Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1871-04-04
European N ew s.
FRANCE.

|
Monday have been received. Much ex-
element prevailed in the city over the
encounter of Sunday. The insurgent
troops are prepared to renew the en-
gagement. The leaders held consnlta-
ton at late hour on the previous even
ing, at which it was decided that another
attack should be made on Versailles at
an early hour Monday forenoon. In the
morning large force of Nationals were
massed for the projected attack on Yer
sailles, which it had been settled was to
be made via Meudon. The entire force
was about 6OOO strong and was sup
ported by several batteries of artillery
Much exeitiment and enthusiasm pre-
vailed among the troops, who were eager
to regain by some determined effort the
loss of the previous day.
The troops of the Government had
taken up position short distance TO
the westward of MeudOn, and from this
point their artillery opened fire on the
advancing force. The artillery of the
latter replied with vigor, and did much
effective service, notwithstanding the in
feriority Of their guns TO those Of the
Government forces. The battle lasted
thus for several hours, partaking more
Of the character Of an artillery duel than
a sanguinary engagement. Heavy rein
foreements soon arrived to the Commu-
nists, who then advanced their position
and pressed upon the enemy with great
vigor. The Communists right, under
General Bergart, made sudden and
brilliant movement upon the enemy
center which proved completely success
ful, the Government troops at this point
giving way under the rapidity and deter
mination Of the onset. The whole cen
ter waTered, and the Nationals, taking |
advantage of the panic, wedged their
solid columns into the broken ranks. |
The whole center became suddenly de-
noralized, and the panic was speedily
changed into q most complete rout
While this was in progress the Commu-
nists' left wing, led by Flourens, had
also achieved brilliant success in an
other part Of the field. They had de-
feated and driven the enemy from their |
position after hot and bloody struggle,
and an immense sacrifice Of life on both |
sides. They now occupied the position
on the nights at Meudon, where the ar
tillery Of the Government troops had
been stationed. They also held the po-
sition at Chatillon, from which they had
driven the enemy
During the latter part Of the engage
ment the carnage was dreadful. The
havoc inflicted on the diEordered center
Of the Government troops after their col
umn had been broken by the charge of
the Communists was fearful; they we're
utterly demoraIized and rendered de-
fenseless by fear and the suddenness Of
the attack. They were moved down in
lines by the fatal artillery FIRE which
was pointed at their very midst. The
losses are unknown, bat must have been
very great. That Of the Government
troops is. however, much in excess Of
the Communists loss
The fighting continued for several
hours after the triumph Of the Com
munist forces had been established, but
was conducted in a desultory manner.
Toward nightfall il ceased altogether.
General Bergart, with the victorious
right wing, bivouaced for the night at
some distance beyond fort Mont Valerien.
The leaders and troops are much
flushed with the gallant victory they
have achieved, and are determined to
push the Government to a surrender
1t was rumored that Flourens, with the
left wing, was making preparations for
an advance on Versailles, under cover Of
night, with the purpose Of attacking the
heart of the Governments position be-
fore it had time to rally from its late
defeat or recruit its strength with rein
fosoements. The attack, it is also stated,
was to be mGde via Chaville, village
about a mile east Of Versailles.