The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1870-12-29
BY TELEGRAPH
TO THE DAILY PRESS.
e r EIGN.
The War In Europe.
France.
GEN. FAIDHERBE's PLAN.

BORDEAUX, Dec 28.-Gen. Faiiherbe, Ia q
despatch to the minister Of war, announces
that owing to the intense cold ness OF the weaih.
er, be will encamp his troops near Arras, and
await the prosecution of general movement
througbout France for the r-lief of Paris. The
weather in southern France is intensely cold.
BoMBARDMENT OF ST. CALAIS.
The Prussians cannouated the town OF st.
Calais on the 18th, and then entereu the place
where they committed many disorders. Gen.
Chauzy sent formal protest to the Prussian
general, and subsequently issued an order of
the day to his troops, in which he says, IT have
warned the Pruesians against the further per-
petration of such horrible actio IS as they have
committed against unarmed places and people
who merit better treatment from an enemy be-
cause of their extreme humanity to the Prus-
sian sick and wounded" The general adds.
1T is evident that T ance is not combating
loyal enemies. but devastating hordes; but she
VIII continue the struggle to preserve her hon.
or and Independence"
FORT AKRON.
VERSAILLES, Dec. N.-[Specal dispatch to
N. Y. World Fort Avroa, $500 yards east of
Fort Romey, is a new work, mounting naval
guns, reaching the towns of Chelies, Monitor
rers and Chichi. The fire from the fort in re-
ply to the Saxon guns to-day was accurate but
not destructive.
AN INEFFEcTUAL soRTIE FROM HAvRE.
HAvRE, Dec. N-[Spccial dispatch to N. Y.
Herald. ]-Since Saturday the city has been iu-
tensely excited over the first important strug-
gle between the French troops in this depart
ment and the Prussians, which occurred Sat-
urday morning at daybr After number
of petty engagements and skirmsbes with the
Uhlans and Saxons, the people became clam.
orous for grand sortie. Accordingly three
battalions. forming column of 5000 men press.
ed forward from Harfeur, and q force consist
ing of $500 Mobiles. 5000 Tireurs, one battery
of irregular artillery, II field pieces, mtraii-
1ousos and
my was under command Of Col. Mockmanerel
The troops were in the best state of discipline
yet known, and were prepared for "a reconnois-
sanee 10 force by daybreak. The Oath was one
OF the coolest days this winter, and on this dav
the half frozen French outposts were driven in
by the suddea appearance of the Prussan cav
airy in large numbers, moving on Chateau
Montliver at rapid pace. An alarm was
sounded, and the troops soon formed in cred
itab line, the artillery pushing forward on
the right wing. The French behaved WELL
handling their artillery and ammunition with
alacrity, and soon prepared for an attack. At
half past seven the battle began by an impetu.
Gus advance of Prussian cavalry, 1900 strong,
preceded by battery of artillery, which OPEN
ed furious canoonade, the smoke rising on
the cold morning air, and making it hot work
for the intrepid assallants Ii soon became ap-
parent that the French guns were well placed
and sp'erdidly served, but notsuf6cently sup.
ported.
The warm fire created a temporary democrat
ization among the Germans, whose lines wav-
cred, but they kept up their fire. These ad-
vances were made by the Prussians to capture
the French batteries, but they were each time
compelled to retire. This Unsuccessful fight
lasted two hours, and twenty rounds were fred
by the French, while the Germans fred twenty
five. Then large body of Prussian infautry,
preceded by by line OF cavalry, appeared on
the road from Freamp, coming to support the
enemy. A council of war was held on the
battle field, in which the Germans determined
to fall back on Harfeur. The French soon oc-
cupied the height commanding Baibc, with
artillery, which could have easily destroyed the
German forces. Looking down from this height
in the direction Of the northeast was the
beautiful valley of Lille Boune, and on the OPP
the Prussiaps.
To attack the French position it was neces.
sary for the Prussians to descend into the
plain then to cross a petty stream I'D then
ascend the opposite bank about $50 feet The
Prussians here hesitated to make the attempt
and at toe same time were exposed to de-
structive fire from the French; while from
their position their own FIRE was ineffective,
Soon however fresh Pr0ssan artillery appear
ed to the right of the French position aud the
fire from these guns caused the mobiles to
break 10 coaiusion and the Frech force com.
menced to retreats Immediately amid some
confusion. The Prussian line made an at.
tempt to follow up their advantage, but the
move mept was made difhcnlt by the nature of
the ground.
Nevertheless they car tule ed about 200 prison
ers. Thus ended the expedition intended to
accomplish the occupation of Yerstal and the
capture of 10000. Prussians and the artillery
and infantry stationed at that point.
The Prussian loss was abont 800 killed and
the French nnder 200 Since the fight the
Prusslans have again fallen back.
frussl:.
REJOICING OVER THE BoMDARDMENT.
BERLIN, Dec. 28.-The news of opening fire
on the Notifications OF Paris was received here
with public rejoicing.
Great Britain.
A BAD CHARACTER FOR THE YANKEES
LONDON, Dec. 28.-The Pail Mall Gszatte
warns Euglishmen that they cannot do worse
than persist in The idea that the people OF the
United States arc friendly to England. The
fact is dramatically otherwise. At any mo-
ment the Americans may iuflict an intolerable
insult on the British people.