Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-01-04
wrnDxDsDAx, JANUARY A, 1854.
Affairs Ina Europe,

Tho late news from Europe is rather exciting
70 the first place. we have accounts of s great ma
val battls between the Russians and Turks on the
Black Seattle greatest, II is said, since the eel
ebrated battle of Navarino, in 1927, when the
combined fleets Of England, France and Russia,
then close allies, totally destroyed the Turkish
Armament Taking into consideration the char
aetsr sad disparity Of the forces engaged in the
combat, it woaId seem that the Turks gained the
advantages, Notwithstanding the heavy loss they
sustained. Their fleet was composed in part Of
Transports conveying troops and money to Circas-
ia Or Georgia The whole Russian naval force
came upon them Unexpectedly, near the harbor Of
Sinope, and the Turks entered into the fight
with characteristic bravery. The battle lasted
emily an hour, but in that time both squadruns were
nearly destroyed.
y The steamer Africa brings intelligence of more
fighting, by sea and land, in which tho Turks
were generally successful.
-7 Previous to the reception Of this news, the ex-
psctatiou of speedy settlement of the dispute be-
tween Russia and Turtey. was excited The
fonr Powers, England, France, Austria and Prus
STA. were united, and agreed to impose terms o
adjustment upon the belligerents. The scheme
4, contemplated conference in neutral territory
where the whole matter was 10 be arranged
Seine difficulty was anticipated from the fact tha
ylhe Sultan had declared emphatically that h'
would listen to no terms until the Russians ha'
departed from the Danubian Provinces, and ais
from the WE'LL known stubbornness of the Gar Il
adhering to his resolutions. The battle Of SinoPe
however, has arrested speculatiOns in reference
tbs probability of settlement, and tended to re
/. viye the previous belief that general EurOpea
a war was imminent. But we do not see that it !
likely to lead to such result On the contrary
Nicholas, who has doubtless been smarting unde
the disgrace Of his repeated defeats by the Turk;
may accept the issue of this battle, in which h
was nsminally the victor, as some satisfaction,a
be more ready to accsde TO terms. Bat shout
the war continue and become general, Iurke
win have strong backing ard Russia will probabl
have to succumb.
ri, The feeling entertained towards the Turks
this day by most enlightened nations, Is HUI
rsraarkabls when contrasted with that OF forms
times. Deriving their origin from the mysteriou
land Of Cog and Magog-names which loom feal
,fally in the predictions of the ancient prophets
they were the terror of Europe for many cent?
riss. Now, however, even the horrors OF tn
Crock revolution are forgotten, and in their pres
emit struggle the Turks have the sympathy OF al
most the entire civilized world. The causes
this change may doubtless be traced to teelln
..fapprehensou on account of the growing powe
aud grasping ambition Of the Gar, who Is IN
main prop of absolusism in Europe, as well as !
tAs sontine Of disappr0batiOn produced by nj
unjsss demands upon Turkey. Moreover II IN
Jerks perpe,rated barbarities upon the GrseSs'th
part acted by Russia in the Hungarian war j
more receHt, and the Indignation excited by 1t still
Fingers. Turkey, also, is on the decline, and tn
sprii Of chivalry naturally excites sympathy 10
the weaker side.