GENERAL SUMMARY.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVI, Issue 4153, 5 December 1870, Page 3

GENERAL SUMMARY.

London, October 15 : The Times urges peace on the basis of dismantling the fortresses of Alsace and Lorraine, and a treaty with England similar to the Belgian treaty. A circular from the Tours Government states that Biaraark wishes to reduce France to a second- rate Power, and he 13 reported to insist on the following conditions, viz., that France should pay an indemnity of -t80, Q00, 000 ; , that loace and Lorraine should be neutral ; and that a plebiscite should be taken in ten years in them, which should finally decide their fate ; and the signatures to a treaty of peace should be affixed in Paris. The | receipt of these conditions ia reported in | Paris.— The mission to Madrid asking assistance failed October 22 •. England proposed an armistice to allow the French Assembly to meet, and Austria and Italy support the proposal. Russia separately made a aimiLir proposal. Prussia is reported as favourable, provided the principle of cession of territory is admitted. — The Tours Government is favourable to it also, but the Paris officials are opposed to cession of territory.— Garibaldi arrived at Besan^on on the 16th, en route for the Vosges, in command of the irregulars. October 27 : The Prussians prognosticate terrible consequences from famine in Paris, while the French say they are provisioned for six mouths. Several sorties have been repulsed, the Prussians maintaining the defensive till the bombardment commences. Earthworks are being thrown up. The inresting army is being reinforced, and everything is being completed. To ensiue succ ss the French shelled and destroyed the Palace of St. Cloud. November 1 : At noon the big guns opened fire. The Parisians coulinue an unavailing resistance. An unsuccessful sortie was made f rom MontV.xlcrien. The Parisians themselves don'texpect Pans will beable to hold out long. Germany held a grand religious ceremony prior to the commencement of the bombardment. — The inhabitants of Met/, were furious at the surrender, and Basaine was hooted when leaving in his carnage.— The Berlin Press insist on retaining Metz as a surety of peace in the future. — Mazzini was taken in Metz, but released. — Everywhere else the Prussians are making a firm footing in France, where they intend wintering, and the German Parliament is to be convoked to vote supplies. — The Prussians inteud to take Kouen, so as to be able to draw theii supplies from the coast. — Mont Didier was captured on tho 18th, and a contribution of 50,000 francs imposed. Chateauroux, Chartres, and St. Quentin were captured on the 21st October. 2,000,000 francs altogether were levied in these cities. — In the south they advanced on Bourgea. The Baden>corps routed the Francstireura. Vosges was taken, with GO officers and 60i> men. Thionville is vigorously besieged. Lille is preparing for defence. The siege of Verdun commenced on the 15th. On the 26th, the commandant declared he would fight to the last. Mezieres is to be bombarded. Bitche was invested by 50,000 Germans.— The Crown Prince of Prussia and Prince Fredeiick Charles have been made Marshals, and Moltke has been created a count. — Prussia, Russia, and Austria have agreed to the caudidature of the Prince of Andalusia for the throne of Spain. — Ruabia is making great warlike preparations, and massing troops on the frontier. These demonstrations are supposed to threaten Turkey. — Negotiation for forming the Southern States j of Germany into a confederation are pro- 1 ceeding favourably. All are for proclaiming , King William Emperor of Germany. — Austria ' keeps clear of European complications. — Heavy gang are being placed on the fortifications of Galle. — Coal beds of excellent quality have been found in the Madras Presidency.— Armstrong guns are being mounte 1 at Aden and Perim.— Famine ia threatened in Persia. — The Government of India have voted £1,200 for the Livingstone expedition.— A train on the Madras railway was precipitated over a broken bridge into the water— the Rev. Mr. Simmer, hia wife, and several natives were killed. — A typhoon at Hong Kong did much damage to life and property.— The Chinese are collecting troops in the north, and placing guns on Lasker Fort to prepare for war.— Prince Kung is not assassinated as reported. — Street fighting occurred in Yokohama between French and Prussian sailors.— Mr. Ottexwell is engaged in sending ont material for the Canterbury r ilway.— Mr. Duppahas purchased an estate in Kent. Commercial. -5,500 bales of New Zealand flax were brought to the hammer, and 1,500 bales sold at advanced rates.