Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1870-12-02
ALEXANDRIA, VA.
EUROPEAN AFFArRs.GFrench account
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1870.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1870.
EUROPEAN AFEAIRs.-French accounts
speak of a battle at Beaunela. Rolande. in
which the Germans were defeated. This
point is twenty five miles northeast OF Orleans,
and was the locality of the battle on Monday,
the result of which has been previously an
nounced to be complete repulse of the French
army of the Loire. Dispatches from Tours
claim that the Germans have evacuated mum.
Der of towns on the Loire, and in an engage
ment at Mazieres, southwest Of Orleans, on
"Wednesday, were repu!sed alter nine hours fight
ing. From the same source it is also stated
that the French were victorious at Nuts, on
the eastern side Of the Fosges Mountains, on
Wednesday. The Independence Beige says
that the French army Of the North, which was
recently defeated near Amiens, viii! retreat to
the northern quadiatsral OF tortresses. The
Government at Tours is asking loan OF oter
fifty millions of francs. A dispatch from Tours
says that Gen. Ducrot came out from Paris on
Wednesday with large force, and after cross
ing the Marine, made successful movement.
The Report of tho Postmaster General, issued,
as most OF the other Reports from the Depart
ments have been, in advance of the meeting OF
Congress, speaks in favor of the postal tele-
graph, but does not yet recommend the Gov
ernment to undertake the experiment. Where
ocean steamers sailing under the u. 8. flag are
doing business that brings Ia considerable
sum in duties tc the u. S. Treasury, such as
those trading between China and the Pacific
coast the report recommends that subsidies be
granted to them for carrying the mails. In the
instance cited. the amount OF duties upon
freight, has steadily increased since subsidy
was granted. The particulars OF postal conven
tions with other countries and the project Of
international money. orders, occupy considerable
space in the report. The abolition ct the
ranking privilege is again Advocated. The
expenditures Of the Department, principally IN
consequence OF the franking privilege. exceed
the receipts BY seven millions OF dollars,
The report of the Commissioner Of Eauca.
ton is volumiuous document, eighty pages in
length, and accompanied BY supplementary
papers. filing a volume Of more than five hun
dred pages. He says in his report that West
Virginia has good oommon-school System.
Virginia is Just putting one into operation un
der great difficulties, owing to want OF correct
understanding of a ree-school system. North
Carolina has good plsn, but has not yet sue
ceeded in organizing to any large extent In
Tennessee there has been damaging reaction.
The Commissioner presents plea for the es
tablishment of an American University, to be
located at the Capital, where the National
Library, Observatory and Smithsonian lastltu
ton, with other aids would in themselves
afford fair foundation.
A letter has been published from Mr.. Rover.
dy johnson, to MIR. John A. Parker, president
of the Great Western Insurance Company,
giving historical "reminiscences OF his connec-
ton with the Alabama negotiations, great
portion being devoted to legal examination OF
the question whether the Great Western In
suranoe Company and other institutions hold
ing assigned claims for Alabama losses have q
right to settle privately with Great Britain. 1t
she is willing to make such a settlement, which
he argues they can do. He advises the under
writers to draw the claims they hold from the
State Department and seek satisfaction OF
Great Britain.
The administration makes denial that 1t
countepanced the occupation of the State CAPT.
tol Of Alabama with troops pending the cuber-
material contest which was going on between
the incoming and outgoing Governors. and
says that no troops were ordered there for that
purpose, and that such as did oncupy the
capitol building have been removed therciror
1t is not the intention to use the troops, it is
averred, except in cases where they are called
upon by the civil authorities.
The reinforcement Act" is now being used,
as every body knew it would be, for the annoy,
ance of the white people, by unprincip'ed per
sons who get up prosecutions and prosecutions,
under its provisions. A citizen is arrested, the
case examined by the u. S. Commissioner, and
the "prisoner" discharged-the complaint be-
ing frivolous or lalsc-and the vagabonds who
caused the arrest allowed to 90 off, probably
to trump up another accusation against some
body else.
The Washington Chronicle says:-"It is
now q matter of common talk that the majority
of the Department reports have been sold, and
it is believed that even the Presidents mes
sage and the report of Secretary Boutwell, are
in the hands of certain correspondents. We
should not be at all surprised if both are pub
lished to-day. Next week thsse papers will
be presented officially to Congress after they
have been spread broadcast throughout the