The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-11-03
Special kilograms from the Sent OF War


The series of special kilograms from Europe
which appears in our columns this morning
supplies IN ample, varied and quite interest
ing report Of the condition of affairs existing
in the siege lines near Paris, inside the city
and at Metz. These dispatches convey enough
choly facts, camp and regimental news, details
of executive and legal progress, but nothing
very fixed or definite as to the coming issue of
the wharf.-the when and the wherefore of this
great struggle between France and Prussia.
From Metz we have special details of the
surrender of the fortress. The trophies or
spoils Of war which fell into the hands of the
Prussians were of the most valuable descrip-
ton, particularly when in possession of o
great war-making Power. The French pri-
soners were numerous to degree. Their case
was regulated at once under the active,
prompt and decisive rules of the Prussian War
Office Civilians had code of law proclaimed
for their future guidance. Engineers went
into the fortress and neutralized the French
mines; so, as will be seen from our
advices the vast stronghold of Metz has
passed away. 1t will no longer frown
on the people-no more terrorize
over citizen France or free Germany.
The terms Of the treaty Of capitulation agreed
to at Metz are given seri0hm. They 60 to con-
firm our news of the consequences. Prussia
reaction in or around Metz-the grim reality
Of martial law standing forth to the view Of the
civilian inhabitants alongside Of the army
courtesies, if we may 50 term them, OF the
new treaty. Marshal Bazaine retired quietly.
He had, it is alleged, need Of precautiOn
against personal danger at the hands Of his own
men. General Bourbaki has, it is said, re-
signed his command in the French army.
Prussia remains irritated against England on
account of her position as neutr al-the Berlin
cabinet adhering, apparently, to the severe
text Of The Bernstein circular to Earl Gran
vile, which was given sn ertenso in our col
umns few days since. The Germans in
Europe are angered against the English not
only on their own account, but also by reason Of
the utterance of Eaglish remarks on the war
feeling which has been exhibited by the Ger
mans in the United States.
Our special telegraph writers enumerate the
names Of many Of the Americans who have
arrived In London from Paris through the
Prussian lines. 1t will be seen that the liberia
ton of our countrymen from the besieged city
was effected only after considerable trouble
and by the firm exertion Of Minister Wash
burne. The United States Ambassador was
compelled, indeed, to bring NJ Jules Favre
squarely 70 the mark, - will be seen from our
vcr5atim report of his address, before the
Americans were liberated. Minister Wash
burne was brief, courteous and decided in his
words, and consequently successful. It is to
be hoped that his action will inaugurate new
era in the history of our foreign diplomacy.
The members Of the government of the
French republic, the men who sm0te down the
power of tue empire 10 freedoms name, are
not by any means tolerant towards the free
expression Of an independent journalism.
This is evidenced by the action which was
taken in the case of M. Portals, editor of
La Verftf, who was arrested and submitted
to magisterial Interrogation for having
published news of the proclamation of the
s'reds" at Lyons. The judicial course which
was observed towards the journalist was Of
the most stringent kind, and almost according
to the British routine in similar cases
in the days Of Junius; SO that it
appeared likely for q moment that he
would be- dealt with severely. At this
crisis came forward the Chevalier Wikoff, Of
New York, who owned the authorship of the
utterances in the manly letter which we print.
Wikoff had had the facts which Portals
published from members Of the Cabinet
His publication fell 'like bombshelr'
in the ministerial ranks. NJ Portals was
visited in secret and finally liberated by an
executive which appears to have been COM
pletely frightened by the simple issue of his
journal Straws thrown up indicate the course
of tho wind So after the Portals arrest
exhibition we are not surprised at the conclud-
ing portion Of our special telegraph letter from
Paris, which enumerates the particulars Of
confused and unsuccessful sortie on the
PrussiaDs, an undecided and indecisive council
of war, and the existence Of q gloomy state
of affairs generally among the defenders.
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Two JOURNALISTS IN THE FlELD.-GeOrge
Wilkes, of the Spirit Of the Times, has been
nominated as the republican candidate fol
Congress from the Eighth district james
Brooks, Of the Erpress, is The Tammany can
didate. In 1868 Mr.. Brooks had between
eleven and twelve thousand majority. There
fore the friends 9f Mr.. Wilkes will have to wo'l
hard to secure his election. One thing, how
ever, must be said in favor Of MIR, Wukes-tha
The triumphant vindication Of his persona
character ip the recent libel suit against thu
editors Of the Turf, Field and Farm places