DIARY OF THE WAR.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 147, 1 December 1870, Page 7

DIARY OF THE WAR.

(Continued.)

Sept. 5. — The armies of the Crown Prince.B of Prussia and Saxony, accompanied' by the King of Prussia and Coun t Bismarck, march for Paris. The King arrives at R'limns. 90,000 French prisoners are sent to Germany. The Empress Eugenic arrives in Belgium. 6. The Germans are rapidly approaching Paris. 7. The Orleans Princes go to Paris, and offer their services. The Prince Imperial arrives at Hastings. The German military authorities announce that they treat" all French ' tireurs ' as bandits, unless they are properly organised. The Prussians bombard and assault Moutmedy, but are repule»ed. The town is half destroyed. 8. The German forces marching on Paris, are embodied in three army corps. Preparations to stand a siege are actively made in Paris. The head columns of the German army are in the neighbourhood of Laon and Epernay. Prussian scouts have advanced to La Fortesous Jouarre. The Corps Vinay (French) has arrived intact in Paris. A Circular has been issued by M. Jules Favre, recalling to remembrance the consistent opposition of the members of the Government to the war, and to the declaration of the King of Prussia that he only made war on the dynasty of Napoleon. The circular also asks, will Prussia assume the responsibility of the continuance of the war ? And says that France wishes peace, but will never cede one foot of territory, and will defend Paris to the last extremity. 9. All London papers, except the " Standard," deprecate the defiant tone of M. Jules Pavre's circular. The commandant of Strasbourg has offered to surrender with the honours of war, which the Germans have refused, and the bombardment has been resumed, being restricted to tho fortifications. The Pi ussiaus have passed Vitry. They are making large requisitions on the neighbouring communes; everywhere they declare the conscription abolished.

10. There are now fiv. German army corps marching on Paris. Two other corps have received orders to join them 10 Jragues from the city. The Prussians are approaching Crespy and Coinpeigne. Tney arrived at Montmirail yesterday, and are expected at Coulommiers this evening. They observe strict discipline. The invesed cities still resist. The negotiations of the nputral powers for an armistice continue. Paris is fully prepared, and resolved on defence. The Paris Ministry announce that Toul has repelled an assault of the Germans on Saturday with great loss. T'ne Commandant at foisaion has refused to surrender the fortress.

11. The Prussians enter Meaux and Melun. The King of Italy gives orders to the Royal troops to enter the Pope's territory. The Government of the United States express their willingness to offer their good services for the meditation of peace if requested by the belligerents. The following message is sent from the King of Prussia :—": — " Rhoims, night of the 11th (Sunday). — Sad intelligence has come from Laon, where the citadel was blown into the air yesterday after its capitulation, aud after our troops had occupied it. Fifty men (Germans) and 300 of the Garde Mobile (French) were killed. Many were mutilated. Prince Wilhelm of Mecklenburg was among the wounded. Doubtless treachery was at work. — William."

12. Great hopes are entertained at Paris that the efforts of the neutral powers will secure an armistice. The diplomatic body have consequently postponed their departure. The Orleans Princes have quitted Paris at the request of the Provisional Government. The Empress Eugenic is staying at Hastings. The Pope protests against the Italian occupation of Roman Ter-ritox-y, but has ordered his troops not to resist.

13. The Prussians advanced to Charny, Compiegne, and Provence. The French destroy the railway bridges at Corbeil and Creil. It is stated that the American Government has refused to authorise the tender of their offices since Count Bismarck has declined mediation. The Pope remains at Rome. Italian troops are within a few miles of the city. M. Thiers arrives in London, and immediately sees Earl Granville, and afterwards visits Count Bernstoff. M. Thiers asks the neutral powers to intervene, and compel the Germans to retire from France, but makes no proposition of a nature to induce the King of Prussia to withdraw. The United States of America, Spain, Switzerland, aud Balgiura have formally recognised "the French Republic.

14. The proclamation for tho transfer of the seat of Government to Tours has been issued. M. Cremieux, the Minister of Justice, ia entrusted v,-ibh full powers to I'epresent Government, accompanied by various Ministers. The proclamation by M. Cremieux at Tours appeals for the patriotic support of the citizens. The negotiations for an armistice continue, but the result is still unknown. Most energetic preparations have been made for the defence of Paris. The French have burnt the woods around the city. Prussian scouts appear at Nogent-sur-Seine, but were repulsed. Scouts have also appeared at JVlormans and Wange"s. There aro

Prussian encampments at Croix, Gaston, and Acla&bam. The Berlin Government organs denounce the explosion of the cit-idel at Laon as a token of the moral deterioration, ami urowinc barbarism of France. They tinnly oppose mediation, and will settle terms of peace with France alone.

15. A rumour is current attributing to the King of Prussia the intention of only negotiating peace iv Paris, and upon the basis of the restoration of the Emperor Napoleon. The bombardment of Metz commences. There is a resolute spirit throughout the country. Skirmishing commences at various points in the neighbourhood of Paris. Little hope remains that negotiations will avert the siege of Paris.

IG. The Prussian Advanced Guard arrives at Join ville, Lep )iit, A I fort, and Melun. All great towns of France are making preparations for defence. The besieging army is closing round Paris. The vanguard is close to the eastern side. Direct postal communication between London and Paris is stopped. The third parallel of the works commanding the glacis of Strasbourg is completed. M. T tiers' mission is fruitless. He leaves London for St. Petersburg. Marshal Bazaine reports that the healt'i of the troops is good, and provisions are abundant. There has been no fighting for a fortnight. The Germans 'are threatening the invasion of Norman-ly. Tie French blockade of the Weser and the Elbe has ceased. Tt is reported that a Red Republican provisional Government has been institute.! at Lyons. General Cadorna sends a trumpeter to General Kinzlor requesting to be allowed to enter Rome wit'i Italian troop?. General Kanzler refuses. The troops occupy Civil a Vecchia, where they are enthusia^ti -ally received.

17. The R'leims journal publishes a communication from Count Von Bismarck declaring the rumors of negotiations for a speedy restoration of peace to be unfounded. The German Government, he says, has received no communications, and the French Government now constituted at Paris precludes all guarantees for the durability necessary for opening international relations, and also seems inclined to continue tho fatal and unequal contest rather than to consider what means may be taken to restore peace to France. Railway communication with Paris is suspended. Tne Oliantilly and Orleans line is cut by the Prussians. The Prussians are enveloping the eastern side of the capital, from the Northern to t^e Orleans Railway. The elections for the Cou-&titiif-»nc Assembly take- place on t!ie 2nd October.

18. Eighty thousand French troops under General Decrot occupy the woods at Clamart and Bleudou. The Prussians cut the Havre Riilway ad Con flans ; communications with Brittany alone is open. The American, Belgium, and Swiss Ministers remain in Paris. A diplomatic circular is issued by M. Jules Favre, in which he explains that his motive for advancing the date of the elections for the Constituent Assembly is to give the Government regular power to represent France. M. Jules Favre repels as calumny the statement that war was originally demanded by public opinion, and says that the watchwords of fie elections in 1869 were ' Peace " and " Liberty." The plebiscite adopted the same programme. The majority of the Corps Lagislatiff was a docile instrument of personal power, but di<l not represent the country. France asks for peace, but prefers the worst disasters to dishonor. Tio English Foreign Office announces that messages between the belligerents have been transmitted during the last ten days by the British Government, through Lord Lyons anl Count Bm-ii-stoff, and states that M. Jules Favre has determined to proceed immediately to the German head-quarters, but no basis of negotiations has as yet been agreed uoon. Tie Frenc'i G>vernment notify that the blockade in rV North Seais raised. Count Bismarck replies in affirmative to the question of M. Jules Favre, whether he would receive him at the Kind's head-quarters at Meaux for negotiations.

19. M Jules Favre proceeds to the head-quarters of the King of Prussia, aud it is stated that he has a favorable reception. Strong hopes are entertained of pacific arrangements being made for averting the bombardment of Paris. Telegraphic and railway communication with Paris ia totally interrupted. The Italian Government informs General Cadorna that the efforts to prevent opposition to the entry of the Italian troops into Rome have been unsuccessful. General Cadorna has therefore commenced the siege ot" Rome. The divisions of Generals Angroleth and Nino Bixio surround the city. The armaments in the Southern departments of France are actively pushed forward. The new French army of the Loire is numerous and undismayed — it is commanded by .General Lamotte. The army of Paris is outside the city for the purpose of harassing the enemy. The National Guard mans the ramparts. Trifling engagements have taken place iff the environs- The Germans occupy Versailles. The crown prince is advanceing towards Fontaineblau. M Theirs arrives at Tours, and proceeds " en route" for St Petersburg and Vienna.

20. Tliq Paris Govertnent decide to construct a complete system of barricades, forming second ' enceinte ' M

Henri Ro.-'icfort is appointed president of the committee for carrying out t'lis object. It is believed that the Gorin vi-; intend to attack from the south-west. betwcHMi Cluironton and Clainai'l, an. l fiat they will establish their headquarters at Versailles. Despatches from Orleans state that a Prussain corps estimated at .15,000 men, has been repulsed with considerable loss, on the plains of Champliu and Kissons. by 25.000 French troops. The Prussians wero forced across the Seine. Hopes of favorable results from peace negotiations are not abandoned, but military operations are unrelaxed, Prussia objects to an armistice. The 'Times' Berlin correspondent telegraphs that the Russian garrisons in Poland and Volhynia are bein^ reinforced. Seven divisions of infantry have been sent to the Gallician frontier. The greater part of the fortifications of Strasbourg are a mass of ruins, and a breach has been effected. An assault has been deferred on account of fie probable heavy loss of the besiegers. Tiio Italian troops enter Rome after some resist ence on tiie part of the PontifiVial army, contrary to tho wishes of the Pope. Tney ceased firing upon receiving his orders to that effect. Prussian official despatches announce t'lat after slight engagements on the 17th and ISt'i, three divisions of tho Frenc'i army were completely defeated to-day, to tie south of t ; ie city, and driven back on Paris with the loss of between 2,000 and 3,000 prisoners.

21. The in vestment of Paris is completed. The Prussi ms 1 investigation into the recent explosion at Laon entirely exonerates the comm aider of the fortress of treachery. The explosion was the act of an artillery-man. The Prussians continue the concentration of the troops round Paris. They have occupied Pithiviures and threaten Orleans. The armament of the whole of France is being continued on a vast scale. The head-quarters of the Crown Prince of Prussia are at Versailles. The troops are posted from Versailles to Vincennes. The 53rd Lunette of Strasbourg has been captured by surprise.

22. The garrison of Toul, after bravely repelling several assaults, capitulates to-day. They obtained the s ime terms as were granted to the French at Sedan. Two thousand of the Guard Mobile were captured at Versailles. Another battle has taken place near Strasbourg. Luneville has been taken. Tne French fleet has quitted the Baltic. It is understood that M. Jules Favre has offered, as ter-ns of peace, complete iudemniiicaLion for the costs of iho war, ihe d :- moiition of ihs fortiiicai'loiii oi' M<'iz and Strasbourg, and the surrender of a portion of the fleet. Rumours have been current of the defeat of some Prussian detachments, but the Prussians deny them.

23. Th n negotiations for peace have failed. The French Government <)t Tours announce that Bismarck demands the reduction of France to a second-rate power, with the annexation of Alsace and Lorraine as far as Metz by right of conquest. His conditions for an armistice included the surrender of Toul, Strasbourg, ami Fort Yalerien. The Government proclaim that rather than accept such terms the population of Paris will bury themselves in its ruins. Count Bismarck has addressed a circular to the representatives of Germany abroad, dwelling upon the necessity when making peace to have Metz and Straasbourg, and push far back tho Gorman frontier, as a material guarantee against future French attack. Germany, !i_ j «U)S, is not desirous of intcrforinj; wifc'i French internal affiirs, and is indifferent as to what G>verninent France may choose. Tic offirial German Gazette of Alsace s:iys Alsace and Lorraine are German in ideas and languages, and that when ro-annexfd they will soon adopt German policy. Paris news announces tie capture of the heights of Villejuif, four miles from Paris, to-day ; also several other small French victories

2-1. It is reported from Ferrieres that cannonading and rifle firing were observed in the streets of Paris on Wednesday from the over-looking heights. It is not known who tho contending parties were.

25. Count Bismarck formally denies the French Government's statement that he demanded the surrender of Fort Yalerien.

2(5. Preparations have been made for a prolonged stay of the Royal troops in Rome. General Cadorna has entered the city at the request of the Pope to keep order. Tho King of Italy has written a letter to the Pope stating that his solo reason for entering the Papal territory is to preserve order and prevent bloodshed.

27. Mi* Gladstone, replying to a deputation of workmen, refuted the accusation of lukewarmness regarding mediation. England, he says, will recognise tho Republic when France confirms it by vote. The Prussiaus occupy Orleans. The Government at Tours are preparing to move to the south. A levee en masse has been ordered. M. Thiers arrives at St. Petersburg. Strasbourg surrendered at 5 o'clock this afternoon. Seventeen thousand soldiers and 451 officers were taken. In the report by M. Jules Favre on the late negotiations, lie states that Count Bismarck demanded as conditions of the armistice the surrender of Strasbourg, Toul, Phalsbourg, also one of tho commanding Paris, Mont Yalcricn. M. Jules

F.ivre refused, declaring that France would fij;!it as long as it possessed the elements of resistance. Paris calls upon t ! ie country to rise either to disavow Mini-slers or to H^ht to t'ne bitter end. T.ie Prussian despatches slate that the G.irde Mobile is deserting, and that 200 have been shot for disobedience. The Prussian inaction around Paris excites the impatience of the defenders, who call for a sortie on a grand scale.

28. At a Eed Republican demonstration held at Lyons, on Wednesday, General Cluseret forced himself into the Hotel de Ville. The National Guard, was called out, and order was restored. General Cluseret was arrested.

29. A courier arrives at London, from Paris, and states that everything was in a satisfactory condition. Great enthusiasm prevails in the capital. The steadiness and good conduct of t'-ie Garde Mobile are admirable. General Falkenstein is advancing on Lyons. Preparations are making for the siege of Mezieres. A sortie from Metz was slightly successful. 30. Strong sortie partie . composed of troops of the line, issued from Paris against the (3th and sth German corps. T.ie French attacked the 6th corps iv their entrenchments. After two hours' fighiing, the French wore driven under shelter of the forts, with heavy loss. The Prussian loss is said to be great. Several hundred prisoners were captured. Tiie Crown Prince waa present.

Oct. 1. The Government at Tours have ordered all Frenchmen from 2 L to i 0 to be organised by the prefects as mobilised lvitioivil guards, the Ministers of War drawing therefrom troops as fiey may be required. The FrancTireurs are placed under the orders of the Ministers of War.