Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-05-24

EuroDean Affairs.

European Affairs.
BY the steamer Canada we have Liverpool
dates to the 7th inst. The repulse of the Aus
trans in an attempt to cross the river Pot
the South OF which the Sardinians had retired
and where they have the advantage of railwa,
communication between Turin and Alessandr
is reported, but no important action is know
to have occurred. The great masses of the bel
lgerent forces had not got within striking dis
lance, and it is probable variety of strategeti
cal movements will be made on both sides befor
general engagement is risked,
Inc Austrians entered Piedmont in three di
visions. One body passing through Gravellona
TO the southeast of Novara; second taking thu
road through Abbiate Grasso to Cussalo, vii
iage near Vivegano; and the third crossing Lake
Maggiore. After occupying Novara, still
further advance was made to Vercelli, fourteen
miles north OF Casale, and from thence to TIas
'lnatto, where they threatened the Sardinians OF
the 20, with the object of breaking their line o
communication with Genoa and Turin, at which
points their French allies were rapidly assem-
bling. The Austrian force in Piedmont was moi
known, bat probably did not fall short of two
hundred thousand men. The Turin correspon
dent of the London Times, writing on the Isl
inst, estimated the French force then in Sardin'
ia at seventy thousand men. In the succeeding
i've days this number must have been largely in.
creased, and, with the Sandman army, would
render the numerical force of the combatants a
bout equal. The result of operations as summed
up by the London Times of the 9th inst, is that
after having been seven days on the Sandman
soil, the invaders have not advanced more than
thirty.f miles from the frontier river. II
seems as though Austris had staked heavily fol
an opportunity, has won it and now thrown i,
away. They have gained nothing by Their
choice of the movements and sudden initiative
except the power of making forced contributions
On the enemy's country, while all the positions
Sardinia holds are connected by lines of rails
with each other, and with Alpine passes into
France. ,o,t.
ADDITIONAL ITEMS.
Intelligence of battle was hourly expected
when the steamer sailed, but nothing important
had yet occurred. -s;'tJ
The Austrians had crossed the Pc, near Gam
bis, or Gambia, some seven miles from Valenza
and have advanced towards Sala. They had al
so made an unsuccessful effort to cross the same
river, near Trassinetto, on the Sd inst.
The Sandman account of the latter effort says
the cannonade lasted for fifteen hours, and re.
commenced on the afternoon of the 4th, lasting
the remainder of the day. The Piedmontese had
few wounded, and say the Austrians suffered
considerably.
On the Sd the Austrians also commenced @
cannonade from the direction of Valenza, with.
out much effect.
The Globes Paris correspondent says that
Queen Victoria has sent On autograph letter to
the Emperor Napoleon, expressing her CONT
dence in his strict honor, and that he would not
20 step further than he assured her be would
some months back.
A large portion of the French army had been
unable to cross the Alps in consequence OF the
passes being blocked with snow Those who
had crossed suffered terribly. It's reported that
Prince Napoleon will command corps OF s6,-
900 men on the shores of the Adriatio.
The Turin correspondent of the Daily News
asserts positively that France is about to mobilize
between seven and eight hundred thousand men
and that the French army on the Rhine will a.
mount to FIVE hundred thousand men, as the
Emperor fears that Germany will not remain
quiet. The same correspondent also asserts that
on the day the Emperor quits Paris he will adj
dress solemn manifesto to Europe espouslng
the cause OF natonalities.
An Austrian corps OF observation will be post
ed near Cracow, to watch the Russians, VINO
were gathering On the Austrian frontier. ls
The Archbishop of Vienna has issued paste
raj letter, in which he attacks what he calls the
crimes of Piedmont, and the ambitious designs
Of the Emperor Napoleon.
a counter. revolution had taken place among
the troops at Parma, in favor OF the Ducal GOV
eminent, and the reigning Duchess had re-en-
tered her territory.
At the latest advices the Austriens appeared
10 be retreating, but nothing was known as to
the object of their man@uvres.
| Rome at last accounts was tranquil. Line
French troops will not leave at present.
LATER NEWS.
The steamer City of Baltimore brings news to
the 18th, three days later. No battle has yet
been fought in Piedmont, and the Austrians are
exhibiting much indecision, occupying and aban-
doning positions apparently without motive:
No material change has occurred In the affairs
of Italy since the sailing of the Canada. A VI
emma bulletin says the Austriaps are awaiting the
return of better weather before resuming often
siye operations. Much sickness exists among the
Austrian troops. Sardinia was preparing
magnificent reception fol Napoleon at Genoa.
It is reported that the Austrians will sooI
have three. fourths of million of troops under
arms.
The Emperor and Prince Napoleon left fol
Genoa on the 10th. The Empress Eugene wa
unclaimed during his absence.