The Sun.
London, England, 1870-07-18 00:00:00

THE WAR.

INVASION OF FRENCH TERRITORY BY

THE PRUSSIANS.

M. Rouher announced on Saturday in the Senate that
the Prussians had entered French territory. According
to private information the PrusOans entered France near
Landau, but returned shortly afterwards into Prussian
territory.

The correspondent of the Telegraph says that on the
Prussians crossing the frontier at Sierck, near Thion-
ville, they were repulsed. The peasants rose as one
man. The garrison at Metz turned out too late.
The Constitutionnel, however, contradicts the rumour of a
Prussian invasion of French territory. It adds that only
six or seven Prussian horsemen, evidently scouts, were
noticed on the frontier, and that the Prussians are not
massing troops at that point. The same paper announces
that patriotic manifestations have occurred in diffe-
rent towns of France, and especially at Perpignan,
Nimes, Lille, Tarbes, Nancy, Amiens, Dijon, and Havre.
On each occasion of the departure of regiments they
received an ovation from the people. In Paris fresh war-
like demonstrations occurred last night. The crowd sang
the " Marseillaise," shouting " Vive la France ! " " Vive
l'Emp6reur ! "

The French were at Thionville, near Metz, yesterday.
The Prussians have occupied a French village, near
Longwy, and an encounter is expected to-day.

THE PRUSSIAN IRON-CLADS.

The Western, Morning News states that five French iron•
dads left Cherbourg on Thursday with the intention of
intercepting the three Prussian ironclads that left Ply
mouth on Wednesday for Kiel.

THE COMMAND OF THE FRENCH ARMY.
The Emperor leaves on Wednesday with' the Prince
Imperial, the Empress remaining as Regent. High com-
mands, it is said, will be given to Marshal MacMahon,
Marshal Bazaine, and General Trochu. Changarnier,
who ref Used a marshal's baton a few months ago,
has offered to serve, and will probably be employed.
Amongst the rumours more or less worthy of credit in
circulation is one to the effect that the French troops will
not cross the Rhine, but occupy the Rhenish provinces on
this side. It is also reported that 100,000 men are to be
sent to Denmark (?), and it is hoped that Belgium will
declare for France, Another report is that Rome is to be
evacuated, and the Pope left to his own protection. Italy,
in return, will side with France.

The Times' correspondent telegraphs that the Emperor's
departure for the army is certain, and he will be accom-
panied by the Imperial Prince. France seeks no alliance,
but prefers single-handed conflict. The despatch of troops
to the frontier is actively continuing. Don Carlos, now
in Paris, is ordered to quit France.

SPEECH OF THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON.
At Saturday'F reception of the members of the Senate
by the Emperor at St. Cloud, M. Rouher, addressing his
Majesty, said :—" The guarantees demanded from
Prussia have been refused, and the dignity of France
has been disregarded. Your Majesty draws the sword,
and the country is with you, trembling with indig-
nation at the excesses that an ambition, over-
excited by one day's good fortune, was sure,
sooner or later, to produce. Your Majesty was able
to wait, but has occupied the last four years in per-
fecting the armament and the organisation of the army."
M. Rouher added : "He ventured to hope that the
Empress would again act as Regent, and that the Emperor
would take the command of the army."
The Emperor replied : " Messieurs lee Unateurs,—l
was gratified to learn with what great enthusiasm the
Senate revived the declaration which the Minister of
Foreign_ Affairs had been instructed to make.
Whenever great interests and the honour of
France are at stake, I am sure to receive energetic sup-
port from the Senate. We are beginning a serious
struggle, and France needs the co-operation of all her
children. lam very glad that the first patriotic utterance
has come from the Senate. It will be loudly re-echoed
throughout the country."

A decree of yesterday's date has been issued ordering
the National Mobile Guards of the first three army corps
to repair immediately to the chief towns of each depart-
ment.

The Senate unanimously voted on Saturday, as urgent,
the financial credits voted on Friday by the Legislative
Body. The sitting was then suspended for a short time.
On the adjournment of the House the members proceeded
in a body to St. Cloud.

The Union Liberate announces that several waggons of
gunpowder have arrived at Verviers. A part of this am•
munition has been sent on to Dolhain, where a detach-
ment of Engineers is preparing mines for blocking the
tunnel of the railway if threatened by Prussia.

Prince Napoleon will return to France immediately.
Marshal Bandon has left for Algeria in order to replace
Marshal MacMahon.

THE INSULT TO M. BENEDETTI.

The Times correspondent says the public demand by M.
Benedetti at Ems was not the only insult that was offered
to the King. On the 12th of July the Duo de Gratnont
told Baron Werther that France insisted upon the
King of Prussia publishing a letter to the Emperor
Napoleon and asking his pardon, and that no allusion must
bo made in the letter to the fact that the Catholic Ilo-
henzollerns being near relations to the Bonapartes. Baron
Werther declined to communicate the message. The
Crown Prince of Prussia will take the command of the
South German armies.