Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1870-09-14
ALEXANDRIA, VA.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER Il, 1870.

EUROPEAN AFFAIRS. Nothing definite con-
corning the movements of the Prussian army
is given in the European dispatches published
this morning. The State Department at Wash
ington has been officially advised by the U. S.
Consul at Paris that the Prussians arc within
twenty or twenty-five miles of that city, while
London dispatch announces that they have
appeared at Provins, in the Department of
Seine ct Marine and at Laval Tracy and Carleport
in the Department of Disc. Proyins is about
fifty miles southeast Of Paris, and Tracy and
Carleport are respectively sixty aud seventy
miles northeast of Paris. 1t was rumored in
London yesterday that Metz had surrcdercd,
but the rumor lacks confirmation. Il demand
for the surrender of scissors had been refused.
NJ Theirs has arrived in London for the
purpose Of soliciting the aid of England in pro-
noting negotiations for peace; but the Lon
don Post states, semi officially, that the neutral
Powers have abandoned all hope of suspend.
ing hostitics. \ Paris dispatch states that
Russia is more decided than ever against the
ACKNOWLEDGMENT of France, and will propose
Congress to settle terms Of peace. Mr.. ThierS
is reported to have stated on his arrival in
London that he knew no republic-only the
government for the defense OF Paris, and that
he was authorized to submit propositions be-
fore the British government for peace upon
the following terms: Payment to Prussia OF
the war expenses; destruction OF all forts 10
Aisacs aud Lorraine, and the occupation OF
Metz and Strasbourg by Prussian troops until
the election Of an authorized government Tor
France, and the ratification OF treaty by the
proper authorities A dispatch from Munich
states that Prussia has formally notified Bavaria
OF her intention to annex to Germany portion
OF France as a military frontier. The PruSsian
ambassador had been in conference with Lord
Granville since Saturday last
The commander of the Italian troops on the
Papal frontier. 10 proclamation TO the poo
pie, has assured them that he brings peace
and order among them, not war the indepcn'
dence Of the Holy See shall not be violated,
and to the Administration will be left full free
dom OF action. The troops were enthusiastic
cally welcomed everywhere. The Pope has
ordered cessation of all resistance to the oc-
cupation OF the Papal States by the Italian
troops.
The practicabiIity OF using steam on common
roads appears at last TO have been thoroughly
tested in Scotland, where the success OF Mr..
r. w. Thompson Road Steamers, after varl-
Gus tlia's. has earned for them the endorse
nent OF the most skeptical. A six horse road
steamer has been running for several months
from Aberdeen, distance Of four miles, over
q wretcbed road, to the Kittock Flour Mills.
In many parts of the road the grade is one IN
eight, over which the steam engine draws ten
tons with great case, at the rate OF three miles
and half an hour. When VIC have canals
navigatcd by steamboats,, and locomotives run
90 common roads trade and travel will IN
crease beyond expression.
Louis Napoleon has lived to realize what
was experienced by the first and great Napo'
lcon-thc ingrati!udc of those who tawned
around him when he was at the height OF
SoN'~
command his friends he cannot
call, much less command. thcs", who were
once prompt to, even anticipate his wishes. 1t
is the old story-thc Old lesson, taught every
day-taught to men in the humbleSt as we'll
as the highest positions. 1t is known to all,
and, is not confined to Empcrors and Kings
We see every day, upon reverse OF fortune,
"men deserted in their utmost need" by those
once fed by their bounty.
The will Of the late B. B. French has been
filed and proved in the Orphans Court Of the
District of Columbia. The estate Of the de-
ceased is principally bequeattel to the widow
and two sons. His collection of Masonic books
he bequeathed to the Grand Lodse OF the
District of Columbia. TO the Washington
Commandery nc left the engrossel resolutions
accompanying the presentation OF the Dia-
mond Cross given him ty the Grand Eucamp
menL OF the United States, and also the sword
and ba!dric presented him by the same body,
to be suspended in their asylum, as aperpetual
memorial of his regard for the Commaudery
and for the Order.
Military men, it is said, when comparing
the strategy and results of the recent campaign
in France, with those which marked the clos
ing days of the struggle in this country, ex.
press more than ever their high appreciation
of the talents, science, and skill Of Gen. Lee.
His fame as soldier will increase as time
wears en-. We believe no general of our dag,
is his equal; but few in the days which are
past. And yet his military ability is but
portion Of his haracter-ilIustrous as it is, in
all respects.
Tho PruSSian government has got for the
present, at least, what they did not expect
when the war commcnced-a Republican gov.
ernment in France which has come with fears
of change pcrplexng nations Thcro arc