SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 718, 1 October 1870, Page 2

SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.

London - , Aug. 19. The Bank of France has suspended specie payments. A loan of £40,000,000 has been introduced. The battles fought at Weissenbourg, Woerth, and Forbach were more disastrous to France than at first supposed. Marshall Macmahon's corps is almost annihilated. September 1. The secret mission of Prince Napoleon to Italy has been unsuccessful. Chalons and Rheiins were evacuate d on the 20th August. On the 23 rd August Marshal Maemahon, with a new army, attempted to relieve General Bazaiue at IVlotz. After two days' hard fighting at Busancy was driven back yesterday, beyond the Meuse, losing twelve cannon and several thousand prisoners. He has beaten a retreat to Sedan. The Prussians are in occupation of Haguenau. The Emperor has left for Sedan or Rancort. The carnage was terrible and the population is panic-stricken. England is raisinglarge contributions to succour the wounded of both armies. The Fourth German army is in the field. Strasbourg is invested by 50,000 men and a destructive bombardment has continued for several days. The population are sheltering in the sewers. The Governor refuses to surrender. The German army is marching on Paris. General Trochu has expelled all useless citizen 3 from the capital, and the fortifications are being manned for a long siege. Paris is still hopeful, and £30,000,000 of the loan is subscribed. A public meeting has been held in Germany which counselled the King of Prussia to exact conditions that would guarantee a lasting peace. The carnage is still raging furiously. There had been desperate fighting for three days, between Metz and Verdun, about the crossing of the Moselle. Each side claims the victory. The French have been driven back to Metz. Their position is perilous. Bazaine's army is nearly isolated, and has lost 2,000 prisoners, two standards, seven cannon, and several generals. The French Emperor is reported to be at Bheims, and the Prince Imperial is said to have returned to Paris. General Trochu is in command at Paris and the fortifications continue to be pressed forward. The citizens are despondent. The Germans in France have been expelled. Rome is quiet, and other Powers maintain a strict neutrality. The French fleet had an indecisive engagement in the North Sea on the 16th August off Rugen. The mediation of England is strongly urged by the " Times." Benedette, Prince Murafc, and Count Bernstoff have seen Earl Granville and Mr Gladstone at "Walmer Castle, and the Queen at Balmoral. Fatal riots have occurred at Londonderry, and that city has been proclaimed under martial law. The report of the North Australian Company has been adopted. The Bank of Australasia has declared a dividend of 6 per cent, with bonus added of £4 per share. Bank of England rate of discount is 4| per cent. Consols 91f. Colonial debentures are recovering. Victorian Sixes, 102|; Sydney, IOOf. Arrivals none.

GENERAL SUMMARY. The Crown Prince suddenly attacked Marshal Macmahon at Woerth, and after an obstinate engagement Macmahon was defeated with a loss of 10,000 killed and GOOO prisoners, comprising one hundred officers, together with thirty guns, four mitrailleurs, two eagles, baggage and commissariat, &c. The defeat ended in a complete rout. The Grerman loss was 4000. An attempt was made to re-form and make a stand at Niederbrun, but the Bavarians took the position, and Macmahon retreated on Laverne. The Germans under Hennity attacked Frossard's corps near Saarbruck. The battle lasted from noon until dark with great carnage. Frossard retreated. The Grerman military system is complete. The French generalship is much criticised. The French army is concentrated at Metz, and is estimated at 230,000. Bazaine holds the chief command, with Canrobert and Changarnier. Strasbourg is invested. The garrison is stated to be weak. The Baltic expedition has been abandoned. The condition of Paris is alarming, and the people cannot be pacified. In the Legislature there have been strong debates. Recrimination and even blows have been exchanged between its members, and the abdication of the Emperor is demanded. The Emperor is entreated by his friends to return to Paris, and he again replies that he can only return dead or victorious. England is rigidly neutral, but a treaty to which the belligerents are parties has been entered into for the protection of Belgium. An extra vote of £5,000,000 haa

been passed for the English Army and Navy. The former iB to be strengthened by 20,000 men, and great activity prevails at the arsenals. Chartering vessels for the conveyance of coal direct to the French or Prussian fleets is prohibited. Commercial reports show a steady decrease in the value of the exports.