The Sun.
London, England, 1854-01-11 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, JANUARY IL 1854

the hardest blow, and to inflict the deepest wound
which the vast resources of this country will per-
mit"---IF they once resolve upon war with the
Russian AUTOCRAT—if that war be once corn-
menced.
And has it not now commenced ? If
not—how about the Note of the 30th of Decem-
ber given to the world the other day in the Moniteur,
or, again, how about that remarkable intelli-
gence of the same date received direct from Constan-
tinople ? Was not the former tantamount to a dis-
tinct declaration of war, and was no t thelatter equi-
valent to its commencement? It has been intimated all
along that the CZAR would regard the entrance of
the combined fleets into the Black Sea as the begin-
ning of hostilities against him on the part of
France and England. Well, it proves that they
have at last mustered up resolution enough to
penetrate into that lesser Mediterranean, that
immediately before the close of 1853 they did
what they should have done shortly after its
opening, they have steamed " away" from Beycos
and " out" of the Bosphorus. Wherefore, it may
now reasonably enough be anticipated that the
Russian AUTOCRAT will not, especially after recent
events, look on with entire complacency at this
movement of the maritime forces of the
Western Powers into that forbidden sea
which his Imperial Majesty has been accus-
tomed to regard as little else than a Russian lake.
Expectation turns its attention, therefore, with a
divided interest, simultaneously to Sebastopol and
St. Petersburg—eager to hear what course will
now be taken by the CZAR, and by the fleets of
France and England.
A decided step has been at length adventured
upon by the Western Allies of Turkey. We could
have wished that step had been taken earlier—,
six, eight, ten months earlier. Howbeit, the
Past is past mending, and we have now only to
do with the Present and the Future. What we
besought Ministers to do in May, in June, in July,
in August, in September, in October, in Novem-
ber—thas at last been done by them in December.
That is well. It might have been better—but so
far it is well. The worst season in the whole
year has been unfortunately selected for the ap-
pearance of our ships of war in the Euxin.e ; but,
however that may be, they have, at any rate,
made that appearance. And so far, assuredly,
Ministers are deserving of our unstinted and cordial
approbation. Let them persist energetically in
the development of the policy which they have at
length, after so many delays, adopted, and they
will command the support of the nation they have
so long only irritated by disappointments. That
we do not anticipate any such vigorous proceed-
ings from the Coalition in its present shape,
has nothing whatever to do with the
principle involved in this declaration. A
Premier like Lord ABERDREN, a Premier with
his notorious predilections and his well-known
antecedents, cannot well be deemed capable of
effectually dealing with the Eastern difficulty in
its new form—involving, as it does now, the
necessity of a desperate war against the might of
the Russian AUTOCRAT. That, however, we repeat,
is little to the purpose in reference to our foregoing
acknowledgment—our avowal that the English
People would yield a cordial support to the Eng-
lish Cabinet in the event of the latter adopting at
last those bold and vigorous measures against the
CZAR which we would fain have seen carried out
long ago by the allies of the Turkish Government.
It should be remembered, at least, under any and
every consideration, that we must in serious truth,
as the Edinburgh has itself declared, be prepared to
" make the utmost exertions, to strike the hardest
blow, and to inflict the deepest wound which the
vast resources of this country will permit," if we
understand the real interests of England, and,
consequently, if, understanding them, we would
put a stop for ever to the lawless aggressions of
the CZAR upon the rights of Turkey, and through
them upon the liberties of Christendom.

Little more than twelve months since, if required
to point out the most efficient and best-conducted
public department, we should unhesitatingly have
referred to the General Post-office. A creditable
anxiety was manifested by the officials, from the
highest to the lowest in authority, to render the
establishment as near perfection as practicable,
and to afford the greatest possible facilities for
correspondence in every quarter, consistent with
safety. Economy was looked to, undoubtedly,
but it was a just and wise economy, which was
never suffered to interfere with the efficiency of
the establishment. It was considered that in such
a country as Great Britain, the revenue, large as it
was, realised from the department, was a matter
of comparatively trivial importance when compared
with the security and regularity of the communi-
cations. Every effort then was made to avoid the
slightest mistake. Every employee seemed to
work as if the success of the whole depended on
his individual exertions. The anxious solicitude
of the leading officials was well sustained and sup-
ported by the zeal and energy of their subordi-
nates. Everything worked harmoniously, and the
business was conducted in the best manner, at a
very moderate expenditure, considering the mag-
nitude of the task imposed on the parties. If any
complaint was preferredit was strictly investigated,
and, if well founded, speedy redress was afforded.
It was not a mere formal letter of acknowledg-
ment, stating the receipt of a document, and de-
claring that it should receive the consideration
of the Postmaster-General, but the statement was
verified. The remonstrance was really attended
to. It was never disregarded—and only rejected
on ample, sufficient, and satisfactory grounds.
But now, this has all been changed. Unfortu-
nately for the country, the present Adminis-
tration came into power, and party exigencies—a
fair division of spoil between Peelites and Russel-

Um—determined that the Postmaster-General
should fall to the lot of a follower of Lord ABER-
DEEN. It signified little whether he had the
slightest practical acquaintance with the business
of the department—whether he possessed any
qualification for the office. It was not a solitary
instance of the Public Service being rendered
wholly subservient to party considerations. Lord
LONSDALE, the out-going Postmaster-General, pos-
sessed considerable experience, but, perhaps, the
most efficient man that ever held the situation
was the Marquis of CLANRICARDE, whose assist-
ance would, probably, not have been refused to
the Government. But it was not valuable ser-
vices that were required. It was a lucrative
situation thatwas required for one of the Peelite
party, and, therefore, the Marquis of CLANRICARDE
was thrown overboard, and Viscount CANNING
selected. The Noble Marquis had, unfortunately
for himself, but still more so for the
community, some experience of Russian intrigues.
He had been Ambassador at St. Petorsburgh, and
might therefore have been troublesome. He would
not have been a willing disciple of " Germanism"
or " Aberdeenism," and therefore he was passed
over, and now we see the natural result. The
Post-office in place of being the best, is unques-
tionably the worst, managed public department,
and the complaints are as general as wore the
praises when Lord CLANRICARDE presided.
Under Viscount CANNING, " a penny-wise-and-
pound-foolish" policy has been adopted. Ac
commodation has been curtailed in every possible
way. There is nothing but cheese-paring and
scraping in every way. A loss to the community
of many hundreds is as nothing in comparison to
the saving of a single pound, or even its transfer
to another head, so as to show an apparent in-
crease in the Post-office revenue. That is all that
is required, for under the new system it appears
that a saving of 451. in the Post-office is cheaply
purchased by an increase in the Home-office ex-
penditure of double the amount.
Amongst other paltry reductions; it appears

that Viscount CANNING has discontinued the Post-
office which for more than fifty years had been
maintained in the Queen's Prison—and also the let-
ter-box kept in Whitecross-street. We are credibly
informed that since the sth instant uo letter has
been delivered to any inmate of either prison.
The governors very properly refuse to receive any
letters for prisoners, while the letter-carriers re-
fuse to deliver them to the parties to whom they
are addressed. The prison authorities could not
indeed receive and distribute them without great
inconvenience and expense, as the employment of
at least an additional officer would be required to
take charge of the correspondence. But this is
nothing to the magnates of St. Martin's-le-Grand.
With a cruel and heartless disregard for the feel-
ings and interests of the unfortunate victims to
the existing system of imprisonment for debt, they
have at a very brief notice, and without deeming
it expedient to see that any substitute had been
provided, shut up the Post-office within the
walls. The result is, that no letter addressed to
the Queen's Bench Prison has been received since
Thursday last, and correspondence of the most
vital importance has been detained from the
parties concerned. While the matter is debating
between the Post-office and the Home-office, many
persons are deeply, perhaps irrevocably, injured,
for we are informed that some hundreds of letters
are remaining at the Post-office. This is not
merely an act of official impertinence or
red-tapism, but it is one of deep and heinous
criminality. An unfortunate letter-carrier is
liable to be transported for detaining a single
letter. What punishment, we ask, should be
inflicted on Viscount CANNING for causing the
wholesale detention of correspondence ? The
law may not reach the offence when committed by
heads of departments. It is only the minor fry
that are transferred to the hulks or penitentiaries,
because they are supposed to be unable to help
themselves.

We beg to refer our readers to a communication
from " Observer" on this subject, which will be
found in another column.

The frost has departed--•the snow melted away.
The natural appearances of winter have vanished,
and out of doors we might fancy that spring had
arrived prematurely. The unfortunate pater fami-
has, however, discovers to his cost how deceptive
are these signs. He is still charged extravagantly
for his " coals," as well as for all the other neces-
saries of life. There has not, as yet, been any
abatement of the prices demanded when the ships
were ice-bound in the pool, and when it
was stated to be impossible to deliver the car-
goes, and transfer them to the wharves
of the different coal merchants. Almost prohibi-
tory prices are still demanded for that which
custom has rendered one of the chief necessaries
of existence. How is this ? The matter is of
too great importance to be submitted to in silence.
A stringent and searching investigation is impera-
tively required. We must, if possible, ascertain
the real causes which have produced this unto-
ward state of affairs.

It is more than hinted that the coal merchants
have in some degree contributed to produce the
extravagant addition to the rates demanded,
which are now from 80 to 100 per cent, higher
than they were twelve months since. A respected
correspondent informs us that he was obliged to
pay 2/. ss. per ton on Monday for coals of a simi-
lar quality to some which he purchased on the
9th of January, 1853, for 1/. 55., and that he
was subjected to several days' delay by parties
who had previously exhibited the utmost punctua-
lity in all their dealings. This was the rate charged
by respectable dealers, while from the less wealthy
classes the retailers have levied 2s. 6d., and in some
instances 2s. 9d., per cwt. The merchants declare
that they are not responsible for these exorbitant
rates. They positively assert that they make
only a moderate addition to the cost price for
expenses, and that, notwithstanding the increased
capital invested in consequence of the additional
value of the article, they are still contented with
the same moderate profit which they always ob-
tained. If this be so it is surely susceptible
of proof, and it is only a matter of strict
justice that they should be exonerated from the
odium under which they have for some time been
labouring, and that the burden should be trans-
ferred to the right shoulders. They themselves
should be the first to demand the inquiry that
would relieve them from so grave an imputation.
There are some stubborn facts, however, -which
it is difficult to account for. We believe that
more than six hundred vessels arrived in the
second week of December, and that at least
an equal number came in last week. It is
said, and we believe truly, that the cargoes
of the first 600 were sold on the Coal Exchange
for 265. per ton, but that those of a few straggling
vessels, which were a few days later, were puffed
up to an extravagant price ; so that the whole,
or by far the greater part of that purchased by
the merchants at 263., were disposed of as if they
had cost 325. or 335., and the public were de-
prived of the benefit they would otherwise have
obtained from the abundant supply. We have not
as yet ascertained the rates at which the late
arrivals were sold, but statements have been put
forward to show that the " quotations were
doctored in that instance also, ant very large
profits realised by some of the principal dealers."
Now if this be the case—and we .shall be re-
joiced to hear that we have been misinformed—
it is high time that measures should be taken to
break up the virtual monopoly, and to insure
an adequate supply at moderate prices
of an article of such vital importance to
the domestic comforts of the people.
It is not the time for the maintenance of any
exclusive privileges that may produce, or tend to
produce, such untoward results. If the fault
rests in any degree with the coal owners, surely
there is abundant capital to work new veins, and
to obtain the necessary supplies from other quar-
ters. If it is the shipowners engaged in the coast-
ing trade who are to blame, they may be fairly
encountered by a little exertion on the part of
the different railway companies, and by throw-
ing the trade open to general competition.
By these means they will be compelled to content
themselves with moderate profits, and pay dearly
for the extravagant remuneration they have in-
sisted on during a pressing emergency. If the
privileges of any body connected with the Cor-
poration are in fault, let the Legislature be directed
to the matter, and a speedy remedy insisted on.
If the quotations are doctored, the system should
be changed in, tote, and one substituted
which will enable the public to ascertain how
matters really are. Those who broke the giant
monopoly who enforced the repeal of the
iniquitous corn laws, despite the organised
resistance of the great body of the landocracy—
will not submit to be defrauded by the schemes of
a petty clique ; or to submit to serious privations
in order that coal merchants or coal factors may
realise far more than the legitimate profits of
their business, and be enabled to retire with im-
mense fortunes after a few years in trade. If we
consider the enormous amount at stake, that it
may be counted not merely by thousands but by
hundreds of thousands, aye, even millions, of
pounds sterling, we will see the propriety of
speedy and energetic exertion to obtain the much- I
required relief from these formidable exactions.

FRIGHTFUL SCAFFOLD ACClDENT.—Yesterday morning
a frightful accident occurred, which, it is feared, will
terminate fatally to Henry Keefe, Johnson's-buildings,
Great Peter-street, who accidentally fell from a scaffold
at some new buildings in Victoria-street, Pimlico, a
depth of 30 feet. He was instantly picked up, bleeding
profusely, and in a state of' insensibility, when he was
conveyed to St. George's Hospital, where Mr. Cutler,
surgeon, was in immediate attendance, but from the
nature of the injuries sustained slight hopes are enter-
tained of his recovery.

AUSTRALIA.—The latter end of this month there will
be an overland Australian mail due in England. Its
dates should be Sydney, November 19; Melbourne, 22 ;
and Adelaide, the 25th.

A CIIIIIOSITY.—A great curiosity was exhibited yes-
terday on the Stock Exchange. It was a receipt for
1,3001. Consols, dated July 20, 1798, at the price of
47i, the purchase money being only 6201. 15s. The
above is nearly the lowest price Consols ever fell to. In
the month of January the same year they were down to
47g, below which price they have never been.

MONEY MARKE T

AND
COMMERCIAL INT ELLIGENCE.

CITY, TWO O'CLOCK.

The sales of cotton at Liverpool yesterday were
estimated at from 4,000 to 5,000 bales, of which
500 were taken for export. The market closed firmly
at fully previous rates. The sales comprised 100
Pernam and Maranham at 6d. to 6gd., 200 Egyp-
tian at 6d.. to 10d., 400 Surat at 3d. to 4d., and the
remainder nearly all American. Railway shares
were steady.

In the last accounts from New South Wales there
are full statistics as to the progress of the colony.
The total population at the close of 1852 was
208,254, being a net increase over the previous
year of 11,086. The proportion was 118,687 males
and 99,567 females. Of this the increase by immi-
gration compared with the previous year was 18,147
males and 5,071 females, and by births 4,000 males'
and 3,866 females. A very large number of per-
sons, however, left New South Wales Proper for
the other colonies, namely, 16,393. The num-
ber of marriages solemnised was 2,175. The
total expenditure for immigration since 1832
up to 1852 inclusive was 1,283,6191. is. 9d.
During the same period the bounties were dis-
allowed on 2,250 persons, and the quarantine ex-
penses were 26,6541. 4s. 6d. During the year
1852 the bounties for the introduction of immi-
grants by private individuals amounted to 2,3581.
The amount of gratuities to surgeons and officers
of vessels was 2,0731. Os. 6d. The expenses of lodg-
ing and maintaining immigrants after their arrival
2,0241. lls. 3d. ; salaries and contingent expenses
of immigration agents in the colony 1,7091.45. ld. ;
advances from the Colonial Land Fund to the Land
and Immigration Commissioners, 136,2651. 18s. 6d.;
remittances on account of land and immigration
deposits 1,2501. ; immigration remittances 1,411/. ;
quarantine expenses 4910/. 17s. 7d. Total outlay,
149,1071. 6s. 3d. The total amount of de-
bentures issued for immigration expenses since
the year 1849 up to 31st December, 1852, was
307,5001., distributed at various rates of premiums.
The total amount of premiums paid have been
14,9661. 18s. 11d. ; and the net proceeds realised
322,4661. 18s. 11d. The amount of debentures
paid off was 50,0001., and the amount outstanding
on the 31st December, 1852, was 267,5001. The
amount of interest paid on land and immigra-
tion debentures from 1849 to 1852 inclusive,
17,0641. 7s. 3d. The amount of debentures issued
in 1852, was 130,4001., at a premium of
12,2041. 3s. 10d., and subject to 8,9901. Os. 9d.
interest. The total number of immigrants intro-
duced at the public expense since the year 1832,
up to the 31st December, 1852, w;as 69,788, com-
prising 23,288 males and 27,505 females over 14
years of age, and 18,995 persons under 14 years of
age. In 1852 the immigration consisted of 1,635
males and 1,910 females over 14 years of age, and
763 males and 673 females under 14 years of
ago. The total amount of immigration at
the public expense in 1852, was 4,981.
The number of immigrants who arrived in the
colony since 1832, up to the 31st Dec., 1852, at
their own expense, was 24,153, being 13,406 males
and 6,136 females over 14 years of age, and 4,611
children under 14 years of age. The number of
immigrants arrived from 1832 to 1852 inclusive
was 93,941, being 36,694 males and 33,641 females
above 14 years of age, and 23,606 children under
14 years of age. The total number of immigrants
during 1852 was 4,112 males, 2,635 females over
14 years of age, and 2,015 children under 14 years
of age. The total number of immigrants paying
their own passages who arrived in 1852 was 3,781.
Of the immigrants who arrived in 1852, 2,074 were
Protestants, 1,862 Roman Catholics, and 1,045 of
other denominations. There were 1,939 from
England and Wales, 616 from Scotland, 2,417
from Ireland, and 9 from other countries. The
religious and national return refers only to the
immigrants introduced at the public expense.
Yesterday afternoon the rates for bills of ex-
change upon the principal Continental cities were
firm. Paris, 90 days, 25 271 to 30 ; Amsterdam,
11 15:1 to 16. E ; and Haraburgh, 13 sto si. Trieste
rose to 12 8 and 10.

A portion of the gold per Walter Hood and
Francis Henty, from Australia, is likely to be taken
for the Continent. The Ambrosine, from Geelong,
Port Philip, has 49,000 ounces on board.
To-morrow takes place the meeting of Anglo-
Peruvian Bondholders ; and if a strong effort is to
be made for impressing upon the Government of
the republic a due sense of its obligations towards
the foreign creditors, every one interested, even in
the smallest degree, should attend. Questions of
great importance will be brought forward ; and it
wilt. not be from want of energy if a special and
efficient committee be not at once formed with the
view of watching over the claims of the foreign credi-
tors, and of preventing the introduction of new loans
without public sanction or cognisance. The attempt
to put home stock upon this market is manifestly
an invasion of every principle of justice. There are
also other matters to be considered, and especially
the appropriation of a larger share of the guano
proceeds ; and now that it is currently reported that
the price of guano is to be raised, the agriculturists
also are concerned, and may prudently co-operate
in requesting Lord Clarendon to take the matter in
hand.

The English Stock Market has been rather lower,
after opening with tolerable firmness. Consols
have been 92i to 92i, and since 922- a- for transfer,
while for account the quotations have been 921
and are now 92g There is much less doing.
The New 31 per Cents. have been quoted at 93i
to 934, and the 3 per Cents. 921 to 924. Bank
Stock is steady at 217 to 2172. Exchequer Bills
have been at Bs. to lls. prem.
There is not much activity in Foreign Stocks,
and prices are in some instances flatter. Mexican
Bonds are heavy at 23, and Venezuela Deferred
Bonds are 1 per cent. lower than on Monday, being
12. Russian 5 per Cents, have declined per cent.,
being 1071, but the 41 per Cents. have improved to
90. Spanish Bonds are steady, being 421 for the
3 per Cents., and 20f for the New Deferred.
Austriax 5 per Cents. are 721. Dutch 21 per
Cents. are rather lower, being 611,
and the 4 per
Cents. 94g.
There has been some weakness in the English
railways, and with less business doing, the improved
prices of yesterday having induced a few sales.
The French lines have been rather lower also.
Gold Mines are very inactive, Bank Shares steady
but quiet, and Land Companies' generally rather
lower. The South Australian, however, are los,
better.

BRITISH FUNDS THIS DAY.
(Prom the Official List. )
Business dono.
.............. 217 i 17
Bank Stock .
: per Cent. Reduced Annuities. ............ 92$
3 per Cent. Consols Annuities ................ 92$ $
New 3J. per Cent. Annuities ....... .. •_••••• 9,3,i
Long Annuities, Expire sth Jan., 186 U ... 01
Ditto 30 Years, Expire sth Jan., 1860 ...... 5 x d
India Bonds. £lOOO .......
......... ....... 4 p
Consols for Opening 18th Jan. ............... 92i
Exchequer Bills, ld.
£lOOO ......................... ........... . 811 p
£5OO .......................................... 8 11 p
Small ......................................... 811 p
PRICE OF FOREIGN FUNDS THIS DAY.
Brazilian Bonds, 5 per Cent. ..................
Ditto Small ......... . .........................
97
Ditto New, 1852, 44 per Cent . ............ 90 14
Sfexican 3 per Cent.
Ditto for the Account 23
Russian Bonds, 1822, 5 per Cent. £St lo7i 9
Ditto 4i per Cent ... .
Spanish Bonds, 3 per Cent 42i 2 x
Spanish New Deferred, 3 per Cent 204 $ x d
Venezuela Bonds, 3i per Cent. ........•••• •••
Ditto Deferred, 1 per Cent
Dividends on the above payable in London.
Austrian Bonds 5 per Cent. 10 Cu. 2 74}
Dutch Exchange, 2i per Cent. 12 Gail x
Ditto 4 per Cent. Certificates

THREE O'CLOCK.
Consols for Opening 18th January 923 xti

GREAT LEXEMBOURG RAILWAY.--AdVi,CeS from Brus-
sels mention that at a meeting on Monday of the share-
holders of the Great Luxembourg Railway the resolu-
tions of the recent London meeting were definitively
confirmed.

GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAY OF FRANCE.—It appear&
that the Great Northern Railway of France are about
to make an addition of 1,500,000/. to their bonded debt,
by the issue of 75,000 bonds, of 201. each, at the price
of 131. Bs., bearing interest at 3 per cent., and redeem-
able at par in 73 years. The loan is to complete the
extensions authorised in 102, when a similar amount
wa raised.

THE MEDITERRANEAN.

(BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.)

SOUTHAMPTON, WEDNESDAY MORNING.
The Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation
Company's steamer City of London, Captain Car-
gill, has arrived here, with dates from Constanti-
nople, December 17 ; Smyrna, 22d ; Malta, 26th ;
Gibraltar, January 2 ; Lisbon, 6th.
The City of London has encountered strong head
winds, with frequent gales and terrific seas, and
put into Lisbon for a supply of coal. She brings
a large cargo of Levant produce, including fruit,
opium, wool, silks, &c.
Rear-Admiral Corry's squadron of 10 ships still
remained in the Tagus, but was to go to sea as
soon as the stormy weather subsided.
The Lady Eglinton, screw steamer, from the
Brazils, arrived in the Tagus on the 6th, and was
to leave the same day for Liverpool.
At Lisbon exchange on London was quoted at
54i ; the Three per Cent. Stocks were 381 to 39±;
Bank of Portugal Shares 118 to 114 milreis dis-
count, and in demand, in consequence of the ex-
pected arrangement of the Bank differences with
the Government.

The Portuguese Cortes were opened on the 2d
inst. by the King Regent in person, who delivered
a rather lengthy speech reviewing the foreign and
domestic relations of the country, and indicating
the probable course of legislative action. Both
houses subsequently appointed Committees to draw
up replies to the speech from the throne.
A correspondent states that there are no grounds
for the reports so industriously spread of the pro-
bability of a change of Government or reaction in
Portugal, which apparently has every chance of a
season of tranquillity.
_ _

At Gibralt-ar exchange on London was last
quoted 511 to 51# ; Spanish pillared dollars 4 per
cent. premium.

LATEST FOREIGN NEWS.

RUSSIA AND TURKEY.

By telegraphic despatches from Constantinople
up to the 2d. January, it appears that the orders
for the combined fleets to enter the Black Sea ar-
rived on the 29th ultimo. The movement of the
fleets in execution of the order commenced next
day, the 30th, when four English and foul French
ships left Beycos, and anchored on both sides of the
Cyanean Rocks, which are situated on the south-
west coast of the Black Sea, betweeen the Bosphorus
and Varna. There is a battery and lighthouse on
the shore.
The other vessels of war intended for the Euxine
were to enter on the 2d instant, having been de-
tained, it would seem, by contrary winds and bad
weather.

When the peremptory orders from the English
and French Governments to their fleets were made
known, instructions were immediately sent to the
Turkish commanders in Europe and Asia to carry
on the war with all possible energy.
The Turks, it was said, would fall back on Tra-
jan's wall, extending from Czernavoda to Kostendji,
should General Luders force the passage of the
Danube at Matschin. The wall is very strongly for-
tified.

The Sultan had accepted the mediatory note pre-
sented by the Four Ambassadors. The Commander
of the Imperial Guard had resigned. Lord Dudley
Stuart had gone to Schumla. A great fire had con-
sumed several houses in the Greek quarter. Dear-
ness was increasing. A camp had been formed near
Constantinople. The steamer Custozza was cruising
off Rhodes in quest of pirates. The Ambassadors
were holding conferences daily at Baron de Bruck's.
An army had been concentrated on the Persian
frontier, under Amadi Pacha. The weather was
boisterous on the 2d inst., when the despatch con-
taining the above left Constantinople.
There was a rumour in Paris yesterday of a
victory of the Turks over 25,000 Russians at
Kalafat. Details are wanting, but sanguinary
conflicts have happened between Kalafat and
Karakal, as many wounded Russians are continu-
ally being conveyed to Krajova.
From Belgrade, Dec. 28, we learn that two fir-
mans were expected there from Constantinople.
In one the relations which exist between Servia and
Russia are, it is said, suppressed. The Sultan
declares that the Servians have no need of a pro-
tectorate from Russia, since his Highness has con-
firmed the liberties which they have never ceased
to enjoy. All the conventions made until now
with Russia are consequently annulled, and the
Servians ought henceforth to consider the Sultan
as their only Suzerain. The second firman con-
firms all the privileges conceded to the Servian
people, of which an enumeration is given.
It is supposed that Turkey has promised Prince
Alexander, if he should observe a suitable attitude
in the present war, that the inheritance of his title
will be granted and guaranteed to him.
A communication from Vienna says Austria is
very angry that Russia, after accepting her good
offices, should now insist on treating with the Porte
alone.

The Oest. Correspondenz contains an article, the
sense of which is that Austria has no reason to in-
terfere in the present conflict, as her relations with
all the great Powers are undisturbed.

Prince Menschikoff is making preparations at
Odessa for the reception of the Archduke Constan-
tine.

The influence of Mehemet Ali Pasha (the Seraskier)
is as great as ever. On the 22d, when Redschid
Pasha and his family sought refuge in the palace of
the Sultan at Tscheragan, an adjoining building
was placed at his disposal. "On that day no one
went to the palace lest it might be considered a
demonstration against the Seraskier." With the
exception of Redschid Pasha, all the highest digni-
taries were at the Seraskier's residence, which on
the 22d- was the head-quarters of the revolutionary
(war) party. After the resolutions taken by the
Divan had been discussed and animadverted on,
the Seraskier went to the Sultan, and gave
him the assurance that, under certain con-
ditions, he would be answerable for the mainte-
nance of peace. "No one in the palace ventured
to arrest him, although he was known to be the
prime cause of the disturbance." The Sultan de-
sired the Seraskier to resign his portfolio, but the
latter is said to have replied proudly and firmly,
" Sire, for thy welfare and mine, I beg of thee to
let me remain in office." Great credit is given to
Baron Bruck for the calmness and self-possession
which he displayed on the 21st, while it is insinu-
ated that General Baraguay D'Hilliers and Lord
Stratford displayed the opposite qualities. Alto-
gether about 500 persons have been arrested, 80 of
whom were sent to Candia. It is considered pro-
bable that others were made acquainted with the
bow-suing or the sack, but if such was really the
case, the charge brought against the Seraskier of
being the instigator of the tumult is probably un-
just. The prisoners were arrested by his orders,
and his office it would be to punish them. Two
persons, who offered resistance to the troops, near
the mosque of Suliman, were bayoneted without
ceremony. But four vessels ran down from Beicos
to Constantinople ; two were British, and two
French steam-frigates.
It appears that after the insurrection there was
another Grand Divan held, at which the Sultan
presided. The principal resolutions are said to
have been :

"1. Evacuation of the Principalities. 2. The annul-
ment of all the treaties with the separate States. 4. Con-
firmation of all the concessions made and firmans granted
to the different Powers, and a union of them all in a
new treaty with the five Powers on the basis of that of
1841. 4. A solemn promise on the part of the Porte
to introduce reforms in the administration in favour of
its Christian subjects,"
The Impartial de Smyrne makes mention of two
or three affairs which have occurred on the Danube,
as unimportant as that which happened at Oseston
on the 31st December. The Turkish organ writes
that after a sharp battle 300 horse and foot, which
formed the guard of 400 waggons containing fodder,
repulsed a swarm of Cossacks, by whom they were
attacked near Kalafat. Within sight of Sistow a
skirmish took place between a few irregular troops
who had crossed the river and some Cossacks.
The latter had several killed, and some ten of them
were taken prisoners. The next affair, if true, was
somewhat more serious. A Russian steamer with
several gun-boats appeared before Isaktchi, and
was so ill-used by the guns of the fortress that two
of the boats were sunk, and the steamer was
obliged to sheer off. We read in the Journal de
Constantinople:—
" A mission like to that of Prince Mensehikoff's, has
been sent from Teflis to Teheran. It consists of M.
Kaniloff, the Director of the Diplomatic Chancellery at
Teflis, a General, a Colonel, a Lieutenant-Colonel, a
Cossack Captain, six Lieutenants, and a Physician."

From time to time the inhabitants of Lower
Wallachia have shown themselves less patient to-
wards their self-appointed protectors than their
brethren on the east bank of the Aluta, and per-
fectly credible information has now been received
that the guerilla bands which have been organized
much annoy the Russians. Eight persons have
been arrested and tried at Krajova, on the charge
of being concerned in the seizure of the five Russian
employes near Turna, who, after being well beaten,
were delivered over to the Turks at Kalafat. We
have news that the Turks crossed the Danube be-
tween Kalafat and Turna, routed the extreme left
of Daunenberg's corps, and made themselves mas-
ters of Karakal, by a sudden attack. On the 31st
of December a proclamation was issued in Krajova
that the inhabitants of the city should banish all
fear, "as within two days not a Turk should be
left on the left bank of the Danube." Until now
we have not heard that any attack has been made
on Kalafat.

The Copirte Zeitung's Correspondenz says :
" The despatch, which leaves no further doubt as
' to the entry of the combined fleets into the Pontus
Euxinus, has created great alarm amongst our pa.
pulation. It is feared that we are on the very eve
of war. The money-changers have enough to do
to change paper currency for silver coin. People
with 100 and 200 florins throng to these counting-
houses with a view to secure their supposedly-en-
dangered treasure."
The latest intelligence from the seat of war in
Asia confirms what we have before said in refer-
ence to the Turkish losses there. The Turkish
troops have been driven back to Kars, where they
have gone into winter quarters. The irregulars had
scattered themselves over the country.
Effad Effendi had left Constantinople for Jerusa-
lem, with a number of carpenters and workmen to
repair the cupola of the church of the Holy Sepul-
chre.
The resumption of diplomatic relations between
tae English ambassador and the Court of Teheran
is confirmed by the latest intelligence. The origi-
nal ground of the difficulty was the wish of the
English ambassador to take under his protection a

man who was claimed, on the other hand, as a
subject of the Persian Government.
A de,pate.i noire iiacuarest, dated the 4th inst.,
gives the particulars of the engagement, or rather
skirmish, near Kalafat. The affair occurred at a
small Wallachian village, a short distance from the
Turkish position, 4nd lasted about an hour, when
the Turks were compelled to retire, with a loss of
10 killed and 20 prisoners, the latter having lost
their horses in the engagement. The Russian force
consisted of two battalions, and the Turkish force
of 1,800 cavalry. This affair appears to have been
a very unimportant one.
A letter from Bucharest, dated the 28th ult.,
states that warlike preparations were still being
made with the greatest activity, and that there was
no prospect whatever of a suspension of hostilities.
Notwithstanding the extreme cold and great depth
of snow, the dislocation of the Russian troops con-
tinued. At Oltenitza three large subterraneous
dwellings had been constructed for the Russian
outposts stationed at that point. Similar winter
quarters have been constructed for the troops in
other parts of the principalities. Our informant
says that even the skirmishes between the fore
posts of the two armies had entirely ceased, but
the number of wounded daily, for some time,
brought to Krajowa and Bucharest, indicates that
such has not been the case. Twelve pieces of
the heaviest Russian artillery had recently been
sent from Bucharest to Giurgevo. A company of
miners had also been sent to the same place. •
Letters from Orsova inform us that the threatre
of war is approaching nearer and nearer to the
Austrian frontier. The Russians already occupy
Graja, a village scarcely four leagues from the
Austrian territory. The troops stationed in that
vicinity came down from the northern part of
Lesser Wallachia. The Turkish corps stationed at
Kalafat is from time to time receiving strong re-
inforcements. Omer Paella's camp is at Rustschuk,
but he visits Widdin every four or five days. Se-
veral agents of the Turkish Balkan army have been
despatched to Servia for the purpose of buying
provisions.„ The granary of Bulgaria, namely,
Wallachia, has been closed the present year, and
the want of provisions begins to be severely felt
in the Turkish army.
• A latter from Cattaro, dated the 25th ult.,
states that Anap Pacha, with 1,000 foot and 500
mounted soldiers, had proceeded against the Mon-
tenegrin frontier. In addition to the above, 1,000
men were also to march in a few days. 2,000
Turks are posted at Trebiane, and I,OGO .regulars
at Gosko. The Montenegrins are fortifying the
most assailable part of their frontier, without being
interrupted by the Turks.

The Journal de Constantinople of the 25th ult.
states that Riza Pacha two days before went on
board the Admiral's vessel, the Mahmoudie, and
delivered an address, of which the following is the
substance, to the staff of the fleet :

" I am profoundly impressed with the unexampled
favour which his Imperial Majesty the Sultan, our
gracious and beloved Sovereign, has conferred on me in
nominating me Grand Admiral. I will endeavour,
with the aid of the Almighty, and with your co-
operation, gentlemen, which I consider indispensable
for the undertaking the Government has in view, to
respond to the just expectation of our august Sove-
reign. Ido not doubt that you will be animated with
the same sentiment as I am, and that you will be full of
ardour and devotedness for the service of our glorious
Sultan and our dear country. You will thus be worthy
of the attention, of the sympathies of the world, and
will obtain with honour the promotion due to your merit.
I recommend you, gentlemen, to remain always at your
respective posts, to discharge your duties with all possi-
ble zeal, and to see that your crews always behave well.
I warn you once for all that I am accustomed to go
where I am not expected, and if, in spite of my exhorta-
tions, I should discover in my visits negligence in the
accomplishment of your duties, I should consider myself
forded to act with severity against those guilty of it. Do
not imagine, gentleman, that what I say to you is solely
inspired by the gravity of present circumstances. You
must at the same time employ all your faculties in ful-
filling your duties with scrupulous care—if not, you will
assume a great and serious responsibility. Serve, then,
always your country with affection, and in that way you
will be worthy servants and children of our magnanimous
Sovereign, who does not cease to heap benefits on us."

FRANCE.
The Paris papers of yesterday evening had not
arrived when we went to press.
The Bourse opened with some animation yester-
day, but was again depressed on a report being
circulated that the Russian Ambassador was prepar-
ing to leave Paris. The Three per Cents. closed
at 70f. 50c. for the end of the month ; the Four-
and-a-Half per Cents. closed at 99f. 15c. ; Orleans
Railway Shares, 1,107 f. 50c. ; Rouen, 968 f. 75c. ;
Havre, 465 f. ; Great Northern, 802 f. 50c. ; Paris
and Strasburg, 760 f. ; Paris and Lyons, 860 f. ;
Lyons to the Mediterranean, 695 f. ; Western of
France, 625 f. ; Bordeaux and Cette, 575 f. ; Great
Central, 485 f. ; Lyons and Geneva, 485 f. ; Shares
of the Bank of Credit Mobilier, 655 f.

SPAIN.
Accounts from Madrid, of Jan. 5, state that the
Queen was delivered by Dr. Corral, of a female
child, a little before ten that morning. The royal
infant was immediately presented to the Ministers,
authorities, and other persons whose position re-
quired them to be present on the occasion, and who
were assembled in an apartment adjoining her
Majesty's chamber. All the chiefs of the other
foreign missions were in attendance.
Mr. Loftus Otway, First Secretary of the Eng-
lish Legation, on the sth inst. represented Lord
Bowden, who was prevented by indisposition and
domestic affliction from attending, at the accouche-
ment of the Queen. M. Montherot represented
M. Turgot.
The royal infant was to be baptized on the 6th.
The medical report says that the Queen and Infanta
were at 11 a.m. in the most satisfactory state. The
new Infanta is stated to be robust, and to have
been born at half-past ten.
The Gazette contains a royal decree, ordering a
conscription of 25,000 men to take place for the
service of the present year, and apportioning the
same amongst the provinces in proportion to their
population. It also states on authority that the
bills, &c., negotiated by the Government during
the month of December, were taken by private
capitalists at 8 per cent., and by the Bank at 6 per
cent. discount.

The following were the prices of Stocks :—Three
per Cents., 411 ; ditto Deferred, 21g ; Redeemable
Debt, first class, 81 ; ditto second class, 48 ; Cou-
pon Certificates, 31. Exchange on London, 51 80.

PRUSSIA.
BERLIN, Jan. 9.—To-day the Second Chamber
met in a secret sitting to deliberate on the commu-
nication from Government, relative to the acquisi-
tion by Prussia of a military port in the North
Sea.

The Government of Sweden and Norway has
addressed a note to the Prussian Government, in
which they explain the policy they intend to follow
in case of a European war. They will maintain a
position of the most strict neutrality.
Several arrests have taken place in Prussian
Poland. The Posen Gazette adds that these arrests
took place on political grounds, in consequence of
information given by the Russian Government.