The Sun.
London, England, 1854-06-23 00:00:00

PROJECI'S OF

THE. 31401-PLC.

We have accounts of Admiral Paniutine' and the
Russian squadron, whose peregrinations in the Pacific,
Ocean have been related. The particulars which we
find in the Eco Ilispanp-American possess importance
and interest because they throw light on the projects of
Russia in those distant regions. In March last the
squadron commanded by Admiral Paniutine suddenly
made its appearance in the Bay of Manilla. Their arri-
val caused the more astonishment as the Czar has always
refused to recognise the legitimacy of Queen Isabella,
and as, in fact, Russia has always openly supported the
cause of Don Carlos, a fact which had completely inter.
rupted all diplomatic or commercial relations between
the two countries. To the surprise of every one, the Rus-
sian squadron, on entering the bay, fired the salutes usual
with allied and friendly nations. It also fired salutes in'
honour of the happy accouchement of Queen Isabella,'
when the account of that event was received. Admiral
Paniutine also, accompanied by all his officers in full uni-
form, went to pay his respects to the Marquis de No-
valiches, governor general of the Phillippine Islands.
These extraordinary advances were soon explained.
The Russian Admiral having doubtless been informed
of the serious complications which disturbed the peace
of Europe, and of the danger which threatened his flag,
wished to secure a place of refuge at the Phillippines.
The situation of that place was also an excellent point
of observation for a squadron which might entertain
hostile designs against the English settlements in India
and China. These considerations did not escape the
sagacity pf the Spanish governor, and, in receiving
the Russian officers, he took care that the interview
should be purely of a private character, thus uniting
the laws of politeness with the rules of prudence. This re-
ception appeared to disconcert the plans of Admiral
Paniutine, although it did not discourage him. A
short time after he demanded permission from the
governor to establish some buildings on shore for
the purpose
of
effecting
his vessels, and for thepurpose of astronomical ob.-
servations, thus endeavouring to
tnoecoesbsatariyn repairs to
r
which the colonial laws i
and friendly powers. This
penetrate
ey
itnhtoe
of Spain refuse to allied
s request was peremptorily
refused by the Marquis de Novaliches. Another re-
questh hie officers o wascers then
to en
alma irLalagufornepeormin
tsshieonpflosa
that they were anxious to see a country of the beauty of
which so much had been said. The enthusiasm of the
Russians as tourists appearedi, however, to be as much
suspected as their zeal for astronomy, and their new re-
quest being considered to conceal a wish not only to
make drawings of localities, but also to take soundings,
was as peremptorily refused as the first. The Governor-
General, however, in order not to appear wanting in
proper urbanity, offered Admiral Paniutine a passport
for himself and a single aide-de-camp to visit the interior
of the country, and also allowed the Russian squadron
to supply itself with coal from the depots of the State en
a requisition from Admiral Paniutine stating that he
was in absolute want of that article. The Governor-
General of the Philippine Islands, in all this affair, in
which he had to resist inch by inch the pressing de.
mends and schemes of the Muscovite Admiral, gave
proof of vigour and ability. His last act showed that he
took no less care of the interests of private individuals
than of those of the Spanish Government. He learned
that, on the arrival of the Russian squadron, a commer-
cial firm at Manilla had announced in the Boletin Oficial
the public negotiation of bills of exchange drawn on
London by Admiral Paniutine, and addressed to the
firm in question. He prevented the operation. In the
absence of an official representative of Russia in the
Philippines, who could follow such transactions, he did
not think right to permit a negotiation which might
compromise interested parties. The advertisement in
the Boletin might, in fact, have caused them to believe
that the, operation had the assent of the Spanish autho-
rities. Whatever may be thought of this incident, which
proves that Admiral Paniutine has no less need of money
than of coal, it is evident that the Russian squadron has
failed in the mysterious designs which took it to the
Philippines. It is known, besides, that the English fac-
tories have taken energetic measures to baffle all its
enterprizes, and that the naval forces of France and
England have gone in search of it in the Pacific.