The Sun.
London, England, 1871-01-07 00:00:00

THE FRENCH ACCOUNT.

PARIS, January 3 (Evening).
The bombardment of the north and east forts
and the neighbouring villages has continued since
the 27th ult., without causing any serious injury.
The damage is easily repairei during the night. The
Germans daily throw about 4,000 shells on the forts.
Up to the present no other points of Paris have been
bombarded. The spirit of the troops is in no way
elected by the bombardment. Our total losses since
its commencement have been about 20 killed and 200
Wounded.

The majority of the Paris journals urge the
Gcvernment to take vigorons offensive measures now
that the weather is milder.

The °gide( Journal yesterday contained an article
Stating that the Government, in unison with the popu-
lation, resolutely rejects all idea of capitulating. The
article has produce 1 a good impression.
Perfect tranquillity prevails in the capital.—
,Reuter's Telegram.

VERSAILLES, January 6.

The present attitude of affairs before Paris is very
threatening for the French. It is clear that we have
entered upon a period of active operations _against
the earthworks. Force is to compete with famine in
the German programme for January.

The loss of Mont Avron and the silencing of
eastern forts leave General Trochu small hope
41 his heavy artillery ; at any rate, the Germans
41% encouraged to believe that they can win in an
11,11illery duel, and easily do in other places what
has been done at Mont Avrm. Taking the out-
iliv°llis and silencing forts, though it might not
lead to an immediate surrender, destroys all chance
°f successful sorties. It would, moreover, cheer the
besiegers wonderfully, and satisfy German public
°Pinion.

hear that German speculators have been pre-
144ing for the fall of the city, and that extra beds
have been got ready in the hospitals round Paris,
48 though the final struggle were expected before
1
'ellg• The French, it is thought, will very likely
resent the attack on the outworks by a last great
;)tie, and try and get away from the city with a
detachment
of the army at several points. The
than
of those best informed is, that
the/r have never had less chance of success
&,,sllll now. The Germans think the end must
t-11 come, and their food supplies will be ready
fill the exhausted markets of the city when it falls.
Flecks of sheep are said to be on the march west-
ward on private account. Over and above what the
wi:,llsaian Government may do for the Parisians, there
1,,11 be large private trade.
°u must expect a lull in the war operations in
the'
provinces, as Moltke is likely to give orders to
e
or tr°oPs to remain on the defensive while the end
New' great siege is being brought about.—Daily

THE NORTHERN ARMY OF FRANCE.
VERSAILLES, January 5.

General von Bentheim, early on the 4th, starting
from Rouen, fell upon the hoslile troops on the left
bank of the Seine, under General Roye.
He defeated them, and partly in yesterday's,
partly in to-day's continued pursuit, took from them
four guns, three colours, and about 600 prisoners.
The Northern Army, under General Faidherbe,
which was defeated at Bapaume, is now retreating
on Arras and Douai. ' VON PODBIELSKI.

AlmNs, January 5.

The pursuit of the corps under General Roye,
which was defeated on the left bank of the Seine,
was continued yesterday, by a small mixed detach-
ment under Major Preiuitzer, beyond Bourgachard.
The detachment again fell on the enemy, defeated
him, took from him two more guns, one ammuni-
tion waggon, and prisoners, and forced him to take
flight. Count WARTENSLEB EN.
—Times.

The following telegrams come through Reuter's
Agency:—

THE EVACUATION OF
BAPAUME.

LILLE, January 6.

The headquarters of the French Army of the
North are at Boileux. The Prussians evacuated
Bapaume yesterday .
In the recent fighting near the latter place the
German loss is approximately estimated at 9,000
men, and the French loss at 4,000.
Lille is crowded with wounded.

General Faidherbe came here yesterday to reform
the commissariat department of the Army of the
North, which worked badly.

It is considered that it has been General Feid-
herbe's policy thoroughly to inure his troops to
campaigning, before making a decided march for-
ward.

GERMANS REPULSED AT GAINNEVILLE
HAVRE, January 6, (7 p.m.)
The Army of Havre fell back yesterday upon St.
Romain.

To-day, the Prussians, supported by two guns,
made a reconnaissance, and advanced as far as St.
Aubin Routot, whence they threw a score of shells
into Qainneville, but were subsequently driven back
towards Bolbec.

ARRIVAL OF FRENCH TROOPS AT
CHERBOURG.

CHSRBOURG, January 5.

About 100,000 French troops have arrived here
from the west, and are being actively drilled and
equipped for active operations.

ERENCH MOVEMENT ON THE SEINE.
HAVRE, January 6.

Considerable dissatisfaction prevails here at the
inaction of General Peletingeas. The Germans
have returned to Yvetot, and have also visited St.
Valery, where they made a requisition for salt.
The railway service between Havre and Fecamp
has not yet been reopened.
The Prussian garrison at Rouen has been in-
creased.

It iugenerally believed that a strong offensive move-
ment will be made by the French troops as soon as
the Seine is clear, of ice, when the gunboats will be
able to second the operations of the army.
The official account of the victory at Bapaume
has produced an excellent impression upon the
French troops.

FRENCH REPULSED IN THE EAST.
CARLSRUIIE2 January 6 (3 p.m.)
General Gliimer sends the following telegraphic
despatch, dated Vesoul, the sth :
" The enemy, numbering 40,000 men, was posted
near Rioz to-day, on the road from Vesoul to Be-
sancon.
" A reconnaissance on his part, near Vellefaux,
north of Rioz, was victoriously repulsed by the 10th
half-brigade, two light field batteries, and a squadron
of cavalry.
" The losses of the enemy are unknown. One
officer and 34 unwounded rank and file were made
prisoners. Our loss was insignificant."—Times.

CIIANZY'S AND BOURBAKI'S ARMIES.

HAVRE, January 5.

The Journal du. Havre says Chanzy's army is
daily receiving reinforcements, and its strength
is estimated at 200,000 men. It is certain that the
united forces of Bourbaki and Chanzy number
nearly 400,000, and that Prince Frederick Charles
and the Duke of Mecklenburg have barely 200,000
men.—Lombard Telegram.

GREEK BRIGANDS IN TURKEY.

CONSTANTINOPLE, January 5 (2.15 p.m.)

Arvanitaki, Spano, Calzoy, and other chiefs, with
over 80 Hellene brigands, coming from Greece,
were on the 31st December attacked at Ermee by
the Turkish troops. Their losses are estimated at
20 men. The Turkish detachment was very inferior
in number, and suffered heavily. The pursuit is
being conducted vigorously.— Times.

TURKEY AND ROUMANIA.

CONSTANTINOPLE, January 5.

Prince Charles has informed the Porte that he
does not intend to withdraw from the stipulations
imposed on Roumania by the Treaty of 1856.

THE NEUTRALITY OF BELGIUM.

BRUSSELS, January 6 (8.30 p.m.)

The question whether Belgium has a right to in-
tern French military men who escape from Germany
is about to be judicially settled, as two fugitive
French officers who have been stopped in Belgium
have now asked the Court to set them at liberty.
Their case will be heard on the 13th inst.

9 p.m.

The Berlin correspondent of the Etoile Belge says a
discussion on a question of principle with refereuce
to the Luxembourg affair is being carried on between
Earl Granville and Count Bismarck. The British
Foreign Office maintains that no violation of the
stipulations of a treaty is permissible, but Count
Bismarck does not absolutely accept this view.

RUSSIA.

ST. PETERSBURG, Junuary 6.

The Minister of War has submitted a scheme to
the Emperor, according to which military service
will be incumbent •on the population for a period of
16 years. Of this period the men will serve seven
years with the colours. Twenty-five per cent. of the
class 21 years of age will be levied annually. Im-
munity by purchase is abolished. The educated
classes are permitted to enter the army as volun-
teers at 17 years of age, and get the benefit of a
shorter period of service. ' Those able to pass cer-
tain examinations will be promoted to commis-
sions.

GREECE.

ATHENS, January 3.

The President of the Ministry explained to-day
iu fhe Chamber the programme of the Cabinet.
He said :—" We wish to maintain friendly rela-
tions with the foreign Powers, and to develope and
improve the internal resources of the country. We
shall respect the rights of foreigners, especially those
of our neighbours. Our foreign policy will be peace-
ful."

RESIGNATION OF ADMIRAL TOPETE.

MADRID, January 0.

Admiral Topete has declined the offer of the rank
of Grand Admiral, resigned all official dignities, and
resolved to retire into private life.—Lombard Tele-
gram.