GENERAL SUMMARY.

Westport Times, Volume V, Issue 777, 16 February 1871, Page 2

GENERAL SUMMARY.

The bombardment of Paris commenced on the forts on December 28. The French evacuated Avron and other posts to the north-east of Paris, but have since recaptured Avron. The Prussian batteries have advanced near Paris, and were firing incessantly for ten days, chiefly on the

forts aud batteries to the south and east of Paris.

The firing was effective at a distance of four miles; shells fell in the Champs do Mars, Luxembourg, Montmartre, and Pantheon, killing several men, women, and children. The Pai isians continue resolute, and demand offensive operations.

Bread will last to the end of FebruI ary. Coal is all consumed; wood ie scarce.

The Lyons Railway Station, the Hotel des Invalides, aud many other buildings, have been struck by the enemy's fire. The barracks and forts have also been fired by shells, but no serious damage has resulted from the bombardment, and no guns have been dismounted. The Red Republicans are actively plotting a revolution; they denounce the Government as incompetent.

The people support the Government, and tear down the proclamations issued by the Feds. The army of Prince Frederick Charles has joined the besiegers, and two hundred thousand German reinforcements are to arrive, which will make the army in France one million strong. The Army of the Loire, under Generals Chancey and Tallderbe, gained important victories from December 31 to January 5, at Banpaine, Lacbartre, and Vendome. At Banpaine the French lost 5000, the Germans 9000. After the sth the Germans were reinforced, and defeated the army of the Loire in every direction, taking 10,000 prisoners. The army of ths Loire is reported to have been overwhelmingly defeated on the 10th, at Lachappelle, in endeavoring to join Bourbaki in the North. It is also said to have been defeated on the 11th, near Lemans. The Germans occupied Lemans, and another battle was raging when the Mail left. The Army of the Loire is said to be 300,000 strong.