There is very little clear knowledge in this country that
General Trochu did gain permanent and important results from his sorties of the 1st and 2nd December, though he did not succeed in break- ing out. The Times stated the prevalent opinion in a leading article published this day week. " The Germans retained their foothold in Champigny, and after another day of comparative inaction, the French on Sunday morning quitted the villages they had occupied since Wednesday, and fell back to the Marne." This is, however, a mere blunder, as is now completely admitted by all the correspondents. The correspondent of the Daily News, telegraphing yesterday week (9th December) from the Crown Prince's head-quarters at Versailles, says in a despatch published in the Daily News of December 10 :—" It is expected nevertheless that the garrison will make further efforts against the German lines, and the situation of affairs to the east of the city is considered very threatening. The French still hold some of their advanced posi- tions upon the great bend of the Marne, such as Champigny, which they have strongly barricaded. Masses of German troops are watching them." And so it is now admitted on all hands to be, though the public generally do not appear to know it. These advanced positions make the greatest difference to the French chances of succeeding in a fresh sortie. We are told that the French have removed some of the big guns from Valdrien, Vanvres, and Issy, replacing those removed from Valerien by a monster gun, which fires shells to within 1,500 yards of Ver- sailles,-9,000 paces. No doubt some of the heavy guns have been sent to the advanced posts on the Marne.
Previous page
