Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-02-21
Later from Europe.

The steamer Asia arrived at Halifax on thu
l4lh. bringing interesting and important news. ,
As predicted by the last arrival the resignation
Of Lord John Russell has been followed by tina
OF the entire Ministry, and up To the latest mo
ment prior 10 the sailing Of The steamer. no new
Cabinet had been constructed. Lord Derby l'at
been sent for and invited to form new Ministry
but he was unsuccessful.
Lords Palmerston, Russell, and Lansd"wne ART
all spoken of in connection with the formation q
the new cabinet. The greatest anxiety prevailed
in reference 10 the matter.
There is no fighting of consequence TO record
but important diplomatic moves are going on
Prussia has checkmaled Austria. In the session
OF the general committee of the Germanic Diet the
proposition Of Austria for the general lno%l'sall"r
Quitting il into moion) of the Federal army was
rejected, and that of Prussia 10 place the contin
gents only on the war iooling was carried against
Austria. Some anxiety was felt as to what course
Austria will pursue, as this check prevents the
Emperor of Austria from having The expected
command of the Federal army. Probably no step
will he taken until after the formation OF The new
English ministry This Austrian defeat has caus
ed dullness in the funds
Prussia is preparing for action An important
despatch, dated Berlin, January olst, says that
The Prusslan government has decreeu me mime
date IN obligation of her own army and the 4lh
and 9th corps have been ordered TO occupy the
provinces OF Saxony and Selesig.
The demand of France that a portion OF the
French army be allowed to pass through frussIan
territory has been categuricaly refused
Denmark has appointed military commission
TO place all the Danish forts in state OF defence
The treaties between England and Sardinia
have been published. Sardinia engaged to send
in English ships 5000 men to the Crlmea. I'm
der the command Of Sandman Generals. and Eng
land agrees 10 lend Sardinia e. ,000.OOO sterling,
or two millions if wanted at three per cent
France and England, together. guarantee to pro
tect Sardinia during the presentwar. -.
A portion Of tho French army has been detailed
TO aid Austria and will march through Lombardy
10 prove TO the Italians the reality Of the Austrian
alliance with France
The following dispatches give about all the
news from the Crmed:
January l3th.--1'he Russians celebrated their
New Years day within the city with apparen,
gayety. AT mdnigh, all the chapel bells were
ringing. At ocluck the Russians within the
lines commenced cheering The French taking
it as an insult opened fire upon the town. The
Russians Immediately replied alongthe whole line
of defence by the fercest eannonade yet experience
ed. Under cover Of the firing strong party OF
Russians made a s,re On the front and flank OF
the British left and captured the British vldette.
driving in the covering parties. but on being en-
qared returned towards the town.
simultaneously with the attack on the British
lines strong sortie was made on the French lines.
the Russians penetrating within the parapel and
spkinp thee mur,ars. The French rallied and
drove back the enemy inside Of the lines OF his adj
vance and at day break the batteries all quiet.
Jan. l4th-The sanitary condition of the Brit
ish army is improving. The establishment of The
Central depot Of provisions has much relieved their
sufferings.
The French force now numbers eight divisions
of 6S 900 men, and the 9th division is on its way
to the Crimea.
January l9th.-A despatch in the Palrie an
nounces that the fire was almost suspended on
both sides All were seeking shelter from the
snow The moral and physical condition Of The
besiegers was good The horses were suffering
severely from the cold
JAM 22d.-InInrma 10 this date has arcn re-
ceived via Bucharest The weather is very fine,
but the British army is still sickly. Abundance
of supplies of all kinds have arrived. Shot, shell,
clothing. &c.. but no houses There is no pro
gress 10 report in the siege The British 99lh
and 18th regiments were disembarkng The
French have undertaken 10 hold the whole Of the
British works against The Russians.
The gavanic apparatus for exploiting twenty
ions of powder against the sunken ships al the
mouth of the harbor Of Sevasopol have rived at
Baaklava. together with corps of divers II is
expected that The explosion will damage the fun
daiions of The Forts Constantine anu Alexander.
The ST Petersburg Journal gives an oflicialac
count of the recent crossing of the Danube, and
Describes it as reconnaissance in iurce. Letters.
however. say that it was really an advance Of the
whole Russian army, which was stuPped BY
Russian ambassador to prevent an embarrassment
Of pending negotiations. The Russians now &C.
cupy their previous positions
The English Baltic flee, has been ordered TO
assemble in the Downs ready for sea by the first
week in March. Rumor says that Admirals Sey
mour and Martin will command.
A Madrid letter of the 25lh January says that
Soue is seriously sick
Schamyls existence and continued command is
proved by a recent foray near Ti1lis.