The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1854-10-25
VENN A, OHIO:
Affairs IN Europe.

, By reference to the column OF Foreign
News, it will be seen, that the report which
was generally publishedin the papers OF the
country few days since, in regard TO the
fall of SEBAsroPoL is probably Incorrect
Indeed we may not expect much reliable
news from Europe for sometime yet
Enough however, has. been learned to assure
us, that there has been hard fighting between
the allied armies and the Russians.
The expedition TO SEBAsToPoL according
to last accounts numbers SIX HUNDRED vEs-
sells and NINETY THOUSAND MEN. This is
the greatest enterprise of the kind that has
ever figured in history. The grandest expe-
ditions of Napoleon, and the "Invincible
Armada" dispatched under Philip II, King
of Spain for the conquest of England, fall
fur short of the expedition to Sebnstopol, in
the number Of vessels, and the magnitude
Of the enterprise to be achieved. From this
time forth, we shall look with anxious inter-
est to the news from Europe.
The demands of the allied powers upon
Russia, are stated by the English papers to
be as follows "The entire freedom of Mol
davia, Wallachia and Serva from the Rus
sian protectorate. The abrogation of all
ancient treaties between Russia and Turkey;
The future freedom of the navigation of the
Danube, and the withdrawal Of Russia from
that part of Bessarabia bordering on it; The
future freedom Of the navigation of the
Black sea to vessels Of war and commerce
of all Nations; The re-annex alton of the
Crimea to Turkey, and the entire freedom
of Circassia with all the Caucasian coun-
tries; And in case Sweden joins the allies
the remuneration of Finland to her."
These are large demands, and the Emper-
or of Russia will never accede to them, I'M
less compelled to. That nation never yet
has been conquered. Her vast resources
will enable her to carry on war of long
duration, and the determination of NICHOLAS
already exhibited, shows that he is ready for
long and terrible struggle. He is no or
dinary man, and the allied armies have
mighty work to do, if they conquer him or
tear down his government.
The struggle that is going on now in Eu-
rope, will lead to important results-results
far more important than that Of obta lining
the specific demands of the allied powers
II will lead in the end, to another attempt
to establish liberal governments on the con-
tinent, although this is not the immediate
object of the nations engaged in the war
There is undoubtedly more of selfshness
than generosity, in the motives which have
led England, France, and other nations to
take part in this contest. Yet this movement
upon their part, will force them when they
have once entered the list, however much
against their inclinations, or first intentions,
to become the advocates Of liberal govern
ments in Europe.
1t will also give encouragement to those
powers which in l84s struggled so nobly yet
in vain, for the success of Republican prin-
ciples. Poland will rejoice at the sound OF
the war clarion. Her people will rise up
once more in their might willing to labor,
and suffer, and die for freedom. Hungary,
now bleeding under the heel of tyrannical
usurpation, will again marshall her strength
under the leadership of the eloquent Kos
suth. Italy now PROSTATE, will shake off
the fatal lethargy that like death shroud
has bound her people for centuries. and come
forward once more as the champion of Dem
ocratic principles and laws. Germany will
join in the struggle. The issue made will
finally be Republicanism against Despotism.
When such an issue is presented, every
power in Europe will be compelled to take
one side or the other. The occupants of
century-standing thrones will fight with the
desperation of despair to retain their power.
The people, struggling to burst their fetters,
will hazard every thing in the conflict rather
than continue the subjects of social and po-
litical despotisms any longer. Europe be-
fore the war closes, may be made common
battle ground-the blood of her children
may be poured out like water-fre and sword
may carry desolation to her fairest fields;
yet sooner or later out of the "boiling caul-
dron of European politics" free governments
shall arise; the great deep of political cor
ruption and crime shall be broken up, and be
made purer by the restless heavings of its
own immeasurabe depths.
Europe is ready for revolution; and we
in America, who desire the success of Dem
ocratic principles, cannot regret to see the
ruptures that are now taking place, even
though they be attended by all the horrors
of long and bloody war. We. have full
faith in the final triumph of republican prin-
ciples throughout the world, and we hope and
trust that the hour Of emancipation for the
oppressed people of Europe, is drawing nigh
~ sac The STATE Fair. '7 ."