Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1870-08-26
In the confict now raging between France

In the conflict now raging between France
and Prussia. from the first battles, the Prus-
slams seem to have gained and kept the
advantage. They concentrated and broke
the French centre and seriously disabled the
right wing and have continued the endeavor
10 preyent the union of the French armies
thus severed. The French, thus compelled
to retreat, in order to unite, have been
vigorously followed and attacked by the
Prussians, and have as bravely resisted,
sometimes with success and sometimes COM
PEELED to give way, but always retreating
with the view of concentrating between the
Prussians and Paris. Some of the battles
brought on by those movements have boon
severe. The one, at Rezonville, near and
west of Metz, on Thursday Of last week, was
particularly SO. Both sides claim the vic
tory. The French assert that the Prussians
were repulsed and driven back, while King
William says the French were totally routed
and driven back on Metz and their commit
nications with Paris destroyed. It would
seem that latter is correct, as other French
reports say Marshal Bazaine las concluded
not to leave Metz, and that the Prussians
arc endeayorisg to surround that place, which
IL hoped will be prevented by Marshal Nc
Mahon, who is making a strategic movo-
ment to relieve Marshal Bazaine.
The Prussian reports Indicate that they
arc attempting to surround Metz and flank
Chalons, with the view Of moving directly
on Paris.
There are no official dispatches of any
moment from French generals and rapor
has to play her part, and consequently the
want of reliable news as to the position of
their armies and their purposes.
One thing seems to DO certain, that the
battles of the past week have been obstinate
" contested, and the losses on both sides
heavy, generally estimated at 0,O0O each,
while the French have been kept continual
ly on the defensive, and the Purssians con-
tinually advancing.
The garrison at Strasbourg are still hold
ing out. though latest dispatches report the
city in flames and the water supply cut off,
and surrounded by 10000 Prussians under
Gen. Werder.
Gen TrOchu is in command OF the City
of Paris, with $50, 900 men, one-third of
them regulars He has inspired the great
est confidence in the city and every day is
adding to his forces by volunteering. He
is also dispatching large reinforcements to
the front.
There are still many rumors as 10 the &C.
posing of Napoleon, and Gen. Trochu being
declared dicta tor, which can be taken sim
Div as rumors. That there is strong prob
ability Of mediation on the part Of the other
European powers can scarcely be doubted.
1t will probably follow the FIRST decisive bat
tie, and especially if the French be defeated
The Pope has already addressed letters tic
King William and Napoleon, in behalf Of
peace. Queen Victoria expresses an earnest
desire for cessation ofthe present struggle
and Russia is getting very restless.
The very latest dispatches give no further
PARTICULARS of the condition and position Of
tie French Armies. Il is very probable,
as reported, that Gen. Bazainc's communiea-
tons with Gen. McMahon are still preserved,
lh,ugh he remains at Metz, and that Gen.
Mcllahon is endeavoring and will unite his
forces with those of Gen. Bazaine. No
battle has been fought for several days, and
it is asserted that the time has been consum
ed by both Prussians and French in ma
nouvcring.