Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-11-01
DETAILS BY THE ARCTIC.
The Eastern Question.

Il
Letters by way of Vienna state positively that
Marshal Paskiewtsch is appointed TO command
of the army in the municipalities. They add that
the marshal had already left for the Danube, and
was probably at headquarters. Go1schakof was
only chief OF the staff. Paskewitsch is about rs
years of age, and is known for his campaigns in
Poland and Persia II was also stated that the
Turks intended commencing hostilities in the di-
rection of the Black sea, and in Georgia. The
Russians have about so 900 men in these parts.
Omar Pasha is stated TO have written to the
government, offering to cross the Danube and
force the Russians from their position, if $4,000
more men be given him. Notwithstanding this, il
was considered doubtful if hostilites would COM
mcnce on the Danube this winter, as neither COM
mander would choose TO have such river in his
rear. The Russians posted in three strong
bodies, so that they might attempt 10 cross the
river simultaneously at three points.
On the 9th uh. Schamyl issued from the noun
tains with his forces, and broke into the Russian
district of Dscharo, Bielokansk, where he made an
attack on the fortress Of Vovysakatal Gen. Or
bean marched with three battaons Of infantry,
six guns, and some cavalry to meet the noun
taineers and, after hard fighting, which lasted till
nightfall, succeeded in driving them back. The
Russian statement, from which this account is
taken, says that the loss Of the Circassians, was
considerable, and that the Russians themselves
lost two staff officers, three field officers, and sixty
one men, Schamyl was expected by the Turks TO
do good service in their aid The reports that the
Schah Of Persia had agreed TO assist the Russians
is again strongly contradicted and the counter
statement is made that the Persian forces are to
aid the Turks.
The Turkish force in Bulgaria now numbers
10000 men.
France.-Co rrespondence from Paris and Havre
states that the hope prevailed that hostilities be-
tween the Russians and Turks would be of
ture easily reconcilabe, would not, at least af-
feet the general peace Of Europe. The impression.
apparently well founded, that Prussia and Austria
will keep themselves aloof from the difficulty ma
terially strengthened this belief, and tended to
quiet the public mind.
Although no troops had been ordered to embark
or other public manifestation made, the greatest
activity prevailed in the navy yards. Orders had
been given for the immediate armament, in case
of necessity, of the frigates La Vauban Describes
Asmodie, Cacique, MonteZuma, and Panama.
The frigate Labrador had sailed from Toulon with
seven hundred and fifty additional seamen, to be
distributed among the French ships. Everything
indicates that France means TO distinguish herself
in the coming war. And il is not forgotten that
Louis Napoleon threatened to be revenged on the
Gar for his tardy recognition both of his election
to the Empire and of his marriage In such mat
tiers Louis is a man of his word.
Spain.-Three new screw frigates, of thirty-one
guns each, are ordered to be constructed imme-
diatey and to bear the names of Berenguela,
Petronila, and Blanca, the three queens from
whom Isabella inherited the crowns of CASTLE,
Arragon, and Navarro. The strength Of the Span
ish navy may not be uninteresting to Americans
in these times. II is to consist of, according to
decree to be submitted TO the Cortes by the new
Minister of Marine, 90 ships, including '!sx line
ot-battle ships of SO to 80 guns, with 400 TO 600
horsepower; twelve frgates Of 80 to so do, with
300 to 400 do; twelve corvettes of 20 to 30 do,
with 200 TO 800 do; fourteen briggs and schoon-
ers, of to 90 do, with up to 200 do; six paddle
steamers of war, and four mails of 400 to 500 do.
eight do. of war and transatlantic Of 300 to 400
lT ftrnly HD on rIa Of m In
twelve do. 10 navigate in shallow waters of up 10
100 do; eight ureas or transport vessels"
Prussia.-Prussia remains neutral.
Prussias position in the present crisis
Prussia has decided for peace, and not for neu-
trality only but for mediation as far as her posi-
ton will admit between the contending parties.
The Berlin Zeitmng contains an important arti-
Gle on this subject, and which may be considered
official II says:
means be predcated of her that she thereby binds
herself to do-nothing course. Prussa's task,
if we apprehend it rightly, is medatve neu-
trality The more Prussia holds herself aoof
from active participation in the existing differ
ences, the less interest of her own She shows in
the subject matter Of these differences, with SO
much the more disinterestedness will she be able
to raise her voice in mediation, and so much the
better prospect there will be that her voice will be
listened to-
henson which had arisen respecting the dangers
10 be anticipated by Austria being drawn into
war, the Ministerial War had announced that a
reduction of the army would Immediately take
place, by means of an extensive system of fur
ioughs. This reduction is, however deceptive.
Some time since, leave of absence was forbidden
all officers and soldiers, and the reduction is no
more than restoration of the furlough. Small as
il is, it is accepted an indication that Austria
will remain neutral, if possible. The French pa
pers 50 acceptit,, The Pays speaks the sentiments
of the people when il SAYS: aThe reduction Of the
Austrian army at the present moment would be
a symptom characteristic Of the policy which the
court of Vienna proposes to follow. That policy
appears 10 clearly pointed out by the interests
OF Austria, and cannot be anything else than
loyal mediation vigorous neutrality. That
also in opinion, is the position of Prussia, and
the very condition of her preponderance in Ger
many. Should the above news be correct, il
seems to Indicate in significant manner, the at
titude which Austria intends maintaining in this
grave question. II is almost useless TO remark
that the declared neutrality of the German powers
would be a decisive proof that the war between
Russia and Turkey cannot assume a European
character, and that, being circumscribed to the
frontiers OF the Ottoman empire il would, without
any doubt, lead before long to that conciatory
settlement which the interests of Europe call for
Society Islands.--Byt the Chiian ship Mercedes
favored with file of the Messenger dc Tahiti, with
dates up to the 18th of June; and we hasten TO
furnish our readers with an extract of what we
have considered more worthy OF note, as we think
some interest will be taken in events connected
with that fourishing part of the oceanic regions.
On the 18th of May Queen Pomarc issued
decree calling together the Legislative assembly for
the 18th June, in the following terms
Her Majesty Pomare, Queen OF the Society Is
lands and the governor imperial commissioner, IN
virtue of the convention ofthe Protectorate OF the
9Th May ls47, according to the 33d act of the
Tahitian code containing the rules touching the
election of deputies TO the national Legislative
sembly do hereby decree--The Legislative assem-
bly OF the Society Islands is convoked in Papeete
for the 18th of June, 1883
POMARE,
Qnesa ot'the Society Islands.
PApEErF, 18Th Of May, 1883.
The Messenger de- Tahiti speaks OF important
repairs having been successfully undertaken on
several vessels at Papeete, particularly the Mer-
cedes Monies, which vessel, having suffered dam
ages TO a most serious extent, was fully repaired
at the comparative triling cost Of 1880 francs,