Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1870-08-09
MONDAYS NEWS.

Great demonstrations of enthusiasm had
taken place in Paris in consequence of favor
able reports from the frontier. and further ac-
counts were looked for with fervid anxiety
There were reports that the French soldiers
had '.fought like lions;" that 1000 Prussians
were killed, wounded and missing, and that
one of their regiments was "cut to pieces"
The General Douay killed at Weissenburg
was not the General of Division, but Cen
eral of the same name commanding infantry.
Numbers of French prisoners of war con-
tinue to arrive at Berlin and elsewhere. The
Prussians say that they will prove by their
treatment of them that, though they cap
tives, they are no longer enemies.
Russia, it is said, strongly urges tie main
tenance of the neutrality of Belgium. Ant
worp is being put into a complete state of de-
fence with all the despatch possible.
Prince Royal Frederick William has isued
brief but stirring address to the soldiers of
Prussia, Wurtemburg and Baden, united I'M
der his command.
The most intense enthusiasm continues to
prevail throughout Germany. On his journey
to the army the King was everywhere received
with tears and shouts. In the cities of the
Confederation crowds assembled in'the streets
to hear the war news and to make demonstra-
tions of loyalty.
An address has been sent to Mr.. Gladstone
urging the English Government to preserve
in its policy of neutrality.
The accounts received of the French sue
cesses at Weissenburg created the greatest
enthusiasm among the people at Paris. Enor-
nous crowds filled the streets and singing
patriotic songs. The cafes were filed to over
flowing
The Prussian army began its advance from
n I I IL, IL
on the next day. after taking Sierck, attacked
the French at Thionville The Crown Prince
at the same time moved in the direction of
Bitsche and participated in,tho advance move
ment of the whole German line on Saturday.
which seems to have resulted in the defeat of
the French at all points.
On Saturday night the Crown Prince tele-
graphcd to Berlin from the field of battle,
near, Worth, that he had totally beaten Nc
Mahon, who had retired upon Bitsche.
The Prussian account states that General
McMahons loss, besides killed and wounded,
was 4 900 prisoners, so cannon, mitralleuses
aud two eagles His loss of officers was great
Both sides suffered heavily.
An editorial in the Gazette, in regard to
the battle of Hagenau, concludes as follows ::
The war has evidently commenced in good
earnest. 1t will probably be a most bloody
one, and possibly comparatively long one.
We say comparatively, because with the pre-
sent perfection of deadly weapons, and the
improvement in facilities of communication,
it is impossible that war between European
nations could last as long even as the wars of
the early part of the century. Until other
very important engagements have been
fought we shall of course have, for some days
after each skirmish or battle, contradictory
accountsfrom the opposing armies. We must
take for the present everything we receive
with considerable allowance, and wait patient
ly for trustworthy details, which are sure to
come, as soon as they reach London, with tel
egraphic rapidity
That the Prussians have gained important
victories, there is no doubt. 1t remains to
be seen what advantages they will take of
them, now that they occupy French territory.
The gravity of the situation is still further
deepened by the manifesto put forth by the
Empress and countersigned by the principal
officers of State. The French Chambers are
to be convoked the defences of Paris
strengthened with all possible haste, and the
city itself is declared to be in state of siege.