Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1854-12-09

CHE 1Dolpnesian.
The Baltic FIeet-.-Rumored Return to
England,
From the LOndon Times, Sept. la.


From the London Times Sept. l3.
1t is reported, and seems to be believed that Ad-
miral Sir Charles Napier may be shortly expected
IN this country on his return from the Baltic. His
arrival would, of course, imply that operations in
that quarter at an end for the wear, and that
our feet will soon find its way to England for the
winter. We must needs express an anxious hope
that the rumOr in question may not be true, for
such resolution on the part of our authorities
would, we think, be unnecessary, ill-timed, and
calculated both to damage the cause of the Allies
and serve that of Russia
The only reason which could compel the return
OF the feet from the waters which Il now COM
mands would be the approach of the winter sea-
son. As the Baltic ports at such times are sealed
up by ice, and the blockade of the Russian CULTS
efectually maintained by the natural operation Of
the climate, it would be clearly superfGous add
any artificial barriers to those already provided
even were it possible for a squadron to keep the
sea at such periods of the year Exactly, in Short
as there was time before which it was unnecessa-
ry that the Baltic should be guarded by an allied
squadron, so there is a time beyond which 1t will
be unnecessary that this guard should be contin-
ued, but that time has certainly not yet arrived
The period at which, upon an average, the closing
of the Neya may be expected, is, as we recently
planned, two months distant, and, even if prepara-
tions for the return of the feet were commenced
must still remain available for active operations
How, indeed, we to reconcile the two facts that,
while in the Black Sea Che work of war is Just COM
meneing, in the Baltic itshould just be terminating
If enough remains of the Autumn to permit the
siege of Sevastopol to be attempted, must not
enough remain to allow of some further enterprise
IN the north
We consider that this cessation of operations
would be il-timed, because every thing at present
q w baya ItrctF Fia,4rDt
our strength, and the enemy his weakness; the
Allies have been encouraged, and the Russians dis
heartened. After believing somewhat tOOimplicit-
ly IN the imputed strength of granite fortifcatOns
we have just seen this persuasion demolished by
the test of experiment. The stone forts on which
Russia relies have been shown to be 10 match for
the floating batteries which represent the power of
England and France. If the Edinburgh at SEQ
yards in seven broadsides can knock a breach in
the towers of Bomarsund, why should not Ad-
miral Chads have an opportunity of performing the
same feat at Fort Alexander on the north side, or
Fort Constantine on the south side of the island of
CronStadtl In a contest which was trial of
strength between offensive and defensive systems
that of the defensive was proved the weaker, and
nothing, therefore, could seem more mpolitic than
that the assailants should at this very coDuncture
relinquish the advantages obtained.
The fall of Bomarsund appeared to open to the
Allied squadrons ali the strongholds of the Rus
sian CULTS, and it is clear from the despatch of
Gen. Paraguay dIiiliers that the result was actu-
ally regarded in this light. Where, then, can be
the wisdom of foregoing superiority thus estab-
lished at the moment when it might be turned to
good account1 Surely, if it has been found that
we can destroy granite forts without risk of get
ting ships awkwardly crippled, we might as
well pursue the advantage as long as the season
will permit.
That our fleets will have done good work by
the Russian squadrons, paralyzing Rus
sian trade and bringing themselves safe home again.
certainly true but this is all the more reason for
iepriving the enemy of the smallest pretext for dis
paraging the results Of the campaign. Sweaborg
Or Cronstadt, and not Spithead, should now be the
destination of Sir Charles Napier.