The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1870-08-20
War in Europe.

Since our last issue heavy fighting has
been going on between the French and
Prussian armies, with almost unwavering
success on the side of the Prussians. Ad-
vices from London up to the morning of
the 18th states the advance of the Russians
continues almost without serious Interrupt
ton. At Metz the French army received
a coup de grace, and has since fallen back
upon Ncrdun in Il demoraliZed and shat
tered condition. The retreat has been
most disastrous. Even individual soldiers
are rendered desperate by the agony Of the
situation, and denounce in unmeasured
terms the incompetency of their Generals.
The Tribune's correspondent at Metz
writes on Friday evening, 18th: s'For nine
days there has been nothing but marching
and counter-marching. The troops are
utterly weary. The whole of Canrobcrt's
corps has arrived. With the remaining
regiments coming this evening, by to-mor-
row 100000 men will be in line between
Montigny les Sablous, Grigny and Verney.
The soldiers, though complaining Of use
100 ftlc ltlll vi tIuOT, ttHu
tent of the prohibition to fire on Prussian
scouts.
"The Prussians occupy the whole coun-
try in front, and use the Fronch railways
to bring up troops. The whole country is
abandoned to them. They occupy the vii
lagos and towns in parties of hundreds, and
even twentics. 1t is believed here that
comparatively small Prussian force is oppo-
site Metz. The Prussian army is reported
as getting position i'll rear Of the French.
1.-The Germans having cut off all railway
communication whatever with Metz, Mar
shall Bazainc commenced retreat across
the Moselle, and proposed to follow the or
binary high road toward Verdun, whittier
the Emperor and the Prince Imperial, leav-
ing Metz to its fate, had proceeded him.
When only Ealf the army had got over the
river, the Gcneralissimo, upon whose pre-
sumed skill the hopes of France are now
fixed, was surprised. Just like the other
French commanders, he, by reconnoissan-
ces, had found no inkling of German corps
in the neighborhobd; but, nevertheless,
when one-half the army had gone across
the river it was attacked by a great force.
We have the Emperor's word that after
four hours hard fighting the enemy was
repulsed with great loss; but it is not as
serted that the half of the army which
wanted to go across succeeded.
"What is the meaning of 4 repulse in
the respective positions of the two armies ?
If the Germans had attacked Metz from
their own side OF the Moselle and been
driven back, the rcpulse would have been
Ineligible enough. But, on the showing
of the Empcror's despatch, they unexpcc-
teddy appeared in great force on that side
of the river by which Marshal Baxhine !
meant to retire and checked his retreat
The further the French were repulsed in |
that direction, the further they were pushed |
upon Nerdun, the more likely the Prussians
are to prevent Marshal Bazaine from join
ing the Emperor or going on to Chalons."
A special from Chalons writes on Sun
day: Ten thousand wounded are being
brought into camp. The town and camp
present scenes of the nations disorder and |
dissipation. Soldiers are shouting and |
drinking, the cafes and streets arc filled |
with prostitutes, and there is no restraint |
of order Or decency among officers or SOL
diers. If another battle is taught it will be !
a massacre: The disturbances in Paris
have unsettled the Guard Mobile, half of
whom would break away and return in case
of revolution. The regular army is still |
true to the Emperor, but nobody else.
London, August 1S-Midnight !
have it on high authority, fresh from Paris,
that it is the universal conviction there
that the Napoleonic dynasty is ended
The Empress having packed up and dcs
patched all her valuables, including pic
lures of inestimable price, has left for Eng
land by way of Belgium. 1t is believed
the Emperor is also on the way to this
country by the same track. He does not |
dare to return to Paris. Prince Napoleon
has fled to Italy with his family.