Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1871-05-10
European News.
FRANCE.


VERSAILLES, May l0.-The lombard
ment was vigorously continued by the
Versaillists yesterday. The field bate
ries, seconded by the guns on Fort
D'Issy, were turned on Fort Vanyes, on
which they kept up a terrible FIRE during
the entire day. Towards night the can
nonade slackened. The Communists,
taking advantage of the temporary lull,
hastily evacuated the fort.
An attack was made on Fort Mon
trouge by the versaill.sts yesterday eve
ming. Several divisions Of troops, ably
supported by batteries of field guns, ad-
yanced and opened a furious fire on the
Montrogue, intending to take the fort by
storm. The result of the movement is
not yet known.
The large naval batteries on Montre-
tout continued to lombard the city all
day yesterday. This morning the can
nonade was resumed. These guns, from
their powerful range and immense cali
bre, are creating terrible disaster. The
magazines at Montretout are plentifully
supplied and it is the intention of the
Versaillists to continue the fire until the
Commune falls.
The Versailles forces are approaching
the eneiente, and the artillery corps are
being advanced to a position nearer the
ramparts. The field batteries OF artil-
lery now command the city, and are
ready to open terrific fire at any. mo-
ment, The main body of troops are
meanwhile held in readiness, awaiting
the word of command to advance. An
assault upon the ramparts is considered
imminent. One hundred and nineteen
guns fell into the hands Of the Vfrsail-
lists at the capture Of D'Issy.
PARIS, May lO.-The engagements
which took place at Moulin Sagnet on
Monday forenoon are claimed to have
resulted favorably to the Federalists.
Each of the successive attempts of the
Versaillists to drive the Federalists from
their position and capture the mill was
repealed with loss to the Versaillists.
The fighting before Paris is incessant.
Frequent collisions occur between the
troops Of the Commune and the Yer
saillists' forces, with unimportant result
General Rossel has offered his resig-
nation to the Commune. He alleges as
his reason for declining the Dictatorship,
that the troops are unreliable, and that
the spirit of insubordination aud disobe
dience to orders prevails among them to
an extent over which he can exercise no
control. He also states that the officers
are wholly inefficient and incapacitated
to help in a position where firm, de-
cided and military policy is required.
The fall OF Fort D'Issy has caused q
panic in Communal circles. The FEEDER
alists regarded it as one of their most
powerful auxiliaries, and its capture by |
the Versaillists is considered omiuous.
The troops are greatly disheartened and
demoralized by recent events. They
have lost faith and hope, and are regard
less of consequences. They have but
little confidence in their leaders. A few
officers retain their influence and enjoy
the confidence of the men.
Feuds are increasing in the Commune.
Gen. Rossel and the Committee of Pub
lie Safety are at variance with reference
to certain points of military policy, in |
which Gen. Rossel is firm. Differences
have also arisen among the members,
individually, and it is not improbable
that these frequent discussions may lead
to an early dissolution Of the Commune.