The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1871-01-26
Ths f!nr8Nean ~ -

The general situation in France In
creases in interest, and every movement
of the hostile armies is indicative OF an
approaching crisis.
One of the most important battles of
the war was fought on Wednesday last
at La Mans, which town, after II conflict
OF six hours, was captured. The French
claim TO hive maintained most OF their
positions, but the fail of the city renders
the German victory complete. Both
armies suffered terribly. The Pfussian
forces engaged are estimated at $50, 600.
This defeat is generally considered con-
elusive ofthe hopclessness OF the French
cause, and, taken in, connection with
the vigorous and successful lombard
ment of Paris and its detcnces, enconr-
ages the belief that the French capital
is in its last agonics, and that in spite
of Trochu's proclamations an early
capitulation, to be followed by peace,
"somehow or olher," is inevitable.
On Sunday night last, Paris was on
fire in several places, and for an hour a.
brisk fire was maintained OH the burning
portion of the city, which were excel,
lent marks for the gunners OF the Prus-
sian batteries, The firing recommenc.
ed ut midnight, and';was costiuued at
intervals up to the latest advices from
the beleaeuered city. The Prussians
have captured the French battery of
Notre Dame situated ou the Rive Gauch-
or rail way. line 17U0 yards in-pdvancos
of the rest of the French batteries.
The fire that did thc-mo>t damage was
sustained from the advanced battery,
which now commands Que mile further
range into Paris. General Vinoy late
" reviewed the French troops outside
the walls. The soldiers cried for peace,
but the general told them lie chose TO
take them into fire.
Among tnc latest rumors is one to
the effect that Trochu coutemp!atcs an
early evacuation of Paris, aud the con
ccrtratiou IF his army in an immense
entrenched camp at Mont Falericn, ou
ths west side, of tho city. Speaking of
this contemplated movement, a letter
from Paris, says:
"The advantage to be gained by thus
evacuatins Paris is plain. Mont Va
lcrien is now work of tremendous
strength, commanding the whole city.
IF Trochu can place within its lines the
army and the Guns and provisions Of
the capital, he can easily afford to throw
open the gates of Paris to the besicg
crs. The latter will have whole
population 20 feed, and will capture no
materials Of war of any consequence.
The army Of Paris will however, be
intact, sheltered by works cnrrblc Of
standing prolonged siege, and armed
with the heaviest guns and proTlsioncd
for year to come"
The latest adviccs convey the intelli-
cence that the bombardment Of Paris is
kept up with unabating fury. Trochu,
in order to divert the fire OF the cucmy,
has made series Of vigorous sortics
from all sides Of Paris, in which the
fighting HIS been fcariuiy desperate,
but fruiiless to the French. The
Germans are reported rs having cou'-
mcrccd mining operations against enc
OF the principal forts in front Of falis,
and the French, aware ofthe enterprise,
are employed in cOunterminiDg. y
grand explosion IS consequently expect
ed 10 occur at any moment
i,orc complete reports ofthe batseUf
Le Maus confirm those previously re-
ceived, as to the magnitude of the en-
gssement, and the utter de'eat Of the
French arm Of the Loire 1t is g2ner
ally looked upon as conclusive OF the
hopcicssncss Of the. French rauSc.
Though the French on all sides appear
TO maintain brave front, there is cyr-
tainly little or nothing in the general
situation that can afford them Gry sub
stantial encouragement.