The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-12-27
The News from Europe-1var In the
AscenGanC.

Georgia, &c.
The News from Europe -xvar In the
Ascendant.
The city was startled yesterday afternoon by
the news that terrible naval battle had been
fought on the Black Sea, that the Turkish
squadron had been utterly destroyed, aud that
the Russian fleet, victorious, though severely
punished. had returned in triumph to Sebas
topol The usual contradictions render it a
matter Of some difficulty to elicit the true
state of the case from the conflicting reports
which have reached us. 1t appears certain,
however, that on the 30th November, the Rus
| Turkish feet under Osman Pacha. OFF Sinopc,
| in the Black Sea- and defeated it after
sharp engagement Of an hours duia-
ton. The Turkish force engaged is variously
estimated. Some accounts place il as high as
seven frigates. two steamers, two corvettes, and
several transports Others assert that it only
consisted Of three frigates and two small steam
ers. Whichever estimate be correct, the victory
was deemed SO important by the Russians that
Menschikof started for ST. Petersburg as soon as
the news reached him to communicate the pleas
ing intelligence in person to the Emperor. On
the other hand, it must be borne in mind that the
bulk Of The Turkish feet with Admiral Slade,
and the British and French squadrons are still
lying quietly at anchor in the Bosphorus. The
vessels engaged in the battle Of Sinope had been
detached from the main command to carry
troops, stores aud treasure to the Turkish army
at Batoum, in Asia The report therefore
that the whole Turkish feet had been destroyed,
must be dismissed as grouudless exaggera-
ton.
The excitement caused by the news in Paris
ard London can readily be conceived. The
Times ct length calls for decisive measures;
and without mentioning the word ''war." indi-
Gates very unequivocally that no other course
but declaration Of hostilities against Russia
by the Western Powers is consistent with the
dignity Of England or the safety Of Europe.
The minor journals. which have long been
clamorous for war, repeat their invectives
against Lord Aberdeen's peace policy. 1t was,
in fact. generally believed that the ambassadors
of France and England would not wait for fresh
instructions from home but would at once or
der the fleets under their command into the
Black Sea. Scarcely less excitement and mill
tary ardor prevailed at Paris
1t cannot be denied that this event gives rise
to new and formidable complication Of affairs.
By our last accounts the Gar was placed in a
most embarrassing dilemma The Western
Powers had forced Austria and Prussia into an
alliance against him, to be followed by imme-
date hoetlities in case the Principalites were
not evacuated, and his demands withdrawn; and
he had thus to choose between q humilisting
retreat and war that might well appal the
most daring sovereign. Successive defeats on
the Danube must have added fresh dangers. in
his eyes, to the latter course. The discovery
Of Menschikof's blunder with regard to France
and England must have had q strong ten
dency to deter him from further acts OF rash
ness. Hence the chances were, that after pride
and passion bad struggled for while. he would
succumb before the united strength of Europe.
Now the CAGE is altered; he will hear that his
feet which he never placed much reliance, has
won brilliant victory; and he will hear it from
M,nschikof, in whose mouth we may rest as
'ur'd the fciat Of the exploit will not be
diminished. Ere the first flush OF qualification
has subsidized, he will learn the effect of the
news in The Western capitals and will perceive
that uDdisguiytd threats have succeeded to
temperate exbostulaton. 1t is more than pro-
liable that his decision may be anticipated by
some overt act Of hostility on the part of the
combined fleets now in the Bosphorus. Should
lhe Llisisa W French sguaarVns, getting undes