The Sun.
London, England, 1870-12-27 00:00:00

THE WAR.

THE SIEGE OF PARIS.

(BY BALLOON MAIL.-FROM THE SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
OF THE CENTRAL PRESS.)

PARIS, December 20.

A despatch has been received from M. Gambetta
announcing the successful retreat of General Chanzy in
presence of Prince Frederick Charles's army. This,
though merely a successful strategic movement to the
rear, has put us in good spirits. It was, in fact, more
than we expected. When news arrived of the defeat
around Orleans we felt that any moment might bring the
additional intelligence that a Metz or a Sedan had
followed. We have become so used to these tremendous
calamities that an indecisive defeat is regarded
almost as a victory. But Chanzy has evidently got clear
off, and he has shewn such fighting qualities during his
retreat as augur the highest hopes of the future. This
commander has risen to a prodigious reputation here.
Trochu and Ducrot sink into insignificance for the time.
Chanzy, unknown until now, is regarded as the man who
will save France.
The preparations for a sortie in force are completed,
and to-morrow is the day fixed for the attempt. Suc-
cessful or not, you may expect to hear of heavy
fighting again and again from this time. The
plan of the commanders seems to have changed.
Instead of attempting to break out in overwhelm-
ing numbers, they now propose apparently to assail
the German lines in all directions, keeping them con-
stantly employed, and so allowing no reinforcements to be
sent to the field armies of Prince Frederick Charles or
Manteuffel. It is upon the provincial armies that we yet
rely. They are greatly superior in numbers to the Ger-
mans, and have the advantage of the open country,
whereas we have to attack strong positions. So henceforh
you may look out for constant meltes.
Several of the war battalions of the National Guard
, have marched to-day in readiness for the sortie to-

morrow.
The mortality during the past week-11th to 17th—was
2,728, an augmentation of 273 on the preceding week.
Smallpox remained stationary, 91; typhus, bronchitis,
and pneumonia increased. It must be borne in mind that
the population of Paris is larger now than before the war;
it is now calculated at 2,300,000. _ _

The Eastern Question has been much discussed here.
We are disappointed--charitable people—that there is
not to be a war, which could hardly have failed to
turn to the advantage of France ; but the Confer-
ence is better than nothing. There is some
expectation that an armistice, with or without the revic-
tualling of Paris, will be concluded, and that the question
of peace will be smuggled into the deliberations. Any-
how France will be represented. There was no
thought here of holding aloof. It is true that
the Frenchman will have to sit at the same table with the
Prussian, but possibly the other diplomatists will prevent
them from coming to blows. To he unrepresented
would be to forfeit tho position of France in Europe,
which is not quite lost yet. Moreover, the Ministry hold
that the presence of aßepublican diplomatist will amount
to a virtual recognition of the Republic.

THE CAMPAIGN ON• THE LOIRE.

CHANZY'S RETREAT.

A very favourable account of General Chanzy's opera-
tions is given by the correspondent of the Standard : I
hear that the French have fought admirably during their
long reteat, and have lost no guns with the exception of
one battery of six pieces at Vendome, and this was lost
by the disgraceful conduct of the officer in command of
it. He is to be tried by a court-martial, but at present he
is not to be found, having judiciously absented himself
without leave. The Prussians were repulsed with tre-
mendous loss at Vendome, but Chanzy's men were in
such need of repose, that he decided to continue his re
treat, breaking down all the bridges in his rear
so as to reorganise his army at Le Mans previous to
taking the offensive ; that this was absolutely necessary
you will allow when you hear that not a single report has
been made as to the strength of the various regiments and
corps for the last 14 days, so you may imagine the con-
fusion that reigns at present. However, everything is
fast settling down into its place, and stragglers rejoining,
so that in ten days the army will be ready to move for-
ward once more, and this time, I think, successfully.