New-York tribune., 1870-10-01
TIE FALL OLE STRASBOURG.

TIE FALL OF STRASBOURG.
PARTICULARS OF THE sURRENDER-MEET1NG
BETwEEN THE OPPOSING CoMMANDERs-TIIE
DAMAGE TO THE CITY EXAGGERATED.
LONDON Friday, Sept 80, 1870.
A correspondent with the Prussan army operating
against Strasburg gives the following account of the
surrender of that fortress:
Since the 24th the bombardment has been terrific
and almost ncessant, and the breach in the walls
became largo enough TO warrant an assault III
became evident to everybody that storming was
inevitable in few hours, unless stayed by
capitulation. On Tuesday, the 9th, near
o'clock in the afternoon the joyful sight of white
flag was beheld flying from the Cathedral. Ihls
was speedily followed by the same welcome token
of surrender from the citadel A young Lieutenant
of the S4th Regiment was the first to discover the
flag, and the firing instantly ceased. Then general
attention called to the flags by an universal
cheer which rose from one portion of the beseging
lines and was soon caught up and echoed through
out the entire army.
The scene which followed was indescribably ex-
citing. Officers sprang to their feet and embraced
example, and some actually cried with Joy.
The terms of the capitulation arranged have
already been reported Yesterday was fortunately
enabled to enter the city with a Baden regiment.
The sight, which was impressive and sad, was re-
ieved by the evident joy of the citizens at their
release from their terrible condition of suffering and
suspense
The commanders of the two forces, Gems. Werder
and Uhrich met for the first time yesterday, after
the terms of captulatiOn had been arranged The
meeting took place just inside the gate on the east
side Gen. Uhrch advanced to Gen. Werder, and,
with voice much agitated, said:
81 have yielded to irresistible force when fur
ther resistance only needless sacrifice of lives
of brave men. have the consolation of knowing
have yielded to an honorable enemy"
Gen. Werder, much affected, placed both hands
on Gen. Uhrich's shoulders. and said:
You fought bravely. You will have much
honor from the enemy's as you can have from your
own countryH.pn."
hasty examination of portion of the city shows
it has not suffered much as was supposed from
the bombarlment. The exterior of the cathedral
appears to be much injured but not sufficiently as
to prevent it's restoration in its original shape.
Some fine houses III the Place de la Cathedral are
burned.
Here and there the ruins of buildings show the
dangers TO which the city has been exposed. In the
vicinity of the cathedral the east side of the city,
the destruction was the greatest. singular appear
ance was presented by the inhabitants busily enga
ged in removing straw bogs, rags, mattresses, and
every conceivable means of stopping the unwelcOme
visitors from the windows. These defences scattered
in the streets, gave the appearance of generahre-
moval of the inhabitants.
The ruins of the theater present a dismal appear
ance Among the builings destroyed was the fine
public library. 1t is reported that the books were
previously removed at least those of the greatest
value.
1t does not appear that there had been much actual
suffering for want of food, though the means were
husbanded with the greatest care. One principal
cause of anxiety was confinement and want of good
water
Several cases of mortality are reported as the
effect of the bombardment, but am inclined to be-
lieve that the accounts are exaggerated. One
family consisting of father, two daughters, two
Young sons and an infant, had taken refuge in the
cellar of their house. when their residence was
struck by she'll and all were destroyed. One old
gentleman, a business merchant in StrasbOurg for
many years had his daughter killed in the street.
The general feeling of the people is one of great
thankfulness for the captulatiOn.
The reports that are spread charging Gen. Uhrich
with barbarity are destitute of foundation. His
conduct toward the citizens marked with the
greatest humanity and consideration 1t is matter
of congratuation that no irreparable damage has
been done to this splendid and interesting city.