The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1855-07-27
lFrom the Charleston Mercury.]
Letter from Europe.

LONDON, June %, 1e55.-Creat excite
ment has been caused to-day, by the publ
cation of telegraphic despatch from Lord
Raglan, stating that the English and the
French were repulscd on the morning of
the 9Th instant, in an attack on the Rcdan
and Maakof Tower. The loss must have
been terrible, as many days are required to
prepare list of the casualties. This even
was quite unexpected by politicians, and it
appears in the Times this morning. with an
editorial, prognosticating that the Allies
were following up their previous successes.
and that no further resistance Of any irDpor-
tance need be apprehended. Sevastcpo
was on the point of falling, when 10! the
Allies, in their combined assault, are signallv
defeated. The greatest anxiety is expressed
to gain particulars of this desperate engage
ment. Only last evening the official list
was published Of the names of those who
had fallen between the 9Th and the 9th
instant, and now the friends Of those who
had escaped, have again to dread the worst.
The telegraphic line had been down for
several days; and when it was known to be
working last evening, newspapers were
bought eagerly, and /; general rulnor pre-
vailed shat the Allies had gained great
victory. Lord Palmerston was questioned
on the subject, in the House Of Commons,
and could only reply that he was yet " .th,
out tidings Of any further Sighting. In Paris,
Yesterday, it was freely asserted that the
Emperor has received dispatches from Cen
! eral Pelissier, stating that he had suffered
great loss, and that they were withheld from
publication. The Emperor has been des-
perately sick for some days, and his physi.
clans advise him to take repose, rs he is
overtaSing his mental powers. AS the
originator of the Crimcan expedition, the
chief responsibility rests with him. and there
can be no rest to his mind while Sevastopol
holds out
A very fiery debate took place in tic
House of Lords: last night, concerning the
attack on tue British, ship-of.war Cossack' ,
bod.s o.tw', By tho R"ss;ans, while bearing
q fng of truce, and the speeches Of Lord,
Clarendon and Brougham breathe nothing
but sulphur. Warto the death, and n single
chastisement of the enemy, are boldly pro-
claimed, but this is easier said than done.
If a Russian fleet were cruiing within tbir-
ty miles Of London, and boats crew were
seen quietly landing, it would be apt to meet
with warm reception, no matter what
might be the usage of war. !
Ihe question of Administrative Reform
was brought forward, last Friday, by M.
Layard, who made very mastery speech
OF the occasion, probably the best he has
yet delivered. Sir Bulwor: Lytton spoke
also we'll in support Of his amendment,
which pledged the1House. definitely to tile
question, without. passing censureson any
party. Palmerston, and tho Chancellorof
the Exchequer, spoke against the original
motion, which was put to the vote and lost;
but Bulwer Lyttons amendment was again
brought forward last night, and, no zone
appearing to say word against it, the
House passed it-without division, amidst
the derisive cheers and laughter of The op-
ponents Of the Ministry. Thus, the House
of Commons stands pledged to carry reform,
and the system Of patronage, which has so
long crippled the energies Of England, may
be destroyed. Probably no association has
had its claims so specify acknowledged, rs
that for Administrative Reform. It has only
been two months in existence, and has hardly
yet decided on what abuses it shall commence
its attacks. 1t holds its third public meeting
on Wednesday next at Drury Lane Theatre,
when Charles Dickens and Sir Joseph Pax
ton are to be thexhief speakers.
England may soon have to enjoy cheap
newspapers. The repeal of the. stamp duty
comes into operation on the 1st of July, and
daily newspapers will then be lowered from
five pence to four pence. An evening pa
per, the Express, which has had n very linn
tied circulation at the old price, will sell at
| two pence. The weekly newspapers, especial
ly those which now sell at three pence, will
add greatly to their circulation at two pence.
The first capitalist who started good single
sheet daily newspaper at one penny, will
reap rich harvest. If we'll conducted,
the circulation in. the first six months might
average fifty thousand Never was there q pc;
riod when newspapers were in so great re-
quest indeed the war has made them almost
the only literature Of the day. Liverpool,
Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, and
other great CITIES will, Of course; speedily
enjoy the luxury OF a daiIy. paper, from which
arbitrary laws have hitherto deprived them.
This will effect wonderful change in the
country. Newspapers like the London
Morning Herald, Chronicle and Post, which
i appeal to q email clique or party, will have
Ito enlarge their views OF. die. ent. ThaI
|Timea, which, from It's wealth and influence,
Ibas almost itadas tke daily press sf England
famhn6peIs inpor cbsgk;1
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