The Sun.
London, England, 1853-08-03 00:00:00

NAVAL INTELLIGENCE.

PORTSMOUTH, AUGUST 2.

THE SPITHEAD FLEET.
This morning, at 8 o'clock, the ships sent up royal
yards, dressed ship, and run the life-lines out, ready for
manning yards, on the occasion of her Majesty's return
to London. At about 20 minutes to 11 o'clock the
Queen passed inside the fleet, when a grand general
royal salute was fired, with yards manned. This was
participated in by the Prussian frigate and corvette, and
a more splendid spectacle it were impossible to witness.
The weather was brilliantly fine, and a vast multitude
of people thronged the shores, attracted by the can-
nonade. After the firing had subsided, the cheers of
the men upon the yards were heard. Rear-Admiral
Fanshawe visited the Prussian Commodore Schroeder
on board the Gefion, at Spithead, this afternoon, and
afterwards visited Captain Schirmacher on board the
Aniazone ; he was saluted by both ships on leaving.
The Blenheim, 60, Captain Henderson is hourly ex-
pected to rejoin the fleet, from Kingstown ; the
Queen, 116, Captain Michell, will be at Spithead
to-morrow, from Plymouth ; and the Waterloo, 120,
is expected from Sheerness. The St. Jean d'Acre,
10, will follow speedily. This afternoon, after din-
ner, all the gunboats of the fleet, numbering up-
wards of 40 sail, were piped away, manned, and armed
as for an engagement. They stretched from Fort
Moncton to the Blockhouse Fort when ranged in line,
and were guided by signals from the senior officer.
They came off the Platform Battery, and there hoisted
masts and manoeuvred in the harbour channel, ap-
parently prepared to " board" batteries ; they then
came out of the harbour with masts struck and ranged
off the Platform Battery, and commenced a heavy gene-
ral cannonade from their bow guns ; this, coupled with
the scaling of the great 64-pounders of Blockhouse Fort
at the same time, formed a nautical spectacle we have
not seen upon the like scale during the past ten years.
Each boat carried a white or blue ensign, and, altoge-
ther, they made a flotilla of the most formidable charac-
ter. Atter opening fire upon the Platform Battery
(apparently), the force ranged in divisions, got up
masts, up sails, and made for their respective ships ;
the wind, however, falling light, they struck masts
soon after, and pulled across the spitway to the fleet,
presenting a moving marine panorama of the most pleas-
ing and picturesque description, which was eminently
enjoyed by many thousands of spectators who manned
the walls of the town, among whom were a large pro-
portion of visitors from London.
The Stromboli, 6, paddle-sloop, in charge of Lieuten-
ant Reynolds, of the Blenheim, acting superintendent of
the steam-reserve at this port, went out of harbour this
morning, with Captain Chads, C. 8., of the Excellent,
and a gunnery party from his ship, to practise at the
Needle Rocks, Isle of Wight.
The Barracouta, 6, paddle-sloop, Commander G.
Parker, came into harbour this morning, from the fleet,
to repair some defects, sustained by having been run
into by the brig Duff, of this port, about 10 o'clock last
Saturday night, between Ramsgate and Deal, on her
passage to Spithead.
Commodore Schroeder, and the officers of the Prussian
frigate and corvette, at Spithead, were entertained last
evening by M. Van den Bergh, his Prussian Majesty's
' Vice-Consul at this port, at the Consulate-house, on
the Grand Parade.
THE ROYAL DOCKYARD BATTALION.

The boat brigade of this important and efficient
force, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel
Davies (Master Attendant of the Royal Clarence
Victualling Establishment, Gosport), went again last
night on board her Majesty's ship Excellent for shot
practice from the lower deck 32-pounders of that
ship, and the 24-pounder gunboats of the brigade,
at targets moored for the Excellent's service.
This was the last time this year of shot practice by
the brigade, and much as we commended their first
essay this season, and most deservedly so too, the firing
of last night threw all former efforts into the shade.
After the sixth shot from the gunboats the poles of the
target were shot away, and the target reduced to not
more than one-third its original dimensions, notwith-
standing which there were 18 shots put into it in its
lesser shape, and fwo through the bull's-eye. The firing
from the lower deck of the ship, if possible, eclipsed
this ; eight shots pierced the target at 800 yards' range,
two of them through the bull's-eye, and so accurate was
the aim taken that the second shot through the bull's-
eye went clean through the hole made by the first, and
the target poles were also shot away. Such skilful gun-
nery as this is worth praise, and more than they merit
cannot be awarded to Colonel Davies and the officers
and men under his command for the indefatigable man-
ner in which they pursue their gunnery duties and the
highly serviceable efficiency attained by them.

PLYMOUTH, AuGun-2.
Her Majesty's steamer Brisk was towed out of har-
bour on Monday by the Confiance.
The Devon lighter is ordered to take jury masts and
gear to Pembroke for the Squirrel brig.
The following merchant ships have been spoken out-
side the harbour :—On the 27th ult., off the Start, the
Russian schooner Edward, from Hamburg, for Barce-
lona ; and the Johann Christoph, from Riga, for Roche-
fort. On the 30th, off the Eddystone, the ship Castle
Lachlan, from Jamaica, for London ; and the Hamburg
barque Diana, from Hamburg, for Valparaiso.

WOOLWICH, AUGUST 2
APPOINTMENTS.

Commander John MacDowall Skene (1840, from the
Coast Guard, to command the Philomel, 8, sloop, at
Devonport, vice Commander West, whose appointment
has not been cancelled.
Midshipman—T. McL. Carter, to the Ajax, 58,
screw steam-ship, at Portsmouth.
Naval Cadet—A. Tupman, to the Encounter, 14,
screw steam-ship, at Portsmouth.

LONDON COFFEE AND EATING HOUSE KEEPERS' As.
SOCIATION.—On Monday evening the annual meeting o'
this association tuok place at the Freemasons' Tavern,
Great Queen-street, Lincoln's-inn-fields, Mr. R. G.
Statham in the chair. The report, which was presented,
stated that the association was in a prosperous condition,
as might be seen from the annual statement of accounts,
which showed that there was a balance in the hands of
the treasurer amounting to 821. 7s. 9d., being an increase
of 781. 2s. 3d. on the half year. The net profit derived
from the ball and concert on the 20th of January
amounted to 321. 11s. 10d., a sum exceeding that of
former years, collected under similar circumstances.
THE NEW BILLINGSGATE MARKET.—The last portion
of the works on the site of this ancient and celebrated
fish-market having now been completed, the whole of
the intended alterations are entirely finished, and the
vast improvement effected over the former building is
very evident. Altogether the improvements effected
are an ornament to this part of the City, independently
of the facilities they will afford to the fish trade, and
this latter feature will be more fully appreciated than
usual on the occasion of the first day of the oyster sea-
son, now so close at hand.
[ADVERTISEMENT.]—HoIIoway's Pills, for the cure of
debility, bile, and liver and stomach complaints.—This
inappreciable medicine is so well known throughout
every part of the civilised world, and the cures that are
daily performed by its use are so wonderful that it now
stands pre-eminent above all other remedies, more par-
ticularly for the cure of bilious and liver complaints, dis-
orders of the stomach, dropsy, and debilitated constitu-
tions. in these diseases the beneficial effects of this
admirable remedy are so permanent that the whole
system is renovated, the organs of digestion strength-
ened, and a free respiration promoted ' • therefore sufferers
should have recourse to it to ensure a safe and certain
cure. Sold by all venders of medicines, and at Professor
Holloway's establishment; 244, Strand:

(Front the Morning Chronicle.)
It is strange that, in the conversation on the Eastern
question which took place last night in the House of
Commons, no allusion was made to the important fact
which was published in our Second Edition of yesterday.
and. confirmed by Lord Clarendon in the House of
Lords. The Hospodar of Moldavia, Prince Ghika, has
instructed his Chargé d'Affaires at Constantinople to in-
form the Porte that all relations between the Principality
and the Sultan have ceased, and that the tribute due to
the Sovereign Power will henceforth be paid to the
Russian. authorities. The Prince expressly states that
he acts by superior orders, conveyed by the Russian
Consul-general. Lord Clarendon intimates that the sus•
pension of relations is only provisional, and contingent
on the occupation by the Emperor's troops ' but it is
worth observing that both our Constantinople Corres-
pondent and Lord Stratford de Redcliffe represent the
notification as unconditional in its terms, although the
Consul-general may have referred to existing circum-
stances in explanation of his order. It is satisfactory
to learn, from the Foreign Secretary's statement, that
her Majesty's Government has, in this emergency, acted
with becoming spirit—having forwarded to St. Peters-
burgh an explicit protest against this new aggression, and
at the same time instructed the British consuls in Mol-
davia to abstain from any official relations with the
usurping Power. The step taken by the Russian autho-
rities is in the highest degree obnoxious and suspicious ;
but should the general question be settled, it may be
retracted or explained away.
Independently, however, of this new and serious addi-
tion to the difficulties of the crisis, the existing aspect
of the question is most unsatisfactory. It had already
become difficult to understand where these negotiations
were proceeding on the fate of which tie peace of the
world is staked. The result must depend principally
on the resolutions, adopted at St,„Pntersburgh ; but, for
the present, the interferelice-of Atitria, has hadllieeffeet
of removing the scene of discussion to Vienna. It is
now certain that the agents of every Court in Europe,
except one, are anxiously employed in devising means
to preserve the peace, which has already been partially
broken. Diplomacy will do its utmost to avert hostili-
ties ; and if it fails at last, the want of success will only
prove that the attempt was useless, not that it was in-
judicious. The statesmen who direct the councils of
England and France were aware from the first that
Russia might be insincere in professing a desire for
peace, and that a policy of aggression would necessarily
be favoured by delay. They could not fail to perceive
that, if armed resistance should eventually become ne-
cessary, operations could not be commenced too soon ;
and it is possible that a display of readiness for action,
on the part of his opponents, might have cooled the
eagerness of the Emperor for war. Yet the same
measures which might, on one supposition, have acce-
lerated negotiations, involved a visible tendency to
precipitate a rupture ; and it was thought safer to
assume that the professions of Russia were sincere, than
to furnish an ostensible pretext for war by ordering the
allied fleets to the Bosphorus.
The material results of the cautious policy which has
been adopted are abundantly conspicuous. The Russian
army has secured, in a few unmolested marches, a prize
which might have been a sufficient reward for a cam-
paign. All the resources of the rich provinces on the
left of the Danube are now at the disposal of the invader.
The Turkish frontier is pushed back—the malcontents
of Bulgaria are within reach—and, above all, the stormy
season is approaching, and the Black Sea is still closed.
At the same time the basis of negotiation is shifted from
the verbal dispute respecting the ultimatum, to the ques-
tion of the possession of the principalities. The Czar has
something to defend or to concede, instead of merely
confining himself to unfounded demands. Three months
ago, none of the great Powers would have discussed his
claims to hold Moldavia and Wallachia, even for
a time ; but it is impossible for negotiators to ignore
even the most lawless occupation when it has actually
been effected. Prince Menschikoff's mission was evi-
dently designed to furnish an excuse for the invasion
which has now been successfully accomplished • and it
may be presumed that, for the present, no further exac-
tion will be seriously attempted.
In all these respects, the Russian Court alone has
profited by the enormous wrong which it has com-
mitted. Unopposed in action, and dilatory at his plea-
sure in negotiation, the aggressor may boast that, from
first to last, he has not received a single check. Yet
there is another side to the question ; and the efforts of
diplomatists may, after all, not have been really wasted,
if they have produced union among the Great Powers.
France and England might have begun to act at the
moment when the Sultan's rejection of the Russian ul-
timatum led to the announcement that the army in
Bessarabia was about to cross the Pruth. But so long
as the question lay exclusively between Russia and
Turkey, Austria would probably have desired any con-
cession on the side of the weaker party, in preference to
a declaration of war, necessarily involving the appear-
ance of a Russian army on the Danube. The events
which have followed have, however, finally satisfied
the Court of Vienna that the question is one of terri-
torial aggrandisement, and not merely of religious or
political influence. Lord John Russell's statement of
last night furnishes the best apology for the determina-
tion of France and England to restrain the Porte from
a hasty declaration of war. Austria had refused to join
in the conferences of the Great Powers so long as
the Emperor of Russia confined himself to words ;
but, from the moment when the frontier of Moldavia
was passed, she at once took part in the negotia-
tions. The ultimatum forwarded from Vienna on
Sunday last bears the signature of the four Great
Powers ; and it must be admitted that so great an acces-
sion of strength is more valuable than any strategic
advantage which could have been derived from the pre-
sence of allied fleets at Constantinople.
Prussia, as well as Austria, is awake to the imminent
danger with which Germany is threatened. The menaces
directed against Sweden, the assemblage of troops in
Finland, and the intrigues respecting the Danish suc-
cession, may all have been devised as a feint or a diver-
sion ; but they serve to remind Europe that the ambition
which threatens the East is also formidable to the North.
The extension of Russian dominion beyond the Baltic
would at once reduce Prussia to the rank;of a second-
rate kingdom. Nor has any other State so direct an
interest in maintaining the balance of power and the
sacredness of public law. The aggregation of territories
which compose the bulk of the Prussian monarchy are
only held together by treaties ; and a formidable neigh-
bour might at any time find such excuses
of
far
eencroach-
ment as those which Russia derives from priorityh
military strength, and from professed religious sympathy
with the subjects of a weaker State. It is certain that,
even if Austria and Prussia remain neutral for the pre-
sent their their earnest wishes will be directed in favour
any measures which France and England may find it
' necessary to take for the purpose of checking the en-
croachments of Russia.
It may be said that there is little use in enumerating
the advantages which ought to have flowed from nego-
tiations which are to all appearance unsuccessful..
ty of
must be acknowledged that, thus far, the audaci
the aggressor appears only to increase with opposition.
The Imperial decrees for filling up the ranks of the army
are introduced by a preface singularly calculated
ite of
nation.
" In
the military and religious fanaticism ofo
Russia fears nothing, the people are told. sp
calumny, she pursues her course in the interest
she wil and l
for
the greater glory of the orthodox faith ; an,d in
the end scatter like dust all her enemies.' It is un-
pleasant to be reminded that this arrogant language was
used after the receipt of the proposals for au arrange-
ment forwarded by Prance and England.
A still more unscrupulous and more substantial act of
hostility has been committed in the measure imposed on
the Government of Moldavia. Only a few weeks since,
the Russian Minister declared, in a solemn public docu-
ment, that the only object of the Emperor in occupying
the Principalities was to obtain a so-called material
security for the satisfaction of his demands relative to
the protection of the Christians in the Turkish dominions.
Under such circumstances, Prince Ghika's declaration
seems to be intended, on the part of the Czar, not only
as a defiance to Europe, but as a proclamation of his con-
tempt for good faith and for the sanctity of his promises.
No fresh provocation has been given by Turkey, nor
has any time been lost in attempting to satisfy, as far
as possible, the demands of Russia ; yet the moderation
of the Porte, in merely protesting against the invasion
of the Principalities, is repaid by an arbitrary seizure
of an important tributary province.
There is, indeed, too much reason to fear that acts
like these indicate the determination of the Czar to
plunge Europe into war. Yet it is well to remember
that both his menaces and ante encroachments may have
a diplomatic object. The cost of violence with mode-
ration has already proved that ostentatious readiness
for war gives a material advantage to a negotiator ; and
the author of the discovery may possibly be desirous of
trying the experiment to the utmost. The crusade
which is preached for the defence of the unassailed
Eastern Church may be regarded as a part of the arma-
ments which it accompanies. In a balance of forces,
the supposed enthusiasm of the soldiery may be re-
presented as rendering their numbers more formi-
dable. True strength, however, is not increased by
boasting ; and it is impossible that Russia can really
believe herself an overmatch for France and England
as well as for Turkey, even supposing Austria and
Prussia to remain neutral. The command of the
sea by the Sultan's allies will place an inva-
der at a formidable disadvantage, even though
there were a prospect that the Turkish fortresses could
be reduced in a single campaign. The foreign trade of
the Empire will at once be stopped, and the increased
pressare of the conscription will spread among the pea-
santry the same dissatisfaction which exists already among
the nobles. The Russian Treasury is not rich, nor is the
economical organisation of the army to be relied upon ;
and the exactions which will be inflicted on the con-
quered territories will effectually check any sympathy
on the part of their inhabitants for the invadwiler.s.l play In tha
e
event of an advance, the Russian generals
desperate game—with their communications exposed to
a descent from the fleet, with the Turks in front, the
marshes of the Danube in the rear, and the Austrian
forces, on the most favourable supposition, standing by
in an unfriendly attitude, ready to profit 'by an oppor-
tunity for relieving their borders from BO formidable a

(P one the Morning Post.)
It will he seen, from our Parliamentary report, that
the fullest confirmation was given last night by the
Ministers in both Houses of parliament to the state-
ments which were published last week exclusively in
these columns. The all-important conferences held at
Vienna, resulting as they did, on the 24th of July, in a
proposal of so positive and peremptory a nature as to
amount to an ultimatum, which is at this moment under
consideration at St. Petersburgh, were announced to
the public in the Morning Post of the 26th. We were
also enabled, at the earliest moment, to expose to public
notice and public reprobation the unworthy policy pur-
sued by Russia in the Danubian Principalities—her un-
warrantable interference with established authorities
which, but a short month previously, she pledged her-
self to hold sacred, and the dangerous consequences of
her lawless and violent course. Our intelligence and our
views are now borne out by Lord Clarendon, who last
night stated that the Consul-General of Russia, at Jassy,
had officially informed the Hospodar of Moldavia that his
relations with the Ottoman Empire were to cease and that
the tribute due to the Porte was to be paid to the Czar, as
the sovereign power of the former was necessarily, though
temporarily, suspended. The Foreign Secretary further
informed the house that the Porte was about to order
the Hospodars to withdraw from their respective go-
verments, and that, in this event, the British Consuls
would no longer exercise their functions. All this,
though not news to our readers, it is ofgroat importance-
to repeat and to explain, so that no one of the compli-
cated events now passing in the East may lose its due
weight or significance. Lord Clarendon fully adopted
the expressions of Lord Clanricarde, who asserted that
" It is impossible for Europe, or for France or England,
to submit to such an extension of territory in that direc-
tion by Russia, and such a diminution of the Turkish
Empire, without the gravest and most fearful conse-
quences. The matter is of the utmost importance, not
merely to the political balance of Europe—not
treaties
with Turkey, but also to the material interests affecting
the welfare of all classes of persons; above all, in Ger-
rera ervinHegn
London:aemn eti cttrohe
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many, in France, and also greatly in this kingdom."
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will con-
ference at Vienna, pursuing its arrangements,
clude a treaty, which shall render, for the future,
aggression upon Turkey by any one Power next to an
impossibility. In the event of acceptance, therefore,
Europe will be tranquillised for the present, and ren-
dered more secure for the future. In the case, however,
of the rejection of the ultimatum, or of an attempt at
evasion, which, we repeat, will be considered equivalent
to rejection, the combined fleets will be at once ordered
to the Bosphorus, if not further ; and the most active
measures will be taken by England and France to carry
out their unflinching determination to maintain unim-
paired the integrity and independence of their ally.