Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-07-28
ArFAIIas III TnE EAST.


We doubted the accuracy of the reports
which represented that the Russian army was
entirely routed before Silistria, and that the
forces Of the Gear were in full retreat toward
the Pruth. 1t frequently happens that be-
sieging army is repulsed by garrison, but its
utter overthrow is rare occurrence. Besides,
the accounts of the battle Of Silistria came
from England, whose politicians do not hesitate
to magnify success, and whose stockholders do
not scruple to put rumors afioat to effect the
money market.
It turns out that our suspicious were well
founded. The last news from Europe renders
il doubtful as to whether there was any battle
of Silistria, to say nothing Of the victory OF
Silistria. The Russians, after protracted
siege, and many efforts to capture the place,
abandoned their intrenchments and reiterated.
It does not appear, however, that they were
routed and driven of. They seem to have
raised the siege in the regular way-spiking
the guns they could not remove, and retiring
with their baggage without the knowledge Of
the Turks on the opposite side of the Danube.
Omar Pasha does not mention any decisive
engagement in his official report OF the hus-
sian retreat from before Silistria. He speaks
of the efforts which had been made to take the
place. and attributes the withdrawal OF the
Russians to the approach of q force which ne
had sent to relieve the garrison.
The last ,adyices render it certain that the
Russians were not driven from either OF the
principalities. This is clear fronAthe fact that
they not only continue to hold Bucharest but
10 forn,;no q camp of thirty thoueand men in
advance of that position, between it and the
Danube. Any belief that peace wpuld soon be
made, based on the accounts of TIE victory OF
Silistria may be dismissed. 1t isfven proba-
BILE that Austria may continue tol hesitate LOT
an indefinite period and finally fat to occupy
the municipalities and hold them against Nus
STA. The Austrian government hust sympa-
thize with the Gear, and it will be reluctant to
take any step which might bring tbout direct
rupture with him. AT the same tme the in
terests Of Austria require that the Gear be pre-
vented from extending his dominions toward
Constantinople. Then again, she needs all her
forcesto check the revolutionary spirit in herown
dominions. It was stated, some time since, that
France had promised to aid in checking any
revolutionary movement in Hungary or Italy
which might be occasioned by the mpvement OF
Austrian troops into the principahtifs. If this
statement be true il - =c nppear tlat Austria
is still afraid to move, for she hal again e; e
sorted to negotiation.
This hesitancy may be productivity distrcst
of the French promise, if it has zen made,
or Austria may have become alajned at the
indications, that France and Engldnd will not
be satisfied with peace that will restore mat
tiers to their original position, but will insist
upon terms which will place it out Of the power
of the Gear to disturb the peace of Europe
again. If the allies maintain His attitude,
Austria light find the occupancy q the princi-
palities no triAing affair; and sie may well
apprehend that by such stp she will
find herself entangled SO that shelcannot with
draw, but will be forced to go band in hand
with England and France, more especially If
she relies on Louis Napoleon p protect her
from domestic troubles Be this as 1T may, it
seems to be clear that as yet nqhing decisive
has been accomplished at anyfpoint--in the
Black sea, the Baltic, or on the Danube.