The Sun.
London, England, 1854-03-17 00:00:00

LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING, MARCH 173 1854.

LAST I:.DIA. HOUSE, 15th MA liar, 1854.
THE COURT of DIRECTORS of the EAST
INDIA COMPANY do HEREBY GIVE NOTICE,

That the Rate of Exchange ►t which they will receive Cash for
Bills on Bengal and Madras w 4, from the present date and until
further notice, be 2s. the Compares Rupee, and for Bills on Bombay,
2s. 03(4,c1. tue Company's Rupee.
JAME 3. C. MELVILL, Secretary.

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THE _EASTERN QUESTION.

, Wednesday being the day on which the Czar'S reply
to tfie last peremptory intimation of the British Go-
vernmcot was understood to be due an inundation of
more or less accredited rumours was to be looked for.
One of these was banded about with especial industry,
to the effect that a pacific settlement of the differences
between Russia and Turkey wias again on the tapis.
There is nothing impossible in t s world, but this often-
resuscitated report does appear to verge as close on the
impossible as can well be imagined. Tne latest intelli-
gence from St. Petersburg certainly lends it no counte-
nance: The Baltic provinces of Russia have—like the
provinces on the Black Sea—Bessarabia, Kherson, and
Taurus—been declared " in a state of war," or in other
words have been subjected to martial law, with a view
to facilitating defensive arrangements. This, it will
scarcely be denied, looks as if the Czar were
resolute to "abide the blow" that is impending over
him. Again, it is' reported from Portsmouth that Ad-
miral Corry will sail immediately with four ships of the
line and a paddle-steamer to join Sir Charles Napier in
Wingo Sound. That does not look as if the British
Cabinet Baty any signs in the political horizon to induce
them to expect that the storm which seems about to
burst over Eastern Europe may clear up and disperse
harmlessly.

. .
The truth is, that the inventors and propagators of
such. pacific rumours leave entirely out of account the
peculiar position and character of the Russian Emperor.
He is not a man who has been brought up amid the social
influences of countries like the France and England of the
19th century. His motives of action are akin to those of
autocrats and conquerors of earlier ages and remoter re-
gions of the earth. In Russia there are two nations, alto-
gether apart from the numerous tribes mixed up with
the predominant race. These are the real Russians—
an uneducated, priest-ridden race, who have no share in
the Government ; but who, rude and bigoted though
they be, have for centuries evinced a vigorous and per-
severing spirit of peaceful industrious enterprise. These
men of Russia have many features in common with the
American pioneers of the backwoods and the prairies ;
they have carried Russian commerce to the icy ocean,
the frontiers of Independent Tartary, and China, and
the north-west coast of America. Their exploring
expeditions and settlements have always been in advance
of their Government's territorial usurpations. In Russia
Proper they have a..world of their own in their
town, village, and household circles,' within which
the influence of Government is scarcely felt ; in the
northern and eastern . acquisitions of Russia they are
still less sensible of its pressure. They pay their tribute,
and submit to have conscripts for the army torn from
among them, and so long as Government abstains from
meddling with their religion, their industrial pursuits,
and their domestic habits, they trouble their hea is little
about it. The other nation is composed of the army and
the almost equally numerous locust host of civil employes
of all grades. These two form a nation apart with its
own organisation, its own peculiar moral and intellec-
tual development. The Emperor is the head of this na-
tion • le. ia in virtw. *lii.
and -disciplined horde- encamped among the true Rus-
sians, exacting tribute from them- partly in money,
partly in slaves—to recruit the ranks of his Janis-
saries. Since he mounted the throne in 1825, he has
known no opposition to his will among the na-
tion of which he is the head ; he has had every
reason to regard it as the implicit instrument of his de-
signs, whether to extract from the subordinate Russian
nation the wealth he needs to carry his purpose _into
effect, or to extend his sway over weaker neighbours. He
has thus come, like Attila, or Tamerlane, or Nadir Shah,

to regard himself as a God upon earth, to whose " iron
will," his own favourite expression, all who come in
contact with him must bend. The unexpected opposition
he has encountered in his last demonstration against
Turkey has irritated him, but only confirmed his stubborn
resolution to carry his point. The traditions of 1812 have
persuaded him that within his own dominions he is uii-
assailable. The struggles between the democratic
and monarchical principles throughout Europe have led
him to believe that from that quarter he has no vigorous
or persistant opposition to expect. Such a man is little
likely to agree to any terms of pacific accommodation
that France and England can accept with honour, or
Turkey either, until he is compelled by force of arms.
Were he a prime minister, holding his vicarial power by
the tenure of a parliamentary majority—were he nomi-
nally absolute sovereign, ruling an enlightened and ex-
cited people, and occupying his throne in virtue of a
popular vote, given only a few years ago—were he even
king of a nation which cherishes traditions of 1813 and
the Tugend-bund— many considerations might be pressed
upon him to induce him to accept of peace on equitab e
terms ; but being what he is, he can no more understand
such arguments than a Xerxes or Darius of old classical
story. He has what he deems an irresistible army, and
all Russia for an exchequer.
Incredible, however, though the rumour to which we
have been adverting is, it has not been without its use.
Its dissemination has elicited a most unequivocal ex-
pression of the public feeling of England with reference
to the approaching struggle. Among all the numerous
circles to which, the rumour of a pacific termination of
the Turco-Russian difficulties penetrated yesterday there
was but one opinion--one voice; and that was, that no
peace would be acceptable that was not consistent with
the honour of Turkey and her allies,, and that did not
give security for national independence throughout
Europe. A patchwork treaty or convention, in virtue
of which Russia was to withdraw its troops from the Da-
nubian provinces, and all the old, vague, and insidious
treaties between Russia and Turkey to be left in full
force, would be repudiated by the universal English
nation with disgust and disdain. The passage through
the Dardanelles and Bosphorus to the Black Sea must
be made as patent to the Western nations as the passage
through the Sound to the Belt. The navigation of the
Danube must be placed under trustworthy and careful
management. All those arrogant and dishonest treaty
stipulations, by which Russia has brought Turkey to the
very verge of va.ssaldom, must be annulled. The inde-
pendence of the Circassian tribes must be solemnly re-
cognised. These are the only terms on which Russia
can be allowed to escape from the unequal conflict it
has provoked. If the war goes on, the restoration of
peace must be purchased by Russia by still more ample
concessions—by disgorging some of its plunder of former
times.—Daily News.

SUSPICIOUS DEATH ON BOARD A STEAMER.—Late on
Tuesday night, as the officer on duty at the Saudon
Graving Dock, Liverpool, was passing the City of
Dublin Company's steam-ship Trafalgar, he heard a
strange noise, and, going on board, he saw the . cabin
boy, a lad 14 years old, named William Hare, lying on
the quarterdeck dead, but warm. The steward was
found in the cabin in a state of intoxication, and, to all
appearance, had had a quarrel with deceased. When
the deceased was conveyed to the Northern Hospital,
the surgeon found that the back of his skull was frac-
tured, and a contused wound on the forehead, as if he
had been struck there and had fallen backwards. There
were marks of blood in the cabin and on the deck. The
steward accounts for the marks by stating that the de-
ceased had been sick on the previous afternoon, but
others contradicted the statement.

TERRIFIC GALE IN THE FRITH OF CLYDE.—The Craig-
Dish Castle steamer, which sailed from Greenock at four
p.m. to-day (Monday), on opening out the Cloch Light-
house, encountered a most terrific gale from the south,
and was at length obliged to put about and return to
Greenock. The sea was more tremendous than has been
seen for the last five years in that quarter, the squalls
lifting the waves close on 30 feet above the gunwale of the
vessel. The Craignish stood it out most beautifully ; and
in the absence of Captain King, Captain Ewing officiated,
ably assisted by Captain Buchanan, of the Eagle ; Mr.
Orme, Mr. Shearer, and others. Having ran in to the
shelter of the Cloch, the Cygnet, bound for the north,
was snug at anchor. The Lady Brisbane, bound for
Large, took shelter at Gourock. The Victoria,
steamer, for Helensburgb, took refuge under the lee
of the Columba. The entire channel is one sheet
of spray. One of the sappers and miners bound for Helens-
burgh, was picked up after falling over the quay. The
Islay sailed at half-past 5, but it is feared will not proceed
far. N.B,—The gale down channel this forenoon was also
terrific. The Duke of Cornwall encountered it. The
Regalia, screw steamer, is at anchor in Catnpbelton, and
is making water. The pumps were kept going all yester-
, daY. —.ROOMY _

PREPARATIONS FOR WAR.

- PORTSMOUTH, M.&nCR 16.
THE BALTIC FLEET.—DEPARTURE OF THE

NEPTUNE.

To-day her Majesty, accompanied by Prince Albert,
the Prince of Waies, Prince 'Alfred. Prince ,Helena,
and Princess Louis's, visited Admiral Corry's squadron,
lying at Spithead ; immediately after which it was ex-
pected that the whole of the ships at the anchorage,
would have gel under weigh; and have proceeded to
the Baltic. The ships; six in number, which formed the
squadron. at .SpitheEsd, were the Neptune, 120 ; Caesar,
91 ; Prince Regent, 90 ; Boscawen, 70 ; Frolic, 16 :
and Bull Dog, G. With the exception, however, of
the Neptune and the Bull Dog, none of the ships were
ready for sea. The Csar'.. not having her guns on
board, is engaged in refitting her rigging ; while the,
Boscawen and the Prince Regent have not,yet made up
the complements of their crews. At half-past torahe
royal yachts, Fairy and Elfin, left Cowes harbobr, and
proceeded to the anchorage, upon nearing which a royal
general salute was fired. Her Majesty, in steaming
along the port side of the squadron, first passed the
Frolic, 16-gun sloop, the crew of which manned the
rigging, and cheered heartily. The next ship passed
was the Neptune, Captain Hutton, which immediately
upon the Fairy getting abreast commenced to let fall
her sails, the crew crowding the rigging and cheering
her Majesty.
The Bulldog paddle-steamer, the Caesar screw-ship,
and the Boscawen sailing, were passed in succession,
each ship manning the rigging. The royal yacht, hav-
ing steamed round the bows of the Boscawen, passed to
the starboard of the Prince Regent, sailing and return-
ing, hove to under the stern of the Neptune, which im-
mediately got under weigh. The splendid manner in
which this ship was \handled exceeded anything which
has been witnessed at Spithead for some- tithe, and re-
flects great credit on Captain Hutton and his very ex-
celleet crew. There- isepiiebohly no large ship in coin-
- miSsion at the present moment'e*hich has a tinerl'erew
than Admiral Corry's flap,--ship ; the greater portion of
the men are from the Prince Regent, and so highly is
Captain Hutton respected that he `world have had no
difficulty in obtaining a much larger number of hands
for his ship had they been required. •
The Neptune got away at 11 o'clock, with topsails,
topgallant sails, royals, and jib, in admirable style.
This being her first trip, her conduct under canvass was
watched with considerable interest, and her performance
fully realised every expectation formed of her ; and not-
eeithstanding the. immense weight of stores she takes
out, the ship made excellent way. The Fairy followed
the Neptune out for some distance; and signal .being
made that she was about to part company, the rigging
was manned, and what was considered the parting cheer
was given. The same daring and exuberant enthusiasm
which manifested itself on Saturday on board the "Duke"
was displayed on this occasion, and on the giddy top of
the main, fore, and mizen trucks, was perched a tar who,
holding one hand aloft and with the other wildly waving
his hat, expressed alike his daring and his loyalty. Her
Majesty and Prince Albert, from the deck of the Fairy,
acknowledged Jack's enthusiastic loyalty, the Queen by
waving her handkerchief, and the Prince his hat. Her
Majesty, however, appeared unwilling to part company
with the gallant crew, and proceeded with the noble
ship a short distance ortside the Nab, notwithstanding
a fresh gale which was blowing, and the reughess of the
water. A large war-steamer appealing in the distance,
her Majesty ordered the "demand signal" to be run up,
and received in reply that it was the Penelope, a fine
paddle-ssteamer from the coast of Africa. Her Majesty
is fully conversant with the code of signals, and on board
the royal yachts not unfrequentiy takes that department
under her own management, selecting and reading the
signals with as much promptitude and accuracy as many
of her own officers. Having ascertained the name of the
Penelope, the Fairy wore round, at a quarter to twelve,
and for a third time the Neptune manned her rigging,
and gave a loud, a long, and enthusiastic parting hurrah
—her Majesty still lingering on the spot, as though re-
luctant to leave the good ship. Passing the Bull Dog,
which accompanied the Neptune, and the anchorage, on
her way to Osborne, the ships once more manned the
rigging, and cheered her Majesty, who arrived at Os-
borne shortly before one o'clock. The Neptune and
Bull Dog will anchor in the Downs to-morrow, and wait
orders and despatches, when they will proceed to join
the other portions of the fleet, either at Wingo Sound
or Kiel Bay, a capacious harbour, with good anchorage,
within the Belts, and on the eastern coast of Holstein,
a short distance south of Schleswig.
In an age of steam, of screws, and paddles, we may
be too apt to overlook these glorious old three deckers.
It is a gratifying sight to witness a huge vessel cutting
through the water at 8 orlo knots an hour, against wind
and tide, and without a yard of canvas spread ; that is
certainly one of the proudest triumphs of science. But
as a spectacle it is a far more glorious one to witness
" the threaden sails,
Borne with the invisible and creeping wind,
Draw the huge bottom through the furrowed seas,

Allro--“tz-4-1-1•110£4..--...... _,,,,,...------- ----., ,-- ' r
is open and above-board, as an old salt would say,
on a sailing line-of-battle ship ; no wheel-within-wheel
impels her onward course; no crooked cranks nor power-
ful levers—no exhausting pumps nor revolving screws
influence her movements. Right onward she cleaves her •
way through the waters, fearing nothing, and seeking
no favour, save that of a capful of wind to fill her giant
sails. Twenty furnaces, as in the case of the colossal
"Duke," fed with fleets of colliers, and tended by a regi-
ment of stokers, exist not in the gallant Neptune, and
no boilers filled with seas of raging water send forth
their scalding vapour into huge cylinders to raise the
ponderous piston and move the mighty screw. The sail-
ing three-decker may not keep pace with her brethren of
the screw or the paddle in chasing the foe, and may not
come up with opposing fleets quite so soon ; but woe to
the hapless enemy when she comes to be laid alongside,
and, from her triple row of iron mouths, calls upon him,
in-unmistakeable " words of fire and smoke," to strike
his hostile flag. We may anticipate many great
results in naval tactics from the use of ships having
the advantage of steam, but we know what our line-of-
battle ships have done without the aid of that vaporous
power, and they can do the same great work again ;
they are the ships in which the " sea kings" of the com-
monwealth carried the feared and respected flag of their
country into every clime ; they are the ships which
Nelson conquered with ; and now, when after long years
of peace, our
" Glorious standard's launched again
To match another foe,"
these floating bulwarks will be found to hate lost none
of those admirable qualities which distinguished them
in ages gone by. Altisough they may lack somewhat of
the speed and. alacrity which belong to their more
youthful colleagues, they will still remember that they
have a duty to perform, and they will not be the first to
leave their task unfinished. Tuere is, too, a vast diffe-
rence in the power of the armaments of these ships.
The Victory, now lying in harbour, which Nelson
fought and died in, mounted but twelve pounders on
her main deck. The Neptune's guns range from 32's to
68's ; and if not so heavy as the whole of the guns of
the Duke, Admiral Corry's flag-ship has one of the
smartest crews in the navy, who will take good care
that their broadsides shall " make up in number what
they want in weight."
As her Majesty steamed out to the Nab in the wake
of the gallant ship, she might have contrasted with feel-
ings of pride, which none but a Sovereign can know,
the power of that fleet which bore her victorious stand-
ard, with that which in the middle of the sixteenth
century acknowledged Elizabeth as its royal mis-
tress. The armament of the Neptune alone is
equal to one-sixth of the guns, and nearly to one-
half of the entire power of the royal navy at the time
when the Armada threatened our shores ; and at the
death of Queen Elizabeth the royal navy consisted of but
42 ships—the same number as will form the Baltic fleet
when completed. None of those ships, however, carried
mo e than 40 guns ' • two ships alone were of 1,000 tons
' burden • there were 23 below 500, and many of them not
more than 20 tons ; the whole number of guns belonging
to the navy was but 774. But even at that time it is
gratifying to find that this country stood at the head of
all other naval powers. The glowing description of the
English navy given by an old writer, in the middle of
the sixteenth century, would be by no means inapplica-
ble to its condition at the present time. "There is no
prince in Europe," says this writer, " that hath a more
beautiful sort of ships than the Queen's Majesty of Eng-
land bath at this present, and these generally are of such
exceeding power and force, that two of them, being well
appointed and furnished as they ought, will not let to
encounter with three or four of those of other countries,
and either bowge them or put them to flight, if they
may not bring them home." Precisely the same opinion
appears to be entertained in Sir C. Napier's squadron,
and the only cause of regret is, that they may be com-
pelled to " bowge" rather than capture the enemy's
ships. But the numerical force of this goodly fleet of
Queen Elizabeth is stated by the patriotic writer—" The
Queen's highness bath at this moment already made and
finished to the number of one and twenty great ships
‘ which lie for the most part in Gillingham-roads. She hath,
likewise three notable gallies, the Speedwell, the Trye-
right, and the Black Galley, with the sight whereof and
the rest of the navy it is incredible to say how marvel-
lously her grace is delighted, and not without great
cause, sith by these means her coasts are kept in quiet,
and sundry foreign enemies put back which otherwise
would invade us." One would almost suppose that
there existed in those days something of the spirit which
animates the Peace Society of our times, in that absurd
spirit of economy which in time of peace would lay up
all our ships in ordinary, or sell them as useless, and
close our dockyards, and the mischevious effects of which
have been felt in the delay of getting ships ready for sea
when required. "It is possible that •some covetous
people," said this same writer, •‘ will suppose money so
employed to be nothing profitable to the Queen's coffers;
but if they wist that the good-keeping of the sea is the
safeguard of our land, they would alter their censure,
and soon give over their judgment."
The Penelope, 22, paddle, with Rear-Admiral Bruce's
flag, from the coast of Africa, and bringing despatches
from the seat of disturbance at Lagos, saluted Admiral
Corry's ship, the Neptune, off the Nab, and shortly after
I anchored at Spithead. Admiral Superintendent Martin
. also saluted the Penelope' bearing the senior admiral's
flag, on reaching the anchorage. The Penelope is an old