Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1854-02-18

report that the passage had been effected at Sis-
tra, in the face of strong Turkish opposition, and
that this fortified town had ITSELF after sanguinary
battle fallen into the hands of the Russians, is al
ready proved to have been unfounded. If the Rus
slams should operate serious invasion OF the trans
Danubian provinces, it is probable that the alhes
will, as rejonder, Immediately forward to the East
large expedtonary military corps for the protection
Of Constantinople and the Balkan line. This mea-
sure would seriously complicate matters, and make
it much moro difficult than it is even at present TO
avoid general war But it may be hoped that
the same sagacity and prudence which now prevents
the Czar from accepting the belh which is Of
fered him, and declaring war against France and
England, viii prevent such departure from the
original programme of his military operations as
would induce them to declare war against him: for
war, no matter whether declared by him against
them or by them against him, would Immediately
provoke that great catastrophe to which alluded
last week as 50 seriously to be apprehended by the
Caas--ths annihilatian Of his maritime Po.ser He
could probably cross the Danube and maintain ms
position on the right bank in spte OF all that the
Turks, aided by the French and English expedi-
tionary corps, could do to drive him back; but he
would not, for all that, be more able to protect his
coasts, his sea-ports his naval arsenals his feets
and his commerce from the irresistible power Of the
united French and English fleets. l cannot sup
pose that this Sovereign Of Russia 50 ripe in years.
SO sagacious and able as he is known to be, imbued
as thoroughly as any of his predecessors with the
unrelenting Russian policy of advance upon Con-
stantnople, and persuaded perhaps that his own
reign is to be illustrated by the consummation Of
that policy; cannot suppose say. that, misled by
pride or blinded by passion, he will so egregousy
miscalculate his means of attack and defence as to
provoke naval conflict with England and France
united Can he fail to see that such conflict would
probably result in crippling for century perhaps,
if not in annihating, his rising naval power thus
depriving him Of the means of rushing promptly
down, at some future period, not very distant it
may be, when circumstances shall be changed, and
consummating his policy by the seizure Of Constan-
tnople and the Dardanelles, under conditions that
will enable him to hold them against all the world
cannot, therefore, presume that he will now pro-
woke a general war, the commencement OF which
would probably be marked by the striking of Rus
sa, for some years at least, from the list of first
rate naval powers It is with some confidence that
hope to be able to report in my letter of next
week that the favorable though not very definite,
nor, must add, quite authentic, intelligence of this
morning touching the dispositions of the Gar are
confirmed, and that belief in the maintenance OF
peace in Europe is general as is now the appre-
hension Of war. At present, however, we have nu-
merous evidences that this Government is by no
means confident that war can be long avoided.
Great and general activity prevails in all the mill
tary sea-ports and shpyards of the Empire Pre-
parations are being made also which can hardly be
accounted for but by supposng them to be in previ
sion Of the dispatch of military expeditionary corps
And not only in France, but all over Europe, are
Governments busy In preparing for war.
We have no advces of any decisive military opera
tons either on the Danube or in the East. We may,
however, soon expect to hear something decisive IN
Lesser Wallachia. OMER PAsHA, the Turkish
General on the Danube is in person at Kalafat, on
the left bank of the river This position, the only
one he holds on the left bank, he has made one of
sent from Widdin, and, as the preparations for at
tack are as imposing the part of the Russians as
are those Of defence on the part of the Turks, we
are in daily expectation Of highly important intel
ligence from the theatre of war. Several sanguina
ry engagements have we know already taken place,
with considerable loss on both sides but without
important advantage on either.
Our new Minister to this Court, Mr.. JOHN Y.
MASON, has arrived in Paris, and was on Sunday
last received by the Emperor for the presentation OF
his credentials. carriage from the Imperial sta
bles was sent to convey Mr.. Mason to the Tuieries
The Moniteur of Tuesday last contains transla
uOn OF MS speccn. IL is IN the customary iorlH
used upon such occasions and do not think it
worth while to translate it back into English for
publication in the Intelligencer. 1t was intimated
to me few days ago that Mr. Mason intended,
notwithstanding Mr.. NIarcy's circular, to put him
self upon the occasions of his visits to the Tuile
ries in what had hoped we correspondents might
henceforth style the ex-gold lace coat. have not
yet found it convenient to inquire into the matter.
l mean to do so, however, very soon, and will in
form you of the result.
A decree has appeared convoking the Senate Of
the Empire and the Legislative body for the 9th
February next. This is little later than usual /;
but it is supposed that the Emperor desires that the
Eastern question should assume some more definite
and tangible shape before he commits himself in the
opening address.
FROMOUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT.