The New York Herald Newspaper, December 17, 1870, Page 3

FRANCE: Herald Special Report of the Political Question. A German Demand for the Convocation of the French Conseils Generaux. M. Thiers’ Proposition to Save Alsace. flo Bombardment of Paris for Ten Days Yet. fhe Parisians Azixious for Another Sortie. ix Months’ Provisions Remaining in the City. Reported Advance of the Germans on Cherbourg. A Sharp Engagement near Vendome. Denial of the Reported Capitula- tion of Montmedy. HE PRUSSIANS REPULSED IN THE ATTACK. THE QUESTION OF PEACE. TELEGRAM TO THE NEW YORK HERALD. Prussia About to Close the War—Count Bis- marck’s Plan fora French National Coun- eil—The People Must Supersede the Mob— A Plebiscite Vote Said to Be Going On in Paris. BERLIN, Dec. 13, 1870. Knowing of the determination of the Prussian government to close the war between Germany and France at an early day, Count Bismarck’s newspaper Organ insists on the immediate convocation of the Councils General of France and the selection there- from of delegates to a national council, or conclave, the members of which will be charged to consider the question of the reconstruction of the government of France with the immediate view pf the announce- ment of peace, ‘The suggestion is sald to emanate from Napoleon, ‘who asserts that while irresponsible mob leaders are im power in France even the reduction of Paris will fail to secure peace. Other rumors, which are freely circulated in Berlin, msist on the alleged fact that acitizen plebiscite is proceeding even now in Paris, the vote being taken with the view of, approving of peace with Prussia, The Convocation of the Councils Generaux De ided—What M. Thiers Proposed in St. Ps ave Lonpon, Dec, 16, 1870, A despatch from Berlin says:—‘The Nord Deutsche Zeitung sists upon the convocation of the French Councils Généraux for the purpose of choosing among themselves delegates to the National Assembly, with the object of reconstructing the gov- ernment of France and concluding peace.” WHAT M. THIERS PROPOSED IN ST. PETERSBURG. It 1s said that M, Thiers, while at St. Petersburg, before proceeding to Versailles, intended to have proposed the abandonment of Count Bismarck’s demand for Alsace and the substitution therefor of the annexation of Belgium and Holland to Prussia, but he was unfavorably received by the Russ! athorities and abandoned the attempt at negotiation. THE BESIEGED CAPITAL. TELEGRAMS TO THE NEW YORK HERALD. ‘The Bombardment Postponed. Lonpon, Dec. 16, 1870. A telegram from Margency, dated December 14, and forwarded specially to the New York HERALD, says that the bombardment of Paris 1s not expected for ten days, PARIS WITHOUT GAS. A telegram from Berlin dated December 14, and forwarded specially for the New YORK HERALD, states that Paris is now entirely without gas, Many of the garrison endeavor to desert under cover of the darkness, to prevent which detach- ments of French soldiers are placed outside the - Walls, who stop and turn back all persons endeavor- ing to leave, The Situation Good—The People Desire More Sorties—Goed Spirite-The Food Supply to Last to Feb . eprusr¥* Bonpeaux, Dec. 16, 1870. Parie letters of the 9th announce that the situa fion is good. NOT DISCOURAGED. The repulsea of the Army of the Loire and the recapture of Orleans have not discouraged the Pari- sians, MORE SORTIES WANTED. There is a general demand for more sorties and Gniversal approbation of the answer sent by General ‘Trochu to General Moltke, and the people all say they will resist to the last. THR SITUATION ACCEPTED. The measures taken by the government since the commencement of the slege are accepted willingly by the population, TH FOOD SUPPLY. Having insured itself against a waste of provi sions, of which there are enough fresh on hand to last until February, the government will again have fresh meat rationed to the inhabitants, The other provisious are euMicient to last for six months, BEASONS FOR THE NON-BOMBARDMENT OF PARIS, A despatch from Berlin says:— The Provincial Correspondence of this city this morning, In its article on the progress of the war, says the proposed bombardment of Parts has again been. postponed because euch a course at present would be detrimental to military operations, The real object of the war and the interests of the army ‘at this juncture are paramount considerations. Un- questionably at the right moment the commander of the investing army will take such action as will fully ensure iinmediate and future success, OPERATIONS IN THE EAST AND ' NORTH. ‘TELEGRAM TO THE NEW YORK HERALD, ‘The German Advance on Havre Abandoned= Montmeay Not Surrendered. Lonpoy, Dec. 15, 1870. A telegram from the New York HERALD corts sbondent at Havre yestexday Mecember 14) reports NEW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1870.-TRIPLE SHEET. that the German forces have apparently abandoned their march on the city. French troops are emvarking at Havre for Rouen. Havre is much disturbed by gangs of roughs. MONTMEDY NOT SURRENDERED, A telegram from Brussels dated December 15 and forwarded specially for the New YORK HBRALD mentions a report current there that Montmedy has not capitulated, On the contrary, itis stated that the Prussians were repulsed in an attack upon the fortress, losing 1,900 men in killed and wounded. last hope of France, No doubt they will defeat the Army of the Lotre. Not because they defeated MacMahon and sazaine, but because they have & per- feotly appoimted, thoroughly disciplined, veteran army, whose movements are directed by @ greaé strategist, and because tt is not within the limits of possibility that generals of only ordinary capacity Can resist all this with uew troo} Although there can be no reasonable deuvt that the Army of the Loire will be whipped, zee it must be whipped before Paris loves its last hope, and Paris must lose its last hope before it will surrender, and not Ul all this ns been done can the terms of peace be asaned, Tho end, Sheretore, is still remote, and contingent upon many chances, Just as it Most im ble for the Prussians to make peace till they have taken Parts, se it 1s equally impossible for any party that may speak on iy of France to force the terms of peace in view of the great dimoulty of the question of Alsace and Lor- Taine. Napoleen, the Count de Paris and the revo- lntionary. government ‘are in perfect accord on this point. The Count de Paris says, ‘No gevernment can cede these provinces.” Tne revolutionary gov- ernment has committed itself to the ridiculous ex- travagance of the declaration that it will not yield an inch of French territory, Napoleon turns sway appalled at this first necessary ste] in any consideration of peace. Prussia will no abate a jot of her pretension, and none authorized to speak on behialt of France will for a moment con- sider her terms, What can be the Issue? Some- body must give in, Practical common sense must take tae place of sentimental extravagance. France, having her own polsened chalice commended to her ibe, must quaff it. As she would have taken pro- vinces she must lose them. The only Frenchman I have heard discuss this subject without his headin the clouds 1s old Bazaine, who, it need scarcely be sald, 1s not the incapable that many men seem to suppose. “In ail wars,’? says the old soldier, “there 1s a conquering side and @ conquered side, it would seem impossible for any one to fall to recognize a fact so simple. Yet we have only to recognize this fact to make our duty clear. We are beaten, Had we been the victors, who doubts but we would have taken the provinces of Rhenish Prussia? But, ag the fortune of war 13 — us, We must accept the law we would have given, If any one competent to speak for France had the moral courage to base his action on so plain a piece of common sense peace could be made in an hour. But the fact ta that while all parties froth at the mouth with patriotism there is no real patriot. All care for their own future and not for France. They will not cede the provinces because it would make such @ villainous “record.” There is no Curtius to leap into this gulf, venturing his own annihilation for the aot of his country. It is odd to notice how, here in Frankfort, the qgue-tion of Alsace and Lorraine attracts the atten- tion of the booksellers, All the windows are filled with ancient pamphiets, histories and descriptions of the provinces, and with all necessa: material, ine deed, for getting at the truth of a polnt on which much stress 1s laid—namely, whether France reaily wronged Germany out of this territory, and whether, if these provinces go back to what Mr. Carlyle calls their Teutonic master, it will simply be the restora- ton of stolen children, Certainly the Prussian au- thorities care nothing for this, nor does it practically matter how the truth stands; but as the subject has 8 certain interest it will not be untimely to give the result of some examination of the old documents made to while away the time of waiting on the mill- ae Rahaesnes. @ substantial result is very curious touching Strasbourg, and especially the charge that it was stolen, ‘rhe treaties of Munster (Westphalia), Nimeguen and Ryswick give the whole title. By the treaty of Munster France obtained from Em ror, the empire and the house of Austria possessien and the right of poverelanty in all possessions of Austrian territories held aprons in Upper Alsace—viz., the one Fenette, Belfort, Dille, ‘Thana, Altkirch and Eisenheim. This was not im ursuance of conquest. The Archduke Ferdmand harles, who owned these terriveries hereditaruly, had never warred against France. France ae three millions of lire (nine million francs) and assumed two-thirds of the debt owing by the Chambers of Eisenheim. By the same treaty France obtained, in additien to the territories named in Upper Alsace, the “landgraviate of Upper and Lower Alsace” and the “prefecture of Hagenan,” including the imperial cities., The nominal sovereignty in these was & possedsion of the house ef Austria, independently of the empire, and had been exercised 600 years. France obtained sovereign rights over the city of Strasveurg by paragraph 16 of the treaty of Rys- wick; also over the dependencies of the city on the right bank of the Rhime—namely, Barre, Wasse- boune and Marlenheim. ‘This resulted from an exchan, ainst the cities of Fribourg, Brisach and Kehj, which the preceding treaty of Westphalia had placed under the sovereignty of France. One ecg was bartered against another; so that rance came by Strasbourg as honestly as the Unitea States came by Alaska, WAR NOTES. A good fat cat in Paris now (November 25) costs ten francs. Up to a fortnight since the total of the North Ger man and Baden army losses was as follows:— The Strasbeurg fortifications have been repatred and are now placed in a complete state of defence. The German merchants are calling Count Bis- marck’s attention to the desirability of possessing the French East Indian colony of Saigon as a naval station. Contrary to the Geneva Convention the Ninth and Eleventh ae field hospitals have been plun- dered by the French at and n Orleans. The wagons, horses and whole equipment were seized and the attendants sent to Geneva, whence they re- turned te Munich. This “cruel war” has not spared the fine arts, There will be few pictures panied in France in 1870, few contributions added the musical compost- tions, few books written; the studio of the sculptor will be clesed, the schools of design neglected, the poetical, the imaginative, forgotten. 1, OMicers—dead, $02; wounded, 2,426; missing- 24—total, 3,252. 2.’ Soldiers—dead, 10,499; wounded, 50,249; missing (which :eategory includes the dead not found), 7,872—total, 68,620, Grand total ef all losses, 71,872, To this figure must be added the Bavarian losses, oificially reported up to the battle of Orleans, with 901 dead and 4,614 wounded. The Wurtemberg lesses remain to be accounted for, as also those by sickness in the whole army. We know, though. 80 much, that the present war has, been no exception to the old rule of disease being a more deadly enemy than powder and shot. TheMiluatr Wochenbdlatt, of Berlin, publishes a table showing the fate of the relics of each intantry regiment of the former regular army of France. The whole of the Guard, eight infantry regiments, of three battalions each, with one battalton of Chas- seurs, are prisoners. Of the hundred infantry regl- ments all are prisoners but six; four of these last, which were formerly in Algeria, being now with the Army of the Leire, and twe, which were at Rome, being in Paris. The whole of the Zouaves, three regiments of three battalions each, are captives; so are the twenty battalions of Chasseurs of the Line, and the three regiments of Turcos, a bedy formerly of the same strength as the Zouaves. other troops unacceunted fer are three single bat- talions of light infantry, speciaily raised for Aigerian service, and supposed to be still in the colony, and the Foreign Legion fermed for the same purpose, and sald also to be there at last accounts, Acomparison between the French and Prussian field artillery, from tae pen of a Chef d’Escadron in the former service, has lately appeared in a Belgian newspaper, and been translated in a German mil- itary journal, The writer admits that the Prussian guns surpass the French in range and accuracy ; but as the latter shoot well up to 3,800 yards, and will carry up to 4,350 yards, he considers this difference unimportant, He estimates that nene of the batte- Ties at Sedan fired at a greacer distance than 4,400 yards, The most serious point of imfertority on the French side is, he considers, the almost universal use ef time fuzes, which will not burn long enough for & range of more than 3,250 yards, and are always irregular in their action from the effect of atmos- pheric conditions, imperfect manufacture and de- terloration by transport. The Prussians, by using percussion fuzes, derive two great advantages—the Droportion of shells that burst effectively, so as to cause easualties or create unsteadiness in the ene- my’s ranks, is much larger; and, whether the shells inflict injury or not, the smoke of the explosion is a very valuable aid in judg- ing whether the range has been properly estimated. The French have seme percussion fuzes, he states, included with their equiptment and are furnished with instructions on tke mode of changing them when in action; but the artiilerists find it an impracticable arrangement. He cpnsiders ig better to have percussion fuses, whieh burst the shell with certainty at the first graze, than time Tuses which burst them in the air, but without cer- tainty; and he sums up by asserting emphatically that the great superiority of the Prussian artiller, was due to the better bursting of thetr shells, ail other points of advantage having been compara- tuvely unimportant. We may add that the ‘wild, indiscriminate bursting” of the French shells was especially remarked in the sortie frem Paris on the 2ist ult. « A Paris letter of November 20 in the London Times supplies the fellowing amusing report of the mede of boarding in the restaurants of tre city:— The writer says:—I do not know what is going to happen to Paris. I suppose 1t must fallin the end, if the neutral Powers do not interfere. But pray do not run away with the idea that tt will falisoon. It 18 @ questien of the belly, nothing more. Our beef and mutton will be exhausted in a fortnight, per- haps seener, Will Paris feed on herse, of which there is abundance’ I believe it will, and those who, like mysel!, vow never to touch horse will live on vegetables, For me, I am _ Shadrach. You remember the story of the three children who would not in captivity eat the flesh offered to idols and fed on pulse. At the end of forty days they were very fat. I think I couid get up in Paris the Shadrack, Meshech and Abednego Club. When the siege of Baris is over you will see us as fat as pigs on our diet of pulse, peas, beans and lentils. ‘alk anecd OPERATIONS NEAR HAVRE. TELEGRAM TO THE NEW YORK HERALD. The Rend» Near Hnvre Clear—Manteuffel’s Iatentieone—Prussians Retreating Toward Reuen—A United States War Vessel In- Jared. Lonpon, Dec. 16, 1870, A despatch, dated Havre yesteraay, says that the Prussians have entirely withdrawn from this section of the couniry, and the roads are open again to Yvelot. MARCHING UPON CAEN AND CHERBOURG, It is thought that General Manteuffel is marching upon Caen and Cherbourg. Despatches from Havre, however, represent the retreat of the Prussians to the southward as precipitate. THE PRUSSIANS RETREATING TOWARDS ROUEN. Areport trom Bordeaux say that the Prussians who were near Harfleur hav? , treated towards Rouen. is A UNITED STATES A Havre despatch An apology has it to Captain Wells, of the United States stear‘, Shenandoah, for the acci- dental shot received by that vessel a few days ago from a French iron-clad which was using her guns to intimidate General Briand, the French com- mander at Havre, who had ordered a portion of the squadron to Cherbourg. OPERATIONS ON THE LOIRE. ‘TELEGRAMS TO THE NEW YORK HERALD. ‘The Mobiles Successful Over the Bavarians— A Prussinn Attack Repulsed—Fight Near Vendome—Paladines. BorpEavx, Dec. 16, 1870, News has been received that between the towns of Briare and Gten three battalions of Bavarians have been defeaved by the Mobiles, AN ATTACK ON GENERAL GHAUZY’S LINE REPULSED. ‘The forces of General Faidherbe continue to operate successfully, and some Prussian attacks upon General Chauzy’s Imes have been repulsed with loss to the assailants. . BATTLE NEAR VENDOME. The following despatch has been forwarded to the prefects of departments :— The Duke of Mecklenburg on Wednes day attacked the town of Fréteval, on the road from Chateaudun to Vendome, which he occupied in strong force. We retook the place yesterday. Having united his troops with those of Prince Frederick Charles they engaged our forces in combat yesteraay near Ven- dome. The battle lasted till night, The enemy's losses are great. RETIREMENT OF PALADINES. General D’Aurelle Paladines has retired from the service and gone to his estate, iwURED BY A SHOT, ‘The Capture of La Fere by the Prussians Con- tradicted—Confirmation of Piussian Suc- cesses—German Lowes Near Orleans. Lonpon, Dec. 16, 1870. The Moniteur says that the French have been re- inforced at all points. LA FERE NOT CAPTURED. The capture of La Fere is contradicted. General Faidherbe passed the town without attacking it. Several engagements have occurred in that neigh- borhood recently, which were generally favorable to the French, x “ CONFIRMATION OF PRUSSYAN SUCCESSES, The report published yesterday that the Prussians had occupied Coutres, Montrichard and Ramoran- tin, on the Loire, 13 confirmed by despatches re- ceived to-day. THE HANSEATIC LOSSES NEAR ORLEANS, The Hanseatic losses in the battles of Orleans and Beaugency are officially stated at 126 killed, 745 wounded and 78 missing. MiSCELLANEOUS REPORTS. TELEGRAM TO THE NEW YORK HERALD. Germans Rejoining the Army—Bismarck to be Made a Duke—The Paris Canard—Good News from the City—More Arms for France—Miscellaneous Items. Lonpon, Dec. 16, 1870. Sixty per cent of the wounded and sick Prussians have rejoined the service. BISMARCK TO BE MADE A DUKE. Bismarck Is to be ratsed to a dukedom. It is aad that the Count prefers his own name asa ducal title, but the King urges him to accept that of Duke of Strasbourg. THE PARIS STORY. From Bordeaux the report comes that the sub- prefect of Havre, in a report received here, denies having sent @ despatch announcing a French vic- tory at Paris. He maintains, however, that there is a general and{precipitate retreat of the Prussians in the north of France. A BALLOON WITH NEWS. A despatch from Bordeaux says the reports by the balloon which landed at Honfleur have not yet been received at Bordeaux; but a despatch from the geronaut says he has good news from Paris, THE CAPTURES AT MONTMEDY. With the surrender of Montmedy sixty-five can- non and 3,000 prisoners fell into the hanas of the besiegers, and 236 German prisoners were released. URGING AUSTRIA. The French government urges Austria to demand the restoration of 3,000 Austrian railway cars seized and held by the Prussians, MORE ARMS FOR FRANCE. The steamship Erle, which arrived off the coast of England yesterday, has sailed for Havre, though it Is possible she may put into Cherbourg. She has arms on board for the use of the French, MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS, The French government has prohibited the navi- gation ef the Seine. Itis said that 300,000 French are drilling at Bor- deaux. A balloon with two passengers and 200 pounds of letters descended on the 15th at Herborn, in Nas- sau ( Germany). THE QUESTION OF PEACE. The Necessary Basis of Peace—Paris Must be Taken—The Feeling in Germany—Pras- sia Must Have Alsace and Lorraine—Opin- ions of tho Count de Paris and Marshal Bazaine. FRANKEFORT-ON-MAIN, Nov. 20, 1870, Never before were a people more weary of war than the German people are to-day of the struggle with France, distinguished though it has been by such an unparalleled series of German successes, On every hand—deep, heartfelt, unqualified—is heard the aspiration for peace. And yet the way to peace js not clear. The Prus_ sian government will not make peace till it has takea Paris. No doubt it desires to see the end of the war; but if che army goes home without the satisfaction of entering the French capital in triumph it will smart under the feeling of repulse and failure. Ana before Paris can be taken what must be done? Just now It appears that the Army of the Loire must be beaten, and so decisively and unmistakably beaten that it will be removed from the number of things that may encourage the hope and the resistance of Paris. All the German power is now, therefore, ad- dressed to this grand object. Before Paris the Ger- man armies stand still, content, apparently, to keep things there just as they are, while Frederick Charies and the Grand Duke of Mecklenburg move cau- Uousiy (9 compass onthe Loire phe everthao in of ing of pigs, let me end this letter with an ote. I took a friend to wreakfast with me yes- terday morning at Brabant’s, On the bill of fare I found cochon de lait. Now, I have many weak- esses, but all are as nothing in comparison with By weakness for sucking pig. 1 at once sald, “By all means, we shall have sucking pig.” But I catled back the waiter and asked him If it was a real suck- ing pig. He said, “Truly.” Then I said, “A little pig???” He replied, “Surely.” Again I sald, “A young, pig » But this question floored him, and he esitat At last he contessed, “It was a guinea ne) inner Now. Lask you, are you equal LUXEMBOURG National Entente Between Prussia and Belgium. British Diplomacy and Cabinet “Sham” Exploded. An English Ministerial Council Debating the Position—M. Thiers’ Proposed Sop to Bismarck—Prussia Reserves Her Right of Action. TELEGRAM TO TWE NEW YORK HERALD. Prussin and Belgia a in Accord on the New Diplomatic Question—The “Sham” Neutral- ity of England—M, Thiers’ Diplomacy. BRUSSELS, Dec. 16, 1870, Perfect accord exista between the governments of Prussia and Beigium on the general international Giplomacy of the two countries. The King ana Cabinet of Belgmm have been oftctally thanked by the executive in Berlin for the good faith which the Belgian nation has evincea in the maintenance of its neutrality, which ts in such marked contrast to the professed but really sham neutrality of England on the subject of Luxem- bourg. Prussia’s policy of self-protection, both on tho border and internationally, with regard to Luxem- bourg meets the approval of the government and people of Belgium. M. THIERS’ BAIT TO BISMARCK, It is stated in Brussels and repeated from London that M. Thiers after hia visit to St. Petersburg pro- posed to Count Bismarck that Prussia should release the territory of Alsace and restore it to France, and afterward annex Belgium and Holland, but that the Proposal was immediately discountenanced both in ‘St. Petersburg and Vienna, ACTION OF HOLLAND. TELEGRAM TO THE NEW YORK HERALD. Luxembourg Said to be Solemnly Purchased by Holland. BERLIN, Dec. 15, 1870, It is asserted from Vienna, on authority said to be reliable, that tne territory of Luxembourg has been solemnly purchased from the representative author. Ity of the Netherlands Kingdom, Citizen Assertion of National Integrity. Lonpon, Dee. 15, 1870. ‘The Luxembourgers have united in an adaress to Prince Henry of Urange, imploring him not to allow the destruction of the political existence of the Grand Duchy without the population are first con- sulted on the subject. Royal Determination of the Territorial Posi- tion. Lonpon, Dec. 16—2:30 A. M. King William of Holland has telegraphed to the government of Luxembourg that he “will defend the treaty of 1867 and the honor and independence of the Duchy. He also approves the acts of the govern- ment of Luxembourg.” The Cabinet Crisis Continued—No Ministry te Act. - THE Haug, Dec. 15, 1870, The endeavors to form a new Cabinet are still un- sucgpssful, England’s Idea of the Territorial Account—A Cabinet Coyneit May Define the Position. Lonvon, Dec. 15, 1870. The London 7imes of to-day, in an editorial on the Luxembourg question, says ‘itis not England’s duty alone to resist the absorption of Luxembourg by Prussia,” and thinks that “perhaps Prussia may be satisfied with that acquisition, and forego the taking of Lorraine from France.” A Cabinet council is to be held to-day, which ts ex- pected to define the attitude of England, TEE QUESTION AT VERSAILLES, The Grand Duchy Safe if Neutral—Prussia Free and Firm as to Her Future Action. Lonpon, Dec. 16, 1870, A despatch to the London 7imes, dated at Ver- Sailles, 15th inst., says the Luxembourg question will produce complication. The independence of the Duchy ts preserved unless it openly supports France. The Prussian government declares that the great Powers of Europe concerned themselves in the Luxembourg matter in the face of her plain viola- tion of neutrality in the interest of the French. Prussia therefore reserves to itself full freedom for her future course. PRESS CLUB DINNER IN CHICAGO. CHICAGO. Dec. 16, 1870. The first annual banquet of the Chicago Press Club took place at the Bright House this evening, and, in a social sense, the affair was a great success. About elgnty gentlemen connected with the daily and non-daily press were present. Speeches were made by Governor Bross, of the Tribune; Mr. Mc- Cullogh, of the «epudlican; Mr. Wilkie, of tne Times; Mr. Croffal, of the Post; Mr. Sherman, of the Journal; Mr. Hewitt, of tne Chu’onicle, and others, ‘The party broke up at a late hour. MURDER TRIAL. Worcester, Dec. 16, 1870. The trial of Charles W. Linn, for murder, .closed to-day by a verdict of not guilty. THE GLOUCESTER (MASS.) FISHING SEASON.—The estimate of fish taken in the district of Gloucester, including Rockport, during the fishing season @! 1870, 18 as follows:—Codfish, 240,000 quintals; ma. erel, 98,000 barrels; herring, 12,000 barrels; other fish, 12,000 quintals; shell 1 000 barrels; fresh fish, 7,500,000 pounds; oil, 135,000 gallons; manure, 3,000 tons. The total value of the above 1s $3,724,500, There are 573 vessels in the district, whese tonnage 1g 30,510 tons. The fishing grounds are on the coast of New England, Nova Scotla and Newtound- land and the Bay of St. Lawrence. The num- ber of men employed during the season was 6,084, and number of vessels employed 507, The cod fishermen average about ten to twelve ten te a vessel, and the mackerelmen from fifteen to eigh- teen. The loss of men this season by accidents will exceed 100. In Gloucester there are about fifty fish firms, who represent a capital of $3,600,000 In ves- sela, this being outside of the regular business, such as outfits, caring, packing and wharf property, the latter of which foots up in value over $1,000,000. ‘The firms in Gloucester have heretofore been in the habit of getting the enormous quantities of salt which they used through New York parties, put this year another policy was pursued, and a grand salt com- any, compesed ef most of the fish owners was formed, and nearly ali the salt used was imported direct on their own account, thus saving abeut fifty cents per bushel, ha apices ending June 30 the value of imports received’ at this port was $74,013 ; exports, $8,383. The mumber ef entries of foreign vessels Was 226, the tonnage of which was 24,528 The clearances were 155; tonnage, 19,370 ; duties assessed $66,649 09.—Commercial Bulletin, «NEw Ic# SuPPLY.—The Peekskill Advertiser says that the property known as the Hessian Lake lands, situated upon the west shore of the Hudson and one- half mile above lona Island, has recently been sold and a new ice company formed for the purpose of cutting and storing the ice {rom the lake, with a view to supplying a Southern trade with this eooling commodity, @ lake contains about thirty acres and 1s capable of yielding, in ordinary seasons, 20,000 to 30,000 tons of ice. Ice houses of suficient capacity to store the above amount are now being erected upen the grounds and are under contract to be finished by the middle of January, ready to re- ceive the ice. One uliar feature of ice gathering at Hessian Lake 1s that the ice coming from the lake, situated abeut fiity treet above the tops of the ica houses, ts made to slide all the way from the lake upon a track constructed for tha purpose, and de- posits itself in the ice houses ready for the ‘packers, at a great saving of cost for labor. The Eastport Sentinel complains that eggs will be admitted duty free frem the provinces aiter the 1st of January, much to the disadvantage of the East ern farmers. They mave heretofore — ten per eent duty, and consi 2 been ob- pare rain rable revenue The cessor, wi treatment than that which the conductor, Mr. AMUSEMENTS, PAILHARMONIC REHBARSAL.—The second re hearsal for the second concert of the Philharmonic Society took place yesterday afternoon at tne Academy of Music, pefore an audience which crammed the building from parquet todome and left very little desirable standing room. We doubt very much if the extra concert in honor of Beethoven can show as much to-night. The programme for the second regular concert is indeed interesting in the highest degree. First comes a very remarkable symphony by the pianist, Rubenstein called “Ocean,” although what on earth the ocean bas to do with it im the carrying out Of the subject we are quite at a loss to know. The last movement is rather too much spun out and ela- borate tos fault. But itisin general a fine work. Next comes a fine overture by Cherubini, under the tude “‘Anacreon,” which in many pi might be mistaken for Mozart. “Don Giovanni’ strongly imp! the overture in some of its best parts. nd last orchestral work is the “Ruy Blas” overture of Mendelssohn. is far more and, hule idea of seemed inclined to give it yesterday, rgmann, there 18 no doubt of its being a grand success. ‘100 much care and elaboration will tend to weaken a work to ag serious an extent as. carelessness ana want of proper attention. A conductor should not keep too Ught a rein over such a magnificent orches- tra as the Philharmonic when there are under bis baton some of the best musicians that America can exhibit, BRETHOVEN MANNERCHOR—FIDELIO.—The Beet- hoven Minnerchor, one of the popular German vocal societies, celebrated the centennary birthday of the immortal composer from whom they take their name last night at the Academy of Music, ‘The house was filled to the extent of standing room only. “Fidelio” was the attraction and was presented with the following east:—Fidelio, Mme. Louise Licht- may; Marcelline, Miss Roemer; Rocco, Mr. Franosch; Pizarro, Mr. Vierling; Florestan, Mr. Bernard; Jaquino, Mr. Habelmann; Minister, Mr. Standt. To the chorus all praise 18 due, as they sang with a unanimity of spirit, feeltug and expression so utterly different from what one is accustomed to hear in opera at this theatre, that their department of the opera gave unalloyed satisfaction, Madame Lichtmay sang ‘the grand music of the title rdle as a true, conscien- } tous artist, and her fine, broad, dramatic and culti- Yated school found @ congenial fleid in such a work. There might be a little more delicacy and roandi: off of some of the rough points of her school, but her earnestness and appreciation of the ideas of the composer were unmistakable. Neither Vierling nor Franosch were at all equal w the dem or their part but Miss Roemer and Habelmann both acted an sang with becoming spirit and that ease and confi- dence that ybetoken the true artist. Mr. Neuendorf led @ rather shaky orchestra with more success than many experienced conductors would dare hope for. PHILHARMONIO SOCIETY OF BROOKLYN.—A crowded house testified its appreciation of classical music last night at the second concert of the Brook- lyn Philuarmonic Society, given in the Academy of Music, Tne fascinating strains of Beethoven and Mendelssohn were listened to with delight by all Present, and to a small minority the works of these divine masters appealed to a critical and a musi- cally educated ear. The concerted music of these concerts is 80 purely and bewitchingly renderea that it must be a very dull ear and @ cold imagina- tion that is not moved to an ecstasy of delight with harmonies that have endowed their composers im- mortality, The concert opened with Beethoven’s Second Symphony, and was given with all the precision and barimony for which this society is so famous. Signor Carlo Lefranc sang Halevy’s La Pricre ae la Juive” with great sweetness and force, and Is a tenor of which the society may well be proud. An encore was demanded, and, after @ litte hesitation, he kindly complied with the flattering request. In the second part he gave the cantique ‘Noel,’ and was heartily applauded. Mr. Richard Hoffman distin- gulshed himself tn Beethoven’s Concerto in C minor, Op. 37; and also in Bennett’s “Barcarole,” from the ' ‘Fourth Concerto.”” Mezart’s overture to the ‘Magic Flute” ana Mendelssobn’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream” brought this concert, which it was a privi- lege to attend, vo a brilliant close. The next concert Will be given on the 28th of January. Musical and Dramatic Notes. Harry Sancerson’s concert last night at Steinway Hall was very thinly attended. Matinees will be given to-day at the following theatres:—Fifth Avenue, Wallack’s, Booth’s, Niblo’s, Olympic, Globe, Grand Opera House, Reale och Wood’s, Lina Bawin’s, Bowery, Association Hall, ‘Tony Pastor’s, Hooley’s, Brooklyn Opera House. ‘The Crete d | birthday of Beethoven will be celebrated by the Philharmonic Society to-night at the Academy of Music by a grand concert, The Vocal Society of New York gave their first glee and madrigal concert at Steway Hall on Thursday night, with signal success. Mme. Viardi Mart promises @ very interesting soirée this evening, at Chickering’s Hail, THE FECHTER-WALLACK IMBROGLIO, Boston, Dec. 16, 1870, The following letter, published in the Traveller of this afternoon, will, it is thought, terminate the Fechter-Waliack correspondence:— No. 2 BULFINCH PLACE, Boston, Dec. 16, 1870, “Veritas nibil veretur nisi abscondi.”” Based upon this principle I answer a communica- tion which I find in the Traveller of tunis evening over the signature of Charles Fechter, [tf has never before fallen te my lot to be obliged to recite any petty grievances, but when an individual makes a pubiic exposition of affairs at the Globe theatre, and takes the liberty to mention my name in con- nection therewith, fam bound to make some reply to it, There 18 mo reason, nor has there ever been @ reason, why tne Globe theatre should not be conducted upon a system of harmony, except in the arrogance ot the “sole manager” of the establisnment. ‘The “elo- quent” notice in the 7raveler on the sth instant, alluded to, and appealed to by the writer of the explanatory letter of this evening, may be easily auswered, ‘If a manager has rights, so has an actor, The absurd cant about discipline 1s easily met. I have been on the stage since boyhood—have held a respectable position for twenty years; 1 feel, there- fore, the value of discipline ard am prepared always to defer to lt. There has been no discipline under the management of Mr. Charles Fechter, Ladies and gentlemen have been summoned to their duties at twelve o'clock M., and the “sole manager” has walked in at two P.M, ‘Vhis is not of great importance, probably, but where a pei son exacts discipline le should, ¥ his own ex- ample, enforce it, I can vouch for the loyalty of every member of the Globe company, and simply beg now te assert my own. An actor may have @ pecuniary contract with the manager of a theatre, but he is, in fact, engaged to the public. Now, why do not perform tie auty which I owe the public? because Mr. Fechter, the “sole manager,” will not permit me. Why will he not permit me? Surely not because I said 1 would rather not assume the part of Don Saliuste. Does the public care about hearing the truth of the matter? 1 will tell it, and defy the “sole manager” to contradict me. engagement was made through Mr. Jonn & Selwyn (for Mr. Cheney) in the month of Mare! ‘The ‘terms of that engagement and the obii- gation it imposed upon me were thoroughly comprehended by Mr. Selwyn and myself, ratified by Mr. Cheney, and | was fully prepared to act in the spirit and letter of our contract. On the 26th of Apri, in a letter which I have before me as I write, enclosed in @ communication from a mutual friend, Mr. Cheney announced his desire to engage Mr. hter, but would like to hear my views first, as I should be consulted on 80 important a matter (vide Nis letter). Thinking that he saw a surer means of success in such an engagement, I offered to abro- gate my contract altogether and yield in favor of his hew design, fearing there might be some inharmo- nious elements in the composition of us company. ‘This Mr. Cheney could not listen to, but wished me to proceed at once with nim tosee Mr. Fechter. Ldid So, and Was received with most affectionate greet. ing, he assuring me that nothing could possibiy occur that would mar the harmony of our associa- Uons; that @ simple objection on my part to any policy devised would meet with not @ single argu- ment from him. I accepted the promises of the management of the Globe theatre in the most sym- pathetic spirit. 1 thought Mr. Fechter meant what he said, Tne proprietor of the theatre, Mr. Cheney, heard every word that was uttered by Mr. Fechter, and [ am sure will attest 1. 1do not believe the publie cares much about the internal disorder in a th but L do believe that gentiemen care about that which ought to be understood between gentie- men. The intention, as expressed, was that the drama was to be considered and cared for, and not the individual aggrandizement of any one person. Toe system of “starring” and indicating the position of the artist by the size of the letiers In which his name was printed in the play bills was to be abol- ished, Equality and fraternity was to be our motto, and a constant succession of new works would be resented to the public, in which the honors of per- Pirmance were to be fairly divided, Eveu V ctorien Sardou was to have been invited to write plays es- pecially for the Globe theatre. ‘The first play of Sar- dou has not yet been placed in rehcarsal. Mr. Fechter painted to me a Utopia, and I was weak. im to believe in him. In short, he was going te he has not done. I am sorry that there be a question of veracity beoween Mr. Fechter and myself. tt was never understood from the “first day of our meeting” that I was to play Don Salluste; and the proposition to alternate the characters in “Ruy Blas’? was but a subterfuge from au insuit letter which it was feared would be made public, wiil no longer pursue the theme. I have always been prepared to fulal my duty to tne publ my ewployer, and am so prepared now. Fer the en- terprising proprietor of the Globe I entertain the highest ond most sincere regard, and heartily would I share with him by my sinall efforts the labors which his assumed “Atias,"? who is evidently as weak in his mythology as he fs in his management, has fallea up to the present time in making remu- neraulves 4. W. WALLACK, RUSSIA. The Czar Prepared for War or Negotiation. Austria Mediatory Through Fear of the Consequences. Invitations Said to Have Been Issued, The Conference The Russian Army to Be Kept at Fult Strength—A Close Levy by Conscription. Sr. PETERSBURG, Dee. 15, 1870, A levy of six men in every 1,000 throughout Russ sla has been ordered to replace the men lost to the army in consequence of the shortening of the term. Of service of the conscription of 1871. AUSTRIAN DIPLOMACY, A Central Mediator for Peace—Afraid of Ruse sla and Hopeful of a Congress. > LonDon, Dec. 15, 1870. It is announced that Austria, wishing to maintain the existing guarantees for the peace of Europe, yet desirous of sparing the susceptibilities of Rus. sia, adheres, without reservation, to the decision of the approaching conference at London. ‘Tho Circular Invitations Said to Have Beea Issued. Lonvow, Dec, 15, 1870, It is possible that the invitations to the conference to be held in London on the Black Sea question were issaed yesterday. ‘What Russia Will Demand—America Sympae thizes with the Czar. r BonDEAvx, Dec. 15, 1870, A despatch from Marseilles says Russia will de- nounce the treaty for the closing of the Dardanelles, and adds that tne United States, which never recog) nized the closing of the straits, will sympathize ac) tively with the Czar. ROME. The Serious Riots at the Gates of the Vatican. The “Dangerous Element” Asserting Its Power Law and Order Vindicated by the © Pontifical Troops—Arrest of the Mob-Leader. TELEGRAMS TO THE NEW YORK HERALD. Toxnox, Dec. 16, 1870, Special HERALD telegrams from Rome, dated in the Holy City on the 12th inst., report that the sert ous riot which took place at the very gates of tha Vatican on the anniversary of the Feast of the Im~ maculate Conception was a most infamous affair, ‘The rioters were made up of a mob of ruffians, headed by @ desperate character named Tognettl, a professed infidel. They were armed with knives and hatchets and other instruments of assassina- tion. Four of the Papal party were wounded almost ime mediately. The soldiers charged on the crowd and Tognettl was arrested. During the evening the rioters, his companions, collected in front of the Police Oflice building and demanded his release, Next day, the 13th instant, Colonel Azyanes, of the First Pontifical regiment, was assaulted by the mob. He escaped from their hanas by rushing through the Vatican building. ‘The holy City remains deeply excited. The Papal Quostion in the Italian Legislature-« A Statesman’s Plan of Treatment in the Crisis. FLORENCE, Dee. 15, 1870, In the Italian Parliament to-day Sefior Lanz& made a powerfa! speech in support of the bill relative to the guarantee to be given to the Pope. He said the Catholic world demanded every guarantee which it was possible for [taly to concede. A bill for the consolidation of the Papai debts was introduced. Special Mission from the Pope to Prussia King William to Champion the Church. Lonpon, Dec, 16, 1870. The Papal Envoy, Monseignor Kogman, arrived at Versailles on the 12th with important despatches from the Pope to Bismarck and King Wiliam. Itis certain that the King promised the Pope to restore to him his temporal power as soon as the present war ends, The Day of Royal Entry. Lonpon, Dec. 16, 1870. It is said that Victor Emmanuel will enter Rome on tho 8th of January. FINE IN CINCINNATI. CINCINNATI, Dec. 16, 1870. Nos, 9, 11 and 13 on West Front street, between Main,and Walnut streets—a five story stone front— was completely destroyed by fire to-night. Two of the numbers belonged to Reuben Springer, and the other to the estate of Grifin Taylor, Loss on building, $59,000; Barber & Stout, tobace? manufacturers, loss about $30,000; Morti- mer & Co. aud B. H. Corning, produce dealers, loss about $3,000 each; the former tg fully insured; E. H. Griest loses, in leaf tobacco, $3,500: fally in- sured. Total loss, $100,000. EUROPEAN MARKETS. Loxpon MONEY Manknr.—Lonn M.—Conaola closed at 91 for mongy ecurities quiet. United Tea, 886 1880, is INT, BTAG niet, Erie 1994; Himoia Central, 1103¢; N MONEY MARKET. —LONDO! is, 91% for money, 9175 for the ac quiet and unchanged. Stocks ai Dec. 15—4:80 B 91% for the account, five-twenty bond@, Nes, 8714. Stocks Allaniic and Great Dec. 16--1:30 P. ut. American dy and un- Liyegroor, Corton MARKET.—Lryerroot, Dec. 15— 4:30 P. M.—The cotton market was unchanged, Middling u lands, on spot, Bd. ; middling Orleans, on snot, B44. x #95 to arrive, #d..8 Bed. The aaien of the day foot up 1,60) bales, including 2,000 bales for speculation and export. LivPeRPooL Corton MARKRT.-Livenvoon, Dec. 16- E ‘The cotton market opened qui Middling up. + The sales of jales of the week, es, tneluaing 11,000 tor export and #,000 for specaia- . Stock, 385,000 baies, of which $2,000 are American, Kecelpts, $0,000 bales, including 4800) bales of American. LIVERPOOL BRRADSTUTFS MARKET.—LIVFRPOOL, Dec. 15—P, M.—Brendstuifs quiet, Corn, Ws. Od. per quarter for new. LIVERPOOL BREADSTUFTS MARKET.—LIVERPOOL, Deo. 16-120 P. Me—Wheat-total receipts for threo days, 1.000 quarters, including 27,500 Americal ring, old, $e. 0d, ; winter, 10a, 7d. a ls. 84. Western flour LiveReoo. of MARKET. —LIy. 430 P.M. w closed, active; quoted at t Refined petroleum, Is, 6\fd. a 1s. 64d. Sugar quiet and steady. LivERPOOL PROVISIONS MARKET.—LIVERPOOL, Dec. 18-1 P. M.—Beet, 122s. 6d. ; pork, 104s, ; Jara armen, PRYROLEUM MARKET.—ANTWERP, Dec. 15.--Petroleum quiet, HAVANA MARKETS, HAYANA, Dec. 13, 1870, Sugars—Prices stiff, but quota‘ions are unchanged. Salee unimportant. Exchange on London, 18019 per cent premium; on the United States, sixty da} , 84 a4 per cent discount) short sight, 20259 per cent discount; in gol, sixty a Might, 6)6 &7 per ceot premium short sight, 8 per cent pre miu = CU