GENERAL SUMMARY.

Southland Times, Issue 1331, 4 November 1870, Page 3

GENERAL SUMMARY.

DmrEDHf, Nov. 1. The Rangitoto arrived at Hokitika today with the English September mails. TLomxht, Sept. 26. After the 9th, the Prussians steadily marched on Paris in three columns. They arrived at Neave on the 11th, and were at Joinville and Melun on the 16th, with the vanguard close to the j eastern side of Paris. Railway communication between Pans and the south was suspended. On the 17th the Prussians crossed the Seine at Merth, occupying Wainthouse. The Ernay and Havre railway was cut up at Conflans, and on the 18th connection was entirely suspended. On the 20th the investment of Paris was complete. The Crown Prince established his headquarters at Versailles, and the troops were posted from that place to Vincennes. On the approach of the Prussians to Paris, a large body of French troops left the city for the purpose of harrassing the movements of the enemy. TEighty thousand French troops occupied the woods, and on the 20th an engagement occurred at Meaux between three French divisions and the Prussians, in which the French were defeated and driven back on Paris, with a loss of 2000 killed and 3000 prisoners. A despatch dated the 23rd states that concord prevailed in Paris, and that the rumor of street fighting was utterly unfounded. The Parisians resolutely declare themselves capable of holding out all winter. Since the investment of the city the Prussians have continued to concentrate their troops around Paris; and have occupied Pitlirereres, Meater, and Orleans. The rumor that the Prussians had been defeated at TLaon and Suezmendon, is declared to be unfounded. As a case of necessity, the seat of Government had to be removed to Bordeaux. At one time the Prussians threatened the invasion of Normandy. M. Thiers visited Earl Granville on 13th September. He also saw Count Bernßtoff, but without arriving at any result. He went on to St. Petersburg on the 19th. Count Bernstoff has complained to Earl Granville of arms being supplied from England to the French. The reply was that England acted in the matter in strict conformity with international law. The blockade of the North Sea has ceased. Oct. 3. The peace negotiations by the neutral powers were broken up in the middle of last month, Prussia declining their intervention. Paris has been completely invested, and all communication cut off. A regular siege was hourly expected to begin, and the -Parisians persisted in their determination to fight to the last. By the battles at Metz, which lasted from the 15th to the 18th of August, Von Moltke's plan for cutting off the retreat of the French was entirely successful. The carnage on both sides was fearful, and the bravery displayed unsurpassed. The total loss is over 100,000 men, and the whole country is covered with the dead and wounded. M'Mahon made a strategic move northwards for the purpose of delaying the march of the Crewn Prince on Paris, snd, contrary to the Emperor's orders, determined to attempt the extrication of Bazaine from Metz. The attempt, however, was utterly impracticable in the face of the overwhelm ing Prussian force, and the only result was the giving to Paris a reprieve of ten days. The latest telegram from Paris stated that the French attacked the encampment of the Gth Prussian army corps on the 30th, when they were routed with a heavy loss. The French Government have ordered every man between 21 and 40 years of age to be organised in the National Guard,

from which the Minister of War was drawing troops. Russian official journals deny the rumors regarding the military movements of that country. Toul has capitulated, but Strasbourg and Metz still hold out. The French Government have ordered j A levy en masse. The movement towards an Australian j federation is warmly supported by the English press. Australian debentures are firm. Victorian, 113; New South Wales, 10H; Consols, 92i ; Bank rate of discount, 3 per cent. New Zealand debentures, 1891, £98; sixes, March and September, 1891, £109. The Biege of Rome commenced on the 19th ult., and the troops entered after some resistance on the part of the Papal troops. The Pope was sent to Civita Vecchia. X plebiscite of the Roman States was to be taken on the 3rd October. The King stated to the Pope that his reason for entering the city was to prevent bloodshed. The negotiations by the neutral powers for an armistice continued until the middle of September exciting hopes that Paris would be spared, but the Prussians refused to allow them to interfere, considering the position taken up by the French Government prevented any guarantee being given for the durability of any peace so made. On the 19th Sept. Jules Favre^ffered to Bismarck complete indemnification for the costs of the war, the demolition of the fortifications of Metz and Strasbourg, and the surrender of a portion of the fleet. Bismarck, however, demanded in addition the cession of Alsace and Lorraine, as a material guarantee against a French attack on Germany. He said Russia did not desire to interfere further with France, and was indifferent to her mode i of government. The negociations fell through on the 15th. The United States, Spain, Switzerland and Belgium have formally recognised the French republic. England awaits the vote of the people st the general elections. Strasbourg surrendered after a breach had been made in the fortifications. Recruiting is being actively prosecuted in England, and the naval and shore defences are being strengthened.