LATEST EUROPEAN NEWS.

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 710, 13 September 1870, Page 2

LATEST EUROPEAN NEWS.

THE WAR BETWEEN FRANCE AND PRUSSIA. PROGRESS OF EVENTS TO AUGUST 6. The telegraphic summary which we published on Saturday, regarding the outbreak of war between Prance and Prussia, recorded some of the incidents of the war up to August sth. By the receipt of Melbourne papers we have still later intelligence, and some details as to the causes of the war and its progress. The following particulars are from Reuter's aud other telegrams : THE DECLARATION OP- WAR War was declared by Prance on July 15th. The French papers had suddenly assumed a warlike tone, speaking strongly against Prussia. Meantime, the Prussians took matters very coolly, the King refusing to interfere at all as King of Prussia, except as head of the Hohenzollern family, but the father of Prince Hohenzollern had declared that his son should not accept the crown ef Spain, and everyone believed that the difficulty was

settled. On Sunday, however, the French papers became so bitter against Prussia as to create considerable uneasiness in the public mind. Intelligence arrived on the 14th that Benedetto, the French ambassador at Berlin while staying at Ems, had, contrary to all etiquette, accosted the King of Prussia in the Kurgarten at that town, while his Majesty was talking with an aide-de-camp, and attempted to obtain from him a declaration to renounce all future resumption of the Hohenzollern candidature. The King turned round, and told his aide-de-camp to inform Beuedette that he should have nothing further to say to him, and that he declined to receive him again. A Cabinet Council was held at the Tuileries, but no declaration was made in the Chambers. On the 18th, however, in the Corps Legislatif, the Ministry intimated the intention of the Government to declare war against Prussia.

The French ciicular affirms that Bismarck had prepared the candidature of the Prince of Hohenzollern secretly, thinking that France would accept it as an accomplished fact, although an assurance had been given previously that the candidature of a Prussian Prince was impossible. Bismarck denies the truth of the French circular.

The "Times" and "Daily News" blame France. The Pa« 3 " Journal Officiel" says that the object of the war is to stop Prussian encroachments in the south, and to save Denmark from ruin.

The utterances of the European atatesmens how that war had been long premeditated. ADDEESSES OP THE KING AND EMPEEOE. At the opening of the German Parliament on the 20th, the King declared Germany to he quite unconcerned in the candidature of Prince Leopold of Hohenzollern for the Spanish Crown. He compared the French Emperor's disregard of peace to the first Napoleon's conduct in gratifiying his personal passion by exciting the national sentiment. Germany wa3 desirous of a durable peace, but being no longer divided, was able to repel aggression. The King of Prussia disclaimed all the responsibility of the war, but found it impossible to accept the demands of. France. In a speech to the Berlin municipality he dwelt on the serious nature of the coming struggle and the sacrifices which it involved.

On the 23rd, Napoleon addressed a stirring proclamation to the Erench people, recalling to their memory his conciliatory disposition towards Prussia, which had been disregarded. Prussia was the aggressor and the cause of the armament of Europe. France, he said, does not war against Germany. France desires peace based on the true interests of the people, and to terminate the present state of things which involves constant liabbility of recourse to arms. Napoleon, in his reception of the Corps Legislatif, said that war was right when waged with the approval of the country. He confided the regency to the Empress, and took his son with him that he might learn to serve his country. He resolved energetically to pursue his great mission, and was confident of success.

ALLEGED SECRET TREATIES. On the 25th instant, " The Times " published the draft treaty between Prance and Prussia, submitted in 1866, but rejected by Prussia, and again rejected when offered lately as a basis of an offensive and defensive alliance for the unity of Germany under Prussia, France obtaining Luxembourg and indemnifying Holland, and to be ac tively supported by Prussia in her military occupation of Belgium. The English Ministry were ignorant of the treaty's existence. Our ambassador at Berlin confirms the statement of "The Times." Bismarck avers that the draft is in Benedetto's (French ambassador's) handwriting. The French Ministry attribute the origiri of the treaty to Bismarck, who dictated it to Benedette, but state that the treaty never had a serious basis, and that the French Government had no cognisance of any written project, while the verbal proposals were rejected by the Emperor. M. Ollivier earnestly disavows any secret policy, and attaches the greatest value to the friendship cf England. He declares that the only negotiations entered into with Prussia since January were through Lord Clarendon. On the other hand, Bismarck details the French overtures which had been repeatedly made for the mutual aggrandisement of the two powers, France offering to attack Austria with 300,000 men in 1566, provided the Rhine territory were ceded. The Due de Grammont avers that the initiative of the secret treaties arose from Prussia suggesting the annexation of all French-speaking countries. The Due de Grammont further states that the treaty was in the handwriting of Benedette, but that it was dictated by Bismarck. THE POSITION OF OTHER POWERS. Earl Granville has detailed the negotiations previous to the war. England had proposed that the King of Prussia should declare a renunciation of the candidature of the Prince of Hohenzollern, referring the question to England as mediator. Both belligerents rejected this. A conference was then proposed, which France rejected, and

Prussia did not accept. England! would continue to maintain a dignified neutrality. The Government were fully cognizant of their obligations to Belgium, but declined to make any unnecessary declarations. They relied on the support of Parliament in calmly maintaining the honor and interests of England. Mr Disraeli, in the Commons, advocated an armed neutrality. Mr G-ladstone objected to tne proposal, and said England would continue perfectly impartial, the Government taking precautionary and naval measures. Mr Cardwell says that England's military position was never so good since Waterloo. Supplementary war estimates of two millions haye been submitted, and 20,000 men are added to the army. Chartering coal ships for the belligerent fleets is declared illegal. An Army Enlistment Bill has been passed, and a Foreign Enlistment Bill, providing against building and equipping war vessels has been read a second time.

The Government ask the power to convoke Parliament at a week's notice.

Both France and Prussia reproach Englaud with favoring the opposite side, thus proving the fairness hitherto shown. The English press unanimously urge a rigid, armed neutrality. A monster meeting has been held in Dublin, in favor of France and Fenianism.

Holland and Belgium maintain a strict neutrality, which France and Prussia promise to respect. Belgium has 100,000 troops ready. The Hungarian journals approve of neutrality, but hope that France will be successful.

Austria and Italy have both armed, agreeing to take common action regarding neutrality and future mediation. England has refused to join them.

Bussia officially'announces neutrality so long as the interests of the empire are not endangered by the eventualities of war. No difference now exists between France and Spain Mr Gladstone disbelieves that any treaty exists between France and Denmark.

The South German States and Saxony and Hesse have joined Prussia. A Boyal proclamation was issued on the 19th, enjoining strict neutrality on the part of British subjects.

The English press generally pronounce the war to be a great crime, and public feeling is unanimous against France, which is without allies. Great difference of opinion exists as to the probability of England being involved in hostilities.

The Daily News says that if the alleged secret treaty of 1566, with respect to Belgium, between France and Prussia is authentic, the neutrality of England will be difficult, if not impossible.

PEEPAEATIONS FOE THE WAE

The greatest enthusiasm prevails throughout Germany, and large subscriptions hare boen raised. Germany is uuited, and Germans are flocking home from all parts to fight for the fatherland.

The whole of the North German forces have been mobilised, and 140,000,000 thalers (£21,000,000) have been granted by Parliament for the war. The Southern States of Germany have also voted supplies. The Prussian official press declare the army is now ready, and fear no preliminary reverses. The commanders intend to prevent Germany from becoming the field of operations. The French Chamber voted 490 millions of francs for the army and 86 millions for the navy.

A bill has been passed calling oul the Garde Mobile and enrolling volun teers. The army contingent is increased to 140,000 men.

M. de Lavalette, in the Senate, said France would need the aid of her children.

The Crown Prince of Prussia has assumed command of the South German army.

French merchant vessels are declared not subject to capture by the German fleet, and the French Government announced conformity to the international rules agreed to in the Congress of 1860. Prussian vessels are allowed 30 days to clear out of French ports. All with French cargoes are allowed to enter and discharge, with safe conduct for return if they were laden before the war. Prussian vessels, with neutral cargoes, are refused the privileges granted by the enemy to French cargoes. Eussian journals repudiate the rumor of an intended invasion of Eouniania. Bussia is concentrating troops. A Prussian squadron of four ironclads left Plymouth on July 19, followed by a French despatch boat. A French fleet • of seven iron-clads passed Dover northwards on the 25th, and arrived off Copenhagen on the 29th. They were off Frederickshaven, Jutland, steaming south, on the 3rd August. The fortifications of Paris are being strengthened. EVACUATION OF EOME. The Pope has been advised of the intended speedy withdrawal of the French troops, who were required at home. The troops began to leave on the 22nd! The Italian Government pledges itself to adhere to the September convention, and to guard the Papal frontier. The Austrian Government has notified to Borne the abrogation of the

concordat in consequence of the promulgation of the infallibility dogma. THE FIRST ENGAGEMENTS. Napoleon loft Paris on the 28th, indisposition having delayed his previous departure, and on the 29 th he arrived at Metz, and issued proclamations to the army, stating that the war was to be long and severe, because the scene was full of fortresses. Ho relied on the bravery of the troops. Faith, liberty, and civilisation, depended on the success of the French. A hundred French soldiers violated Luxembeurg territory, singing the " Marseillaise" in the villages. On the 31st, the Prussian official account stated that the French were repulsed on the 30th in the attack on Saarbruck.

On August 2nd the French troops at Metz assumed the offensive, and crossed the frontier. A serious engagement ensued, in which the Prussians were dislodged from Saarbruck. The Emperor and the Prince were present.

The Prussians numbered 10,000, The French lost 11 men.

Prussian accounts state that the small detachment at Saarbruck was attacked by five French divisions and 23 guns, and had consequently evacuated the town, with small loss, and had withdrawn within a new line of defences.

The Prussians were withdrawing from Triolo.

The King of Prussia arrived at Mayence on the 3rd August. The Belgian army of observation had taken up a position on th« military road from Liege to Aix-la Chappelle. Latest advices give Prussian accounts of a brilliant but bloody victory. The Crown Prince's army had crossed the Ehine and stormed Weissenbourg. They repulsed and dispersed the French, and took 500 unwounded prisoners. The French general, Duiiay, was killed. The Prussian loss was severe. The effect of the new cannon, the mitrailleur, was very murderous.

The latest French official despatch on the sth August, announces that a considerable Prussian force, massed in the woods, were attacked by three regiments of French, under Douay, and a Brigade of cavalry, at Weissenbourg. The French, after resisting several hours, retreated, and General Douay was killed. Since the skirmish at Weissenbourg the Crown Prince at the head of the German army, has continued his advance into French territory without encountering any serious resistance. He passed through several French villages, which were filled with men wounded at Weissenbourg. The Boulevards, Paris, were in a great state of effervescence in the evening, in consequence of the defeat at Weissenbourg. The old system of passports has been introduced in France. Marshal MacMahon has concentrated his forces into a strong position, and a great battle is considered imminent.

MISCELLANEOUS NEWS. The prospects of the harrest in England are excellent. A large sum has been withdrawn from the Bank of England for the Continent. Bank discount was 3§- on the 21st, 4 on the 23rd, 5 on the 28th, and 6 per cent, on the 4th of August. Forty failures on the Stock Exchange have produced a severe panic. Numerous failures have occurred in the corn, cotton, and provision trades ; also in the American trade. The Monarch Insurance Company directors are under trial for conspiracy and fraud. Lord Kimberley's appointment to the Colonial Office is little criticised. He is considered a safe man, but too dogmatic for the self-willed colonists. The Irish Land Bill was much altered by the Lords. Mr Gladstone accepted some of the amendments, hut restored other clauses to their original form. A motion to exclude bishops from the House of Lords was supported by 102 members in the House of Commons. The marriage of the Earl of Derby and the Dowager Marchioness of Salisbury was celebrated at the Chapel Eoyal. Sir Eobert Harvey, of Norwich, has shot himself, his bank having stopped payment. Mr Freolinghuysen is appointed successor to Mr Motley, the late American Minister at London. M. Prevost Paradol, the recently appointed French Minister, has committed suicide at Washington. On the 13th the dogma of infallibility was voted by 450 votes against 88 noes. Great consternation and anger were excited by a powerful speech of Cardinal Guidi, the Archbishop of Bologna, against infallibility. He was carpeted, and severely scolded by the Pope. In America a Bill excluding Indians and Chinese from citizenship has passed both Houses. The territory of New Mexico has been added to the Union, under the name of Lincoln. The new French settlement on the Eed Sea coast has been attacked, with the connivance of the Turkish Governor of Hodybaba. The men were ordered to discontinue building. The French consul has telegraphed for instructions.

The brokers Elmstone and Whitwell have been sentenced at Bombay to penal servitude for life; Captain Harriot, of the Aurora, to 15 years; Marks, the carpenter, to 10 years. Subscriptions are being raised by the German consuls in India for the relief of the wounded German soldiers. The Chinese massacre of the French consul, a priest, aud some sislers of mercy, with horrible maltreatment, occurred at Tientsin—not Pekin, as stated. The outrage was committed by the Chinese populace, with the connivance of the Government, on the 21st June. Two Russians were also killed but no British subjects. All Protestant as well as Soman Catholic chapels were demolished. Great excitement is felt throughout all the treaty ports. War appears unavoidable.