SEPTEMBER 2 1ST, 1870: Modern war reporting is usually dated from Irish journalist William Russell's reports for theTimes from the Crimean War in the early 1850s, which described for the first time the horrors of combat with the help of the telegraph which greatly speeded up communications. Twenty years later, the Franco-Prussian War dominated the pages ofThe Irish Times as German forces encircled Paris and eventually starved it into submission in January 1871. Getting a clear picture of what was happening in any war, then as now, was difficult and the newspaper relied on a wide collection of disparate sources, from news agencies to reports in other newspapers, to provide this mosaic of events in France – and, surprisingly, the effects of the war back home.
PREPARATIONS FOR DEFENCE AT PARIS
London, Tuesday night – Additional telegrams, via Berlin, under date September 20th, 9.32am, state: Very energetic measures have been taken by the French near Paris. Numerous vessels have been sunk in the Seine and Marne. The fords have been rendered impassable and the bridges blown up. The villages near the fortifications have been evacuated and demolished or burnt. Three bomb-proof forts at St Denis have been greatly reinforced and protected. Earthworks are being constructed at the towns of St Denis and Etains, as also on the southern heights of Clamart. A new fort has been constructed at Montretoul, between St Cloud and Suresnes, and a new railway connecting the forts has also been made. At Strasbourg the batteries of the city are almost entirely silenced by the garrison fire.
EXPECTED BATTLE NEAR METZ
Luxembourg, Monday – The reports of a bombardment of Metz during the last few days are not correct. Except some firing on the heights, everything has been quiet for the last fortnight, but a great battle is expected hourly. It is supposed it will take place on the northern side, where all the preparations are being made. The Germans want to finish with Metz before a thorough investment of Paris.
RUSSIA PREPARING FOR WAR
Under this sensational heading telegrams of three-cornered character have appeared simultaneously in Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dublin journals, furnished by the one hand at joint expense, whatever that might be.
Inquiry in Russian official circles enables me to state that the “startling intelligence” in question, like nearly all other war news supplied through the same channel, is entirely destitute of foundation.
THE SIEGE OF PARIS
Paris, Monday – Firing was heard during a portion of last night in the direction of Clamart and Meudon.
Almost all the works are outside Paris in order to harass the enemy, and the ramparts are manned by national guards. Everywhere an excellent spirit prevails. Some trifling engagements took place yesterday in the direction of Fort Ivry and the plains of Chatillon. Strong detachments of Prussian infantry and cavalry, are announced at Clamart and Creteil.
Prince Albert of Prussia has occupied Nangis, with cavalry. A body of 1,500 Prussians are constructing a bridge near Villaneuve. The Crown Prince [of Prussia] is advancing towards Fontainebleau, and the Prussians crossed the Seine, at Charleroi.
ENGAGEMENTS BEFORE PARIS
Orleans, Tuesday – Travellers say that the engagements which took place yesterday at Wissons were of a serious character, and that considerable losses were inflicted on the Prussians by some masked batteries in the woods.
ALSACE AND LORRAINE
It is now believed that Laoa was blown up by an artilleryman. A regular German government, is now established in Alsace and Lorraine.
ITALY
Nice, Monday – Contrary to the despatches of some newspapers, perfect tranquillity prevails at Nice and Mentone, and throughout whole departments. Visitors are beginning to arrive, and the season is commencing favourably.
FATAL WAR RIOT IN CO FERMANAGH
Enniskillen, Tuesday – As some parties were returning from the fair of Swanlinbar a few days ago, some expression of sympathy for the French and rival declarations of a pro-Prussian feeling were uttered.
An attack was made on the French sympathisers, and a man named John McGovern, residing within three miles of Ballinamore, was so severely beaten that he has since died. Several arrests have been made in connection with the affair.
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