Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1870-09-02

The drought continues. Inc corn crop Will
suffer materially, in most Of the counties in
this State.
The "March 10 Paris" is now the subject Of
absorbing interest.
EUROPEAN WAR REPORTS. -Grcat excite.
ment prevails over the siege of Strasbourg-
The French complain that the Prussians fire
upon the houses of tho inhabitants Instead of
the Notifications, and have destroyed over a
quarter of the town. The citizens sent re
monstrance but the Prussian leader refused
to regard it, contending that it was the most
effective way to secure the capitulaton OF the
city. The French commander in turn declares
the intention of the citizens to burn their
dwellings. They clamor for death rather
than surrender" The conduct of the Prus.
slams was denounced as ''inhuman" in the
French Legislature, and the entire Chamber
rose aud cheered the inhabitants. Great SYM
patty for them and admiration Of their con-
duct is expressed throughout the Empire.
The Public of Paris says that telegraphlc
communication is Interrupted between Sedan
and Mczicrcs, and no official dispatches were
received yesterday morning. 1t states that
the corps d'armee of General Failey was sur
prised by the Prussians in the fight on Tues
Y. i
received from the French representative at
Luxembourg that McMahon crossed the Mouse
safely and gained victoryat Longwy. ThePrus
SLAMS, after desperate struggle, took refuge
in the territory of Luxembourg, where they
were disarmed aud will be compelled to re-
main.
The Unconstitutional states that the En-.
press and the Diplomatic Corps will not leave
Paris. A vote expressing want ct confidence
10 the French Ministry was defeated on Wed
nesday by $50 to SO. Lyons Is to be prepared
for defence against the Prussian forces.
The Berlin Gazette thinks that Prussia S
terms of peace will dissect France on the line
of the Vosgcs or the Mosee, and believes
England will assent to the operation, and also
to dema nd of 1000 100000 francs indemnity
for the expenses of the war.
General Mattenopg distinguished Crimcan
officer, is appointed to tho command OF the
National Guard, in place Of General Trau
merer.
London reports via Belgium report furious
fighting all day Wednesday, between Armgny
and Dousy, and Prussian victory on the Sc
dan road
The French Prince Imperial has been sent
from Rethel to Avesncs, where he is suffering
from slight illness.
POLITICAL SPEAKING.-H. o. Claughton,
Esq, OF Alexandria, candidate for the Con
servative nomination 10 this Congressional Dis
trict, addressed the citizens of Fredericksburg
at the Court house, last night. 1t was the
first time we had the pleasure of listening to
Mr.. c., and we simply express the judgment
OF one and all when We say that the speech was
ornate and logical, and was delivered with
marked effect MIR. G.. is an openly pro
nounced Conservative; anti Radical from Alpha
to Omega. His parallel between the Revolt
ton of re and 81 was we'll conceived, and the
advice given wholesome and salutary. He
maintained that the government was our gov
eminent, and delineated in perspicuous state.
ment the marked difference that exists, and
striking error which some make in confounding
the government with its administration by the
Radical party Many of the passages OF the
speech were truly eloquent, and warmed up the
audience to lively appreciation OF the stu
alton.
Gen. Ruggles was also called out, quite
Unexpectedly to himself but delivered an i'm.
promptu speech which was well conceived and
expressed in appropriate terms, and which
elected the warm appreciation of his friends
Fredericksburg Herald.
TERRIBLE DEATu.-On last Friday q most
distressing accident occurred at the house of
the Rev. MIR. Crawford. about five miles from
Winchester. Mr.. Crawford had gone with his
wife to attend Grove Meeting at Rouod
Hill church, leaving Augustus Leach, their
nephew from Maryland, about fourteen years
of age, to look after some younger Children
Sometime during the day young Leach got
hold of loaded shot gun and began amusing
the children with it; be finally placed the side
of his head against the muzze of the gun, and
putting his foot upon the trigger asked the
children to look how easily he could kill him
self; this he repeated once too often; the gun
went off shattcring the bones of his skull and
scattering his brains over the children who
were witnesses to the dreadful tragedy. Au
gustus Leach was an orphan boy, and neither