The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-08-08


Ing, nor is there longer any doubt that on
Saturday night, when the darkness put an end
to the combat, the Prussians so far had been
completely successful.
The details which we publish this morning
show that the fighting on Saturday in the
neighborhood of Woerth was long aud bloody.
II would seem that the Crown Prince, vigor-
ously following up his victory, pushed on to
Haguenau In spite of the determined resist
ance of the French the place was gallantly
captured by the Prussians, the French retiring
in disorder. AS proof of the severity of the
fight and of the completeness of the victory
we are told that four thousand of the French
army left in the enemy's hands two standards,
thirty pieces of artillery, including six revolv-
ing cannon, or mitralleuses. Late last night
rumor prevailed in London, said to be based
on despatch from Baden, to the effect that
large body of South Germans had crossed the
Rhine, and that they were moving rapidly
towards Strasbourg. Later dispatches from
Berlin and Cologne confirm this news in every
particular. King William telegraphs to the
Queen :-s'Good news. A great victory has
been won by our Fritz. God be praised for
;o coli hot Mo
Mahon had been repeatedly reinforced by
divisions from the main army. Rumor has
it that MacMahon is wounded. Napoleon
himself confesses the defeat of the gallant
Marshal in the series of reports from his pen
which we publish The Prince Imperial has
returned to Paris. The Empress Eugene has
issued proclamation to the French nation.
The crisis appears to be serious and imminent
for the Bonapartes.
1t is said also that the French have
evacuated Thionville. 1t seems perfectly clear
that the tide of battle has fairly turned against
the armies of Napoleon. Several of the
dispatches distinctly state that the French
have retreated along the whole line, and that
the Emperor is concentrating his troops for
the purpose of defending Paris. 1t is
undeniable that, although we cannot give to
Saturdays fighting the Importance of
general engagement, it was fighting on a scale
of such magnitude and with such result as
to compel us to admit that Prussia has
gained great victory, and that France has
sustained serious defeat. The moral effect on
both sides will be great. Prussia is jubi-
liant. France already begins to despond.
The authorities in Paris are at their wits
end. Every precaution is taken to pre-
serve the peace of the city, but serious
apprehensions are entertained that the
unfavorable news may lead to rising of
the disafEected classes At council held
in Paris on Saturday, the Empress Regent
presiding it was deemed necessary to have
the guards of the Palace at hand and under
arms. AS another proof Of the excited and
dangerous mood of the Partisan populace
it has to be noted that all secret assemblages
of the people have been prohibited.
In spite of the moral advantages which
Prussia has won it is not yet safe to con-
clude that she must come out of this struggle
victorious. France is not yet defeated. In
the enemy's country Prussia may find it
very difficult to follow up her successes
The French army still occupies splendid
position, and it is not at all impossible
that in the general engagement, which cannot
much longer be delayed, the tide of
battle may be turned, the French eagles
carrying death and ruin into the very heart of
Germany. If, however, Prussia should again
and again repeat her triumphs the position of
Napoleon becomes serious indeed. To him
more than to any monarch in Europe success 50
is necessity. 1t is his life. His successes
as the ally of Great Britain in the Crimean
war did much to establish his position. His
successes at Magenta and Solferino revived
waning popularity. Success now will establish
his dynasty. But defeat will be his ruin and
the ruin of his house. 1t is possible that
timely action in the direction of re-establish-
ing the republic may save him. but it is not
certain If Prussia enters Paris in triumph
congress of kings will depose the parcenu,
and France will consent to the restoration of
the house of Orleans. On the next great