The Sun.
London, England, 1853-02-12 00:00:00

TURKEY.

A letter from a Constantinople correspondent of
the Oest. Deutsch Post represents the policy of
Russia as being anything but pacific just at pre-
sent. Mention is made of the offensive way in
which Napoleon was treated, of the recognition of
the independence of Montenegro, which has led to
the present war, of Garachinin's dismissal from
the Servian Cabinet, as a consequence of the dis-
tinct declaration of the Russian Government that

it did not approve of him, of the annoying
behaviour of the Russian Consul. We now, for
for the first time, learn that when the Greek patri-
arch left Jerusalem he carried off with him the keys
of the church at Bethlehem, and on his arrival at
Constantinople delivered them over to M. Ozeroff,
the Russian Charge d'Affaires. It is believed
that the question of the Holy Sepulchre will re-
solve itself into a political Gordian knot, as M.
Ozeroff has declared to the Porte that the Russian
Cabinet will never recognise its decision in fa-
vour of France. The keys in question were
to have been intrusted to the French Consul
at Jerusalem. M. de Lavalette, who returns
to France as soon as he gets his letters of re-
cal, is empowered to settle the matter of the
loan. The French Cabinet demands either an
indemnification of 100 fr. for each subscriber,
or the ratification of the loan on the terms made
by Prince Callimaki, excepting in regard to time.
That is, the loan is to be repaid in 10 years, accord-
ing to the Sultan's instructions. The writer sub-
sequently contradicts himself by observing, "As
the negotiations have not yet been commenced
(entamer), I cannot say what the Porte will resolve
on." As the feeling of the nation is averse to a
foreign loan it is most probable that the matter
will be settled in the way first mentioned. "It is
to be foreseen that on Lord Stratford's return the
equilibrium will be restored, or there will be a ter-
rible European complication of affairs."

THE COAST DEFENCES.

We have every reason to believethat in the course of

the present spring measures will be taken to place the
western coast of England in a state of efficient defence ;
and we also believe the newly-appointed commander-in-
chief of the western district, Major-General Sir Harry,
Smith, G.C.8., will be engaged in the survey of the head-
lands, with a view to the recommendation of the several
points from which the object can be best obtained. To
assist in this duty, we have heard a steam-ship of war is
to be placed at the gallant officer's disposal. The garri-
son of Plymouth is to be very materially strengthened
in artillery as well as infantry, and it is not improbable,
if stabling can be found (the old calvary barracks having
been recently taken down to clear the site for the new
buildings for the accommodation of the troops at
Devonport), that the local force will also include a
regiment of Dragoons. The Government appears to
be fully impressed with the necessity of providing for
the security of this important naval arsenal, which, in
a military point, has been neglected for a series of years.
It is also not improbable that the barracks of Exeter will
be available for a time, but the placing of troops at this
city where, in a time of peace, there can be no duties to
perform, is felt would be subversive of good discipline.
Notwithstanding the insane cry of Mr. Cobden and the
members of the Peace Conference, the Government have
determined, with the sanction of the House of Com-
mons, to be ready for any emergency, and in this deter-
mination there can be no doubt they will have the
sympathy and support of the great body of the people.
Among other arrangements it is said the formation of
volunteer corps are to be encouraged; and there are
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THE WILTSHIRE MILITIA. —The uniform of the militia-
men is now complete, and within the last few days they
have been furnished with their belts, muskets, &c. The
men are orderly in the extreme, and continue to make
very rapid improvements in their military exercises. The
period of training will terminate on Monday next, when
the men will be paid off and discharged. A Government
order has been issued to commence the second enrolment
as soon as possible after the present drill is over. It is
expected that the entire regiment will be called out early
in May.