The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1870-08-17

q Great Battle between Metz and verdan-
The French Declare that the Prussians
Lost 10000 Men-The Rear Guard of the
French Army Cut on and Driven Into
Metz-Ths Prussians across the MoseIIe.
Pans. Aug. l6.-The Sub-Prefect Of verdun
telegraph, as follows to the Minister Of the In.
snor;
vHRDUs Aug 16-6 A. M.-An day yesterday the
roar Of cannon heard between Metz and Yer.
dun. Persons who have reached here from that
direction say that great battle was fought, open
ing at eaybreak. and that the Prussisns had lost
more than forty thousand in the combat and
been completely defeated. During yesterday morn
ing, at the extremity o; my reimbursement, %
kilometres from the Notifications Of verdun, tile
enemy had been directing his retreat to the
south.
Though THIS Intelligence was transmitted by au-
chonty the Govern ment has not Us yet been able
70 verify it. and it is given to the public under
serve b. the Minister OF the Interior.
s1R,sDorpG STILL HOLDS OUT.
EteninO-oncial confirmation OF the news OF the
great victory over the Prussians is imoatienty
awai,ed Great crowds OF people have collected at
the Bou Sc, at the Ministry OF the Interior, and in
the streets. Important news has been received
from Strasbourg to-day. The Prussi1ns In that
vicinity seem incline to retire. Some shots have
been exchanged. The people OF strasbourg are de-
termned 10 deicLd the place to the last extremity.
NoRK mrRALLEuR STORIES.
The Ncniieuv to-day says:
During the battle on sundly, Marshal Bszaine had
IN position masked battery OF mitrailieuri. -Four
regiments Of the IrLs-in Royal Guard approaching,
The batteries were unmasked, and two Of the regi
mcnls were completely anninilated.
COUNT PALIKAo DUS'T CLAIM A VICTORY.
The proceedings in the Corps L6gislsuf to-day
we're exciting and important. Deputy Keller said
tha for three days the troops had been nght-
ing, sud no news had been received as to what had
been accomplished In such q situation OF affairs
the Chamber could not think OF any other matters.
the meeting OF the Corps must be permanent to
await communications from tne Minister OF the
Interior. The Minister OF War, Count Palikao,
ssd he was not prepared to speak OF q defeat the
Prussians were said to have sustained but OF seri
Gus check, forcing them TO retire and forsgo their
attempt to disturb the retreat OF the French army.
de had Official dispatches touching the events OF
yesterday, but he had received news from reliable
sources and might state that the Prussians had been
checked several times, and were retiring toward
Commerey. lie was full Of confidence. but could
not ut present enter upon details In a few days
much greater force would be under the command OF
Marshal Bazaine, the only and the true Comman der
in.Chief The Minister then retired, and Deputy j.
Ferry took the hoor. In his remarks he reerre to
Gle Rmperor's proclamation TO the inhabitants OF
Metz as having created an unp leasant effect upon
tho public. The speaker was here interrupted by
expressions OF disappruval The tunult became too
greet for him to be heard, and he took his seat.
The Chamber then voted several laws for the
prosecution ofthe war. Deputy FORBADE announced
to the Corps that u certain religious society had
placed at the disposal OF the French authorities
their houses OF worship for hospital purposes.
TnE PRUssIASs FIFTEEN MILES WEST or ToUL
Dispatches received here state that detached
bodies OF Prussian cavalry are securing the country
west OF Nancy. Yesterla, a battalion OF German
Uhans were seen by some citizens Of Commercy
near that place. ommercy II town on the strss
bourg and Paris liaroad, fifteen miles west Of Toul
and twentyseven mes wet OF Nancy -ED The
Project OF the Mouse mas ordered the rails OF the
connecting lines within his Department to be torn
up to impede the march of the Prussans.
MARSHAL MAcMAHoN's OFFICIAL REPORT.
The following ia an order OF the day issued by
larshal MacMahon:
SOLDIERS In the battle OF the 9th OF August
your positions only alter heroic resistance, which
lasted not less than niue hours, You we're 1900
AGAINST 1900 ana were Cyerwheimel Dl lorce VI
numbers. Under these con IltiOns defeat Is clo
Ilous, and history VIII say mat IN tue battle OF
FrOscLweller tue FrencI showed the greatest yaor.
Nou have suffered heavy Losses, but those OF tn
enemy much greater. Although you have not
been success ul, n see cause in Jour misfortune
which makes the Emperor satisfied wi YOU, and 'he
entire country recognizes that you have worthily
sustained the honor Ol tAe htg. Let US shO@ that
thOugh subjected TO the seyefcst tests, the First
toTps, forgetting these, closes up It's rankH, and
10d siding US, let us seize great and brilliant
revenge.
OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT or THE PRUssIAS ADJ
An oiicial despatch from the Prefect OF Meuse to
the Minister OF the Interior Is published here to-day.
He says body OF German Ubans has been seen In
ue neighbOrhood Of COmmercy, marching toward
bAr lie Due, lie has therefore cui the railways in
ua1 section TO impede the advance OF the enemy
THE CAUSE or TUE GREAT BATTLE.
The Presss gives the following explanation OF the
movements Of the rrussi,ns:
Alter the battle ~ Foyblch, on the 9Th inst, the
srhy OF Prince Charles advanced, ami established
ks quarters ut 81. Avoid Alter the battle OF Wis.
eemLogrg, the army Of the Prince Royal went by
VA Of s.vsrne to Nancy. while ths sruI .haynz no