The Sun.
London, England, 1863-11-24 00:00:00

-- -
THE lONIAN ISLANDS►

Yraobfleveinet of Athens' regret this,
thaue fortifications of Corfu
been sanctioned both by the lonian Parliament and
The cession of these ---
noits
understand
kingdom.sn:dmasn te
dno t
.sG
some
e tc (Treece,
appearsw objectionhi c h t has
haist
demolition of the fortifications by the Powers concerned in the affairs of the Sep..
d for by some of the
tinsular Republic, remains now to be completed by
at a loss
the signature of a formal treaty between this COUR-
to v of what
great Powers,
perceive
sieis dis-
tasteful
aubtot
nruhrffgyaetereonwfehindts
eeltd,
dismantling
aytior
epshnrttetthehir Hellenicsieecnsae:gt
completely
possible use such a fortress could
be to the Greek
people.

If we are not misinformed,
the English Govern-
ment has several times had under its consideration
the advisability of destroying the fortifications on
shore, as being expensive and of little use. It was
represented to them by competent authority that if
the Lido, an island which commands the harbour of
Corfu, were retained as the only fort that would be
sufficient, as
While that remained in our hands, with
the command of the sea, no enemy could effect any
permanent lodgment on the greater island.
As far as the town of Corfu is concerned the demo-
lition of the works could not fail to offer the same
advantages that such a measure has presented at
Vienna, Frankfort, Turin, and many other cities.

The works in their present state require about
two hundred thousand pounds to put them into
effective repair, and would need a garrison of about
twelve thousand men to hold them. Under these
circumstances, while they could really prove but
an encumbrance to Greece, they would still, if
maintained, offer a temptation to any great Power
in the event of a European war.
We are warranted, then, in believing
that is no matter for
Hellenic Government will that the
the course we intend to pursue
that
acquiescethat
indignity offerepdolittoic,twhee. in the light of any
they cannot possibly regard it
reality they are hardly concerned in the matter.
We propose merely to cede the islands to them.
themselves, seeing
it before
any stipulation in the convention ; for, in accord-
ance With regard to the fortress,
with the desire dour allies and our own sense
evacuation of the islands.
In proceed to the Seven islands.
In fact since the signature of what is most
of the treaty of the five
Powers a fortnight ago, the fortifications of Corfu
may be practically regarded as already non-
existent.
We are confinent, that, that the Greek Govern-
ment will not be so ill-advised as to raise any mat-
ter of dispute about What ' is now but "a castle in
the air."—Post. pursue—the
ininagoctir more
ti

A ALS. ORATORIO of HAYDN'S has been die-
covered (according to a French journal), entitled " The
Sacrifice of Abraham."
'r
TIE RUSSIANS SEEM ASSURED THAT WAR WILL
COME IN THE SPRING. They are preparing new
Works for the defence of Cronstadt, mounting 300-pound
gune on them, and facing earthworks with iron. Th©
channels are filled with internal machines, and a steam ram
is building which is to cost £27,000, and run at hostile
• vessels under water—a great improvement on all other
rams. By Ist June, 1864 the Marine Department expects
to have sixteen iron-clad vessels in the Baltic, all in order,
though with rather thin plates. Cast-steel guns, enormous
Shells, and every variety of ammunition are being collected
in quantities, and the extra expenditure already sanctioned
amounts to fifteen millions sterling. Governments do not
spend such sums without grave reason, and that of Russia
is usually well informed. It is scarcely, however, at
Cronstadt, says the 'Spectator, that the French blow will be
struck.