The New Student's Reference Work/Metz

Metz (mets), the capital and strongest fortified town of Lorraine, Germany, on Moselle River.  It has a series of forts around it, which have been strengthened since the annexation to Germany (1871).  The making of saddles and shoes and tanning are its manufactures; and the trade is largely in wine, brandy and preserved fruits.  In 1552 it was taken by the French, to whom it was formally ceded in 1648.  In the Franco-Prussian War it was occupied by Bazaine, who, after a long siege, surrendered it to the German army, and by the treaty of Frankfort it became a German city.  Population 68,445.