GENERAL SUMMARY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 735, 30 September 1870, Page 3

GENERAL SUMMARY.

The Crown Prince of Prussia suddenly attacked Marshal McMahon at Woerth, and after an obstinate engagement M'Mahon was defeated with a loss of 10,000 killed and 6000 prisoners, comprising 100 officers, together with 30 guns, 4 initrailleurs, 2 eagles, baggage, commissariat &c, the battle ending in a complete rout. The German loss was 4000. An attempt was made to reform and make a stand at Neiderbronn, but the Bavarians took the position, and McMahon retreated on Saverne. The Germans under Hemnitz (Steinmitz ?) attacked Frossard's corps near Saarbruck. The battle lasted from noon till dark, with great carnage. Frossard retreated. The German military system is complete. The French generalship is much criticised. The French army is concentrated at Melz, and is estimated to number 230,000. Marshal Bazaine is in chief command, with Canrobert and Changamier. Strasbourg, which haß only a weakly garrison, is invested. The Baltic expedition is abandoned. The condition of Paris is alarming. The people will not be pacified. There was a strong debate in the Legislature. Recriminations and even blows were exchanged, and the abdication of the Emperor demanded. The Emperor was asked by his friends to return to Paris, but said he would not unless dead or victorious. England is still neutral, and a treaty for the protection of Belgium has been entered into between England and the belligerents. An additional sum of £5,000,000 has been voted for the English army and navy, and 20,000 men are being recruited. The arsenals are busy. The chartering of coal vessels direct to the French or Prussian fleet is prohibited. Commercial reports show a steady decrease in the value of exports. The reserve of notes in the Bank of England on August 25 amounted to £10,875,000. The bullion amounted to £20,000,000. Oriental Bank shares were quoted at £41 on Aug. 27. The New Zealand Loan Guarantee Bill was ineffectually opposed in the House of Lords by Earl Grey. Earl Granville justified it on the ground of the exceptional circumstances of the colony. Earl Carnarvon contended that the previous policy of the Colonial Office had nearlr produced a great colonial catastrophe. Exports to all the Australian colonies, except New Zealand, have this year diminished. Obitttaby. — Sir Frederick Pollock, Lord Willoughby d'Eresby, Sir Alex. Woodford, the Marquis of Hertford, General Glencairn Campbell.