Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1870-08-17
ALEXANDRIA, VA.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST II, 1870

ALEXANDRIA, VA.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST II, 1870
THE EUROPEAN WAR.-From the reports
published, it is difficult to ascertain tho exact
status of affairs at the seat of war in Europe.
1t would seem that there had been two battles
fought, but if such is the case, the result is
mistifed by the contradictory dispatches, which
fail to give any definite account OF the engage
msut or engagements. The encounter which
took placs at Metz on Monday, it is said, last
ed niue hours, and ended with the retirement
of the Prussi4n forces but not until they had
driven the French within the Notifications of
the city. Both sides claim the victory. 1t is
evident, however, that Bazaine still holds Metz.
A dispatch from the sub-Prefect of Verdum
says that twenty miles from the Notifications
of Verdum the Prussian forces were seen re-
treating southwark. The last dispatch Of King
William to the Queen is not positive as to re-
suits An account OF the events of the last
three days is given to the French Corps Legls
latif by Count Palikao, who stated that he was
not prepared to speak of the defeat of the
Prussisns. but that they had sustained serl-
Gus check, which forced them to torego the at
tempt to disturb the retreat. of the French
army OF the events of Monday he said be had
received no official report, but he had learned
from trustworthy sources that the Pfussisus
had been checked several times, and wero re-
tiriog towards Commercy. lie added that he
Was full of confidence, but could not at present
enter upon details. In q lew days, he said,
much greater force would be under the French
Commander.in Chief, Marshal Bazaine. The
object OF tho Prussian movement on Commercy,
is said to be to form junction with the forces
under the command Of the Crown Prince.
King William announces the surrender to the
Prussians OF the fortress oil Henry, with its
garrison Ct stores and provisions, and the king
himself from that point dates dispatch to the
queen on Monday evening, announcing bis re-
turn from the battle field of Metz. Paris dis
patches say that some shots have been exchang
ed at Strasbourg, but that the Prussan troops
appear to be retiring from it. Reliable infor
nation will be looked for with great interest.
The Richmond Dispatch has an article on
Railroads and Local interests in which it says:
ut will be found ultimately By all roads that
the building up of the local trade is their true
policy. Railroad companies may be com pared
to the owners eff immense estates. All the
kot hos~
for transportation may be considered as man
aged for their benefit. 1t is their interest that
it should be rapidly improved and peoped.
For thus their transportation and travel are
multiplied, and their revenues continually TO-
creased. The managers of the estate should
be stimulated to increase its production. Every
Involvement should be offered for this purpose.
II there is any article of value, either agricul
tural or mineral, that cannot pay the tariff up
Oh it, and must be lost, that tariff should be
lowered until it, so TO speak, lifts up the article
and conveys it to market, making it thing of
value instead of an incumbrance upon the
earth. Thus the railroad company may make
itself as thrifty landlord, its receipts multiply.
ing in geometrical order 8 linz showing its
own liberal policy in the we'll titled farms, the
bright and happy villages, the lively, con-
tented. and thrifty population that at every
station appear to look after the brisk commerce
which has grown up through an enlightened
and wise policy. This policy has broader bene.
fits. increases the growth and wealth of the
State and promotes the industry and public
virtue of the communities who are its bene6
ciares. 1t stimulates industry, encourages
economy, and diminishes ideness."
10 an article on Conventions their objects
and effects and the duty of sustaining the nom.
inees of such ar this time especially, the Lynch
burg News alter stating that no axiom in
party contests is more firmly established than
that the running Ct Independent caudi
dates in opposition to the nominee Of Con.
vention. tends uniformly to weaken and aisor.
ganze that party, says: 81 nominations are
made ky Convention, let such nominations
really reflect the wishes of the people, and let
no man presume to control by trickery and
fraud the selection Of candidate A nom-
nation fairly made ty representatives of the
Peep 10 will certainly cone Us near indicating
the popular wishes as one nominated ty him
self, and running as an "ludependent cand
date" And especially would We urge the in.
consistency OF ohiecting to the candidate Of
Convention when We, ourselves refused TO at
tend or take part 10 its deliberations. Ii we
have not ielt sufficient interest in the matter 10
perform this ,ri6ing service, We should not
complain OF those who have attended and made |
the nomination.
10 compliance with the wish, expressed, Of
our esteemed correspondent, NJ, whose zeal
Tor the welfare of our good old town is his
excuse for earnestness, We call special atten.
ton to the communication, 10 to.day's Gazette,
upon the subject of railroad transit through
the CITY. asking for it careful reading and
C ,m consideration Ly all who are interested in
the financial prosperity OF this struggling coin
muaity. 10 private Dote on the subiec', our
correspondent says:
You will readily admit that have "cried
aloud and spared not" 10 my efforts to get up
40 interest IN this controversy, but fear that
General apathy has passed by my efforts uu.