Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1870-08-20
ALEXANDRIA, VA.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 1870

SATURDAY. AUGUST ~, 1911
THr WAR IN EURoPE.-The morning pa
ners contain scarcely anything later or more
important, from the seat Of War in Europe,
than that published in yesterday evening 8 la
zette. The telegrapbic dispatches are quite
numerous but as contradictory as usual, and
quite as perplexirg. According to Marshal Ba.
zaine's report the battle which was fought in
tho vicinity of Verdun on that day, like those
that preceded it, was long, desperate, and
bloody. He claims to have repulsed the Prus'
slams all long the line; but says that the losses
on both sides were very heavy. This contra
diets former dispatch to the effect that Mar
shall Bazaine had been driven back to Metz,
with the larger part of his army, but it I'M
possible, owing to the character OF the dispatch.
es, to give any clear idea of the position or de-
sign of either army. Marshal McMaEon, with
the remains of his command, is said to be at
Chslons, aud as far back as Sunday last the ad'
vance guard OF the Prussian army, under the
Grown Prince, was at Blesme, some twenty
miles southeast of Chalons. The accounts
given Of the movements of the Crown Prince
are obscure. the London Times asserting that
the road to Paris is open to him. A dispatch
from Marshal Bazaine, dated. FerduD, 18th
inst, says battle took place near that point
on Wednesday, but gives no details. He says
the French everywhere maintained their posi-
ton, aud finally compelled the retirement of
the Prussians. For later dispatches received
this evening, see telegraphic column.
DEATH OF GENERAL HITCHCOCK
General Ethan Allen Hitchcock died at Hau'
cock, Georgia, on the 5th instant, in the seven
ty second year of his age. He was, on his
mothers side, grandson OF Ethan Allen.
His father was circuit judge during the ad
ministration of President Washington. He
graduated at West Point in 1917. He served
10 the Florida and Mexican wars, being in the
latter on the staff of General Scott. Soon at
ter the breaking out of the late war General Fl.
was commissioned as msjor general of volun'
teers He was most of the time on duty at
Washington He acted as commissioner for
exchange OF prisoners during some years of the
war.
DEATH OF Hon. j. P. KENNEDY.-Hon.
John Pendleton Kennedy died on Thursday,
at Newport, r. while on visit to that place,
i0i : \, a--'-I M- K was born in Baltimore
in October, 1895, served in the war of 1872, and
took part in the battles of North Point and
BIadensburg. He studied law with the cee-
brated William Writ, was an author Of some
note and distinguished politician. having serv
ed in Congress several terms and once as Sec
rotary of the Navy, under President Fillmore.
Mr.. Kennedy was highly respected wherever
known, not only for his literary abilities aud
political prominence, but for his genial social
qualities and elevated personal character.
Conservative Conventions are being held in
the several counties com prised in this Congress
sional district, and delegates appointed to a
Convention to be held in September or
October In all the counties where meet,
ings have been held, except Culpcpcr, Alex
dria has been designated as the place for
holding the Convection, and as it is more
accessible to all interested, it will doubt.
less be fixed upon as the place. A meet
ing is to be held here the latter part Of this
month, for the purpose of appoiEting dele gates
and suggesting a convenient time tor the as.
sembng of the Convention. More interest is
beginiug to be manifested in political affairs
throughout the State, and the Conservative
party is organizing for the Fall elections.
The delegate over whose admission the La.
Dor Congress disputed last year was woman
Miss Susan B. Anthony. This year the trouble
is with black man, John Langston. The
question of party politics has been brought in
to consideration at this meeting, and the sub
jects of Free Trade, Land Ownership, &C.,
discussed as components of party policy. Con.
crosses have become to be dangerous bodies
dangerous to their own peace and the welfare
Of all they pretend to represent. The fewer
there are of them the better for all parties.
Last night there was an unusually brilliant
display of Northern Lights. 1t first attracted
attention about clock. The western, east
ern and northern horizon was wildly illuminate
ed by succession of rapidly changing colors
OF ell hues of the rainbow. An interesting
feature was dense black cloud passing from
the west to the east, through which the light
was family seen. The phenomenon was wit.
messed with marked attention by mapy per.
soDs
On the 9th of July last the United States
treasury in Philadelphia was defrauded of
large amount in gold, by parties who had re.
ceived gold checks for coupons, altering them
to larger amounts before presenting them at
the paying counter. The proper Government
officer proceeded to that city about week
since, and returned to Washington yesterday,
having succeeded in arrestine the deirauder
and recovering So, 500 in gold.
Tho Washinafon Rennhlican thinks that