The Press. — London, England, 1855-12-08 00:00:00

DECEMBER 8, 1855. of Pozen perished at Nicopolis, 1396. He was one ' of the 10,000 whom the Sultan Bajazet with savage cruelty commanded to be slaughtered in cold blood after the battle. Although driven north •of the Danube, the " Rumunyi" were not subdued, and under their "Domni" fought for and preserved their national liberties against the repeated attacks of the Sultans of Constantinople. The Domni, or royal chieftains, separately reigned over " Fagarasch," Transylvania, Almasch—comprising the Binat of Temeswar—and Maramourech, which is Moldavia, Wallachia, and Bessarabia (De I'etat de present et l'avenir des Principautes, par Felix Colson). In the nineteenth century, Michael, surnamed the Brave, valiantly attempted to re-establish the fallen Ron inami dynasty of kszen, and, after having defeated and driven the Turkish armies across the Balkan, be was about to reap the long desired fruits of his brilliant triumph, when the reigning Prince of Hapsburg, jealous of a hero inconveniently near to his Austrian and Hungarian possessions, sent an assassin to do the deed familiar to Austro-Hapsburg policy. It was accomplished. Nevertheless, the family of Bessarabia, the chief of the Domni, pre• served Rumunyi independence, and the people of the nation, proud of their descent, carefully abstained from any admixture of blood with the Sclave and Greeks. It is grateful to record the struggle of freemen against overwhelming numbers—it is pain ful to admit the injury of the right, and the triumph of the wrong. Russia and Poland, Austria and Lombardy, England and her colonies, Russian Den mark and German Holstein, the Asiatic Turkoman and the last of the Palteologi, the Janitsar and the Roumani, bear witness to the same needs, and convey the same unhappy moral. Motives change not, and the means to the end are unrighteous as of yore. What proof do nations afford of stifling pro gress, what mark of a more exalted civili-ation, if the right or wrong of the moralist, the virtue and vice of the pietist, or the pleasure and pain of the materialist, are to be judged and to be determined only according t 3 the unholy and impious schedule of blood? The "Roumani" princes and chieftains were always to be found fighting with the Hungarians against the Turks, with the Poles against the Rus sians, and with any one against the perfidies of the house of Hapsburg Lorraine. " Even in their ashes live the wonted fires," for to this hour the "Roumani" is ready to win his independence with the sword. He lives pure and uncontaminated in his race, nominally untrammelled, and, as yet, is not incorporated with the barbarian, Turk, Russian, or Austrian, who may be the momentary master. Yet is lie but a remnant of the old Trajan colony. Transylvania, BAkosina, Lower Hungary, and the Banat of Terneswar, have become the spoil of Austria. Bessarabia is Russian, and Servia and Bulgaria are Turkish provinces. The principalites of the Danube remain, and are entire in themselves, irrevocably guaranteed by the treaties of 1811, and paying a tribute of 80J,0 .0 francs to the Porte, upon the express stipulation of the conservation of their rights of sovereignty. Since that period the local government has been placed in the hands of Boyards, termed " Circois," a word for " parvenu," and typical of the most abject depravity. The Phanariotes, or ' Greek population, claim Russian protection, and the Hospodars se*.ected from amongst them by Russia for the approval of the Porte are Muscovite agents of the most worthless class. Bouchers, Boyard, Phanariote, Hospodar, "pour nous ont la mime signification." Every cession made to Austria westward on the line of the Danube, and to Russia in the north and east, is invalid and in direct contravention of the solemn rites of treaties between nations and peoples. Claiming a descent strictly and equally Latin, it is in no way singular that France should feel deeply and peculiarly interested in restoring the ancient Roumani kingdom to an independent state. The French author already quoted remarks well and truly : Rien n'empecherait les Principautes Danubiennes (la Roumanie) de redevenir ce qu'elle a ete pendant des alleles, c'est dire la seutinelle avancee de l'Europe, et car n'ayant sur cea pays qu'un simple droit de suzerain* le Sultan n'apu valablement ceder une souverainte qui ne liti appartenait pas, et qua les maisons de (iottorp et de Hapabuig•Lonnine avaient solennellement reconnues dana leur trait:ea directs avec les Roumania. An enemy not less persevering than Russia — valiant—under THE PRESS. fleuve traverse la Hongroie, le Bing, le Transylvanie , pays qui frtmissent encore au souvenir de seetntsses reeentes La liberli des hansactions conduit a l'indipenclance. Ap pciurrie les peuplea twn suunlis est use remit de is polilique traditionelle du Gouvernement .lutrichien.—(Coulidences sur la Turquie, Paris, A translation of this passage would weaken its brilliant point. The evil of Austria, her besetting sin of hereditary guile, and the serpent coils where with she enfolds the victim of her rapacity, are here given forth as a part and parcel of the historical past. Thu historical present of Orientalism is vested in France and England, and the historical future hangs upon their flat. Paton AO toionial Intelligtna. FRANCE. The French papers during the whole week have been filled with little else but speculations upon the probabilities of peace. "We are persuaded," says M. St. Marc Gerardin in the Ddiats, " that through out Europe, in Russia as in Germany, in France as in England, the reasons for making peace are more forcible and numerous than those for continuing the war; but," he continues, "against peace there are passions and prejudices, systems and sides." " The value of these peace rumours," says the Prase, "is infinitesimally small," while the Assembles Nationale declares that, they do not merit the honour of being discussed ; and the Siècle treats them " as supremely ridiculous." The latter paper, in adverting to the late speech of the King of Prussia, says : His Majesty of Prussia does not compromise himself, and we doubt if the French Government will be satisfied with his language. It is not the clear, decisive answer, which the Emperor Napoleon demanded from those powers of Europe who had not yet pronounced them selves in the great conflict which agitates the world. All that diplomatic art could invent in order to disguise one's thoughts has been employed by the King of Prussia in the passages of the speech which we publish. Are you on our side or not? he was asked. He replied that he has taken an " independent attitude friendly to all." This is not all; the King of Prussia, generally so reserved, tries to consolidate his policy with that of Austria and the German Confederation, who we believe had not intrusted him with the mission of speaking for them. We will not allude to the boast which would fain show that the King reigns in the ardour of his people ready for the fray. A more serious matter is the fact that the thoughts and the mouth of Frederick William betray that it is not against Russia that Prussia would be so ready to unfurl her standard, but really against other powers. At the conclusion of this article the Siècle lays down the objects to be achieved in the present war before pr ace can be made, viz.:— To place the Turkish empire beyond the reach of fresh aggressions, and to connect Turkey with European civili- sation by means of liberal institutions. To restore Poland—to restore to Italy independence and unity. To strengthen the secondary powers who are at present at the mercy of the greater. The Debuts, on the other hand, considers that a war of undefined purposes, a war guided by a revo lutionary policy, is one which will risk the alliance between France and England: — As long as the war (writes M. St. Marc Girardin) re tains its present Conservative policy the alliance will not be endangered, but "la pulitique conquerante el la poli• tique revolutionaire" will at once arouse all the ancient jealousies of France and England. I know well that some people believe we can enter upon such a war with the assent of England, but to remain in alliance with her under such circumstances is another and a graver ques tion. Without doubt such a policy, whether it come from France or from England, will dissolve the alliance of the two countries by the peculiar colour it will give to the war, and by the unforeseen events it will bring about. The whole tone of this article is expressive of the content of France with the result of the war and of desire for peace. The return of General Canrobert, who reached Paris on Sunday night, gave fresh vigour to the rumours of peace. The Times Paris correspondent, writing on Tuesday, says : I am at this moment informed that the day after his de parture an act, convention, or protocol, was signed between the Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs on one side, and the English and French Ministers Plenipotentiary on the other, and that the articles of that convention, or by whatever other name it be called, are, as I stated in a former letter, most satisfactory to the allies, and advan tageous to Sweden. The Paris correspondent of the Chronicle asserts • - h 1163 the new French Minister at the Court of Naples, left Paris direct for his Embassy on Monday. AUSTRIA AND GERMANY. The rumours of toe intervention of Austria, and of her discussing with France and England the terms upon which the Western powers will make peace, have gained ground during the week. The Thies Paris correspondent positively asserts that Austria is actively labouring to bring about a peace, that she is disposed to tender propositions to Russia, which, if refused, will lead her at once to break off all diplo matic intercourse with that power, if not ultimately to declare in favour of the Western powers. It is certain that Austria maintains its validity of the treaty of the 2nd of December, and is now ready to accept the interpretation given to the third point at the late Vienna Conferences. The Weser Gazette states that Russia lately officially inquired of Austria whether she would undertake to present new propositions of mediation and support them, and that the Government cf Vienna replied that Austria was not in a position to open new negotiations unless they were based on definite con ditions. The question of the reorganisation of the principa lities is now under discussion at Vienna. Austria favours the election for life of Prince Stirby. The secondary German States, Bavaria and Saxony, were busy in endeavouring to assume the initiative in the question of peace. The late visit of MM. de Beust and Pfordten to Paris it is now asserted was for the purpose of sounding the French Government as to how far French support might be depended on in obtaining for the smaller States of Germany greater freedom of action independent of Austria and Prussia, and the power of bringing Ger many to pronounce fur peace at a proposed Germanic Congress at Dresden or Munich. The Austrian army, it was stated at Vienna on Thursday, would be further reduced by 80,000 men. RUSSIA. Since the return of the Emperor to the capital frequent conferences had taken place, at which Count Nesselrode, the principal Councillors of State, and generals were present. The result of these con ferences had in no way transpired, but the energetic preparations throughout the empire, and the immense efforts made at Cronatadt to increase the flotilla of gun-boats, the raising new regiments, and activity pervading all the Government establishments, marked an intention, at least, to provide suitably for the exigencies o f time. The new levy of ten men in every thousand was being pressed forward with great energy, and the in corporation of the militia with the standing army was being proceeded with rapidly. A political article in the Northern Bee, headed " The War Beginning in Earnest," and quoting Kutusoffs words on the fall of Moscow, " The loss of Moscow is not the loss of Russia," has excited some comment in Europe. The capture of the south side of Sebastopol it argues is not a defeat, but the result of a sagacious strategic movement ou the part of Prince Gurtschakoff: it then continues : At first it was supposed in the West that by obtaining possession of the south side of Sebastopol they had gained everything. and they are now the more surprised to find out their error, and to see that the war has in reality only just commenced—s war which cannot possibly reflect any glory on the tiovernments which brought it on, and can only end in their total prostration. Even now the blood of their own subjects is not sufficient for their insatiable ambition, and they are obliged to have recourse to all sorts of shifts to obtain men front other nations. With Sardinia the contract of sale has been concluded, and Olozaga will, no doubt, be easily purchased; but it is still a question whether the brave Castilians will allow themselves to be sold. The loan of 1101,000,000 francs is no proof of patriotic sentiments, for it was nothing more than a jobbing speculation of mostly Jewish bankers to suck out the resources of France and leave her bound hand and foot, when she will find out to her cost that the empire, instead of the promised peace and plenty, has brought nothing but war and desolation on the unhappy country. England has sunk low, both in the estimation of Russia and France. Turkey is unable to move under the weight of the French and English pro-Consuls. A grand council of war has been convoked at St. Petersburg, at which all the Archdukes, with Generals Paniutin, Berg, Sievers, and Grabbe, and all the admirals except those employed in the south, are summoned to attend. TURKEY. Changes are still taking place among high official stionaries, ail Pacba, ex .President of the leur traitia directs avec lea nonunion,. An enemy nut less persevering than Russia— tageous to Sweden. cunning, nut clever—desperate, not valiant—under the mask of amity, bides its time : D'une mitre cote l'Autriche nourrit depuis des siecles _ ga T ;n h e e d, P a a n r i d s ad co d r a re : slondent of the Chronicle asserts with confidence that an important step has been 1 intim'. Changes are still taking place among high o ffi cial functionaries, Kyamil l'acha, ex President of the Superior Council, has been nominated Minister l'k l'espoir de se mparer des principautes. Engluber dans ses possessions la nation Roumaine est un de ses roves lea plus constants. Again : I can also confirm what I stated a few days ago, that re• without a Portfolio, and the Governor of Trebizond presentations have been addressed to Russia by the German has been dismis from his post for not supplying powers of the second and third order. Without going to the extent, then, of crediting nll the rumours afloat as to peace negotiations, it appesrs . clear t h at . the powers con- the army of Asi accord ing to orders. The Porte has forwarded an energetic protest IF En Allemagne et dans la diplomatie on trouve lea esprits condi• against the conduct of the Austrian troops in the cri eniettent le vceu que lea principautes et lea bunches de 1 later suient cedees a l'Autriche, dans le but de l'eluigner du midi de l'Europe. Ceux qui nouruissent sea peusees soot dans one strange illusion, s'ils cruient que, menie dans le osa dont nous parluns le Cabinet de Vienne renoncerait it favoriser Trieste et i► dormer au commerce du Danube cerned .oh_ are seriously occupied in examining on what condi. ti a peace can be concluded that will be acceptable to all; that something in that way is actually being drafted either in London or hese, and that Austria has been a mover in the matter. principalities, particularly with regard to the cases of Colonel Turn and Dr. Schratrt• PIEDMONT AND TUSCANY. The matter in dispute between these States has at The differences between France and Naples are length been definitively) ettled, through the media- tout la deve ll oppement qo.'il oat en droit d'attendre. Cs stated to be now entirely settled. Baron Brenier, Lion of France and Engand. 1 i I \ i