The New York Herald Newspaper, September 19, 1870, Page 3

ar BAS Seyi 7 NS THE SITUATION BEFORE PARIS. The foregoing map shows all the bastions sur- sounding Paris, a full description of which has E SIEGE OF THE ne Bastions and Detached Wortrenses for the Defence of Paris---Positions of NEW YUKK HERALD, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1870.—TRIPLE SHHET, already been published in the HeRaup. It also gives all but three of the detached fortresses en- circling the city, including the great forts of Mount Valerien, Nogent and Montrouge. The marks representing the positions of the Prussian forces OUR RES SDE AA ARON are intended for their advance and not for the main body of their army, that being concentrated some miles further off. Beginning from above Fort d’Aubervilliers on the north, the German \ Ny DEF DES NOISY, forces seem to form a vast semicircle, ending nearly opposite Fort Montrouge on the south. No report has yet reached us of their appearing op- posite Forts Vauves, Issy and Mount Valerien on PRUSSIAN FORCES HL bg ah oF mM) Mf % FRENCH CAPITAL. the German Forces---Their Probable Lines of Attack. PBUSSIAN FORCES, mm ‘SeTITl Oe Si y, HL ) "mm FID Hi) Uri) HAN : @ (NE? DE CHAREN Reb PRUSSIAN FORCES._ the southwest and west. The point where they are said to have crossed the Seine and been beaten back is situated between Clichy and Neuilly, both of which places will be found on the map north- THE WAR. Saturday and Yesterday. The Opposing Armies Active and Aggressive. Paris to be Defended to the Last Extremity. Contradictory Reports on the Peace Question. Jules Favre to Have an Interview With Bismarck. Prussia Must Have Strasbourg and Metz. King William Will Recognize Only Napo- leon or Bazaine. Fears of a Rising of Red Repub- licans in France. Thy French People Arming and Hurrying to Their General Rendezvous, THE PEACE QUESTION. TELEGRAM TO THE NEW YORK HERALD. Reported Arrangement of an Armintice Favre to See Bismarck=Views of Count Bin- marek—Prussia Must Have Strasbourg nod Metu—Powible Action of Ju eral News. ules cs Favre=Gen- LONDON, Sept. 18, 1870. The Observer prints, in offictal type, the following @tatement:— ‘The prospects of peace are now better than xt any Wme since the beginning of the » Lord Lyong, the British Minister, conducts negotiations between Jules Favre and Count yon Bismarck. It Ws said a brief armistive has ajready been ar- ranged.” BXPECTSD CONFERENCE BETWEEN JULKS AND BISMARCK. The French mail, just received via Dover, con- tains notbing of a later date than Friday. Paris was then belligerent in feeling, although a conference between Bismarck and Favre was anticipated, VIEWS OF BISMARCK ON THE PEACE QUESTION. A HERALD special correspondent (the same whose conversation with Bismarck was telegraphed you a. fortnight since) writing from Rheims the 12th, @eys:—I bad another conversation with Count von FAVRE Bismarck this morning. He said positively the Prussian government will not treat with any gov- ernment not recognized as de jure, and that the only government of that character in France known to Prussia is the government of Napoleon or the regency acting in his absence. ‘We do not know,” he added, “whether the whole of France will recognize the republic. How can we treat on so serious & matter with a provisional government which may be disavowed to-morrow. I asked whether ary English diplomatist had arrived at Neadquarters to try intervention. “I have seen no diplomatists,” was the answer. He commented sharply on the French treachery at Laon, saying the place had capitulated and the Prussians had entered without any opposition. Then a French artillery- man blew up the powder magazine, killing himself, forty-five Prussian Jagers and more than three hun- dred Gardes Mobiles. PRUSSIA CANNOT TREAT WITH THE REPUBLIC. Shortly after his conversation with Count Bis- marck the HBRALD correspondent met Count von Kendell, Bismarck’s counsellor. He expressed great anxiety concerning the attitude of the United States, now that the French had proclaimed a republic, saying, ‘‘We are anxious to have American sympa- thy on our side, but we cannot treat with sucha republic as this.”? It 1g reported that Favre is expected at head- quarters to negotiate personally for peace. THF PRUSSIANS MUST HAVE STRASBOURG AND METZ—THEY EXPECT AN INSURRECTION IN PARIS. A despatch from Paris, dated yesterday morning, says that a messenger is just In from the front ani the King’s and Prussian headquariers. He reports that Bismarck and the King insist upon the perma- nent occupation by the Prussians of Strasbourg and Metz. Indemnity is not a question of so much con- sideration; but the otner condition ts the sine qua non. ‘The Prossians intend beleaguering Paris and de- aying operations, relying upon an insurrection against the provisional government; but feara per- manent establishment of the republic, on account of the danger to monarchical institutions In Prussia, POSSIBLE ACTION OF JULES FAVRE. ‘The HERALD’s special correspondent at Paris, Friday, says he has gathered tne following from ® conversation with Jules Favre:— M. Favre thus far has carefully avoided offending monarchical governments, Should he fail to induce them to support France, he will throw himself unre- servedly into the bands of the republicans, and cali all Europe, no matter what nationality, to aid him in a crusade against monarchical insucations, GENERAL ITEMS OF NEWS, The attempt of the British Embassy to communi- cate with the Prussian headquarters failed because it was imposible to find anywhere a German officer commanding; no one could be seen but irresponsibie Unlans. The foreign Embassies’ despatches all agree that Germany demands Alsace and part of Lorraine, and that the provisional government would be repudt- ated by the country if it accepted such terms. Mr. Washburne expressed great indignation at the rejection of all overtures by Bismarck. ‘The action of the neutral Powers thus far has been completely paralyzed by England's refusal to recog- nize the provisional government. TER REPORTS THE PEACE QUESTION. TELEGRAM TO THE NEW YORK HERALU. ‘avi ble—Falne Ru- mors of an Armistice What Connt Bismarck Says—Jules be Prepared to ice his Party to hie Country. LONDON, Sept, 18—P. M. The prospects of peace look more favorable to- day. The statement that Bismarck had consented to receive Jules Favre informaliy is regarded here a8 an indication of the intention of the King, on ar- FiviDg before the wails of Paris, to relax the rigor of Peace Prospects More Favre Must Sacr his demands. Lord Lyons deserves all praise for his individual efforts to bring about the interview. FALSE RUMORS OF AN ARMISTICE—WHAT BISMARCK ‘THINKS. * Nothing is oMcially known in London of the re- ported armistice. The rumor is absolutely with- out foundation, An interview between Bis- marck and Jules Favre wil! probably take place, Bismarck having declared his readi- ness to receive him, but the same despatch says that while he has no objection to a conversa- ton with a titular French Minister, the latter must be prepared to accept Germany’s terms or the inter- view “wilt be useless. Germany does not feel ina Position where she can be called upon by neutrals or appealed to by the French to renounce the material guarantees essential to her future security, and suf- ficient to protect her against even a dis- tant renewal of such an attempt on the part of France as has = just failed. Considering also that nothing is to be gained, but much may be lost by a temporary suspension of arms, Bismarck says he will negotiate for peace, but not for an armistice. He adds privately that he is well aware to what degree of unpopularity a French Minister assenting to necessary terms of peace must expose himself. But that 1s not the fault of the Germans. If M. Favre expects his mis- sion to be fruitful he must be prepared to sacrifice his party to his country. ACTION OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT. The British Foreign Ofice announces that messa- ges have been transmitted during the last ten days by Her Majesty’s Government from the belligerents to one another, through Lord Lyons and through vount Bernstoff. M. Frvre has determined to go immediately to the German headquarters. No basis for negotiations has een agreed upon. MILITARY OPERATIONS, TELEGRAMS TO THE NEW YORK EDAD. Pissage of the Seine by the Prussia vere Fighting Around Paris Saturday and Yesterday—Movements of the Contending Armies—Paris to be Defended to the Last— Prussian Pinn Against the City—Sheridan on the War—The Captured at Sedan. LONDON, Sept. 18, 1870, A despateh from Tours to the HERALD, dated this evening, reports that there was hard fighting all of yesterday and to-day around Paris. PASSAGE OF THE SEINE BY THE GERMANS. A despatch from the HERALD correspondent in Paris, dated from that city yesterday, reports that on Friday last the Prussians crossed the Seine at Juvisy, two kilometers from Paris, with the inten- tion of establishing a battery there. They also is—Se- crossed the river near Athis, asmall town situated between Ablon and Juvisy, where they were at- tacked by the French and beaten back after a sharp engagement. About the same time heavy canonad- ing was heard towards Bicetre and in the direction of Forts Ivry and Charenton, Fort Vincennes had previously been evacuated, its guns brought within the walls of the city, and its works blown up. A FIGHT AND THE PRUSSIANS BEATEN BACK. ‘There was a fight yesterday between the Prussians and three regiments of the line, assisted by some battalions of the Mobile Guards and a battery of artillery. The result was favorable to the French, the enemy falling back. SKIRMISH NEAR CRETRIL. On Saturday General Vinoy made a reconnoisance Som Pagis and discovered p force of 30,000 Prussians | posted at Creteil. A skirmish took place the French Jost fifteen killed and thirty A cannonade followed lasting two hours. MOVEMENTS OF THE PRUSSIANS. The Prussians advancing on Paria have appeared on the heights of Villeneuve and Brunoy, on the east bank of the Seine, Prince Albrecht, with cavairy and artillery, passed through Provins on Thursday and Friday and proceeded to Nangis. It is reported that General von Falkenstein’s com- mand has been added to the Prussian forces ap- Pproaching Paris. MOVEMENTS OF THE FRENCH FORCES. It 1s reported that a French corps of 80,000 men, under General Ducrot, occupy the woods of Clamant and Meudon. RAILROAD COMMUNICATION CUT. A telegram has bee received from the director of the Orleans line, dated Ablon, the 16th, half-past four P. M., to the director, in Paris to stop the trains, as the lines had been cut by cannonade at the sec- ond bridge, between Ablon and Athis, and that there was fighting at this point (Ablon.) PARIS TO BE DEFENDED TO THE LAST. A HERALD correspondent at Paris writ ‘Many of the forts are without casemates, and the garri- sons can easily be shelled out. When the forts sur- render nothing can prevent the bombardment of the city. General Trochu declares his determination to fight it out on the streets, houses and barricades, PRUSSIAN PLAN OF CAMPAIGN AGAINST PARIS. A HERALD correspondent writes, on the 15th :— The plan of operations against Paris is, that the French being unable to oppose the Germans with any considerable army in the field, the Seine will be crossed by successive divisions to attack the weak- est part of the fortifications, those on the south front. Elevations exist on that side from which ap effective fire can be opened on the French forts. During the first two days after their arrival the Germans will be occupied in preparing their can- tonments and reconnoitring. An imvestment, so far as practicable, will follow immediately after. Communications on the north are already cut off, and those on all other sides will soon be, There will be no delay down to the moment when a peace or an armistice is actually signed, which is not antici- pated before the city falls, ‘ THE PRUSSIAN HEADQUARTERS. The King’s headquarters are still at Meaux. ‘The investment of Paris is proceeding suc and rapidly. Tbe weather is fine and the troops are in the vest spirits, in which wounded, esstully THE SIEGE OF TOUL. The siege of Toul ts beg pressed with the great- est vigor by the combined infantry corps of the line and the landwehr to force a reduction, * GENERAL SHERIDAN’S VIEW OF THE WAR. The HERALD’S special correspondent at Berlin sends the following extract of a lewer trom General Sheridan, dated Rheims, the sth inst.:—rhere seems little of the war left except the siege of Paris, | and that will not save France, It 1s possible the | French troops have not done so well as I think they | might have done on one or two occasions, which I | witnessed, from the fact that the poor fellows found themselve so badly handled by their commanders | that they could see no equivalent to be obtained by | a sacrifice of their lives. All men like to have an | equivalent for their labor, and especially is it so with the soldier, who wants success where many lives have to be sacrificed, The French generaiship put this out of the question in every battle which I have witnessed. Everybody here has been very kind to me.’? ONLY THIRTY THOUSAND FRENCH SEDAN. A despatch dated at Berlin to-day says that a telegram from the King’s headquarters makes a Great reduction in the number of the prisoners secured by the capitulation of Sedan. It states that the total number of men actually captured was only 30,000, including 39 generale and 2,605 oficers—s00 CAPTURED aT | zara, of whom were released on pargle, The killed and WOURdEd LUIDVETED 20.00) THE SITUATION AT METL, TELEGRAMS TO THE NEW YORK HERALD. The Crown Prince of Prussia at Cany—Ru- mors of an Intended Sortie by Bazaine— ‘The German Lines Tightening Around the City. Lonpon, Sept. 18, 1870. A HERALD special correspondent telegraphs from before Metz, on the 17th, via Esch, that the Crown Prince was at Corny yesterday. Rumors are circu- lated here and at Ars, Briey and elsewhere about a Grand sortie and cannonade contemplated at Bazaine. If you get them believe none of them. All is quiet, but the German lines are firmly tighten- ingina semicircle comprising Gravelotte, Ars and Courcelles, Preparations for shelling Metz and storming Plappeville will be complete within a week hence. The Prussian Advance Guard in the Suburban Villages—First Appearance ef the Army Scoute=How They March and How They are Received—Scenes at Chateaux—The Villagers Alarmed and Plundered~War Levies—Caution Against a Surprine by the Brench Regulars. Panis, Sept. 18—via London. I received to-day from a special correspondent of the HERALD some interesting particulars relative to the Prussian army advance on the capital. The ad- vices are dated within nine miles of the city. ‘The correspondent states that the Prussian scouts arrived at Sucy yesterday. The party consisted of a brigadier (sergeant) and four men. Their appearance produced quite a panic among the gardeners and farmers resident in the locality. The Prussians were cool and apparently unconcerned. Tie brigadier (sergeant) placed three videttes at convenient points of obser- vation; one at the spur of the hill which forms the extreme base of the range of hills, one at the gate leading to the house where my informant resided, and another at the gate which leads vo Beartanx. Three others came along almost immediately. They entered the littie town hail of the suburban village and demanded to see the mayor and curé, As I was present—says the correspondent—they ques- tioned me. I replied as best I could according to my knowledge and information in all matters to which they referred, They demanded to know if there were not armed men of the National Guard or armed members of the Garde Mobile in the place. They asked if there were not guns and small arms and ammunition bid- den away in the village church, Having received my replies they asked for a supply of cigars. | told them that there were none to be had. Wanting the cigars I offered them a quantity of light wine to drink, This they accepted at once, but on the con- dition only that I myself, with a friend of mine, should each empty a giass tirst. Being now joined by other troopers they took to their saddles again. The whole party examined the fine park of Genoux, Marsault and le petit vai closely, ranging their observations to a very wide extent. During this time the men remained standing up in their stirrups In all this they wanted to find out if there were any French regulars or Gardes Mobile stationed in the adjoin- ing woods. They then moved on, As the Prussians went along the French peasants removed whatever little property they had away from the line of path aud employed themselves even in tearing up the potatoes from the earth and carrying them off with them. The first party of German troops who appeared, and to whom I first refer, were Prussian Red Huz- Towards evening, the same day, a p the Blue Chasseurs of Prussia appeared. not ask questions, They made a tour of the village, Finding the place deserted and the houses closed up they employed themselves in driving thelr sword points and bayonets into the window shutters. Judging from the manner and conduct of these (the frst) I anticipate that when their comrades and fellows arrive in force they will break up and emash things pretty generally. ‘There ame just now three hundred of the same arm of the Prussian service at Boissy. Fimding a better suppis af food and mods there ther keen de east of Mount Valerien. 1t will be observed that all along this part of the French defences the river takes a deep bend, forming a kind of peninsula with the end near Fort d’lasy. manding money, meat, bread, French brandy ana tobacco im the most extravagant quanuties, Hay- ing nothing more to give them the remainder of the population made a@ clear ‘bolt’? and ran away, leaving the Prussians with their plunder in their homesteads, While I am writing the village baker leaves. There are only a few sacks of flower in the town or neighborhood. There are a few limited supplies ad~ ditional at the Chateau Clngault. Shonld there be no change in the existing condition of affairs, and that at an early date, we—says the informant—can- not remain long on the defensive for want of provia- tons. It would seem easy for Monsieur Lecompte to protect le petit vai very easily if a little energy was used, Almost all the inhabitants are sharpshooters, they speak their own language very weil and are very intelligent. The Prussian lancers go with their maps in their hands and demand information con- cerning all the surrou nding villages, from the peo- ple, and then consult as to their future mode of op- eration. They are exceedingly systematie, and the people cannot easily understand them. OPERATIONS ON THE RHINE. TELEGRAMS TO THE NEW YORK HERALD. The -Works Surrounding Strasbourg Nearly Finished—Mines Exploded by the Besieged— Colmar and Mulhansen Occupied by Ger- mans. MUNDELSHEIM, Sept. 18, 1870, It is Officially reported that the works facing lunettes Nos. 62 and 63 of Strasbourg are finished. Near theselu nettes fifty-three mines were exploded by the besieged, and the earthworks protecting the assailants were injured, but they have since been repaired. Colmar and Mulhausen are certainly « the Baden contingents under General Keller. upied by Strasbonrg UntennblemGermans on Lyons. Paris, Sept. 17, 1870. Strasbourg is now nearly untenable and the in. habitants are departing. The Prussians have been seen in front of Colmar and Mulhausen, marching towards Lyons. Advancing A Fire Without Intermission on Strasbourg— Breach Made—Efforts to Supply the City With Ammunition, LONDON, Sept. 18, 1870, A HERALD special correspondent before Strass bourg on the 14th says the fire continues without’ intermission and the walls are reduced te shapeless masses, The citadel is subjected to an incessant fire from the sid Its principal gate has been de- stroyed. There is a breach in {ts walls on the Keht side, and many buildings adjacent to the citadel have been fired. New batteries open daily, and 400 guns are now in position. The garrison fre i@ ak, Sometimes it ceases for hours. No effort to repair the damaged outworks has been made. Des perate efforts ure made to convey ammunition into the city, and the boats are frequently captured, Another telegraphic underground wire nas been dis- covered, this one running to Colinar. THE SITUATION IN PARIS. TELEGRAMS To THE NEW YORK HERALD. Awaiting the Attack—King Willinm tilt Opposed to the Republic—Victor Hugo's Appeal to the French People—German Protest Aaai bassadors Gon t the War—Fercigs Aw. the Chy, bE Paris, Sept. 16, 3870, 4 ‘The city is calmly awaiting the enemy, + King William refuses to recognize the provistonal government. He will only recogulz@ the Kinperog or Bazaine. A committee of Germay workmen have made @ protest against the wan, Yeon Victor Hugo’s address to France to-day is exciting from