Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1870-08-24
The Situation.

The news from the seat OF the Franco
Prussian war, is of such a complicated
character that it is impossible to form
a correct estimate Of the position Of the
~eontending armies.
Since the battle Of Worth the soldiers
under MacMahon have been cut of from
the main body. A portion Of them re-
tired on ~Strasburg, the rest retreated
west, followed by the Germans under
the Crown Prince, who intended TO pre-
vent, not only their junction with the
main army at Metz, but, with the other
grand divisions, to flank that place and
intercept its communications with Paris.
When Bazaine discovered this plan he
retreated across the MOselle, in hopes Of
withdrawing his army to Chalons, and
uniting, If possible, all the troops at that
point. 1t was while crossing that river
Sunday last, that he was attacked by the
Germans and driven northward, and
finally into Metz. Since then he has
been trying to r~e-establish his line so as
to carry out its original design and con-
centrate at Chalons. Very naturally it
has been the object Of the Germans to
prevent this. Whenever he has attempt
ed to establish his lines and commence
retreat to Chalons in good order, the
Prussians have attacked him and driven
him back toward Metz. Each time that
they have claimed a "victOry - and,
considering the purpose Of each party,
success may be justly conceded TO them.
Both on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thurs
day these attempts were made by the
French, and according to German ac-
count, those on Sunday and Tuesday
were unsuccessful. The result OF the
Thursdays battles are still confused.
1t is not claimed at Paris that the juno
ton between Bazaine, MacMahon and
the reserves at Chalons has yet been ef-
fected. 1t is asserted, however that the
Germans have been so crippled in the
conflict that they cannot prevent this
concentration there.
For the French, the situation is IN
dOutedly critical and the future is preg-
nant with great events. OF one thing
the French commander is cOgnizant, a
union with the reserves at ChalOns is
necessary, or a population OF his whole
force will certainly follow. In case the
retreat should prove successful and q
new line formed, or rather a ~concentra-
ton Of their scattered forces effected, a
great and decisive battle must be fought
at ChalOns. As the reader may remem-
Der, the plain of Chalons is already IA
nous as the scene Of one Of the most
important battles in history. There
huust he Roman Governor OF Gaul,A a.
d. 45l, with three legions reinforced by
Gauls, Yisigoths, Burgundisns, Ala
mans, and Francs, defeated "Attila, the
Scourge Of God and the Hammer OF the
Universe" with his vast horde Of Huns, |
OstrOgoths, Gepidae, Francs, Heruli, &c,
sc. TheOdOrie, the fourth king Of the
VisigOths, wa killed. The battle was
won Attila slowly retired and
lid not dare to pursue him. 4
Reports from Paris indicate that the
French people are firm and defiant, and
well pleased with the appointment Of
TrOchu as governor Of Paris but a vein
runs through our French reports indi-
q very general belief that the
Prussians will yet appear before the
walls Of that city.
Great events may be looked for within
the next sixty hours that may possibly
decide the issue OF the war.-GtepeEdnd 4
Leader August 20.