs of France, but will add that such interminable war, originating in revolution and characterized by disgraceful cannot longer be tolerated for the moral and material interests of Germany, as well as of all Europe, are suffering. Private reliable information leads to the belief that it is the intention, of the Germans to restore the Regency, at the next legitimate Government, in the event of the Versailles authorities not being able to enforce their authority. Versailles, May Ist.—Fort proposes surrendering. The Government troops surrounded it. Hostages are demanded by General Faran as a guarantee that the Fort will not be mined, and he threatens that if it is blown up the garrison will be shot. Cluseret has been displaced by Rossel, a young man of twenty-eight, and a Lieutenant of the French Engineers. Six thousand men are ready at Reuil to make an attack. Paris, May 2nd.—Night.—The second Enciente of the fortifications has been erected close to the fortifications. Issy is in ruins, and the village has been evacuated. It was understood that the fort has been mined, and, when the Versailles troops enter it, it is to be fired. Messy, the engineer of Issy, has been arrested. The “ Journal' du Paix” has been suspended. Dombrowski has ordered the inhabitants of Neuilly to evacuate the place within twenty, four hours. The Commune yesterday preferred serious charges against, Clusuret, and a suggestion was made to shoot him within forty-eight hours. There is an immense concentration of Communists at Issy. It is said contributions are demanded from the railways. One million six hundred and eighty thou-

sand francs have already been received, and weekly payments will be made hereafter. The “ Official Journal ” denies that the Versaillists were victorious. The Masons are ordered to retake the banners planted on the ramparts, the Versaillists declining to respect them. Ber in, Ma^ - 2nd.—ln the German Parliament, to-day, a bill incorporating Alsace and Lorraine with the Empire came before the House. Bismark restated the argument on which the measure was based. The annexation of these provinces to Germany is necessary to give her a bulwark against the recurrence of French aggression, cases of which had been so frequent in times past. One instance, comparatively recent, was cited : on the Gth of August, 1866, France sent to Berhn an ultimatum demanding the cession of Mayeuce. The German armies hold possession of sufficient territory in France to secure the payment of the indemnity in accordance with the preliminary terms of peace, should no other agreement be arrived at. London, May 2nd. —Special to the “ World.” —Several agents of the Paris Commune arrived in this city yesterday ; they have been commissioned by that body to enter into contracts here for the purpose of revictualling Paris, but they propose to pay for goods in thirty days. Dealers decline to contract with them. The Emperor Napoleon declared yesterday that he would not return to France, nor had he given any promise of his return. Thiers has determined on a coup d'etat after entering Paris, making himself and Marshal M‘Mahon joint Regents with Empress. Paris, May 2nd. —The report that General Dombrowski was taken prisoner is not confirmed. The Versaillists at no time occupied Fort Issy after its desertion by the panic-stricken garrison ; volunteers, raised by the Commune, issued from the city, and not only reoccupied the fort, which they found empty, but after. hard fighting and at great sacrifice of life, drove the enemy from the trenches, carried one of their barricades, and regained possession of the cemetery of Issy. They made the attempt to retake Les Molineaux, but failed, losing heavily in killed and wounded. Every effort will be made to hold Fort Issy, but should its capture appear inevitable it will be blown up. New works are being constructed around Issy, rendering the fort more formidable than ever. The enemy’s fire to-day has been mamly directed against the Portes des Ternes and Levallois. A fresh attack on Neuilly is expected, and reinforcements have been sent there. Scaffolding has been erected around the column in the Place Vendome. Labor on internal defence is ceaseless. Versailles, May 2nd.—Cannonading is going on along the whole line. A breach has been made in the walls of Issy. In the Assembly to-day, Picard stated that important operations are now in progress, and a most important result has been achieved. Brussels, May 2nd. —Five hundred workmen, employed in digging a canal in the forest of Hertogensold, worked in a body to Verours, and demanded payment of the wages for some time overdue; their appearance caused excitement and apprehension. The gens d’armes proved unreliable, and were confined to their barracks. The town finally paid the workmen their wages, and all fears of disorder were allayed. Madrid, May 3nd.—At a festival given to-day in commemoration of the rising against the French in 1803, the King and Queen took part in the ceremonies. A slight disturbance was created by tlie Republicans, but it was easily repressed. Several arrests were made.

London, May 3rd.—A “ Times” special says efforts at conciliation continue. Seven societies propose a monster peace meeting next Sunday. In the affair at Clamart the slaughter was terrible. Three hundred insurgents were bayoneted. The “ Daily News” special reports the resignatian of M'Mahon. Merode presented Thiers a petition from Belgian Catholics requesting French intervention for the maintenance of the temporal power of the Pope^ Versailles, May 3rd.—The batteries are breaching Issy to-night. All is quiet. Paris, May 3rd. —The Column Vendome will be demolished on the Bth,

and on the same day all the statues and vestiges of monarchical regimes will be destroyed. The rumor of the resignation of M‘Mahon is false. In the infantry engagement before Fort Issy the Versaillists were repulsed with considerable losses on both sides. There were engagements also at Neuilly. Both sides hold their old places. The Commune are silent regarding the Clamart battle. Pottmansends the Commune a despatch, but the contents are unknown.

New York, May 3rd.—A despatch dated Versailles, Tuesday evening, says after hoisting the white flag on Issy, the Insurgents hauled it down. They will soon surrender. The same fate will soon befall forts Montrouge and Vanvres. Rossel is much more dreaded by the Versaillist commanders than was Cluseret, and he is regarded as a much better officer. At Pont du Jour the Insurgents tried to erect a citadel; but Fort Valerien threw six forty-pound shells a minute, and totally destroyed the work. Spies report 30,000 Nationals ready to support the Versaillist troops, but only when they enter Paris. The anger of the troops against the Insurgents is inconceivable. Our troops refuse quarter, and it is useless to officers to urge mercy. Paris, May 2nd.—General Megy is to be tried by court marshal for abandoning Fort Issy. The Versailles batteries at Chatillon, Meudon and Breteuil have been shelling Issy all day. Paris, May 3rd, via London, May 4, 2 a.m, —The Communists are falling back. The Versailles forces, on Tuesday night, reoccupied Park Issy. The village of Issy is almost completely surrounded, and its remaining defenders are closely pressed. Shells have fallen in the Rue Vangierrord, and several persons have been killed in the street. The Versaillists are massing with the apparent intention of making an attack on Fort Issy. Paris, May 2—p.m.—The Prussians having demanded a strict execution of the terms of the capitulation, the Paris Commune have been obliged to reduce their garrison in Fort Vincennes. An incessant cannonade lias been going on all day from Neuilly and Gennevilliers. The batteries at Fortes Maillot and Des Ternes are silent. The Nationals are engaged in making repaiis. There is a heavy cannonade from tlie Versailles batteries on the south, especially against Vanvres. Les Molineaux and Park Issy were alternately taken and retaken on Tuesday. The Versailles troops finally triumphed, end now hold both places again. The Communists were twice panic-stricken during the day, and rallied with difficulty. London, May 3rd.—The labor troubles in South Belgium are not ended. Veres was quiet last night, but at Goe workingmen excited a disturbance and had a conflict with the Gens d’ Armes in which several persons were wounded. To-day rioting is still going on there. New York, May stli, via London May sth. —A “ Times” special says all hopes of peace are abandoned. The Free Masons have gone to the Provinces to agitate in favor of the Commune. There is a constant heavy fire between the forts to-day. Farve,Ponyer,and Quertier have gone to Frankfort to meet Bismarck. The “ Daily News” says the Versaillists are shelling Auteuil from a battery at Montretoul. The Prussians allow provisions to enter Paris. Versailles is uneasy. - Castle Issy has been burned. The “Telegraph” had a letter from Rossel, who defends his conduct towards Cluseret. The Republican Union League demands twenty days truce. The railway stations at Auteui are damaged, and the inhabitants are flying. Since Friday the insurgents have lost 2000. The Communists hold Issy. Having entrenched, Issy fires slowly, and receives a hail of projectiles; Vanvres ditto. The Versaillists have unmasked a formasked a battry at Montreto. Foule is menacing Auteuil, Pont de Jeur, and Passy. The Versaillists have taken St. Germain and established a battery of shell gunboats. A naval combat is expected. There is a continuous but resultless bombardment of Montrouge, Hauta and Prayers. The Communes occupy trenches at Villejuif. Ivry replies sharply; a great movement is expected at Neuilly and Lavaloes. London, May 5 th. —It is said Prince Napoleon is here. Paris, May sth.—The Commune abolishes the political and professional

oaths. The official journals says Moulin Saquet was surprised by treachery, the garrison selling the password to the Versaillists. The place was recaptured ; also Clamart Station Chateau. Issy has been burst by the Federal shells. The official account admits serious losses in provisions and cannon ; also admits that the Versaillists advanced and constructed barricades at Neuilly, and that the fire of Valerien has ignited Levallois and Neuilly. General Rossel was wounded' in the shoulder.