The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1870-12-18
Paris

- |
as to its chances of resistance. The soiu-
ton of the problem depends to great ex-
tent upon knowing the quantity Of provi-
sions within its walls and its consequent
ability to resist starvation. If supplies
should hold out two months more, the
chances appear to be that the French
troops from the outside might be able to
act in such concert with q movement from
within, like the recent one Of Ducrot, that
the city could be revictualed. In that
case it's reduction would be hopeless. If
food should last for only two weeks longer,
however, very different result would
probably ensue.
Gen. Trochu will never initiate the ex-
ample of Bazaine, and surrender several
hundred thousand men along with a posi-
ton which is starved into capitulation.
The Prussian lines around Paris must form
circuit of about fifty or sixty miles, and
it is evidently impossible that they can dis
tribute their forces in such a way as to pre-
vent the passage of even fifty thousand
troops who may intend to effect their escape
from the beleaguered place. A sudden
dash upon weak point, and it is broken
through before troops can be massed for
resistance. What then will be the chance of
restraining three OF four hundred thousand
soldiers who may have to cut their way
through if starvation is staring them in the
facet The least attempt to resist them in
force would leave the rest of the line so
bare that conveys of provisions could enter
without opposition in all directions. The
l,o ~
We cannot suppose, however, that Gen.
Trochu intends taking any such step at
present. His object would appear to be
simply to take q position as far advanced
as possible in the direction whence the
forces of Palladines must come in an effort
for his relief. If they should get within
cooperating distance, then he would be
prepared to throw his whole force into q
direct attack upon the Prussians, counting
upon the vicinity and assistance of the re-
lieving army. In such a case the great
numerical superiority of the French would
give them every probability Of success.
The great difficulty, however, is for the
, army of the Loire to get near enough te
afford any hope of cooperation. The
Prussians have their favorite position, be-
tween the two armies of their opponent
This is the advantage which they have
known how to seize and keep on so many
previous occasions during this war. By
:, :, means of it they can combine at will upoI
- either section of the enemy in overwhelm
ing force, while it is impossible for thu
. separated armies of that enemy to act il
= concert except by accident.
Gen. Trochu is not the man to let then
profit much by that maneuvre, however, il
u this case. He keeps his most advanced
force under protection of his fortifications
- so that the Prussians dare not attack, bu
Is must await his movements. If they mas
y. too many men on his front, he gets in sup
plies through an unguarded point; if the
detach too heavy q: force to pursue Palla
+ dimes, he is ready to fall upon them wit
overwhelming impetus.
While this game is going on, however
the French armies are recruiting daily
~ Thousands on thousands of eager com
~ batants are focking to the standards {
Vs. their country. Prussia has already don
her best. She has struck with her flu
strength, and can do more. Winter is upo
~ are getting scarce; supplies are failing
They have shown 30 uncompromising
81 spirit of hostility to the French people
30 they have betrayed such an infexible pu
pose of dismembering the nation aud POI
sessing themselves permanently of who
~ provinces; they have so haughtily and {
~ savagely persisted in profting to the utmo
of the advantages which they gained ov'
the Government that made war wit
-, them, and of trampling the French Peep
w. themselves in the very mire of disgra'
and destruction they have been 80 impl
cable in their feeling, 80 imperious in the
- success, so Indifferent to all the horrors
es- carnage and ruin, that the Gaul is fair
ne, aroused at last. Differences are laid asid
ith Boosting is no longer heard, the silence
CO. an enraged and outraged people broo
upon the trembling air, and though Pal
should fall, not a nerve will be shaken n
a resolution weakened. No man can rel
" the future, but we are of opinion tn
,no King William has presumed too much
- success.
on LIBERTY FOR EPISCOPAL DOCUMENTS.
her The BisboD of Berpamo has publish cd