CD VOL. XIYttO. 52. PHILADELPHIA, WED1S KSDAY, AUGUST 31, 1870. DOUBLE SHEET THREE CENTS. iiniihLi FIRST EDITION THE WAR III EUROPE. The Great Victories. German Official Reports. Weissenburg, Woerth, Forbach. Inportant ail Tlie Veteran Thiers. His Eventful Career. What Kay be in Store for Him. Etc., Etc. Etc., Etc.. EtC. THE VETERAN THIERS. The Great Orlennlnt Nratesman, and Ills Eventful Career-What He has Accoinpllnhed In I.ltrrature and Politics-Ills Faithfulness to France and Hostility to Napoleon What la In Store tor III in If the House of Orleans Is Restored. It is possible quite possible that M. Thiers, the veteran of sevcnty-tUree years, old alike in ttateemanshlp, in literature, and In years, is to be the central figure in the grand scene which is to bring the second empire to a close. From the downfall of Charles X to the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian war, he has been almost constantly In the foreground cf French history, and with wonderful tenacity still clings to the publicity which he has enjoyed for forty years. The Karl- Life of M. Thiers. Louis Adolphe Thiers was born at Marseilles, onthelGth of April, 1797. Ills father was a locksmith in humble circumstances, but through the influence of some relatives he was admitted as a free scholar to the college of his native city, .as a partaker of a charity established by the fret Napoleon. lie was one of those peculiarly precocious youths who could afford to bo obsti nate, indolent, and quarrelsome, without en dangering the promise of future brilliancy and success. But with years came stability of char acter and energy of purpose, aud in time he rose to be the first scholar in the school, win ning for several years in succession the highest prizes which were offered for general profi ciency. At first his studies bad taken a mili tary turn, with a view to the profession of arms, but the law was finally fixed upon, and he was sent to Aix, where he studied under Arnaud, and made the mendehlp or Mignet. lie gra duated in the law in 1820, and made his appear ance at the bar, but with such indifferent sue cess that he abandoned the profession and set out for Paris, Intent upon a literary career. He Becomes a Kadlcal Journalist. Be arrived in Paris in September, 18:31, in company with Mlgnet, and towards the close of the year obtained, through the influence of Laf- fitte, an Introduction to the conductor of the Constitutionnel. lie became a contributor of political articles to this journal, and by dint of great perseverance fairly obtained a foothold in the literary circles of the capital. By his great versatility, ready wit, sprightly style, and bold assurance, he soon made his way into a leading position, and secured the friendship of the prominent Liberal leaders of the time. , Ills Great IHstorloal Venture Bat before his entrance upon a distinct politi cal career, he was destined to make his mark In the world of letters. In company with Felix Bodin, he commenced a "History of the French Revolution," the first two volumes of which ap peared in 1823, and four years later the com pleted work in ten volumes was given to the public, the remaining eight volumes having been the work of his own hands alone. The venerable Talleyrand prophesied from the start that ft would be a great work, his only fear being that the politicians would not suffer the young historian to complete it. But it was completed in an almost incredibly short time, to be bitterly assailed by the Bourbonhte, but received with general favor by the public at large. He Keto I.euls Philippe en the Throne ot On the 5th of August, 1839, Prince Polignac came into power, and the arbitrary policy of Charles X was given such a decisive turn that the moderate opposition 'of the Cotmtitutionnel became distasteful to Thiers. So he left that journal, and In January of the eventful year 1830 established, in conjunction with his friends Mignet and Carrel, a new political organ called the National. In the columns of this sheet the most radical opposition to the Government was indulged in, and the quick succession of hard blows which it dealt the . tottering Bourbon throne contributed much to 1U final overthrow. , "Le Roi regnet et ttegouverne pa" ."the King reign, but does not rule" wrote Thiers in his new journal, and the phrape became the watch word of the struggle. The revolution of July followed. Thiers, fearing arrest, sought refuge outside the city, but returned when all danger was over, and hurrying to Laflitte's, where the Liberal leaders were assembled, startled them by proposing the Duke of Orleans for the vacant throne, Ills Entrance npon Office. On the Dth of August, Louis Philippe was crowned King of the French, and Thiers was rewarded for the advocacy of his claims by being appointed Assistant Secretary in the De partment of I inance. At the same time late in the fall of 1830 he was returned to the Chamber of Deputies from the city of Aix. At first he cut a sorry figure on the floor, and was the occasion of unlimited merriment. Short in stature, shrill in voice, and bombastic in, style, be was laughed at until he remedied all except the first defect. Then he came to be recognized as a great man in debate. Lafltte, under whom 1 fcad been, serving la the Ministry, fell from power on March 31, 1831, when Thiers resigned also; but, declining to follow his patron into the Opposition, he seated himself among the supporters of Caslmlr Perler, and advocated the policy of peace, an hereditary patron, and several other measures which brought him into disrepute with the people. Ills old colleagues applied to him the epithet of "traitor," and at Aix a furious mob assailed him, etoned the windows of his room in the hotel, and threatened to suspend him from a lamp-post. Thiers saved himself by seeking refuge behind the bayonets of the garri son. But by his treacherous course- he gained the favor of the Chamber and the.Court, and by insisting upon a Bevere policy towards the Re publicans and Legitimists, after the Insurrection of June 5 and G, 1832, the way for advancement was paved. On the death, October 11, of Perler, he became Minister of the Interior, signalizing himself in this position br arresting the Duch ess de Berry, suppressing the impending war in Vendee, and originating the successful expedi tion against Antwerp. lie was soon transferred to the Ministry of Commerce and Public Works, and in this capacity gave a great impetus to the industry of the country by the improvements which he originated or completed. With the prospect of political troubles In 1834, he re signed the Ministry of the Interior, and for a wonder evinced personal courage in suppressing the insurrectionary disturbances of April 12 and 13. This position he resigned on November 11, but, after a succession of unfortunate ministerial combinations, resumed his post under the pre miership of the late Duke do Broglie, with Ouizot as his colleague. After unreservedly advocating the so-callud "laws of September," severely restricting the freedom of the press and the jury, he sent in his resignation, in common with the entire ministry, on the approach of fresh intrigues, early in 1836. He Itecomes Prime minister. Meanwhile he had perfected his plans, and on February 22 attained tbe goal of the premier ship, as President of the Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs. He was at last at the top of the ladder, the head of the Government, and the undisputed champion of the floor of the Cham bers, which he electrified and overwhelmed by the brilliancy of his oratory and the force of his irony. But ho attempted to persuade the King to the adoption of a more liberal policy at home and a more energetic policy abroad, and failing In this, was succeeded, August 23, by Mole. For nearly four years he was a leading spirit of the opposition, and on the overthrow of Mole again became Prime Minister. March 1, 1840. But his second lease of power was des tined to be as short-lived as had been the fir3t. lie was beset by difficulties at home and abroad, and finally persuaded that war alone could raise his country to her proper standing before the world. So he began the preparations for such a contingency, reinforced the regular army, got the National Guards In rcadiness,rand pushed forward the fortifications of the capital. It was all to no purpose. Lonls Philippe was too weak and vacillating for such desperate measures, and Thiers, wearied with his exertions and weighed down by his disappointments, threw up his portfolio on October 29, to be succeeded by his old rival Guizot. Ont et Ofllce Aval a. Then he again went into the opposition and there remained, a firm, unflinching, merciless antagonist of his successful rival. Leisure gave him the opportunity to resume his literary labors, and he wrote volume after volume of his "History of the Consulate and Empire," until the concluding volume the twentieth was finally published in 1802, the first having been given to the world in 1813. ' , His Efforts to Save Lonls Philippe. But in the closing days of Louis Philippe's reign he was destined to play an Important part once more. His brilliant and vehement speeches against the policy of Guizot were widely circu lated, and his contributions to the Conslitutionnel, of which he had become pari proprietor, spread farand wide the so-called "reformist agitation." He scarcely anticipated the result, and when the revolution of February, 1818, was sprung upon the country, he exerted himself to the utmost to uphold the throne which he had established eighteen years before. Early in February the storm gathered over France, the famous reform banquets were held throughout the country, public disturbances became more and more fre quent, and at lost Guizot, weighed down by in creasing unpopularity, resigned. Then Louis Philippe called on Thiers and Odlllon Barrot'to save his throne. It was too late, and while Thiers was endeavoring to form a Liberal Cabi net ram rose in insurrection, tne streets once more were impeded by barricades, and the troops and people collided. Thiers harangued the mob in vain, the King and bis family were lorced to ny, ana tne Republic was again pro claimed. He "Accepts the Situation" and Louis Nape- leon. But Thiers did not go down with the Orleans throne. When the triumph of the Republicans was established, he "accepted the situation," and being elected in June a member of the Con stltuent Assembly by four different constituen cies, selected one of the districts of Paris for which to sit. He allied himself to the so-called "order party," voted for placing dictatorial power in the hands of General Cavalgnac, and finally, after a show of dislike for the heir of the first Napoleon, turned his back on the Die tator Cavalgnac, whom he had helped to create, and voted for Louis Napoleon Bonaparte for President. So ardent, indeed, did his devotion to Louis Napoleon become for a time that he fought a duel with a brother deputy who had hinted that he (Thiers) had once thought the election of a Bonaparte would be a disgrace to France ! For a time, he cordially supported the policy of government of the Prince President, becoming especially a champion of the French occupation of Rome, by which act Louis Napo leon first alienated his Republican associates. Ho Turns Ills Back on Bonapartl.ua. But he gradually swayed over to tbe opposi tion, and soon became Its leader. His object was to overthrow the republic and restore a constitutional monarchy. But Louis Napoleon was more than a match for him in intrigue. "If the Chamber hesitates," said Thiers, In a famous speech, invoking opposition to the Prince President, early in 1851, "there will hereafter be but one power; the form of the government itself wHl be changed, and the empire will, be re-established." In a year, the prophecy was fulfilled. On the morning of De cember 2, 1851, at daybreak, the leading oppo sition members of the Chamber were arrested. ' Napoleon Drives 111, out of Politics. Among them wm Tfclers, wbom tbf coma4$- saire of Police found asleep in bed. After a week's imprisonment at the Conciergetle, he was conducted to the frontiers. Six months later, the time meanwhile being devoted to travelling through England, Switzerland, and Italy as an involuntary exile, he wai fu fiend to return to France. Louis Napoleon had appealed to the people, and the people had elected him President for ten years; Thiers was no longer feared. After his return to Paris, Thiers devoted his time principally to literary pursuits, Ignoring politics almost altogether for some years. In addition to his two great historical works, and an able essay on "Law and his Financial Sys tem" (first published in 1830), at this and other periods of his life he wrote numerous political pamphlets, and attained a position of the highest rank in the literary world. He received an ex traordinary prize of 20,000 francs from the French Institute for his "Consulate and Em pire," was elected a member of the French Academy, and of the Academy of Moral and Political Sciences, was made a grand officer of the Legion of Honor (April 27, 1810), and re ceived foreign orders and honors almost Innu merable at different times. He Goes Back to Ills Old Trade. On the approach of the general elections of 1803, he re-entered the political aren.i, offered himself as a candidate to one of the Paris dis tricts, and was elected a member of the Corps Legislatif. He took the oath of allegiance to the Empire, after the French fashion, and re sumed his political career as one of the original "five" opposition members. Early in 1801, he signalized his re-entrance upon the arena in which he had been conspicuous for so many years by delivering a powerful speech against the Government, in which he threatened that France would insist by force upon certain radi cal reforms, if they were not voluntarily granted by the Emperor, among them being electoral liberty, parliamentary liberty, the absolute liberty of the press, and individual liberty in its freest and broadest sense. It was a broad and comprehensive platform much broader and more comprehensive than the veteran agitator had ever planted himself on before, and the eyes of the world were once more riveted npon the bold champion of constitutional freedom. From that dale down to Napoleon's pre tense of a responsible ministry, at the opening of the present year, Thiers remained a firm and consistent opponent of the Imperial poMcy, separating from the opposition on one notable occasion only, supporting the second expedition to Rome, in which he had the countenance of Bourger's co-operation. During all this time he was regarded as the leader ot the Orleanlst faction, which had never abandoned the hope of witnessing the restoration of the younger line of the Bourbons, but which was content to temper its opposition with moderation. Aside from the dynastic issues of the day, he became the especial champion of the protection party, and in his earnest hostility to the free-trade policy of the Empire, opposed the commercial treaty with England in speeches which have been ireeiy ana enectuaiiy quoted irom In our own tariff disputes. At tbe election of Mar, 1809, he was re-elected a member of the Corps Legislatif, and when the Emperor indicated his purpose of yielding In a measure to the popular will, signified his Intention of giving the so- called "constitutional rrgiuie" an independent support. Ills Patriotic Course Durlnc the Present Crisis. To this pledge he was faithful until the out break of the present war. Just previous to it he delivered a powerful speech in the Chambers, in which he insisted upon the strengthening of the armament of France, as a precaution against the rising power of Prussia. But when, on the 15th of July, the Declaration of War was announced, he delivered a long and powtiiul speech in opposition to it, insisting that the withdrawal of the Hohenzollern ' candidature should satisfy France. "Prussia," he said. "should have been attacked when she attempted the union of the German States; then war would have been legitimate, and we should have been sustained." He recalled the two great blunders of the Second Empire, the disastrous Mexican expedition, and the policy of non-intervention between Prussia and Austria in 1860, both of which he had denounced at the time they were perpetrated, and now denounced the raid npon Germany as a. blunder of equal pro portions. Subsequently, after the disasters of Weissenburg, Woerth, and Forbach, he denounced the Government for plunging the country into war when it was unprepared. "France was not ready," he said, "and this is the only explanation of our reverses. There was absolute incapacity in the manage ment of affairs," he continued. "Let us not weaken an explanation which shields us in the eyes of the world." But he displayed a thorough devotion to the national cause, and in subse quent speeches has continued to advocate the resistance of the Invaders to the last and at any cost. By a decree published in the Journal Of- Aciel on the 27th, his name was added to the Committee of Defense, to the general satlsfac tlon of the people. In announcing to the Corps Legislatif his acceptance of the position, he significantly added that he most have the sup port of the Chamber a declaration which was received with general applause, and the an nouncement by the President that the entire Chamber acquiesced in the appointment. Meanwhile, he is reported to have said that "the Empire is ended, and a Republic is lnevl table." It cannot, however, be supposed that his life-long devotion to the House of Orleans has passed away. At the opportune moment we may anticipate the turning of all his stlU vigorous powers towards paving the way for Its restoration, and if such a contingency should arise, M. Thiers, old as he is, may perchance again bedbme the most important personage in France the power behind the throne that prompts and overawes its occupaut. J ON THE WING. The Proposed Removal of tho French Oov eminent to Tesrs Situation and Ilistory of the Temporary Capital. It would seem that the French Ministry have abandoned the notion of moving from the capi tal to Bourges, in case of a siege of the former, and are contemplating taking up temporary quarters in Tours. Bourges is 123 miles directly south of Paris, while Tours U about 130 miles distant, in a southwest direction, and therefore some 70 miles further west from the seat of danger. Tours is a city of about 35,000 inhabitants, situated between the left bank of the Loire and the right tftfcfc of tic Cher, and ( tie termini of railways from Paris, Bordeaux, and Nantes. It is located at the extremity of a fine plain. One of the finest bridges in Europe, across the river Loire, forms the principal entrance. This bridge is 1423 feet in length, has fifteen arches, and forms part of the principal thoroughfare which traverses the town from one end to the other. On the quay along the banks of the river are built many handsome houses. Much of the town is new, and In these portions the streets are wide and elegant, but in the old por tions it is exactly the opposite. The principal object of interest is the cathedral, which Is a building ot the purest Gothic, and has an Inte rior 256 feet in length by 83 feet in height. The front has a window of Immense dimensions, and aleo two towers with domes, each 205 feet high. It contains a fine marble monument of the two only children of Charles VIII and Anno of Bretagne, by the early death of whom tho suc cession became changed. There are also in the town two large towers, the remnants of the vast Cathedral of St. Martin, left after the destruc tion of the revolutions of 1193. One of these is called tho tower of St. Martin or Uorloge, and contains the principal clock; the other is called the tower of Charlemagne because his Queen Luitgarde is burled beneath it. Some remnants also remain of tho castle built by Henry II of England, but they now form part of a cavalry barracks. The Church of St. Clement is a fine structure, but is now used as a corn market. The Church of St. Julian is also a good speci men ot thirteenth century architecture, but is likewise degraded into a coach-house. The archieplscopalj palace at Tours is regarded as one of the most handsome in tho kingdom. There are also a public library of 40,000 volumes, with several remarkable manuscripts, a picture gallery, and a museum of natural history. A large fountain of white marble occupies the cen tre of the market place. Tours is chiefly famous for its silk manufac ture, which was introduced by Louis XI. By means of this it had attained a population of 80,000, when the revocation of the Edict of Nantes deprived it of about one-half of its in habitants. This was a blow to its prosperity from which it never entirely recovered. It is the favorite residence of the English, of whom about 3000 are estimated as residents of the place. Under the Romans Tours was the capital of Lugduneneis III. TUB GREAT VICTORIES. GERMAN OFFICIAL REPORTS. Welssenburn, Woerth, and Forbach Described br the (jSerman Couinianders The Troops and Ofllccrs Engaged. Our foreign exchanges contain the official re ports of the opening battles of the war. Of the affair at Weissenburg the official report 6ays: The Battle of Welssenbura;. 'The French infantry in action at Weissen burg and Gaisbcrg belonged to the 1st Corps; the cavalry to the 5th Corps. Except an attack undertfiken to cover the retreat, the French stood on the defensive during the whole engage ment, most oi me rencn troops in tne en gagement conducted themselves with much t pin, tud held their ground manfully. Only after retreat bad become inevitable did they appear as if seized by a sudden prnic. At this crisis troops oi tne corps .uac.uunon, whlea had not yet been under lire, threw away their caps, knapsacks, tents, etc., and decamped, leaving even their provisions bchiud them. The Algerian troops exnioitca tne same temper as the French. There was no perceptible differ ence between them and their European com rades. "The Infantry, whoso battalions were not above 800 strong, opened lire at 1500 paces. This makes hitting a mere matter of chance, and has a tendency to demoralize a man in the use of his weapon. Our practice of forming company columns and outflanking the enemy's tirailleurs has fully answered. Tbe French cavalry, even If numerically equal to our own, invariably declined attack. Our artillery fired slower, but much more effectively, than the French. The mitrailleuse bttery fired three rounds at a distance of 1800 paces against our artillery, but did no damage. It was soon silenced by our guns." . o. he Battle of Woerth. The battle of Woerth is thus described: "On the 5th of Au&rust reliable intelligence was received at tne Headquarters oi tne oil Army that Marshal MacMahon was busily en gaged in concentrating nis troops on the hills webt of Woerth, and that he was being rein forced by constant arrivals by railway. In con sequence oi tnese aavices it was resolved to lose no time in effecting a change of front, which bad been determined upon a few days previously, but not yet executed, ine 2d Bavarian and the 5th Prussian Corps wore to remain in their respective positions at Lein bach and Prcnschdorf; the 11th Prussian Corps was to wheel to the right and encamp at Holschloch, with van pushed forward towards the river Saner; and the 1st Prussian Corps was to advance into the neighborhood of Lobsann and Lampertsloch. The cavalry division re mained at Scbonenburg, fronting west. Tbe Corps Werder (Wurtemburg and Baden divi sions) marched to Relmerswlller, with patrols facing tbe liaguenau iorest. "The otn rrussian corps, on tne evening w the 5th, pushed its van from its bivouac at Prenschdorf on to thfgbelgbt east of Woerth. On the other side of the Sauer numerous camp fires of tbe enemy were visible duriug the night, the French outposts occupying tbe heights west ot the Sauer, opposite Woerth and Gunstett. At dawn of tbe oth skirmishes commenced along tbe line of the outposts, which caused the Prus sian vanguard to send a battalion into Woerth. At 8 o'clock steady firing was heard on tbe right (Bavarian) flank. 'I his and the hre the enemy directed against worm caused as to station the entire artillery of the 5th Prussian Corps on the heights east of this place and try to relieve tbe Bavarians. A little later the 5th Con is was ordered to break off the engagement, it being the intention of our generals to begin tne name against tne concentrated iorces oi tne enemy only when the change of front had been effected and the entire German army was ready to be brought Into action. At 7'45 o'clock the 4th Division (Bothmer) of the 2d Bavarian Corps (Uartmann), induced by the heavy fire of the outposts near Woerth, had left their bi- vocac at Lembacb, and, proceeding by Mattstall and Lancren-Salzbacb. after a sharp engagement penetrated as far as Neschwiller, where they spread, fronting to the south. At 10) this Bavarian corps, supposing the order to break off tbe engagement which had been given to the 5th Prussians to extend to themselves, with drew to Langcn-Salzbach. The enemy bein, thus no longer pressed on bis left, turned all h strength with the greatest energy against the 5th Prussians at Woerth. Reinforcements were continually thrown in by rail. Finding the enemy in earnest on this point, and perceiving the 11th Prusbiaus to approach vigorously in the direction of Gunstett, the 5th Prussians imme diately proceeded to the attack, so as to deieat the enemy it possible before he bad time to con centrate. The 20lh Brigade was the first to defile through Woerth, and marched towards Kloasa nausen and Froschwlller; it was promptly fol lowed by the 19th Brigade. The French stood their ground with the utmost pertinacity, and Le tie was cru-.tiDjj. Whatever 03 g&lUulrj of our 10th Division, it did not succeed in over coming the obstinate resistance of the enemy. Eventually, the Oth Division being drawn into the fight, the whole 5th Corps found itself in volved In tbe sanguinary conflict reglng along the heights west of Woerth. "At P. M. orders were given to the 1st Bavarian Corps (Von der Tann) to leave one of its two divisions where it stood, and, sending on the other as quick as possible by Lobsann and Lampcrtsloch, seize upon the enemy's front in the gap between the 2a Bavarian Corps at Lnngen-Salzbach and the 5th Prussian Corps at Woerth. The 11th Prussians were ordered to advance to Elsaeshansen, skirt the forest of Niederwald, and operate against Froschwlller. The Wurtemburg Division was to proceed to Gunstett and follow tbe 11th Prussians across the Sauer; the Baden Division was to remain at fcauerburg. "At 2 o'clock the combat had extended along the entire line, it was a severe struggle. The 5th Prussians fought at Woerth, the llth Prus sians near ElsasnAascn. In his strong position on and near the heights of Froschwlller, the enemy offered us a most intense resistance. The 1st Bavarian Corps reached Gorsdorff, but could not lay hold of the enemy fast enough: tbe 2d Bavarian had to exchange the exhausted troops of the Division Bothmer, who had spent their ammunition in the fierce fights of the morning, for the Division Walther. While the Divlslou Bothmer fell back, tbe Brigade Sclelch of the Division vValther marched upon Langen Salzbach. The Wurtumburg Division approached Gunstett. "At 2 o'clock fresh orders were given. The Wurtemburg division was to turn towards Keichshofen by way of Ebersbach, to threaten the enemy's line of retreat. The 1st Bavarian was to attack at once and dislodge the enemy from his position at Froschwlller and in the neighboring vineyards. Between 2 and 3 o'clock the enemy, bringing fresh troops into the field, and advancing with consummate bravery, as sumed the offensive against the 5th and llth PiuEslan Corps. But all his assaults were beaten off- Thus the fight was briskly going on at Woerth, neither party making much progress, till at length tho brilliant attack of the 1st Bava rian Corps at Gorsdorff and of the 1st Wurtem burg Brigade on the extreme left at Ebersbach decided the fate of the day. "Towards the close of tho battle the French attempted a grand cavalry charge against the Oth and llth corns, especially against the artu lery of these troops. Our artillery awaited them in a stationary position, and repulsed them with severe loss. The infantry did so likewise. This last experiment having, failed, the enemy at 4 o'clock evacuated Froschwlller. and retreated through the mountain passes in the direction of Bitche. The cavalry of all our divisions were despatched in pursuit. "The cavalry division, which on account of the difficult ground, which allowed little scope for its manoeuvres, had been left at Schonberer. was ordered at 3 o'clock to advance to Gun stett. On the morning of the 7th this cavalry corps began tne pursuit in tne direction or lng weiler and Bronstweiler. All the troops who had taken part in the engag ment bivouacked on the battle-field, tbe cavalry at Gunstett, the liaden division at eaucrourg. "Our losses are great, but cannot as yet be exactly estimated, me enemy lost otxw un- wounded prisoners, thirty guns, six mitrail leuses, and two eajrlcs. The enemy's troops ar rayed against us were General MacMahon's army and the 2d and 3d Divisions of tho Oth Corps." ine Dame oi rornacn. The official account of the action at Forbach Is (is follows: 'On the forenoon of August tho 7th Corps d'Armee put hed its vanguard to Herchenbach, iv German miles norm west ot Hoarbruck, with outposts stretching as far as the river Saar. The preceding night tbe enemy bad evacuated its position on the drilling-ground of Sarr- bruck. Toward noon the Cavalry Division under General itheinhabcn passed through the town Two squadrons formed the van. The moment they reached the highest point ot the drilling ground, and became visible to spectators on the soutb, they were nred at irom tne Mils near fcipicheren. "The drilling-ground ridge overhangs a deep valley stretching towards Forbach and Spiche- ren, ana bordered on tne other side by tne steep and partly wooded height named after the latter village, inese bins, rising in almost porpen dicular ascent several hundred leet above the valley, form a natural fortress, which needed no addition . from art to be all but impregnable. Like so many bastions, the mountains project into the valley, facing it on all sides, and and affording the strongest imaginable position for defense. French officers who were taKen prisoners on tnis spot coniess to having smiled at the idea of the Prussians attacking them in this stronghold. There was not a man in the 2d French Corps who was not persuaded in nis own mind mat to attempt tne Spicheren hills must lead to the utter annihila tion oi tne besiegers. 'Between 12 and l tbe 14th Division arrived atSaarbrnck. Immediately proceeding south it encountered a strong force of the enemy in tne valley between BaarDrucK and aplchercn. and opened fire forthwith. Upon this General Frossard, who was in the act of withdrawing a portion ot ms troops when tne Prussians ar rived, turned round and reoccuoied tho 8 niche ren hills with his entire force. A division of tbe Sd Corps, under General Bazalne, came up in time to support him. "'t he 14th Division at first bad t3 deal with far superior numbers. To limit tbe attack to the enemy's front would have been useless. General von Kamecke, therefore, wniie en gaging the trout, also attempted to turn the left flank of the enemy by 8tiring; but the five battalions he could spare for this operation were too weak to make an Impression upon the much stronger numbers of the French. Two succes sive attacks on his left were repulsed by General r rossard. toward 3 o clock, wnen all tne troops of the division were under fire, the engagement assumed a very sharp and serious aspect. ".Eventually, however, tne roar ot the cannon attracted several other Prussian detachments. The division nnder General von Barkenow was tbe first to be drawn to tbe spot. Two of its batteries came dashing up at full spread to re lieve tbeir struggling comrades. Ihey were promptly followed by the 40th Infantry, under Colonel Kex, and three squadrons oi the llth Hussars. At this moment the vanguard oi the 5th Division was espied on the Wlnterberg Hill, General Stulpnagel, whose van had been stationed at Sultzbach the same morning, bad been ordered by General vou Alvenslcben to march his entire division in the direction from which the sound of cannon proceeded. Two batteries advanced in a forced march on tbe high road. The in fantry were partly sent by roil from Nuenkirchen to caarorucK. "At about 8-30 o'clock the Division Kamecke had been sufficiently reinforced to enable Gene ral von Goben, who had arrived in the mean time and assumed the command, to make a vigorous onslaught on the enemy's front. The chief aim of the attack was the wooded portion of tbe declivity. Ihe 40th Infantry, supported on its right by troops of tbe llth Division, and on its left by four battalions of the 5th Dm bIod, made the asscult. A reserve was formed of some battalions of the 5th and 10th Divisions, as tney came up. 1 he charge was a success, ihe wood was rinnnrit thA ftnAmv fYrwllni1 Pn.trattnnF further, always on tbe ascent, the troops pushed tbe French before them as far as the southern outskirts of the wood. Here the French made a stand, and, combining tbe three arms of the service for a united attaok, endeavored to re trieve tbe day. But our infantry were not to be shaken. At this juncture the artillery of the 5th Division accomplished a rare and most daxlng ffcut. Two Uttierio literally clambered JlftfXQiT -4 pre- clpltous mountain path. With their help a fresh attack of the enemy was repulsed. A flank at tack directed against our left from Alstingcn and Splcheren was warded off in time by bat talions of tbe 5th Division stationed la reserve. "Ihe fighting, which for hours had been con ducted with the utmost obstinacy on both sides, now reached its climax. Onco more the enemy, superior still in numbers, rallied his entire forces lor a grand and impetuous charge. It was his third attack after we had occupied the wood. But, like the preceding ones, this last effort was shortened by the Imperturbable calm ness of our infantry and artillery. Like waves clashing and breaking against a rock, the enemy's battalions were scattered by our gallant troops. After this last failure the enemy beat a rapid retreat; 52 French battalions, with the artillery ot an entire corps, stationed in an almost unassailable position, had thus been defeated by 27 Prussian battalions, sup ported by but the artillery of one division. It was a brilliant victory indeed. We had every thing against us numbers, guns, and the nature oi tne locality; yet we prevailed. "Darkness fast setting in afforded its valuable aid to the enemy in effecting his retreat. To cover this backward movement the French artillery were stationed on the hills skirt ing the battle-field on the soutb, where they kept up a continuous but harmless fire for a considerable time. "The ground was too difficult for the cavalry to take any part in the action. Nevertheless. the fruits of the victory were very remarkable. The corps under General Frossard, being en tirely demoralized, dispersed. The road it took in its hasty flight was marked by numerous wagons with provisions and clothing; the woods were filled with hosts of stragglers, wandering about in a purposeless way, and large stores and quantities of goods of every description fell into our hands. While the battle was raging at Spicheren 11111, the 13th Division crossed the Saar at Werdcn, occupied Forbach, seized vast maga zines oi iood and clothing, and thus lorced General Frossard, whose retreat was covered by two divisions of General Bazalne, which had come up tor the purpose, to withdraw to the southwest and leave free the road to St. Avoid. "Ihe losses were very serious on both sides. Tbe 5lh Division alone has 230 dead and about 1800 wounded. The 12th Infantry has 32 offi cers and 800 men dead or wounded; next to this tbe 40tb, 8th, 48tb, 39th, and 74th have suffered most. The batteries, too, have encountered terrible loss. Tbe number of killed and wounded on the enemy's side is at least equal to our own. Tho unwoumled prisoners in our hands already exceed 2000, and are Increasing nouny. we nave aiso captured w pontoons and the tents of the camp." The New U. 8. ArpnAiSEu's Buildino. The new building for the use of the U. S. Ap praiser at Second and Gold streets will cost altogether about $000,000. The building is fire proof throughout, and docs not contain one piece oi umber. About lour minions oi bricas were used in the construction. The basement walls are five feet in thickness and the walla above two feet seven inches. The dimensions are 160 by 00 feet. There will be a steam hoist ing apparatus and tbe building will be heated with steam. Tbe tanks on the top will contain two thousand gallons of water, always ready in case ot are. M H 1 Agricultural Fair The tenth annual fair and fall exhibition of the East Pennsylvania Agricultural Society will take place on the 15th, 10th, and 17th of September, at Norrlstown, Pa. Premiums are onered to tne amount oi isouuu . I I-A-CE AND COITIJIKIXCE. EVKwnf a Tbliorapb Ornci.1 Wedneadtr. A a. 31, 1S70. f ' The money market remains steady, with a slight upward tendency In rates for discounts. Tbe current is still westward, but this is usual in September, about the middle ot which month it generally reaches its climax. All the markets on the Eastern seaboard will no doubt wear a stringent aspect during the entire month, but the active current in this direction this year is of a healthy character, in the absence of any important speculative movements in stocks or gold- ... . we quote can loans easy at ora l per cent.. and first-class business paper at 79 per cent., according to dates and credit. Tbe gold market continues quiet and very steady, with fluctuations up to noon between IW and WA, closing at 116 Government bond4 are also dull but stronger. especially on the other side of the Atlantic. The stock market was moderately active, and prices quite steady. City 6s, new bonds, sold at .. . Heading itauroaa was steady at without sales. Pennsylvania sold at 58ta)58V; Catawlssa preferred at 37, b. o.; Little Schuyl kill at 41; and Camden and Amboy at 114. ihe balance oi the list was nrm out quiet. There was a salo of Central Transportation at 51, and Uestonville Passenger Kail way at 14, b. o. PHILADELPHIA STOCK EXCHANGE SALES. ' Reported by De Haven Bra., No. 40 8. Third street; FIItST BOA-RB. 1400 City 68, N.ls.ioiv Id g& Fenna R..1B. 58V fsoo do 101' f 1000 Alle Co 6s .... 75V ,'X)0 O A A m 68, '89 95 $1000 C ft Am 6s, 89. 93 10 sh Lit Sen it.... 41 89 do Is. 40 6T do 41 7 do c. b&x i do bs 6 40 Is. bsa 200 sh Cat Pr.ls.b30 87V 83 sh Cent Trans.. 61 100 sn Uestonv'e.t60 14 J narr fcLADNKH, uroKsrs, report this morning Gold quotations as follows: 10-00 A. 14 110'. 11-23 A. M UX 1015 10-40 .11 11-84 .116 x ia-13 p. M. " V 12-16 " . lifli,' la-is . lltfirf .116 .116 MX 10-85 10-80 u-oo Messrs. D Bavbm & Brothbr, No. 40 8. Third street. Philadelphia, report the following quotations: U. 8. 6s of 18fii, U43t'(4U4K ; do. 1862, 118112 ; do. 1864, 11KS1U V; UO. lttfO, 111W4111V J UO. I860, new, lo9j,'$lio; do. lsei, do. iioiioy: do. 188, no. liuiiiu4 : io-4iig, jusii,-. u. b. w xear 6 percent. Currency, 111 oill. Gold, ll.vlHK ; Silver, 111113; Union Paultlo Railroad 1st Mort. Bonds, Blocks; central racino jtaiiroaa, b?o4to; Union Paclno Land Urant Bouds, 720750. J av cooes fc no. quote uovernmeut securities as follows: U. S. 6s of 1-1, 114V(4U4' ; 6-sos of 1862, lUjifclWij da 1804, llicUl; do. Nor. 1865, iiiX(4iiiu;do. aa. j my, ion.', (4U0 ',-; ao.aa.iboi, lionov; do. 1S68, llOtdilcv; 10-408, 108( 109,' ; Pacifies, lllVdllltf. Oold, 116'. MESSRS. WILLIAM r AINTBR W)., MO. BO B. Street, report the following quotations : U. ti. 6a of 1881, 114114 V ; 6-201 ot 1862, 112,H1U.V ; do. 1864, HKSiiiv; do. lass, ni;;mjj;: do., July, 1866, I09?i3n0; do., July,'1 1867, lio41tov; do. July, 1868, 1104110X; 6a. 10-40, 108(4109; U.S. Pacldo Kit. Cy. 6. nijWtlllX. Gold, ll6jwaUl6.tf. Market dull. . Philadelphia Trade Iteport. Wednesday, Aug. 8L Seeds Timothy is in de mand, with sales at $s-60(g$5-7s. Prices of Clover seed are nominal. Flaxseed Is scarce and wanted at 12-28, Bark In the absence of sales, we quote No. 1 Quercitron at flO per ton. The Flour market Is quiet, and prices of new Wheat families favor buyers. Old Wheat Flour la suarce and steady. Aboat 8o0 barrels changed bands, Including superfine at l5U5$5-&0; extras at ta-62 (46; Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota extra family ati6($6-76; Pennsylvania do. do. atT(,7UP: Ohio do. do. at 6-7ft7-60 ; and fancy brands at 7-76( 8-60, as in quality. Kve Flour may be quoted at Id. The demand for Wheat continues limited, but the tendency of prices is downward, tsaie of 8600 bushels new Indiana red at 1140(4144; and 800 l.uehelt Michigan amber at l-4fKl-48. Rye may be quoted at bHtgoe. for prima Western. Corn at tract but little aitentioD, ni the receipts are accu mulating. Bales of 1000 buauels Wetttern and Penn syivania yellow at 5i7c.; new Weatern mixed at 67asoo. Oats are unchanged. Sales of uooo bushels at &o62c. for white Western ; 45460. for biact da ; ami 47frftO for new Delaware. uimti in aciiv. tsikMotaoo barrels Weetera I IrciVlfiUAdft; ftCift&dUo, wogd-boufld as .
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