Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1871-01-25
MONT yALFRIEN.

The belief that Paris will be surren-
dered in few days has given rise to
much speculation as to the movements
of Trochu ia that event. 1t cannot be
credited that General Trochu contem-
plates surrendering 25O,OOO fighting men
without continuing the struggle for a
much longer period of time. The Cou-
rier-Journal of late date has thrown
out some practical ideas upon this sub
ject, which we present to those interest
ed in the great struggle;
But how will Trochu be able to avoid
an unconditional surrender if Paris
should be compelled by famine to open
its gates to the Prussians2 he can
throw an immense amount Of thea pro-
visions that are still in Paris into Mont
Valerian. and then retire into that strong
fortress with the better part Of his forces.
Then. though the Prussians hold the
city. Mont Valerien is the key to Paris
and IS so strong that it would require
apother regular siege to reduce it. The
provisions that are insufficient to
sustain the millions that abide in Paris
for any length Of time would be
ample TO maintain Trochu and the elite
of his army in Mont Valerien for num-
her of months; SO that a reduction Of the
fortress by famine would be out Of the
question for many months to come. The
Germans would then be no further adj
yanced than they are now, and would be
compelled TO reduce Mont Valerien by a
regular siege, an operation which. emf
nent engineers have pronounced ex-
tremely difficult and almost impossible.
The bend in the Seine protects it from
assault on three sides, and the low,
swampy grounds in the north make the
approach to it from that last side very
impractieable.
That General Trochu contemplates
such a measure is very probable. The
operations around Fort Mont Valerien
have assumed, according to allaccounts,
an extraordinary magnitude, and are
prosecuted with such strict regard to
secresy that it has aroused general at
tention in Paris. The Qualifications
have been so extended that quite an army
can find room in them. In fact, they
have been extended in such a man
ner that they would very serious
Nv interfere with the value Of the
fort. II it were intended only for the pre-
sent garrison. Trochu has entrusted its
defense to the finest troops under his
command, the Pretorian Guard Of the
Parieian army, and they are treated with
an attention and a consideration by
their commander that contrasts i'm
mensely with the treatment the Other
taoops have 20 undergo. Trocbu eyi
IDENTIFY intends TO gain their good will
They have not undergone the least pri
vations, and while the rauons Of tresf
meat have been stopped among the rest
Of the troops, herds of cattle are seer
grazing in the Enclosure of Mont Vale
rien. For long time, trains Of wagons
have carried provisions into that fort
more than enough to last the present
garrison for year,, and although the Ger
mana do not attack Mont Valerien al
much as the other forts, it is being pro
2 vided with more munitions Of war than
ali the rest of the forts taken together
An this indicates that the withdrawal
Of Trochu with large part Of his army
70 Mont Valerien is probable when b
can no longer maintain himself in Paris
This measure. although it would give tn
city ;nto the hands Of the Germans
Toald not liberate the huge army the
have at present around Paris, but woul
prolong the siege indefinitely.