DIARY OF THE WAR.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 151, 29 December 1870, Page 7

DIARY OF THE WAR.

[Compiled from latest San Francisco papers.] October 16. Operations at Paris have been delayed by Bismarck's desire to prevent the shelling of the city, but the attack is now expected to commence next week. Among the letters found in the Tuilleries is one written to the Emperor l>y the Empress while she was in Egypt. She warned him against proceeding with some new scheme of ambition, and concluded with these words : " Believe me, you cannot make successfully two coiq)s d'etat in one life." The manuscript of the novel found among the documents is in the hand of the Emperor. The hero of the romance, after an absence of twenty years in the United States returned to France in 1868, and expatiates on the /"wonders of Napoleon's reign, the supfc'pression of passports, the iron-clad navy, the embellishments of Paris, the liberation of political prisoners and the return of exiles. Oct. 17. On the 10th, a bomb fired from Fort Valerien fell in the bed-room of Napoleon the First, at St. Cloud, destroying the famous mirror. Soissons capitulated only after the most terrible destruction of life and property — 250 houses were laid in -—sg&bes. 'FneTrtlSsians encountered desperate resistance from ths National Guards, for they fought hand to hand in the streets, and captured one part of the city house by house. They were driven back through the city four times, but were constantly reinforced, and bore the French down by overwhelming numbers. No quarter was shown, and the wounded were bayoneted where they fell. The women hurled missiles from the houses on the heads of the invaders. The sacrifice of life was awful. The Grand Duke of Mecklenburg wept at the slaughter, and, refusing to order the assault, begged the French commander to capitulate in the name of humanity. Oct. 19. Alexander Dumas is at Dieppe, dying of paralysis. Despatches from Paris are full of details of the measures of the authorities to insure a lasting supply of food. Cattle and sheep axe well sheltered. Many horses are killed daily and their flesh potted. Care is taken to keep up the supply of vegetables. The stock of potatoes is enormous.

The fortresses keep up a continual fire, destroying the batteries of the Prussians as fast as erected within range. Every effort is made by the enemy to throw up offensive works, especially during the night, but the electric lights reveal them, and the admirable fire of the marine gunners levels or renders them untenable. Advices from Paris to the 14th, confirm the report that the Prussians asked an armistice for the burial of the dead. -This shows how effective the last sortie was. Oct. 20. About 5 o'clock in the morning of the 17th, Bazaine attacked the Prussian centre at Courcelles, and succeeded in throwing the whole army petween the two wings. The attack

was followed up with vigour. ' The left wing was forced back on Pont-a-Mousson, hemmed in by the river and a large superior force.

The Germans fought stubbornly. The slaughter was frightful. One division of Landwehr attempted tv cross the river and was literally cut to pieces. The fighting lasted far into the night. It was resumed early in the morning of the 18th. About 9 o'clock finding resistance useless, the Prussians laid down their arms. Nine thousand surrended — all that was left of 35,000 of the morning before. The French force engaged is estimated at over 100,000. Their losses fully equal that of the Germans. Oct. 21. Mazzini has been ordered to remain at Leghorn. General Sheridan is at Brussels. Oct. 26. Despatches from Tours announce that a young girl of that city is creating the most intense excitement by imitating the example of Joan of Arc. Hundreds of enthusiastic persons have joined her standard. Her appeals for recruits are said to be singularly patriotic and eloquent. Oct. 27. The Francs-Tireurs take advantage of the bad weather to inflict severe losses on the enemy. The Mayor of Mont Didier has been dismissed from his office for cowardice. The King telegraphs to the Queen to-day — " This morning Bazaine and Metz capitulated. One hundred and fifty thousand prisoners, including twenty thousand sick and wounded of the garrison, laid down their arms this evening — one of the most important events of the war. Providence be thanked. — William. ' ' Oct. 28. Lord Lyons, the British Minister to France, is preparing to leave Tours. He has engaged the first floor of the Hotel de la Paix, in Bordeaux. Oct. 29.

Owing to the rumour of Bazaine's capitulation, Minister Gambetta has issued a circular to the Prefects, saying :

— " I have received from all sides grave reports, the verity of which, in spite of all efforts, I cannot establish officially. It is said that Metz has capitulated ! If so, it is well. You have the opinion of the Government in the matter — such an event could but be the result of a crime, the authors of which should be outlawed. Be convinced, whatever may arise, nothing can alter our courage in this epoch of rascally capitulations. There exists one thing that neither can nor will capitulate — that is, the French Republic."

General Moltke, on his seventieth anniversary of his birthday, received from the King the title of Count. Nov. 2. The Provisional Government has received reassuring advices from the southern and western provinces of France. The people are unanimous for a continuation of the war until a peace is possible on some other basis than cession of French teriitory. Nov. 3. Thiers was admitted 'to an audience with the King of Prussia. The confer ence lasted three hours. A military council was held at Versailles on Wednesday forenoon, in which Bismarck participated. In the afternoon Thiers was closeted with Bismarck a long time.

It is claimed by the Germans that the supply of meat in Paris is insufficient to meet the actual necessities of those within for another fortnight.

The French had only 2,100 prisoners on their hands at noon on the 7th inst.

The "Independence Beige" (Brussels) says — " We daily receive visits from escaped officers of Bazaine's army, and their testimony is conclusive as to the treachery of their commander. The country and history will exonerate the people of Metz from any share in the ignominy of her surrender."

The "New York Times" of the 4th contains a report of an interview with Dr Sims, late Surgeon-in-Chief of the Anglo-American Ambulance, which has done such good service in France. Dr Sims witnessed the burning of Bazeilles, the battle of Sedan, and the surrender of the Emperor, and also accompanied M'Mahon after the latter was wounded. He describes the equipment of the French troops as wretched. He saw whole parks of artillery brought from the field of battle at Sedan, while the battle was raging, because there was no ammunition. He states that from the very outset the commissariat was miserably inadequate. At Sedan he saw French troops skinning horses and eating raw flesh. The equipment of the Prussian army and all its appurtenances he describes as perfect, and speaks in the highest terms of the Prussian officers. Dr Sims confirms the horrible story of the Bavarians burning Bazeilles to the ground, destroying men, women, and children — shooting the men who attempted to escape.

The forts in and around Metz were amply provisioned until March next.

A. Paris correspondent, writing on the 27th ult., says — " Food is becoming scarce and dearer daily. At the Horse Market, yesterday, 700 hundred horses were sold for culinary purposes. There had been a previous sale. They all passed examination as to fitness for food. Donkeys and mules were also bought for cooking purposes, the former being in favor to veal, Nov. 4.' The conclusion of the armistice was v firs.t received by Rothschild. Great

joy is manifested, aud hopes are entertained that ultimato peace will be the result.

The National Guards marched in battalions to the polls and deposited their votes, all of which were "Yes." The armistice commenced on the 4th of November, and ends on the 28th. Nov. 5. The balloon factory turns out one balloon a day. Silk is now too expensive and balloons are made of cotton. Many Paris actors serve in the Garde Mobiles at the St. Denis, where nightly concerts at maximum rates of admission are held. Horse flesh, sirloins and rumps, are sold at eighteen cents. Other parts at eight cents. There are 4,209 eatable horses left. The catacombs have given six month's supply of saltpetre. Cellars and one vault of the Pantheon have been filled with powder.

Eugenic passed through Brussels on Thursday, incognito, on her way back to Chiselhurst. She was with the Emperor one day.

The election in Paris on the' question of the maintenance of the powers of the Government of National Defence, has resulted in an overwhelming majority in favor of the Government. The returns of the city are nearly complete, with the exception of the arrondissements. The result is as follows, in round numbers : Ayes, 412,000 ; noes, 49,000 — majority, 319,000. Perfect trauquility exists in Paris. According to the latest despatches, there has been no military movement whatever since Sunday.

The National Guard, in immense numbers, felicitated Trochu on his escape from the rioters, and the personal bravery which he exhibited at a trying time.

The General made a short speech in reply, in which he said : " The Republic alone can save us. If it is lo3t, we shall all be lost." Nov. 7. Vessels are now leaving Ireland with biscuits and breadstuff's for the French. There is plenty of bread, and wine enough to last till March. The supply of salt meats is hnmen:e. Preserved vegetables and poultry are still plentiful in the markets.

There are still many cases of smallpox. The clergy have recommended a revival of healthful amusements for the people. The theatres are opened for concerts.

The late attempt of the Reds to overturn the Government has increased the fjixiety of a majority of its inhabitants to uphold the Adminisi ration.

A despatch from Vendome say 3 :—: — The proposition for an ai'inistice was unanimously refused by the leaders of the Paris Government.

The reason was found in the refusal on the part of Prussia of the project to re-victual the city, and also because she accepted with reserve the scheme for allowing Alsace and Lorraine to vote for members of the Constituent Assembly.

The " Times " says the armistice turned on the question of free ingress aud egress at Paris during the twentyfive days, Thiers insisting and Bismarck refusing.

During the conference between Thiers and Favre at Sevres, the Paris forts maintained a steady fire on the place of interview. The conference lasted over eight houi's.

The Executive Committee of the Pair, recently held at New York in aid of the German wounded, report the receipts to November 4th, at 92,248 dois. The fair has closed, but many articles remain unsold.

A correspondent writes :—": — " An attack on the forts defending Paris will scarcely be possible before the 20th, and no bombardment of the city, will be possible till the forts are taken. Tbe forts are armed with more powerful guns than any yet planted against them. The Prussians have few guns of heavier calibre than seventy-four pounds ; should these now open fire the guns of the forts would soon silence them, and even should the forls be finally taken, the grounds between them and the Enciente are honeycombed with mines filled with powder, ready to be exploded by electricity, and the roads leading to the gates are defended by barricades of masonry, constructed with skill and mounted with guns of the best description. " The whole number of men now around Paris is 800,000, of whom 600,000 are armed and have arrived at a high state of discipline. The drilling of the new levies is proceeding rapidly, so that 200,000 additional troops in excellent order will soon be ready aud capable of taking the field. Supplies of food will certainly be ample till the first of January.

Large quantities of provisions still leave Liverpool for France.

The Postal Department is organising a regular service by carrier pigeons, between Tours and Paris.

The French Government has ordered the arrest of Marshal Bazaine and the officers of his staff wherever found.

A Prussian despatch from Versailles, reports that Thiers positively declined to conclude an armistice on the basis that the present siege would continue four weeks ; he had no equivalent to offer for the preservation of Paris, which consequently could not be concluded. Thiers complains of the annoyance caused him by the persistence of the American correspondents in their efforts to obtain his views of the recent negotiations.

Nov. 8. King William has issued an order that no person be allowed hereafter to enter or leave Paris. Five passengers have just heen captured, and will be court-martialed for violation of the order.

All the Berlin papers, official and otherwise, throw the responsibility of the impending destruction of Paris on the French. They say the latter have thus far obstinately refused to recognise plain facts.

The " Times " has reason to believe that the bombardment of Paris will not begin for two weeks. King William is reluctant to destroy so grand a city, and is giving the French every opportunity to negotiate for peace.

The Prussian Government, which recently gave orders for the restoration of the lights and buoys at the mouth of the Elbe river, has now countermanded the orders.

Thiers has written to the Pope that the Great Powers of Europe will consider his case at the coming Congress, and a position worthy of God's ViceRegent will be granted to him.

Victor Emanuel will officially enter Rome after the national elections.

One of the " News of the World's " correspondents writes as follows : — " Fearful distress and discontent prevails in Germany growing out of the prolongation of the war, which the journals dare not speak of because no mercy is shown by this Military Government. The whole country is in the most deplorable condition, and itis doubtful now long public indignation can bo restrained by military discipline. Everywhere is desolation ; tens of thousands are in mourning. Prussia may yet greatly injure France, but she is so exhausted she cannot conquer her. King William, must soon come under the same conditions as did the Emperor after the battles of the 1-lth, 16th, and ISth of August, when he dared not return to Paris without achieviug success to efface his previous disaster — William also seeks success before daring to return to Berlin ; otherwise the Prussian power will collapse like the dreams of the Emperor." The " Journal dos Droits de I'Homme," published afc Montpellier, sets a price on B.izaine's and Napoleon's heads, and has opened a subscription +o pay for their assassination.

The Director of the Jardin des Plantes has sold the animals to the butchers ; buffaloes bring high prices.

On the 31 .sb ult. Thiers' Hotel was surrounded by a crowd of the Reds, crying " Down with Thiers ! down with the traitor ! Down with the dupe !"

All the German commanders regard peace as impossible until Paris is taken, but even now a bombardment is not certain. The siege guns are actually in position on many points, but it is believed firing will not commence before the 15th.

Intercepted letters from Paris are filled with complaints, of want of food.

Supplies at Saint Germain and Versailles are more abundant than ever. Great quantities of provisions, arid especially foreign, are discovered almost daily, that were concealed by the French. Nov. 9. " The army besieging Paris continues to suffer greatly from sickness, which constantly increases. " No more reinforcements can arrive from Germany ; the last recruits are boys under 19. They are now on their way.

It is reported to be the opinion of Thiers that the Prussians have renounced their intention of bombarding Pan's, fearing the universal condemnation of civilized nations ; but they will attack in force, and will probably shell the forts.

Favre had issued a circular to the representatives of France in foreign countries, assuring them that Prussia must assume the responsibility of rejecting the proposition of an armistice. '' Prussia proves anew," says Favre, "in rejecting the armistice, that she makes war for personal aims merely, and not for the interests of G-ermany. Nothing can apparently induce hqr to relinquish the pretext of the French refusal to cede her provinces to ! Prussia. She seeks our destruction, and will be satisfied with nothing else." Nov. 10. ' A correspondent of the " World " writes :—": — " Trochu's true character is becoming visible. He is most patriotic in his intentions, cautious and critical, and closely thinking on what he sees. He is an excellent executive, aud has a lofty ideal of life and its duties. But he is weak and has an overweening confidence in himself. Ho is fluent in speech, but sentimental rather than profound. lie is unable to cope with disagreeable elements and to provide against them, aud incapable of conceiving a great plan in the embarrassing emergency, or of inspiring a salutary terror." "It is believed Van der Tann's army consists only of 200,000 men, and that it is preparing to retreat towards Versailles." Keratry, having organised the Army of the West, is forming a camp in Brittany for another army 100,000 strong. Nov. 11. ( G-aribaldi, with 12,000 men, marched on Belfort. Over 1700 Prussian prisoners, captured at Orleans, passed through Tours on their way to the south of France. GJ-reat excitement was created among

the people, and it was with much difficulty that riots were prevented. There were hundreds of people along the line of march, who recognised among the prisoners, those who so outraged them at Cjateaudun and other places. The prisoners were hooted and insulted, but by the efforts of the greater part of the crowd, violence was happily prevented. " Communication between D'Aureltis and Trochu and the Government at Tours is constantly maintained by carrier pigeons." Nov. 12. The "Moniteur" to-day publishes more extended details of the recent battle on the first day at Orleans. " The battle became general soon after the attack was made. General Palliers had command of one wing of the French army, and made a success from the start. Tho Prussians were in strong position. General Palliers took the veteran troops, carried the Prussian position, driving them before him, and capturing many prisoners. So marked was the victory that Palladines warmly praised his conduct.

The " World's " correspondent, writing from Versailles, November Bth, says no bombardment of Paris will take place for a long time yet, if ever. The hope now is, that the city will be starved out. The truth seems to be, that the constant and accurate fire from the French forts has greatly embarrassed and retarded the German operations, and rendered most of their work useless.

" La Situation " has a leader to-day, in which it says the avowal of Sohneider, at London, compels it to make public the fact that Gambetta is engaged in an intrigue for the restoration of the Orleans dynasty. The scheme is for the Corps LegislatifF to assemble at Tours, and compel by intimidation ancl-pressure of circumstances, the ratification of all that has been done since the fourth of September, and the inducement is to do away with the Re public, and accept the services of the Orleans Princes. A German Princess is interested in the intrigue.

Bushwhackers operate against the Prussians in Alsace and Lorraine ; Prussians are killed every night iv Strasbourg. Nov. 13.

The Russian Minister in London read to Lord Grauville a letter from Prince Gortschakoff, stating that Russia now demands a modification of the provisions signed in Paris on the 30th of .March 18G5, of Articles 11th and 13th, in the treaty of Paris, 27th of April 185 G. These provisions forbid the Russian fleet entering the Dardeanelles from the Black Sea, raid limits the Russian fleet in the Black Sea to ten small steamers. They also prohibit Russia and Turkey maintaining on the Black Sea coast any military or marine arsenal, and generally nexitralize the Black Sea by the interdiction from its waters of any vessels of war belonging to powers possessing its coast, or auy other power.

Tidings of the victory of the Army of the Loire roused the wildest excitement throughout France. Great numbers of troops are hurrying from the south to join the forces of General Palladines.

The use of balloons for the observance of the movements of the enemy are to be introduced in the Army of the Loire.

In many parts of France the people of the Communes are taking votes to endorse the vote of Paris in favour of the Government of National Defence, and the Municipal authorities are hastening to give their adhesion. The Monarchical journals have bitter comments on these evidences of the increasing popularity of the Republic.

A special from Berlin says a semiofficial complaint has been made that England's attempts at mediation were made simultaneously with the issue of the six per cent. French loan, and that the false reports of the success of the armistice were spread by the English Government organs, aud hence the collusion between Granville and Thiers to help on the loan.

As a prominent banker here has been arrested for subscribing to the French loan, though it was proved that he acted on an order from an Italian banker, who was to cover the transaction by a remittance direct from Italy to London, the banker was held in custody, the authorities refusing 50,000 thaler s bail.

A circular from the Italian. Government declares that the continuation of the sessions of the (Ecumenical Council will not be interfered with.

General Von Der Tann has been reinforced by detachments from tho commands ot'Gen-rals Willich, Prince Albrecht, and Duke of Mecklenburg, 60,000 men in all.

The French charge the Prussians with throwing wounded men from the windows of houses in Chateaudun, and practising other barbarities.

The Archbishop of Tours preached a patriotic sermon to-day, urging a general rising for the national defence. His words caused a sensation.

The Archbishop of Angiers has issued a circular letter, advising young clergymen to seek service as chaplains or nurses in the army, and all who have not taken orders to enlist.

The Russian fleet will be at the Dardanelles next week.

Extraordinary activity exists in the army and navy department. General European complications seem imminent.