The Sun.
London, England, 1854-02-02 00:00:00

~,
~`

tion—that declaration repressive of any sanguine
anticipations among the popular representatiyes.
War, therefore, must still be looked to as the
inevitable result of these most abortive efforts at
a pacification. War, indeed, is threatened sig-
nificantly enough both by the EMPEROR of the
1 French, and by the EMPEROR of all the Russias.
I It is threatened in each instance by a notable
I visit of ceremony. In the instance of NAPOLEON
by the excursion of his Imperial cousin, the son
of the ex-King JEROME, to the neighbouring
court of LEOPOLD. In that of NICHOLAS by the
excursion of Count ORLOFF to Vienna. Every-
body with discernment understands at once
the meaning of both those singular visits
lof ceremony—visits similar as they are also
contemporaneous. The Prince NAPOLEON appears
at Brussels just now with a view to the drawing
together yet more closely the alliance between the
i French and Belgian Governments. The Count
ORLOFF appears at Vienna in the hope that some
secret compact may be arranged between the EM-
PERORS of Austria and of all the Russias—at any
rate, with the expectation that the former may be
effectually bound over in the event of a general
war to the strictest neutrality under all circum-
stances. Whatever the consequence of the im-
portant missions intrusted respectively to the
Count ORLOFF and the Prince NAPoLEoN—there
cannot, we here reiterate, be any further doubt
as to the total failure of the last desperate attempt
made at the bloodless adjustment of these com-
plicated Eastern differences. The Turks, indeed,
are known to have already resumed a warlike atti-
tude along the whole line of the Danube from
Braila to Karlafat. The Russians are known to
be actively preparing for a renewal of hostilities
in Asia, throughout the whole of the more
agitated regions of the Caucasus. A col-
lision, moreover, is spoken of, as having taken
place in the vicinity of Batoum, between the
Russian fleet in the Black Sea and the com-
bined squadrons of France and England—the last
accounts from that quarter being that Admirals
DUNDAS and HAMELIN had proceeded onward from
Sinope, and that scarcely half-a-dozen of the Rus-
sian vessels of war were then remaining in the
port of Sebastopol. Precisely thus are situated
those great Powers which must now be regarded
as belligerents. Precisely of this nature is the
situation, when (using, with one altered word, the
memorable phrase of SHA lISPERE), we have but
now to let ship the dogs of War, crying, " GOD
for justice, England, and Sr. GEORGE !"

to our iye land, this frightful blot on the na-_1
tic)" Ttcu cheon, arises from the habitual disre-
n •
gard of the 'first and most essential principle of
Life Assurance, the creation of "wager policies,"
or speculative insurances, on lives where there is
no direct interest in the insurer. This awful
gambling is carried to the most terrific extent,
and chiefly in infant life, on the existence of those
helpless creatures on whom it is scarcely ne-
cessary to inflict direct violence. The mere
withholding of the care and attention so
essential to their support would alone suffice
to gain the awful stake, and to give the unnatural
parent the price of her own flesh and blood.
Why should we shudder at the exposure of weakly
or puny children by the ancient Greeks and
Romans, or the more recent habitual destruction
of female infants by the Chinese and Hindoos, and
deplore the demoralisation that led to such a state
of affairs ? Our own practice is far more degrad-
ing and infamous. The Greeians only destroyed
their puny and ailing children—those who did
not promise to spring into -vigorous adolescence.
The Hindoos, where we have so strenuously
exerted ourselves to check the atrocious practice,
only resorted to it because it 'was not considered
respectable to have unmarried females in a family,
and a fortune was almost invariably required,
which they could not afford. " Pay our daugh-
ters' marriage portions, and they shall live," was
the answer returned to the remonstrances against
the odious and unnatural practice. It was not for
a few paltry pounds thatthe destruction of their off-
spring was perpetrated by the benighted Hindoos.
Fraud was not added to the murder in their
case. A Hindoo mother, when consenting to the
sacrifice of her unfortunate infant, which was
deemed indispensable to the family respectability,
did not console herself with the idea that her
baby was in " two burial clubs." Nor did her
neighbours envy the good fortune that obtained
6/. or 8/. in return for a deceased child. Bad
as it is to allow even mothers to enrol their chil-
dren on the " Death Lists," as they have been
appropriately termed, what can be said of the
system of permitting hired nurses to speculate
on the mortality of those unfortunates consigned
to their care and protection ? Should any doubt
exist as to the results, it must be alleged,
when we consider that the infantile mortality
in Manchester (where the burial club system
is fully developed) is fourfold that of the most
destitute districts in Dorsetshire, and also that,
although the infant deaths constitute 64 per cent.
of the total mortality in Manchester, the appli-
cations for - medical assistance are only 13 per
cent. of the number of applicants.
These dreadful facts too clearly point out the
necessity for instant action. Let any person who
has the slightest hesitation on the subject read
the admirable brochure of the Rev. JOHN CLAY,*
and it will be removed. The Rev. Gentleman,
indeed, makes out a case fearfully conclusive.
Last Session we put down the Betting Lists—let
not a month elapse before we suppress the still
more formidable " Death Lists," in which the
worst species of gambling has been carried on.

MONEY -MA ItKE T

417 r
ti•

AND
COILLTIM-WIAL INTELLIGENCE.

CITY, TWO O'CLOCK

The sales of cotton at Liverpool yesterday were
estimated at 6,000 bales, including 300 American
and 700 Surat, taken on speculation. The market
closed steadily, with prices of American again in
favour of buyers. Other kinds without alteration.
The sales comprised 50 Bahia at 6id., 400 Egyptian
at Sid. to'6B--id., 1,500 Surat at 21d. to 4id., and
30 Sea Island at 11d. to 2s. 6d. per lb. Railway
Shares were firmer.

The following account of the Manchester market
is by Messrs. M'Nair, Greenhow, and Irving :
"From the date of our last monthly circular up to
the present one, nothing has occurred to affect materi-
ally the condition of this market. On the other hand,
indeed, it may be said that in this and other manufac-
ing districts, generally, indications of great and abiding
confidence in the position of the country at a somewhat
critical period are unmistakeably abundant.
" It must be admitted, however, that whatever may be
the result of this protracted Eastern question affair, it
continues to occasion, rather than otherwise, increased
apprehension, and to exercise a depressing influence.
As a natural consequence, buyers—and those for the
continent of Europe especially—have very recently com-
menced operating with much greater caution and hesi-
tation. Then, in addition to this indicated evil, must be
attached the consequences arising from the continued
dearness of money, and the very high prices ruling for
the acutal necessaries of life.

" Reverting to the Eastern question, we cannot dis-
possess ourselves of a long-entertained belief that
through the intervention and aid of England and France
peace will eventually result, and that the war now un-
happily in existence beween Russia and Turkey will, in
the meantime, be confined to their respective territories.
" Although a considerable amount of business has
been done, little or no change in value has taken place.
During the first, second, and third weeks of the month
the action of the market continued comparatively steady,
and the operations were of such a character as to sus-
tain the prices ruling at the end of December. Within,
however, the last week or so, owing to a greater immi-
nence of war, accompanied with a declining state of the
Cotton Market, it has assumed a quiet, dull, and irre-
gular appearance. Prices of cloth and Yarns, which
were previously firm, have yielded three halfpence upon
7-8 and 9-8 Printing Cloths ; lid. per Piece upon 9-8
and 5.4 Shirtings ; and a mere trifle upon some other
articles. Domestics, T Cloths, and Long Cloths, have
remained very firm ; so has everything else in goods,
with the previous exceptions, as will have been noticed.
Yarns, too, generally, have given way an Ld to id per lb.
Stocks of everything—both in Goods and Yarns—are
fully lighter than they were a month ago, and all that
can be said now is, that the market is in favour of the
buyers to the extent indicated. No disposition to force
sales generally prevails ; manufacturers and spinners
being so well under contract. Stocks were never lighter
nor so much so as they were at the and of last month.
The demand for the country trade has been of a mode-
rate limited character ; indeed, great inactivity may be
generally said to prevail.
"In regard to the strikes' or 'turn-outs,' mat-
ters remain in Preston much as they were a month ago.
At a meeting of the masters, held last week, a resolution
was passed to' continue the closing of the mills until the
24th proximo ;—a sad but unavoidable determination on
the part of manufacturers, arising from the resolution of
the workmen not to come again into employ until the
ten per cent. advance had been yielded ; and when every
necessary of life is so dear. In other quarters the
hands are again working."
In the Gold Mine Shares there is not a bargain
officially noted, save the West Granada.

Frequent attempts have been made to introduce
a system of gambling in connexion with the other-
wise most valuable principle of insurance. These
efforts have, however, been steadily resisted, and,
whenever the existing law was insufficient for the
purpose, new and stringent enactments were fram-
ed against what were termed " wager policies,"
whether relating to marine contingencies, acci-
dents by fire, or assurance of lives. The great
danger of encouraging speculative business in such
matters was too clearly perceptible to admit of
any doubt or difficulty on the part of the Legis-
lature. We accordingly find an Act passed
(19 GEo. 11., C. 37), which rendered all ma-
rine insurances, " interest or no interest," or
"without further proof of interest than the policy
itself, or by way of gaining or wagering, or with-
out benefit of salvage to the insurer absolutely
null and void ;" and also providing that no re-
assurance, or double assurance, should be lawful,
except the former insurer should be bankrupt, in-
solvent, or dead. A. similar prohibition was
carried early in the following reign, when it was
enacted (14 GEO. 111., c. 48), that every in-
surance made upon life, or other event, wherein
the person for whose benefit, or on whose account,
such insurance was granted, should have no in-
terest, should be void ; and it also provided that
" the name of the person interested, should be in-
sorted in the policy, and that in all cases, where
the insured had an\interest in such life or event,
no greater sum should be recovered, or received,
from the insurer than the amount or the value
of the interest insured."

The last week's railway receipts ascertained up
to this day are in round figures as under :

Great Western .
North-Western
South-Western
Brighton
Midland

1854. 1853.
£19,476 £16,764
48,340 44,927
9,583 9,644
9,147 9,128
24,426 22,667

South-Eastern. 13,083 12,841
Caledonian, and Edin. and Glasgow 13,621 11,897
Great Northern
Lancashire and Yorkshire 17,935 17,119

Railway Shares have been exceedingly . quiet,
but rather tend upwards. Lancashire and York-
shire, Midland and York, and Berwick are rather
higher. French shares have been inactive.

The Joint-Stock Bank shares are nominal, and
the Land Companies rather heavy.
The creation of foreign bills of exchange should
be so strictly regulated by the actual business
transactions carried on, that importance may be
justly attached to any elucidation of the system
that has been carried on too freely in certain
quarters. In an article headed, "Pseudo-Foreign
Bills of Exchange," the Bankers' Magazine
goes into the subject, and the idea of al-
lowing innocent holders to affix a stamp
after it is ascertained that the bill is not a foreign
one, is discussed and the objections are clearly
stated. One point is admitted, viz., that the party
who is guilty of the deception should be punished.
The Electric Telegraph Company is now holding
its half-yearly meeting. The balance sheet to
Dec. 31 gives the share capital at 480,0001., the
Debenture Debt at 77,7001., and with other liabi-
lities and the reserved fund of 78,4371., the total
is 772,522/. The outlay includes 551,1001. as the
cost of telegraphs, patents, &c., and the rest is re-
presented by house property, cash in hand, &c.
The revenue account shows 17,7931. for salaries and
wages, and the rest for station expenses, &c., with
2,3091. for interest on Debenture Debt, and 18,4441.
the balance, makes the total 56,9191., which is the
amount received for messages, subscriptions, inte-
rest, and maintenance. The dividend absorbs
14,6861., leaving a balance of 3,7571.
The market for public securities has continued
firm, and the demand for stock continues, owing
to the investment of amounts received from the
South Sea Company. The Bears, who were
yesterday closing accounts, are now quietly watch-
ing events, and the departure of the Russian Am-
bassadors seems to be the next thing looked for.
Consols have realised 908 and since 908 4. Ex-
chequer Bills are 10s. to 13s. and India Bonds 6s.
premium. South Sea Stock is at 115. The New
31 per Cents. are 91i to 92g.
Foreign Securities have been more buoyant in
some instances. Mexican have advanced to 24
and 24k, and Peruvian have touched 671. Grenada
Deferred have been 61 to 7. Chilian are 100, and
Brazilian 98. Sardinian Stock has been at 841.
Dutch 21 per Cents. have been marked 601.
Spanish Threes are dull at 391 to 40.
BRITISH MINES.—Shares this day have been
more in request than yesterday, and prices have
improved accordingly. Afred Consols, 26 ;2Sork-
ridge Consols, 1 ; Castle Dinas, Wheal
Wreys, 30s to 350 ; Molland, 1 ; Bell and Lanarth,
13 14 ; Arundell's 11 ; Great Tregune, 3i ; Wheal
Trelawny, 351 34 ; East Russell, 61 ; Silver
Brooks, 32s 6d 35s ; Poltimores, 11 ; Great Crinnis,
32s 6d 35s ; West Providence, 38 39 ; Kilbricken,
35s to 37s 6d.

Thus far the law interposed its protection
against the pernicious practice that was springing
up about a century since of gambling in ships
or human lives. As to fires, it was ab initio pro-
vided that, however, the amount of loss actually
sustained could only be recovered. Under these
salutary precautions insurances of every kind have
spread throughout the entire country, and the in-
estimable benefits thereby conferred on all classes
in society have been distinctly recognised Mld
fully appreciated. The necessity of a direct and
positive interest, and the limitation of the amount
that could be recovered to the value of the loss
sustained, prevented in a great degree, if not al-
together, the temptation to fraud or collusion, or
the adoption of unfair means, to occasion or to
hasten the occurrence of the contingency spe-
cified in the policy. We may state, as a
general life that insurance was only intended
to guard against loss, and not to enable any person
to make profit by what would otherwise be a
serious calamity !
One exception, and one only, was allowed. Any
person might insure his own life to any extent,
and have the principal money thereby secured at
his disposal as he thought proper. Thus a man
who had a terminable interest in property, a lu-
crative situation, or the means of earning a hand-
some livelihood, might provide portions for his
wife and family, so as to protect them from the
poverty and destitution that would otherwise re-
sult from his untimely decease. But even there
the grand principle of insurance was scarcely in-
fringed on, for there was, generally speaking, an
interest mare than equivalent to the sum insured;
and another and a powerful guarantee was afforded
in the instinct of self-preservation against the
dangers otherwise incidental to speculative assur-
ance.

The current prices for the Jamaica mines not
officially quoted are as follows :—Jamaica, k to i
prem. ; Metcalfe, i to I piem. ; Sue River, I dis.
to par ; Port Royal, i to i prem.

BRITISH FUNDS THIS DAY AT ONE O'CLOCK.
(Prom the Oficial List')
Business dnno.
Bank Stock ~ .. ....... 215
.... •.. ..... ••••••
i per Cent. Reduced Annuities 9l 904 1i 1
3 per Cent. Consols Annuities 904 R a i 41 1
New 3} per Cent. Annuities 92i 1i 2g i. 2
India Bonds, £lOOO
Ditto, under £lOOO 6 p
South Sea Stock
Consols for Account 15th Feb. MUM
Exchequer Bills, Id.
2100000
4
Small
10 13 p
PRICE OF FOREIGN FUNDS AT ONE O'CLOCK.
Brazilian Bonds, 5 per Cent' 9B
Chilian Bonds, 6 per Cent
Equador

A very useful system of insurance sprung
up towards the latter end of the last century,
which was intended for the benefit of the working
classes, of those to whom health and strength was
as essential as life itself. The objects of " Friendly
Societies," as they were denominated, were ex-
ceedingly diversified. It is, however, sufficient
for our purpose to allude to some which have
been grossly abused, and which have led to such
fearful consequences as to call forth an earnest
protest from the Grand Jury fox South Lancashire,
at the last winter assizes, a protest which we fer-
vently hope may lead to the adoption of a legis-
lative remedy against the fearful state of affairs
alluded to by the Grand Jury. This was the
startling presentment put forward by the three-
and-twenty respectable gentlemen who constituted
the Grand Inquest of the Southern Division of
Duchy of Lancaster. " The Grand Jury can-
not separate without recording their wnanimous
opinion, that the interference of the Legislature
is imperatively called for, to put a stop to the
present system of money payments by Burial
Societies. From the cases brought before them
at the present Assizes, as well as from past expe-
rience, the Grand Jury have no doubt that THE
PRESENT SYSTEM OPERATES AS A DIRECT INCEN-
TIVE TO
If,URDMR ;
and that many of their fellow-
beings are, year after year, hurried into eternity
by those most closely united to them by the ties
of nature and blood—if not of affection—for the
sake of a few pounds, to which,
the Societies, as at present con by thestituted, the rue u
vivors are entitled. The continuance of
sulcslsi ofra
state of things it is fearful to contemplate."
There is a horrible reality iu this last sentence.
We are told distinctly and unequivocally, by
men of character andposition in society, whose tes-
timonyis perfectly unimpeachable, that an organised
and wide-spread system of infanticide prevails
m into
throughout the entire countrytelaiart,
hanurryie ofa our
fellow-beings are, year after year,
eternity by those most closely united to them by
the ties of nature and blood, if not of affection, for
the sake of a few pounds ; and this foul reproach

_ Jr Bonds -
Grenada Bonds, Deferred
Niexican 3 per Cent.
Peruvian Bonds, 4i per Cent. 66 7i 6
Sardinian Bonds, 5 per Cent.... 844
Spanish Bonds, 3 per Cent 39i
Spanish New Deferred, 3 per Cent.. —
Ditto for the Account l9
Venezuela Bonds, 3A per Cent.
Ditto Deferred,ll per Cent ll
Dividends on the above payable in London.
Dutch Exchange, 2i per Cent. 12 Guil 6ok i
HALF-PAST TWO.

Consols 9Ol /
Ditto February Account

THE ROYAL YACHT SCHOONER WYVERN.—ARRIVAL
AT THE CAPE.—An extract from a letter, bearing date
7th December, states :—•" We arrived here—Table Bay
—on the 7th December after a prosperous and quick
voyage, 27 days from Falmouth to the Equator, and 58
days in all from England, having on board Lord Alfred
Churchill and Captain Cathcart, and are happy to state
all in good health. We met with some ugly weather in
the Bay of Biscay after which our voyage was sufficiently
pleasant ; the beautiful little craft doing wonders, and
even in the Bay she was so easy as to make us feel as secure
as though we were in a line-of-battle ship. She certainly
does old Camper credit in every respect. We very much
astonished the natives, who on our arrival could scarcely
credit that English noblemen would venture their pre-
cious bodies such a distance from home—but when we
explained to them that there were hundreds of such
yachts amongst the Royal clubs, they no longer won•
dered al; the supremacy of the English sailor, particu-
larly when we told them that the several yacht clubs
gave employment to upwards of 2,000 able seamen, a
sample of which we have on board. We leave here
again on the 12th for Melbourne. In the interim Lord
Alfred and Captain Cathcart dine with the Governor
General Cathcart, who. I believe, is a re!ative. We
spoke the American ship Racer on the line, and I must
tell you that a large schooner arrived at Table Bay the
same day as ourselves-10d days from England—so that
we are justly proud of our beautiful craft, and I believe
we might here obtain any prices for her, did Lord Alfred
feel disposed to part with her."

THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EvENTNG, FEBRUARY 2, 1854.

41.4 30 F
1.,
'4O 171

NEWTON RACES.
(THIS DAY.)

(BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.)

HURDLE RACE

Squire of Malton
Luck's All
Nine ran.
HANDICAP PLATE OF 60 SOVS.
Sir Rowland Trenchard
Voucher
Nine ran.
STEEPLECHASE.
Maid of the %Vest

sense."

Eight ran.

LATEST FOREIGN NEWS.

RUSSIA AND TURKEY.

A telegraphic despatch, dated Kalafat, January
29, received via Vienna, states that the Russian
troops in Litt!e Wallachia are closely encircling
Kalafat.

A communication from St. Petersburg, dated as
late as the 24th January, received by telegraph,
says :
" A declaration of war is not probable. The
Czar is resolved to await one from the Western

Powers.
" Collisions will be avoided. The war against
Turkey will be vigorously prosecuted.
" Count Orloff's mission is reported in this

It is said that public opinion in Vienna is fa-
vourable to the Turks even in military circles, and
that Government appears to separate itself every
day more and more from Russia. Count Orloff, it
is expected, will have great difficulty in accomplish-
ing his mission. No State has suffered more than
Austria from the Russo-Turkish difference.
" We learn," says the Constitationnel of yester-
day, " that Count Orloff is to leave Vienna this
day or tc-morrow for Berlin. Letters from Vienna
put forth a new explanation of the mission of Count
Orloff. They say that the point is to obtain from
Austria a passage through Hungary for a Russian
army, under given circumstances. There was a
rumour also of the withdrawal of Prince Gorts-
chakoff to his estate, his place being taken by Gen.
Schilders."
The determination come to by the Russian Go-
vernment to consider as legal capture any merchant-
vessel in the Black Sea, having on board war-stores,
does not appear to have had much influence on the
English merchantmen.
Letters from Galatz state that the greater part
of the British fleet had returned to Constantinople,
in order to convoy troops and ammunition to
Varna.
In letters of the 19th received, via Belgrade, from
Constantinople, state that not a word is said of any
collision having taken place between the Russians and
the protecting fleets. As far as was known at Con-
stantinople, when the post left, the divisions of the
fleets had returned from Sebastopol on the 12th,
and were cruising off the Russian coast.
It was the evening edition of the Vienna Wan-
derer, of the 27th, which gave rise to the rumour of
the collision in the Black Sea. It published the con-
tents of a Constantinople letter, dated the 16th
inst., which gave certain details of a naval en-
gagement between 12 English and French war-
steamers, and about 30 Russian ships of war of
different sizes, in the vicinity of Batoum. The
combined fleets were said to have been victors, and
six Russian ships were supposed to have been taken
by them ; whilst, on the other hand, the Agamem-
non and the Ville de Paris had suffered severely in
this engagement. The Osservatore Triestino also
had a similar account, based upon rumours at the
War-office at Constantinople.
The news given above from Constantinople, of
the 19th, however, shows that this account is not
to be depended on without further confirmation.
From authentic news of the 11th, received from
Sebastopol, it appears that th 3 entire Russian fleet
was in the harbour on that day ; but that two divi-
sions of the fleet had received orders to put to sea
on the 12th—whither was only known to the com-
mandant of the division. let it had transpired
from a good source, that the Emperor Nicholas
will not permit himself to be restrained by threats,
and that he will send orders to his fleet to repel
force by force.
A letter from St. Petersburg of the 20th ult.
states that the Court appeared determined to adopt
firm and energetic resolutions in consequence of
the entry of the combined fleets into the Black Sea.
M. de Fenton, who accompanied Count Orloff, had
returned to St. Petersburg from Berlin.
A private letter from an officer on board the fleet
at Sinope, dated the 13th inst., states that the
harbour is much better sheltered from the north
wind than was expected. The bottom of the
anchoring ground is mud and sand, and the anchors
hold admirably. The position is excellent for
watching the movements of the Russian fleet at
Sebastopol, and for preventing them from sending
supplies to the Russian army of the Caucasus. The
mountains of the Caucasus shelter the coast from
Batoum to Anapa from the north and north-west
winds. The north winds prevail as far as Varna,
and blow with great violence. The currents, fogs,
and snow render the navigation of that portion of
the Black Sea during winter dangerous, if not im-
possible.

The Constantinople correspondent of the Presse,
under date of the 16th inst., says :—" Accounts
have reached Stamboul that Russia is resolved to
send 200,000 men across the Danube, in order to
take Constantinople at all costs, and in spite of all
the protecting Powers. Constantinople is now
being fortified from the inland side, by way of pre-
caution, and Euglish and French engineers direct
these works. The fear also that, notwithstanding
the recent victory at Citale, the Russians might
after all succeed in forcing their way through the
army of the Balkan, has induced the Sultan
officially to apply to the Western Powers for
auxiliary troops, and to request that they be speedily
sent. The answer of the Western Powers is
anxiously looked forward to."
The Osservatore Triestino has advices from Con-
stantinople, of the 18th inst.., which state that the
English and French admirals received important
despatches by the last mail packet from Marseilles.
They are supposed to contain orders to require the
Russian fleet not to sail in the Turkish waters.
Others pretend to know that it will be intimated
to the Russians to withdraw to their harbours.
Another Constantinople correspondent of the
Wanderer, of the same date, states that the com-
bined fleets had received orders to protect the
Turkish sea-board, and so keep all foreign men-of-
war at a distance of thirty miles from the same ;
and even to employ force, if necessary, in the exe-
cution of these orders. The same correspondent
says that Admiral Dundas has frequently expressed
an ardent desire to destroy the Russian fleet. The
same spirit is said to animate the whole English
fleet.
Letters from Konigsberg of the 27th announce
the arrival of three members of the Peace Society,
on their way to St. Petersburg.
The German Journal of Frankfort says it is not
true, as some of the journals have stated, that
Austria, Bavaria, and Saxony have made a com-
munication to the Germanic Diet on the question
of neutrality on the Eastern question.
From Berlin we learn that a general conviction
was entertained there that Russia will leave no
stone unturned to arrive at her ends before she
finally gives way. The strongest possible represen-
tations have been made in the most influential quar-
ter at Berlin to induce Prussia to declare herself on
the side of Russia ; the stereotyped delineations of
the insurrectionary movements ready to break out
in Poland, Posen, Switzerland, Hungary, and Lom-
bardy have been made to pass again in vivid colours
before the mind's eye of the august reader or
listener ; and the natural Prussian mistrust of
France has been turned to good account in the
endeavour to render success in the cause embraced
by England and France doubtful, and the probable
conduct of the latter suspicious ; but yet the con-
fidence in England is so deeply seated at Berlin, the
necessity of the Protestant alliance is so strongly
felt, the loss likely to be incurred by England's
hostility so great, that it becomes highly improbable
that the most intellectual and enlightened man in
Prussia should allow himself to be swayed away
from his country's interests by any partiality
for a near relation, or any prejudice against an
Imperial " parvenu." Louis Napoleon has already
done a great deal and successfully, to convince Europe
of his moderation and good faith, but Prussia, and
perhaps Belgium, will be the last Powers to put
implicit confidence in their military neighbour.
The Zeit of Berlin, of the 29th ult., complains
that the question of war or peace has been left so
long undecided. Russia, in place of a categorical
declaration, has, it says, only sent a vague reply.
" We will not examine," says the above journal,
" who ought to be reproached for these delays,
which are so much to be regretted. It is certain
that the Four Powers have not neglected any step
to arrange the existing differences, and that no
reproach can apply to them on that point."
Telegraphic reports sent from Krajova on the
24th, announce that no alteration in the state of
things had occurred near Kalafat. At Palanka,
Rahova, Islas, and Turnou, attacks, however, had
been of daily occurrence.
A letter from Bucharest of the 20th ult. states
that the Russian troops, who, during the months
of December and January had been quartered two
or three miles from the Danube, had received
orders to take up a position on the bank of the
river. The Turks make frequent reconnaissances,
which leads to the idea that they intend passing
the river in force on several points.

----A
letter from Ibrail, of the 16th ult., says
that a considerable portion of the garrison of