LATE TELEGRAMS. London, December 19.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVII, Issue 4199, 28 January 1871, Page 3

LATE TELEGRAMS. London, December 19.

Gortschakoff, in replying to Earl Granvifte'a t\o\&, xes^eta Hk^h England h&k.4H exception, io hhe Prussian circular. He says Russia ib preparing to assist in any deliberation that is based on the principle of a united guarantee for a consolidated peace. Eari Granville's reply to GortschakoiF s last note is, that England frankly accepts the proposed Conference, but will maintain a firm adherence to the position assumed. A peaceful conclusion was contemplated on the 7th. On the 9th the proposals as to the Black Sea question were unconditionally accepted by the French and British Governments, who have given a definite understanding that the Conference shall proceed. Prussia and England declined the proposals made by France as to the scope of the terms of the discussion of the Conference. It is feared that this will lead to further complications. „ , , , On the lltn an. io.tra\:Tv©TT> Amvsk place between Ignatieff and Ali Pasha, was reported to have resulted unsatisfactorily. The Conference ia fixed to take place in the first week in January. On the 7th it was stated that the neutral Powers were disposed to ask for an armistice to facilitate the participation of the French Government in the conference on the Black Sea question. On the 2nd of December a great battle was fought to the east of Paris. The Germans attacked and recaptured several positions outside which the French had held since their sorties. Heavy losses were sustained on both sides. The Duke of Mecklenburg was defeated by the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Army Corps near Soigney and Artenay, and captured from the French II cannon and oeveral hundred men towards Fontainebleau. He was successful, the object being to effect a junction with the army of the Loire. The German accounts admit a temporary success but declare that no substantial advantage was gained. The German line investing Paris is still unbroken. Garabaldi repulsed the Prussians at Autun. The French have lost very severely in their sorties from Parity and have been comScad remaining on the ground. It is reported that a fresh lortie on the 2nd and a severe engagement took place, under a. terrific fire from Forts Rogny and Nogent. The French retreated after several hours desperate fighting. Great losses -were sustained on both, sides. On the 7th the French evacuated Orleans *fter a decisive victory by Prince Frederick Charles and the Duke of Mecklenburg, who captured ten thousand prisoner* and forty Gambetta, the Minister of War, narrowly escaped capture. The French retreated across the Loire. Xlann was occupied by the Germans under Mmnteuffel. T&e French: anay^ v£ the 2sorhh. Lsve arrived at Lillfe. General Dacrot rallied back on Paris after destroying the bridges at Maine. On the 6th it was reported that the French had lost in three days r engagement last week about 3,000 prisoners, and 70 guns. The German loss in the same period, was very considerable. The German military position is deemed critical. General Manteuffel has been ordered to return to Paris to announce the taking of Orleans, and the entire defeat of the Army of the Loire, with a loss of 77 guns and 1,000 prisoners. The Dude of Mecklenburg fought a vic{nriiw battle on the Bth, near Braragency, which was afterwards oowpob. vopaabMsn* Trench Corps, capturing 6 guns and 1,000 -prisoners. The German loss waa also conmclefable. ' The Freaoh loaS 18,000 prwoaers before fj«l«on (?) ha* bwtt qssxsM,

Great defensive preparations have been made at Havre. On the 11th the Germans held a Council of war, which waa decided in favour of a bombardment of Paris. The Germans are threatening Cherbourg. Havre has been occupied by the Germans. It ia reported that Garibaldi has resigned. The Germans have evacuated Dieppe. The French were repulsed near Blois in an. engagement beWeen. ih& Duke of Mecklenburg and General Chancy, who was i heavily reinforced from Tours. ! On December 15, General Chancy retired on Tours and Blois, being unable to maintain his position on the right bank of the Loire. Bloia was occupied by the Prussians. Phalsbourgcapitulatedunconditionally : 65 guns and 1,900 prisoners were captured by the Germans. The Prussians are concentrating consider- ! able forces near Havre. Beaumont waa occupied by garrisons after a short fight, in which 15 guns and 3,000 prisoners were captured. An energetic defence is maintained by the j French at Vendome. On the 19th December the forts around Paris were quiet. Havre, Dieppe, and Fecamp are blockaded j by the French fleet. I General Chancy 's army was attacked by the Prussians, who also attacked the Frerch in a strong position near Langress, driving them into the forces of the Duke of Mecklenburg. The forces of the Duke of Mecklenburg attacked Ttenboivar on the 14th. Afterwards this post was retaken by the French. Balloon news from Paris on the 19th states that there has been no fighting since the 2nd. Preparations are being made by the French for a determined resistance. Complete tranquillity prevails in Paris. [ 24,000 Prussians occupied Tours on the 19bh after a severe battle. Ihe French Government has gone to Bordeaux. The King of Prussia has formally accepted the title of Emperor of Germany. (rambetta still remains with the army, which has abandoned any forward movement, and is retreating. Montmedy has capitulated. A Prussian note states that they will no longer recognise the neutrality of Luxembourg. Tias was communicated simultaneously at Brussels, Luxembourg, Hague, and London on the 14th. A Cabinet Council was held at London on the 15th to discuss the Luxembourg question, which assumed a prominent character. The [ made by Prussia againsfc Luxembourg, in the absence of the accused. They said, when the guilt or innocance of Luxembourg ia proved, an impartial judgment will be given. A Berlin telegram, dated the 17th, gave assurances that an explanation had been given by Luxembourg, which removes all danger of a conflict. President Grant's message to Congress recommends the Government of the United States to accept an assurance of his leadership in the settlement of the Alabama claims. He says he desires a conclusion to be arrived at consistent with the honour and dignity of both nations. He expressed a wiah for the restoration of peace. Referring to the fisheries question, he declares that the course adopted by Canada, i f . persisted in, will compel America to adopt measures to protect the rights of her citizens. ]