The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1855-08-25
THE BALTIC FLEET.

Gmt to them TOT any ieuSsA VI siuao 'noJ
may desire.
THE BALTIC FLEET.
The crest enigma Of the century Is the
srand naval expedition tothe Baltic. When
the Spring before last, England sent TO SEQ
the mos magnificent feet in numbers afnA
ment. dimensions and equipments, which eve,
LEFT her waters, the whole under the command
of the most daring seaman in the BRUSH = -
W. the world was told to expect the imme-
data downfall of Cronstadt and the capture
of St. Petersburg. The Emperor Nicholas
was to be blown sky high. Sir Charles Ma
pier after breakfasting in Cronstadt, was to
dine in St. Petersburg. 1t was in vain tna'
sundry old fosies expressed doubt whether
the largest ships in the world, even WIN
the mighty auxiliary Of steam, wouio prove
a match for the stone walls OF Kussia--
They we're told that the British govern
ment knew what it was about, ana ins'
in . few days we should see wnaI We
should see. Well, it was natural 70 sup
pose that the British government, wnicn we
are all accustomed to regard IS one OF the
wisest and most far-seeipg governments On
the face of the earth, should know what "
was about, that it could understand the Cd
stacles which Baltic expedition wouid cie'
ate, and be prepared to overcome tnem.-
But what was the result! The history ofthe
Baltic campaign of last summer Is fresn III
every recollection. 1t accomplished aoso'
lutely nothing of its protested objects IL
did not even attempt to attack even one OF
the first class fortresses of Russia IN the Bal
tic sea. It did not so much as fire single
gun at one of them. Except blockade
which might have been as thoroughly main
tanned by one tenth the force, the bonn
bardment of the Insignificant ratification OF
Bonersund, and the burning of 3 few fishing
towns, it came back with as few laurels as
merchant feet, and without millionth part
of the use it would have conferred upon Great
Britain, if it had been sent to the coast OF
South America for guano.
Upon the return and failure of this grand
expedition, it was announced by Sir Charles
Napier, and the admiral next in command,
that Cronstadt was impregnable; and more
over, in personal controversy which ensued
between the head of the admiralty board and
Sir Charles, the latter declared that he had
directions from the head of the admiralty, to
be cautious in exposing his wooden walls to
the fire of the stone walls of Russia. Well,
this increases the mystery. What was the
Baltic expedition for? fit was not to come
in contact with stone walls, what walls was it
to assault The few Russian ships of war were
shut up in hsrbor, and, if they had ventur
I'd out, one fourth of the British feet could
have annihilated them. Can any body give
q reasonable solution of the policy of Great
Britain in sending forth that Baltic feet2
But the first campaign was not so strange
and mysterious as the second. If the first
was puzzle, the second is an absurdity upon
any theory which we have yet seen suggest
ed. The FIRST might have been -extenuated
by the poor apology ofignorance On the part
of the British government, of the character
and magnitude of the obstacles its squadron
would have to encounter. The second has
not even that lame and impotent excuse. 1t
had before 1t the full blaze of experience af-
forded by the campaign which had just closed
1t had the personal observation and expert
ence of the most skilful, accomplished, and
officers in the British service
It had the testimony of the distinguished
3D. men, who were fresh from trial of the
question, that the stone walls of Russia were
mpreDna hle nv the hest of tho uoodap walls
# Old England. 1t had before it the further
md important fact that since the last Baltic
expedition. the strength of the Russian for
ifcations. powerful enough before to pre-
vent even an attempt at an assault by the
allied fleets, had been immensely increased
Yet, in the face of experience, facts and evil
lence, another squadron was sent out, twice
Is large as the former! 1t has followed in
he same track of mastery inactivity" oc-
,upied by its illustrious predecessor, and,
ike that. has kept at respectful distance
rom the stone walls of Cronstadt.
One cannot help thinking that the British
government does not expect its Baltic squad
on to accomplish any great results. Yet
here must be some other object in view than
n idle and expensive naval parade in the
'altic. What is it? Lst those who are good
unravelling enigmas, offer solution. Can
be that England mistrusts the fidelity of her |
enerous French ally, and deems it necessary
D keep at hand the means of repelling French |
erhdy as we'll rs Russian aggression.