The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-12-23

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In the afternoon the first shells OF the Prusslens
were seen exploding on the other side Of the river.
The enemy was now fairly In front OF the suburb Of
yiennc, blazing away wherever they could see any
thing that looked like . French uniform.
Tag FIGHTING.
The Prussian shells killed some men IN the bar.
racks belonging TO the troops on the north side OF
the river. who were moving that way. Others ieii
In the court OF the Cathedral devoted to the ambu-
lance corps. Bullets from needleguns came AZ Tar
as the chateau, more than mile away, giving an
idea OF tue Immense power OF the gun.
dAMBErrA's ARRIVAL
During the impromptu light WHICH l have de-.
scribed, Gambetta arrived Of l!ols lrow TIC i:ead
quarters OF the Army o. the Loire. 20 tp as could
learn, the plans OF the military contemplated no re-
slstance az this point eambetta dld not favor sur
reuder If he had beef bred soldier and the az.
mics he commanded been nghing armies lie might
have done more. Bat, at any rate he Immediately
broke Up the programme as regards capitnlauon,
and In fact did Gioffo .'7.@s X, ,..--y,,
PRU4sTAN SUMMONS 10 SURRENDER
When the Prusslans after pushing through vienne
loand lhat there wa. nothing to prevent ther en-
trance 10 lols but the gap in the bridge, they sent
word e The Mayor Of lhe city giving nm twenty.
five minutes I'm which to make the bridge passabie.
there was plenty OF timber at hand long enough to
span it, Had the answer been left to the Mayor
The Prussians would have entered Blois the same
night.
SIGNIFICANT ANSWER.
Gambetta, however, was in Blois, ana the answer
he sent was one which had been cast the foun-
dry at Toulouse. In fact, cannon wns placed OH the
heights, particularly ON those near the chateau,
which opened upon the Prusslans. The French guns
enemy, so that there is no chance or their being
sienced. A: the present writing the capitulation
has not been made, and the Prussians seem unde-
terllned what course to take.
THE ARMY OF THE LOIRE.
Though the Army OF the Loire has been cut In
two, II has not been crushed It has simply been
divided, and the authorities have determined TO
form two armies, one to be commanded by General
Chanzy, and the other by General Bourbaki. Gene
raj Paladines has been consigned to duty with tue
organization OF the new forces.
HOPE FOR FRANCE.
The two armies on the Loire are still competent TO
act separately or In conjunction. The new system
which Will be adopted of avoiding heavy battles Is
wise. By connning operations for the present to
skrmlshes the invaders are constantly exposed TO
telling blows. and their old soldiers are gradually
destroyed. As the Germans decrease in strength
so do the French constantly Increase Very soon
the French forces must be veterans, while the Ger.
mans must be raw.
A DRAWBACK.
But this system leaves out or view the relief OF
Paris which can only he accomplished by victory
In heavy battle, and this must be won soon, If ut
all.
Tours Ocrupied-Chauxy Misunderstanding.
cesstai arrangements.
BORDEAUX, Dec. %, 1870.
1t Is reported to-day that the Prussians have Occu-
pied Tours. They found no serious opposition.
CHAUzY's OPERATIONS.
General Chauzy Is at LIE Mans, where ne has re-
ceived reinforcements. Several batteries have
joined his command. His forces have also been re-
provlsioncd. number Of partial engagements had
occurred with the enemy. In all OF which General
Chauzy was successful.
PRussIAN BEHAVIOR IN ORLEANS AND BLoIs.
Advices from Orleans show that the Prussians
grossly insulted Bishop Dupanoup. and also treated
the inhabitants generally unkindly. 1t is also
stated that they treated the inhabitants inhumanly
during their short occupation Of Blois but com.
mittcd no excuses.
B0URBAEv'S ARMY REORGANIzED,
despatch from Havre, dated Dec. II, states that
letters from Bournea rAPers strat the Army OF the
mas been completely reorganized.