The New York herald., 1870-08-01
Antwerp May be Occupied by
the British.
Premier Gladstone's Speech on the Posi-
tion and Duty of Britain.
FRANCE.


Strength the Rhine-The Banks Of the
River Mined-Hundrcds OF Thousands of
Chassepots-Relntive Merits Of the Needle
Gun and Chass sepOt-Napoleon and the News
pnper Men-Bismnrclx's @Prompting Plan
Odi0uso TO the Emper0r-Doubtfal of Eng
lands NeutrRlity-EOw Qneeu Victoria
Inclines- Austria and Sweden in Dread.
PARIS, July 31-5 p. M.
The latest war news published yesterday evening
contains the following reports-Fighting between
the French and Prussan forces has commenced in
Baden.
Four Of the Prussan army corps are on the Rhine.
The enemy has mined the banks of the river
Families are leaving Baden for Switzerland
The French War Office has received no advces OF
any engagement or movement OF troops in force up
80 one O'Clock yesterday afternoon.
The sanitary condition Of the army is exc llent.
1t is reported that the skirmsh of the 10Th gave
some idea OF the comparative merits of the needle
gun and the Chassepot, though owing TO the short
ness of the affair the trial was not complete. The
Prussians commenced to fire at the distance OF 500
metres and their fire fell short by 100 metres. The
French hred almost simultaneously and some of the
Prussians Killed.
German banker residing in Paris has been
arrested.
Three Prusslan spies have also been captured here
by the police
Prince Napoleon will soon leave for the Baltic
At the government arsenals in France $4,000
Chassepots were turned out each week during the
month OF July; ana in August 1000, IN September
81 600 and in October 60 600 per week will be
factured.
Minister olivier informed the representatives Of
the press at an interview yesterday that the govern
ment would place no restriction on the publication
of reports 81 accomplished facts. He took occasion
TO say that the Emperor never approved accepted
The basis OF the called secret treaty alleged to
have been drawn up by Count Benedett, and that
,Bismarck's prompting idea was actually odious to
him"
Paris journals call attention to the fact that no
contradiction has appeared OF the statement made
that the French government sought through Lord
Clarendon, to effect general disarmament, which
bismarck refused to accede to.
La Ltbere says it IS reported that England intends
TO occupy Antwerp, and expresses fear that
the sympathIes OF Queen Victoria and her Court
favor Prussia, and may have some influence on the
ministry Of England
La Pdnie says Austria is making formidable
military prepar atiOns, she fears the infringement
of her neutrality by Bismarck. The command OF the
Austrian army of observation will be given to the
Archduke Albrecht whose sympathy for France is
well known. A Hungarian corps Is also TO be Or
Eanized the Chambers at Pesti having voted an eX-
traOrdinary credit for that purpose.
La P0tr'e then refers to Sweden. She under
stands the situation and is also arming. The SYM
pathes Of her people are with Denmark and the
Swedish government will act as Denmark does.
Had France allowed Prussia to have her way these
States would not be free to-day. The Duke Of Cadore
is now in Stockholm on special mission from the
French government.
The National Guard Of Paris has been placed
under the command Of General paraguay d'Hiers.
French priests have been arrested on the German
Frontier on tue charge OF sending plans Of the for
tresses TO the enemy.
The Bank Of France has raised It's rate Of discount
to five per cent.
Spanish note, couched in strong language, de-
mandmg an explanation OF the recent expressions
OF the Duke de Grammont regarding Spain and
the Cortes has been received in Parts.