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-__- -_- -_- - -THE WAR AND…
THE WAR AND PROSPECTS OF PEACE. (From the Times.) If the rumours of peace fall everywaerc on unheeding oars it cannot be denied that the CHills which hare pro- duced them have much significance. It may, indeed, be a sign of credulity to expect that a few weeks will close the great conquest which forty years have prepared, and that the armies of the West will before spring is advanced take their final leave of the old battle-fields, which are now historic names. The natural conviction of every one is, that such a cause, such exertions and sacrifices cannot be defrauded of their legitimate results. It seems clear that, unless Russia consent to the full demand of France and England, the war must go oil and that she will consent. no one ventures to anticipate. The great preparations for the next campaign will not then prove useless the batter- ics and mortar-boats will not lie cumbersome hulks in our naval ports, the stores of arms will not be piled up in re.1- diness merely for another war. But yet the events which are now passing will have their consequences. It is pro- bable that the mediators of to-day will in a few months quit their middle position. Although the Western Powers may not openly be assisted by the arms of Austria and Prussia there is every reason to believe that these empires will find it necessary to declare fully their accordance with the views of the allies and the censure of the course which the Czar has adopted, Fo one can have watched the mili- tary and diplomatic events of the present year without see- Ing that their tendency has been to make neutrality impos- sible. Twelve months since the armies of France and thigland were in a situation which might be called perilous. They had, indeed, won victories, and were in no danger of being driven into the sea, but in the eyes of Europe, as well as in the. opinion of some of then-own lendet s, they were likely to fail in the great object for which thc-y en- camped on Russian glound. The death of Nicholas and the succession of a younger and a less arrogant monaich odid much to weaken the determination of the Austrian Emperor, while financial difficulties almost bound the Cabinet of Vienna to persist in peace. This was the mo- ment when the policy of neutrality was most loudly advo- cated and seemed almost justified by events. But since then eveiy day has made such an rqui'.ibriuin less stable. The fall of Sebastopol has delivered 200,000 of the allies from a difficult and dreary task to which their honour bound them. It has endangered the whole Russian coast, and made the conquest of entire provinces a work to be looked for at once. Stiil more has the cause of the Western Powers gained from the manifestation of unflinching obs>ti- nacy of purpose by the British people. The popular feeling of this country is the vital force of the whole war, the spring which keeps in movement all the machinery of cabinets and armies. Since it is clear that this country will make no hollow peace, and that, whatever may have gone before England is now about to put forth a strength worthy of her name, the German Powers have felt that the war is about to assume a terrible earnestness, which will make indifference impossible and affected moderation a folly. But the power of the allies is less alarming to neutrality than the weakness of Russia. Allowing for the exaggerations of sanguine or ignorant writers, there is sufficient testimony that the difficulties of the enemy are great and rapidly increasing. Discontent prevails among powerful classes, for the trader is cut off from the great mart of the world, and the wealthy deterred from inter- course with the chief seat of civilisation. The losses in men are ill repaired by a conscription of youths, while money fails by the destruction of the country's nascent commerce. The German Powers seem fully aware that the continuance of the war must lead to the supremacy of France and England both in the north and east of Europe therefore, even although we may look on them as preserv- ing their former feelings towards us, yet we may look for their earnest interposition to bring the war to an end, and expect that they will deeply resent the obstinacy of the Czar, should he expose himself and them to evils not in- evitable. That these are not merely s- That these are not merely speculations is proved from our foreign correspondence. We learn that Austria has com- municated to Prussia the preliminaries agrecd upon by the Western Powers, and called upon her to urge their accept- ance at St. Petersburg. It is with the two great German Powers that we have chiefly to do. It is plain that the recent compact with Sweden has startled the two monarchs. A defensive alliance, even though conditional, is a bold step for a State so small and so ili-situated as Sweden, and the conclusion of it has roused Austria especially to the consciousness that Russia's political greatness has for a time departed. Francis Joseph is therefore more and more anxious to play some decided part, and not only to gain in- fluence in Europe, but to extend his power over those minor German States which vacillate between him and his Prussian rival. It. has been seen for many weeks that the tendency of these States has been to separation from Rus- sian interests. Austria therefore has a chance of once more becoming the leader of the Confederation. On the other hand, the King of Prussia sees with apprehension the waning of his recent influence. He has had against him France, England, Austria, and the opinion of the World. lIe was supported by Russia and the minor States which ere ruled by Sovereigns akin to the Russian dynasty. Now that the great northern empire is weakened, distrarted, and beaten, the German Kings and Grand Dukes are falling away from his side. He will soon have no friend but the C7;ar, himself needing help and consolation in adversity. We cannot doubt that the Prussian King sees those dangers clearly, and, if he wishes worthily to obey the commands of his late kinsman, and really to befriend that kinsman's heir, he will do his best to enforce assent to the demands of ths Western Cabinets. We have always felt that the continuance of the war must end in at least a moral league against the common enemy. The burdens of a state of hostilities must bcfoie long be felt even by neutrals, and then the blame must fall on the nation which, without hope of success, prolongs the contest mciely in a spirit of senseless pride. Some months, since, when Austria shrank from executing the treaty which she had concluded, the apprehensions of many added bitterness to their reproaches. It was regarded as an almost desperate enterprise to attack the hugest and most compact of adversaries merely by expeditions carried on "llh difficulty by sea at a distance of 3,000 miles from home. But it was by a wise impulse that the two Govern- ments resolved to persevere, and to leave time to bring into action the alliance which existed in principle. That time seems now not far distant. It will, however, best be- come our dignity, and conduce to our interest, to make no supplications for foreign aid. That aid will come most readily when we have shown that we least need it. Such is the action of human nature instates as "ell as individuals. The part of the allies is to prepare for the contest with re- newed vigour on the largest scale. For the present arms must decide the question it has emerged from the domain of diplomacy, and not yet returned to it. When successful war has given us the mastery, we may then expect that both foes and neutrals will acknowledge the justice of our claims and the force of our reasoning. (From the Press.) The negotiation in progress has advanced one considera- ble stage. Prince Esterhny has left Vienna for St. Peters- hur, bearing the conditions which France and Eunland have agreed to accept as the basis of a treaty of Peace, and which Austria has engaged that she will urge Russia to sccept by every means in her power short of actual hos- tilities. We suppose therefore that wc shall hear no more denials of the fact that negotiations have been opened, and no more of the canards of the Press," in communicating to the public a knowledge of the fact. A week or ten days must elapse before an answer can be received from St. Petersburg, and that answer may not be decisive. In the meantime, the great alternative of Peace or War continues to tremble in the balance. There are persons who think it wise and patriotic in this interval of suspense.to declare their hope and belief that the negotiation will come to nothing, and that the terms are so framed as to exclude any rational expectation that Russia will accept them. There are other persons who deem it their duty at this particular time to express their predilection in favour of a war policy to declare that hos- tilities have not gone far enough and to assert that no peace can be what they deem just and honourable" which is not founded on a total prostration of Russian power, and the acceptance by her—as matter of compulsion—of what- ever terms the Allies may choose to dictate. With neither of these parties can we profess any kind of sympathy, We think that the moment of negotiation is not the moment for the expression of mistrust, of bluster, or of defiance. When we make war, let us war with all our he ait and ellergy- when we negotiate, let us negotiate with perfect good faith. Let our action be sincere in both cases. It would be nothing less than hypocriiy of the grossest kind to offer terms to an enemy which we were perfectly sure beforehand that enemy would not or could not accept and it would be a flagrant breach of the courtcsy which should regulate the intercourse of nations, to offer conditions of Peace to our foe, through our Government, while we seize every possible opportunity of declaring that nothing short of his total prostration will satisfy us. On the conditions that have been offered we must of necessity remain silent until we know what they arc. But we have no hesitation in reiterating our opinion that a Peace which shall secure the direct tangible objects of the War ought to be acceptable to all parties and classes in this country, and would be of an essentially Conservative character. It cannot be our policy to hazard even one more campaign for the attain- ment of objects which are now within our grasp nor to prolong hostilities for an indefinite purpose. But if Peace be not concluded now, from any radical opposition between the views of the Allies and of Russia, it is not one more campaign which will decide the contest. The blindest prejudice, or grossest folly, can alone conceive that our enemy is to be crushed in Asia Minor, in the Baltic, and in Southern Russia, in one campaign more. We have suffered enough from underrating the resources of Russia. Through that error Kars has been sacrificed. We do not doubt the ability of the Allies to exhaust Russia should they set themselves to the work. But Ict us not close our ejes to the cost of such an achievement, to the waste of blood it must entail, to the wxjeful destruction it must occasion. And if there be not Peace now, or rather if it be impossible now to conclude Peace on satisfactory conditions, nothing short of the exhaustion of Russia will enable us to extort them. The difference between the policy which the Press has advocated, and that proclaimed by some speakers and Writers pro fessing to represent Conservati ve sentiments amounts to tliis-tliat we believe a solid and satisfactory Peace may now be effected by treaty with Russia, while they believe it can only be effected by the annihilation of her power. Reason as we may, the difference returns to this. They have no faith in those principles of policy and those mutual guarantees and engagements upon which the division of European poner and the integrity of the boun- dry lines of States depend. A tieaty is with them but a bit of paper, a seal but a morsel of wax. We believe, on the contrary, that it is those principles and guarantees which preserve the peace of the world that without them there would be perpetual war that the progress of civili- sation is towards a more solemn iecognition and sacred maintenance of treaties; and that as they extend wider and take in outlying ntions (as unhappily Turkey has been untll this day), and as they -tie joined in by a greater Iumber of States, there is less probability that they will bioi mvaded, and stronger assurance that the State which aUempts to violate them will be promptly restrained in its aggreSsIve course. The parties who are forward in reproaching the Press for a autocacy of a pacific policy would do well to recollect that the Eastern Question never can be settled by arms alone. When arms have done all they can, we shall have to revert to pacific arrangement still. It is not as if the War concerned only a particular patch of territory. Arms might then solve the dispute, by the stronger party seizing, retaining, and fortifying it. But the present W ar concerns the navigation of a sea of most peculiar configuration, of which the gates are in the possession of Turkey, and of which the shores are nearly divided between her and her opponent. It concerns the freedom of a river, of which Austria holds the upper part, and of which one bank at its mcuth is the territory of Turkey and the other of Russia. It concerns the internal regulations of the Ottoman empire itself, and the amount of protection and privilege which shall be accorded to the Christian populations dt ellin., within its borders, far exceeding in number the dominant Ottoman class. It concert's tllc settlement of that wide and ill-defined frontier in Asia Minor where the empires of Turkey and Russia are brought face to face, and where the Turkish power is naturally so weak that no security exists against a hostile irruption, which might carry the foe within sIght of Constantinople. The inherent difficulties attending the solution of these several point arc so great that arms alone can never settle them. They must be arranged with strict regard to the policy most equitable to the contending Powers, and most likely to preserve the peace of Europe. We think the time for such settle- ment has come, if it is ever to take place, without resort to a war of extermination. In favour of such a war it may be said, that it will bring our enemy to our feet, that it I make him sue for peace, that it will enable us to dictate our own terms. Let us grant all those hopeful anticipations-let us suppose them realised; and wc are still prepared to contend that a Peace is much more likely to be durable which is effected by Powers meeting on terms of equality, than a Peace which is dictated" by one party, and accepted only through dire necessity by another. The railers at the Press do not seem to understand the ridiculous position in which they place themselves by accusing it of being actuated only by hostility to the Go- vernment. Why, so far as principles and policy are con- cerned at this time, the Press gives powerful support to the Government. With the Cabinet individually it has nothing to do; but it is extremely doubtful whether the Government would ever have assumed the attitude it has done had not the Press previously declared the terms of "Peace might now be considered with clue regard to the honour and interests of the country, and that the opportunity appeared favorable for attaining the objects of the War without further prolongation of it. The Press is to he decried, and the Government is to be supported Do the people who exclaim thus, understand what is passing before their eyes ? Do they know that the Government in opening pacific negotiation have acted as if they obeyed the promptings of the Press ? But there is the hope that the Government may be ili.iiiceic They must have the benefit of the doubt while it lasts, it will be time to turn against them when they are convicted of insincerity! Their failure would be held as evidence of their capacity. If it can be shown that they conducted the negotiation without a thought or wish f)r its success, they will f-arn the cordial support of the parties who now draw a distinction between the honest advocacy of peace by the Pi-css, and what in their cunning they take to be the dishonest action of the Government to disconcert it. The recommendation of a pacific policy would no doubt be not only unwise, but culpable, if it intended to impede preparation for war. or in any way to impair or mar its efficient prosecution. Some minds may be incapable of understanding a policy which would always keep peace in view as the end of war, but which would at the same time collect all the means by which peace is to be attained. But that is the policy, we venture to say, which is best for the interests, :i,,i d z "o" C vertui,c to sai" ivliich is best for the interests, and most conductive to the honour, of this country. It is the policy which we shall never cease to advocate. And whatever may be our state of preparation, or whatever advantages certain persons among us IlWY expect from a continuance of war—or whatever lures of i glory and success, or of passion and ambition, may be thrown out to tempt us onward — we shall stilisay, that war cannot cease too soon when its objects may be ob,aiiietl, and that it is impossible for Peace to be otherwise than' lion ourable-ii,, matter what the attitude of the belligerents may be—when the side which has taken up arms for right and sound policy concludes the contest without advantage to itself, content with the attainment of its original objects, and desiring no other glory or triumph than its necessary participations in the triumph of justice.
i DOUBLE COLONELCIES: LORD…
DOUBLE COLONELCIES: LORD LUCAN'S CASE. It certainly is from no disposition to injure the Army that the public has expressed some jealousy of the abuses that have crept in during a long peace. On the contrary, those are the worst friends of the Army who force attention, just at present, to "daims" for privileges, titular distinctions, and such sinecures as the double colonelcies. Anxious to possess an formyefficient in all ranks, unencumbered by ornamental lumber, the public has condemned offices which exist for the benefit of the individual rather than of the service or of the country. The feeling is, that these titular posts ought not to exist, at all; that the Colonel in com- mand of a regiment is sufficient without a Colonel existing only for his own sake, or for the sake of some inscrutable influence that he is supposed to cast upon the corps to I which he is nominated. If such things exi.it, their excuse at present can only be in employing them to reward ofifcers for extraordinary service. The Duke of Wellington was supernumerary Colonel of a regiment; but the country was content to heap every kind of reward, lioi-iorat-y iiid sul)stanti,:], ufoti tlie Duke." But why should the Eirl of Lucan be placed in the same position toward s an English regiment as the Virgin Mary towards a Spanish regiment ? An inopportune appointment necessarily attracted attention to the personal claims of the omen. It was a question of military administration that we felt bound to examine, certainly from no personal enmity to Lord Lucan, whom we have hail before occasion to notice in a very different sense. We well remember that he set a noble example during the famine in Ireland,when he shared the hard fare of his countrymen, and gave the superfluity to those who wanted it. If we had been told that this colonelcy had been given to him for his services on that field, paradoxical as the reason would have been, we should have felt that it was almost sufficient. But in time of war military posts should be for military services alone and so ostentatious a selec- tion of the Earlof Lucan, after he had been challenged in Parliament, censured by his comnHiiding-ofiicer, and not acquitted by the public at large, foibade us to overlook the strange abuse of military patronage. Lord Lucan is still under the stigma of Lord Raglan's despatch nothing that he has yet said has removed that stigma; nothing has been officially advanced on behalf of the appointment, to explain away that statement; and in the correspondence with which Lord Lucan has favoured us we ses nothing to satisfy us that the view we have taken of the case was er- roneous. The appointment was a surprise to the public as much as to ourselves and that we do not stand alone is proved by other journals. We had no disposition, how- ever, to press the discussion beyond our brier notice last week and we should not have done so now, if Lord Lucan had not challenged us. It is for his Lordship's satisfac- tion, therefore, that we take up the subject again. Lord Lucan is mistaken in that our comments were only a compendium of a scurrilous pamphlet our data were patent to the whole? public. We repeated state- ments which have been made by various authorities, and some of them probably authorities which even Lord Lucan would not question. It was necessary to inquire on what grounds the patron- age had been conferred: we sought, therefore, for Lord Lucan's services and wi found that he was an Ensign in 181G, a Captain in 1818, a Major in 1825, a Lieutenant- Colonel in 1826, a CoJotiel in 1S41, a Major-Genenl in 1851 and these facta Lord Lucan also will fitid recorded in page 14 (,f ][art's Army List for 1855. At page 27 of the same volume he will read his war services: "commanded the Cavalry Division throughout the Eastern campaign of 1851, including the battle of the Alma, Balaklava, (wounded,) Inkerman, and siege of Sebastopol." As examples of the discipline which Lord Lucan enforced we referred to certain orders issued when his division was encamped in Bulgaria in 1851-to the strict rules about sword-knots, the shaving of the beard to the corner of the mouth, the neglect of soap, oil, pipe-clay, blacking, cioom- and everything else," with which his commanding-officers were to supply themselves. These extracts, no doubt, are to be found in pages 12-13 of the pamplet which he im- putes to General Bacoii it is there stated, that each of the ten regiments forming his [Lord Lucan s] Diiision 1. 1 rIo.,t"l,. h.¡rl- have his orders and of those which are teimcd standing oiders every ofheei under his command is expected to be in possession of a copy. It is not surprising, therefore, that they should be known, read, and commented upon in military circles. Extracts from some of them have aheady appeared in the newspapers, quoted as specimens of absurdity." On such authority we had a right to quote them, even from all anonymous pamphlet. If Lord Lucan will tell us that he did not issue those orders-tlial they are fabricated — noth- ing but the production of the regimental books woultl mako us doubt his Ni-ord tlio, e books (xist, and they would settle the point. We said that Lord Lucan took credit for moving the cavalry over the Alma without orders and that lie thought the movement, though delayed by the upsetting of a gun, was advantageous. Our authority for that was a passage in the appendix to a printed copy of Loid Lucan's Speech in the House of Lords. In page SO, he says— 4. This movement, though accidentally delayed by the up- setting of a gun in the river, proved most advantageous in its results, as it brought the cavalry to the front imme- diately after the Highlanders had crowned the heights, gave them the assistance of his guns, which were most effective, and protected them from a large lody of cavalry which was hoveling in that quarter." Lord Lucan, we said, forgot to add, that the gun was npset because he took the wrong instead of the right road. This is the other statement we deiived from the pamphlet which is very spccific-"Thc officer in command of the guns which were attached to the cavalry urged Lord Lucan, In the strongest terms, to advance; which, after the delay of half an hour, he did but, instead of taking the road that lay open befoie him, he chose a narrow lane, through which the horses could only advance in single file, conse- quent on the upsetting of a guii," We said that in the famous flank march the cavalry was not in the right place. If Lord Lucan will turn to Major ilainicy's (3lory of the Campaign of Scbast<pol, pJgcs 4G and 47, he will find certain passages lespecting the march of the artillery of the First Division. The progress of the artillery had been stopped by a tioop of horse artillery, halted in the road in the front. "Finding themselves unsupported by cavalry, they had naturally become alarmed for the safety of the right flank and front in a spot were artilleiy would be taken at a dis- advantage if attacked by skirmishess Pre- sently Lord Raglan came riding up, followed by his Staff' and demanded sharply why lie had halted and going to the troop in fiont, ordered them immediately to proceed, him- self leading the way. Accordingly, we advanced through the "cod about three miles further; whin Lord Raglan and his Staff came back in haste, inquiring for the caval- ry. Mr. Woods, in his Camjjaigu in the Crimea, volume i. page 401. says, the artillery advanced, till Lord Raglan suddenly galloped back and asked hurriedly for the fcavalry." In a pamplet which we have just obtained, en- b,,tvalry. I Viiidicttiuji of the Earl of Lucan from Lord titlecl Raglan's Reflections," it is stated, page 2.3, that Lord Lucan did not receive any reprooof from Lord Raglan on the occasion, but that "undoubtedly his Lordship said they had arrived late." Misconception and disobedience of orders, we said, char- acterized Lord Lucan's conduct all the 2')th October, For the grounds on which we came to that conclusion., we refer to Lord Raglan's despatch to the Duke of Newcastle, dated IGth December 1851 to Lord Lucan's printed Speech to the debate in the House cf Lords on the 19th MilICh; to the works of Ilainley, Woods, and others, 011 the campaign. Lord Raglan says-" I am prepared to declare, that not only did the Lieutenant-General mis-conceive the written instruclioll sent to him, but that there was nothing in that instruction which called upon him to attack at all hazards. Lord Lucan must have read the first order with very little attention for he now states that cavalry was formed to support the infantry, whereas he was told by Brigadier-General Aire-, I that the cavalry was to advance and take advantage of any opportunity to recover the liciglits, and that they would be supported by infantry,'— not that they were to support the infantry: and so little had he sought to do as he had been directed, that he had no men in advance of his main body, made no attempt to re- gain the heights, and was so little informed of the position of the enemy, that he asked Captain Nolan, where and what he was to attack, as neither enemy nor guns were in sight.' I wish I could say, my Lord that, having, decided against his conviction to make the '¡no\'(.: ment, he did all he could to render it as little perilous as possibie. This, indeed, is far from being the case, in my judgment. He was told that the Horse Artillery might accompany the cava]ry; he did not bring it up. lIe was informed that the French cavalry was on his left; he did not invite their co-operation. He had the whole of the Heavy Cavalry at his disposal: he mentions having brought up only two regiments in support; and he omits all those precautions either from want of due considerat ions, or from the supposition that the unseen enemy was not in such great force as he apprehended, notwithstanding that he has warned of it by Lord Cardigan, after the latter had received the order to attack." For the statement that Lord Raglan said that Lord Lucan had lost the Light Brigade," see the printed Speech of Lord Lucan, page 11— I11 the evening of the action, I saw Lord Raglan his first, remark to me was, You have lost the Light Brigade.' We spoke of Lord Lucan's language to his supedor ofll- cers, General Airey was Quartermaster-General; Lord Lucan a Divisional commander. In page 12 of Lord Lucan's Speech will be found the specimen which we quoted- N ow, be eaieful, General Airey, that no re- sponsibility is placed upon me in this Light Cavalry aHair, i as I will not bear any." We might have quoted others; I for instance this—General Airey had said, in reference to the charge, These sort of things will happen in war it is nothing to Chillianwallah." "I said," continues his Lordship, "I know nothing about Chillianwallah but I tell you, General Airey, that this is a most serious alyiiir and what is more, 1 tell you that I do not intend to bear the smallest particle of responsibility." Lord Lucan has called upon us to retrace these state- ments and give our authorities. We have complied with his desire. 'Ye have shown that our paper was not" a compendium of the malice, malignity, and falsehood con- tained in an anonymous pamphlet called The Cavalry at Balaklava, by a Cavalry oll]cer. Wo have shown, at least, that we made no wanton attack upon Lord Lucan. Absolute truth, positive certainty of evidence, may be im- possible even for the judicial bench to attain—journalists certainly can seldom if ever reach either. We have to deal with statements as we find them and it is our business only to ascertain those which appear to be confirmed by the best authority, and to use them in good faith, for an honest purpose. In this case there is a general concurrence of the statements, and oflicial passages which we have Quoted appear to establish the ,hr"n_h;h WP m n /I A ho it remembered, against the Government-that Lord Lucan has received a distinction usually appropriated to the high- est degree of military nitrit, xvliile t grave accusation made by his commanding-officer stands on the record unrctracted and unexplained. Surely the public were entitled to some explanation of so startling an act of patronage, and surely a journslist is entitle to criticize it. On this, the ttue ques- tion which we have raised, Lord Lucan says, that while he regrets our disapprova l of his appointment, he is consoled in thinking, with much confidence," that the Eighth Hussars and the rest of the anny in thc field win not view it with disfavour; nor does he believe that the home public look unfavourably upon him. Let him enjoy that consolation. He mysteriously alludes to three individuals who have conspired against his character, and whom he likrns to "thc three taIlors of Tooley Street." Who the three individvals are we cannot tell unless we aie to sup- j pose that he refers to General Bacon, Loid Cardigan, and Lord Raglan. It has been our part only to deal with the statements we find on both sides unfortunately, Lord Lucan is confronted by opponents who exceed hiiiiii niniber. Ilis denials, though strong and sweeping, only in some! instances spicific, are mostly negative, without positive statement of the facts as they occurred and they are not sustained by such evidence as he calls for on the other side. The statements of his opponints are more specific and dis- tinct. If lie should advance statements equally positive and distinct, his reply would certainly engage our attention. We have not waited for those qualities to publish his cor- respondence, in another page. Lord Lucaua.?s what "redress" we propose to offer for the great wrong" we have dene him holding out a tlil.l?")It that otherwise he will appeal for protection to a jury of his countrymen. Since we are quite unconscious of having done Lord Lucan -tziy wrori," it is not in our power to afford him any "redress." We have only, in judging- a public act of the Government., repeated statements which have been long before the world, and which are not answered in the replies to which Lord Lucan has referred us. It is strange, however, that Lord Lucan should seek redress here It cannot bo given for even a jury's verdict would not atTect his position.. His redress would consist in an explicit declaration by a competent authority, reversing the judg- ment, of Lord Raglan. Sir Charles Napier, who lay under much less specific disapproval, was offered an honorary dis- tinction, but lie refused to accept what he considered the compromisc of an unretracted censure. \V ith such records as Lord Raglan's despatch still uncancelled, it was inevita- ble that the public should be surprised and offended at the appointment of the new Colonel to tne 8th Hussars but if the statements were untrue and unjust., it would, we should have thought, have been the course of a person of Lord Lu- can's position in military and social rank, to obtain a rever- sal of those official statements from the responsible parties, before accepting an honorary appointment. Spectator.
FUTURE OPERATIONS IN THE EAST.
FUTURE OPERATIONS IN THE EAST. It was impossible that an event like the fall of Kars should come to pass without attracting a great deal of atten- tion to the position occupied by Russia south of the Caucasus and OIl both shores of the Caspian. In tliesett'cinent of the Eastern question on a basis of security, it is difficult to ex- elude Transcaucasia from our consideration. We nia- for pressing reasons, agree to a peace 011 the terms at present proposed. Having inflicted great injuries on Russia havinoo compelled her to quit her hold of the Principalities,havin reduced to zero her power in the Black Sea, and determined to take material guarantees against its revival, it may he not unfairly urged that if Russia will concede those securities, they would form a substantial peace. But if those conditions arc rejected IIot an improbable supposition—then it is clear we must proceed with all our matured strength to inilict deeper wounds and extort larger securities. Under such circumstances it would behove the Allies to determine the fittest fields of action to fasten on the most vulnerable parts of Russia, and assail her there. It may be matter of question, which we shall not attempt to discuss, whether we need do more than we have done in the Crimea. But if it should happen that further operations in the Crimea arc relinquished, what are the other points of the vast empire of Russia open to our arms which are likely to yield large political results ? Obviously there is the Baltic where our V<.bt naval power can roa-.e In to play, The south- ern corner of Bessarabia presents auotner admirable field of operation. On both these points Russia is vulnerable to an enemy, and all both these points by the destruction of for- tresses, and 011 the latter by the cession of territory, material guarantes may be advantageously obtained. But there is a third district, or rather two districts, where results, cer- tainly of equal importance, might be accomplished by the Allies. Those districts are Transcaucasia, and the territory on the left bank of the Koubati. Transcaucasia is, except the por- tion occupied by Omar Pasha, entirely in the hands of Rus- sia the left bank of the Kouban is still an unconquered territory. Transcaucasia is a position essential to Russian designs against our possessions in India, against Persia, and Asia Minor. The country oil the left bank of the Kouban j flanks the Russian highway by the pass of Dariel through the Caucasus. In the summer Mr. Laurence Oliphant, the author of The Russian Shores of the Black Sea," pub- lished a pamphlet drawing attention to the importance of a campaign in Asia and presenting many reasons in favour of such an undertaking. He has now republished that pam- phlet, with a preface written in the Turkish camp at Sugdi- di, and accompanied by a "rough sketch-map of the coun- try." The new edition is well worthy of the attention of those who wish to appreciate the importance of Transcauca- sia; and, without endorsing them, we may be permitted to set forth the views of the writer. From his experience he has ascertained that the Christian population of Transcauca- sia look with distrust upon the Turkish army under Omar Pasha indeed, lie does not hesitate to say that the people of Mingrelia and Imeritia have assumed a hostile attitude to the Turns, whieh may frustrate the operations of the Turkish army next year. This is a very serious matter. But as the natives hate the Russians, while they abhor the Furks, and desire to be left alone, the presence of a Chris- tian at my supplied by the Allies, would, he believed, re- move the difficulty. But then comes another question, what is to become of the Turkish, should the Allies send a Christian army? This he answers as follows :—" The real field of operations for a Turkish force is that part of the country which lies between the Kuban and Caucasian range. Here the pspulation inhabiting the Caucasian provinc-s of Natquoiteh, Bsaduch, Ilattoquoi, Demigoi, Beslioni, and the two Karbadas, are Mahometan to a man they have en- grained and profound veneiation for the person of the Sul- tan they arc thoroughly anti-Russian, for they have carried on a war with successive Czars, with varied success, for upwards of half a century and they desire nothing more earnestly than an opportunity of rallying round the standard of a Turkish general in a war with the Giaours. Their country is as fertile as its inhabitants are brave. Stretching away upon the northern slopes of the Caucasus is a series of beautiful undulating plains, it is capable of containing a large army. A glance at the map will show the result of such a movement in a strategical point of view and the facility with which all communication through the pass of Dariel could be intercepted would ex- tremely harass a Russian army, if it were at the same time engaged with a formidable enemy on the nther side.. The Turkish army could bo transferred without difficulty from Souchouni-Kaleh to Soudjak-Kaleli, whence a military road leads into the plains of the Kuban, a distance of only twenty miles, and which would thence forward become the base of operations. Then comes a second question, which Mr. Oliphant dis- poses of as easily as he disposes of the first. What is to become of the Transcaucasian provinces w hen, supposing the Russians ejected, the Christian, army departs: iiis so. j _< lution of the difficulty is, that the Allies should guarantee the independence of each province as it. passed along. He admits that by such proceeding we should undertake the protection of those provinces; but as aggression, lie argues, could only come from Russia or Turkey, and, as it is our in- terest always to iosist the aggression of the former, while we could without war always influence Turkish counsels, that protection he, thinks, would not be onerous; while it would secure Europe and India against Russsan encroach- ment through Asia Minor. These are matters that deserve mature deliberation- The thorny question of Transcaucasia is not to be hastily hand- led. 'By undertaking its settlement, it is obvious that the war should be greatly expanded. Are we prepared for such an expansion. j i tlw same tune it must not be forgotten that the possession of Ivars by the enemy means the capture of Erzerougi in the spring, and the entire occupation of Turkish Armenia, unless adequate assistance is afforded to the Turkish army under Omar Pasaa ? Is Turkey able to give that assistance ? We very much donbt it. There is only one I! t-oi- ilit; ve.- Globe.
STATE OF PARTIES IX RUSSIA.
STATE OF PARTIES IX RUSSIA. it would be interesting at tne present moment to know the state of parties and factions at St. Petersburg—what cavh thinb of the war, and whose opinions are likely to triumph. There, as elsewhere, we know that different views arc entertained, not only on the wisdom of continuing the war, but Oil its conduct. The Grand Duke Constantino has never agreed with the Emperor Alexander, who is said to be more inclined for peace than those who surround him. But it seems that the war party has triumphed, and all State vacancies have been filled up by the "old Russian" parti- sans, whilst the "German party" has been kept in the background. The Rostowzod's and Orloft's urge the Emperor to resistance to the last, and Constantine is reported to have said Qu'il ne voulait rien avoir de couimun avec un Romanoff assez pcu soucieux de rhonncnr de son nom et de la dignite de sa couronne pour songer a conclure la paix avec les puissances occidcntales." Yet out of the Court circle and official salons there is a decided desire for peace, occa- sioned by the ruin which now surrounds every family. There can be no doubt of the commercial bankruptcy of the empire, and the misery of the population. But with all tlii,, there is little reason to calculate at present on the triumph of the peace party, if the fragments of information we get from St. Petersburg be correct. The following extracts from a letter, dated St. Petersburg, Dec. 12, are interesting, and throw some light on the state of party feeling in Itussia In my last letters I endea- voured to depict the prevailing opinions of the capital, and I now hasten to communicate to you that rumours of peace have assumed within the last few days a greater consistency, and nothing else is spoken of in our political circles. Evidently, if we were to content ourselves with consulting public opinion and following its aspirations, peace would speedily be an accomplished fact, if the conditions were only honourable but opinion is not always listened to, for it has its rivals, and interested counsels first take possession of the cars of princes. The eternal struggle between the old Russian party and the German has ramifications over the whole country, amongst the citizens and people as in the nobility it divides the Court and even the Imperial family. The passions are excited to such a pitch that in some places almost public manifestations are made in favour of a peace, and in others the war is sanctified, when either the con- tinuation of the war is demanded,or nothing else is spoken of than the invasion of France or England." The writer continues :—" The intimate relations existing between the editors of the Abeiile rllt Nord and the favourite of Alexander II. General Rostowzoff, as well as the police directors Orloff'and Otchakoff, are evident proofs that half of the men in power in Russia have for illissioll to add fuel to the war by every available means. Messiuers Grctsch and Bulgarine, editors of that semi-official journal, publish 0 daily violent articles against the Western Powers, and do not even spare Austria, whose neutrality they blame. Who is the principal agent, the creator of the Nord! M. Mcholas Gretsch, who succeeded in Brussels when he failed in Berlin. Who edit the prin- cipal articles of that Russian organ? The attaches at the Foreign-office in St. Petersburg. It is M. de Moltzoff who reads, approves, or rejects them from him are they received by the Russian ambassador at Brussels, Count Michel Kreptowitsch, who modifies them according to circumstances. The editorship of the Nord and of the Abeiile du ;.Yon! is characterised by too much violence to represent any other party than the. old Russian. Its editors once asserted that the people were wrong to complain of the hardships of war, and that the privations they suffered proceeded from the inordinate luxury to which theyweregiyen. The luxury of the Russian people when it is of public notoriety that in no part of the world has luxury made less progress than in Russia amongst the middling and lower classes of society. These are, however, the sentiments which inspire the organs of the dominant party in Russia. Against this language has Count Nessclrode struggled in vain, for Gen. Rostowzoff and Counts Orloff and Otehakofl, strong in their influence with the Emperor, have treated him in a manner anything but deferential. Unfortunately the German party, which desires peace with sincerity, and is composed of politicians of eminence, has been drawn from beyond its ordinary pru- ¡ dence in order not to be accused of reaction. It has affected, like its rival, warlike tendencies, and its voice was heard in the assembly of the nobles, which met before the journeys of the Imperial Court, when the marshal of the nobility, Po- temkin, exclaimed in full sitting that, 'An honourable peace no longer suffices fcr Russia; the descendants of the Czar Petcr cannot desert the mission which they have received from above, nor sacrifice with a light heart their influence in Europe, as long as there remains to the Muscovite people a rouble, an army, and the Othodox faith.' The character of the Emperor and of his brother are thus described:— The goodness and courtesy of the Emperor are generally recognised, the secret, of the obstinacy he displays is to be attributed to the influence possessed over him by those who simou'id his person. The clergy have likewise a great ascendancy over his mind, for "Upxander II. is very pious, and sincerely believes in the infallibility of the ministers of the Orthodox faith. The Grand Duke Constantine has often had violent altercations with his Imperial brother, and lias affected in several ceremonies not to place himself beside his Sovereign, as likewise at reviews and in councils. It is believed here that the Grand Duke has since made the amende honorable, but I place little credit in this statement, for the Grand Duke is not a man to disown the worst decision he may have advanced." The correspondent con- cludes by stating that the chief partisans of peace at the Court of St. Petersburg are the Empress and the Queen Dowager of the Netherlands, but that it is impossible to calculate the chances of a peace without being acquainted with the exact tenor of the propositions which Austria has undertaken to submit to the consideration of the Czar.
[PLAN OF THE NEXT CAMPAIGN.!
PLAN OF THE NEXT CAMPAIGN. It will not surprise our readers that the plan of the next campaign should be already under consideration. Nor is it too soon, AViien the city of Sebastopol fell all the world looked at t'ae event merely as a beginning of victories. The grandeur of that catastrophe, the admitted destruction of 30,000 Russians within a single month, the capture of can- non and materials of war beyond all former precedent, the enthusiasm of the allied armies and the depression of the enemy, all seemed to indicate that the victorious generals had onl v to aut vigorously against Prince Gortsehakoff and the total abandonment of the Crimea might at once follow. We still believe that had the Russian General been hardly pressed he would have shrunk from exposing his shattered force to the attack of the two armies but no such operations took place, and thoe is said to have been sumcient cause for the caution we have witnessed. At any rate, It was soon evident that everything was at an end for the year, and that six mouths' rest would recruit our own troops, though, on the other hand, it would lenew the armies of the enemy, give him time to strengthen every position, and reassure his soldiers for a still more formidable contest. Of those six months three are already past. In three more the Crimean winter will be at an end, and the season when military operations may be best attempted will have arrived. It is certain that the allies will do well to form their plans early enough to execute them before excessive heat dries the wells and destroys the pasturage of the plains. If the Crimea is to be conquered, their armies, then probably a quarter of a million strong, must take the field before April is far advanced. Every man of this mighty force has to be victualled by sea every beast of burden has to be purchased in distant provinces and brought to the seat of war in steam transports. As far as possible, the enemy will destroy every blade of corn or grass and fill up every well as they retreat. It becomes, then, the duty of prudent statesmen and com- manders to consider, with almost minuteness of detail, the plan of the coming campaign. It will resemble very little any that has gone before it. The opposing armies arc still, as it were, in closed lists, with no help from the territory they hold. So far is the war from supporting the war that those supplies which generals have in all ages gathered from the actual seat of war must now be cared for and collected beforehand. Commissariat and land transport will be taxed beyond the example of any former war. The enemy, in- deed, in all these matters is far worse off than ourselves, but still it is of importance further to increase our supe- riority by an immediate decision and corresponding prepara- tions. We believe that with this view a council of war will shortly be held at Paris, at which the Duke of Cambridge, attended by Sir It Airey, will be present. Sit- E. Lyons, too, will join in the conference, and may be daily expected at Marseilles. The object of this meeting will be to weigh thoroughly the several plans for the next campaign, and, when adecisioll is formed, to carry out combined operations with energy and completeness. It is reported that Marshal Pelissier has been foremost in requesting that this council should he held. It will be remembered that during the months of September and Octo- ber the French General was sanguine as to an autumn cam- paign, and pushed forward his columns with what looked like activity. The telegraph, which, through Lord Ptiiiiiure was used to maxe known almost daily intelligence, became on a sudden silent. The expectation of the two nations, and we may add of their Governments, was highly raised. The French crossed the Yalley of Baidar, seized the heights to the north, pushed forward a division to the head-waters of the Bclbek, and threatened the passes of Aitodor and Albat. At that time all opinion was expressed that the Russian plateau, steep as a wall towards the south, and to be gained only by narrow passes, was a position not to be attacked. The contrary, however, wns urged even by mi1it¡¡ry men, who held that any chain of hills could be forced or turned. The result proves that the former judgment was well founded. Marshal Pdissier is said to have given his opinion that 110 j campaign is possible from the present base of operations. The Russiaas, more than two months since, held the passes with a force which could resist any assault. The roads were scarped, the hills strvngthellcd by works. By April they might be made absolutely impregnable, or, if determined valour might force them, it would be after a slaughter from which it is the duty of a general to shiink. What plan of campaign is resol ved on will, of course, be a secret till the hour for its execution arrives. It is evident, however, that the allies have a great advantage in possessing two bases accessible to their fleets and impregnable by the enemy. Eupateria and Yenikale are now converted into two intrenched camps, from both of which Simferopol and the Russian rear are threatened. The country is not difficult but the chief difficulty is likely to be the want of water. Perhaps this cause may lead to the abandonment of any operations from Eupatoria. The enemy, on the other hand, has the advantage of a central position from w hich he may has the advaLita,o ?f'a c(?iitra w l ich operato from the pointia oppose the converging forces wuich operate from the points of the coast. We cannot doubt that all which military science can effect, after 18 months of preparation, awaits us in our march against the Russian positions. Though of success there can be no doubt, yet it is the duty of our generals to purchase it as cheaply as possible, and we there- fore trust that the deliberations of the council will be wise and farsighted. The position of Asia can hardly escape consideration. Should the capture of Kutais be effected by Omar Pasha, much will have been gained, but, assuming that it had been fortified and can be held, Lhe Russians will doubtless make a long defence. The capture of Kars places a fine position and a strong fortress in their hands. The system of fortifi- cations completed by Colonel Lake is said to be a great work of engineering science, and these forts are now garrisoned by the enemy. Kutais and Kars will form their extreme right and left, behind will be Tefiis and Gumri, while men and munitions of war will be brought by the military roads from Derbend and Baku, on the Caspian coast. The Rus- sians are said to have latety paid much attention to this route from a fear that the Vladikaukus Pass might be interrupted by snow or the enmity of the Caucasian tribes. That they will make ready for a desperate defence there can be little doubt, and if the year 1856 pass away without an Asiatic campaign, they will probably be in a condition to oppose every step of the i allies in the land they so much prize. Such is the state of affairs at the close of the present year. The allies have been victorious; they are ready for other campaigns and a more extended stage of war. Yet they have difficulties before them which it is useless to conceal. With boldness, guided by skill and forethought, they may hope for early success but no error is greater than to con- sider an enemy incapable of resistance because he has been once beaten, or to expect that he will acquiesce in defeats because they clearly prove the superiority of his opponents. till" O  Pfl," Ile We must prepare for another and a longer struggle hcfore we can hope for liiial repose.- Ti;)i,,s.
ITHE POSITION OF PRUSSIA.…
THE POSITION OF PRUSSIA. I To all the Greeks, except the Lacedemonians," was a legend long read upon the monument which the greatest of European conquerors in ancient days erected to commemo- rate the greatest of his warlike triumphs over Asiatic bar- barism and ambition. If Prussia look not to it, ;I similar exclusion from a not dissimilar league of glory will mark the ignomony of her historic lot in the second half of the nineteenth century. Her power should encourage her to dare as much, for the sake of honour and justice, as Sweden can dare. She would scorn the parallel. Ought not her strength to warrant still greater boldness than we could reasonably expect from Sweden ? Certainly but, perhaps, she is very much exposed—open to the stroke of future un- | geance ? Not mote than Sweden—not so much. *The fact is this, that the woild would br petrified, as it were, in its existing relations, but for the incalculable and incessant changes which a magnanimous spirit among the smaller States, and the apathy of their more powerful neighbours, are daily introducing. To this great moral element, Prussia herself owed her transformation from an obscure electorate to one of the dominant kingdoms of Eu- rope. There is an old and plausible view which at once strikes the reader of history, and which is in no degree guaranteed by events, or by the general experience of mankind. It is that, inasmuch as war must exhaust the belligerents, those who abstain from partaking in the quarrel must become re- latIvely so strong that, at the conclusion of hostilities, they will be in a position to give the law to both parties. Seldom has a more disappointing fallacy deluded so numerous a class of reasoners in every age. War does, indeed, exhaust the generation, but it docs not exhaust the country it hardens the people, calls forth all their latent inventiveness, their dormant powers, exalts their spirit, quickens their resources, and confirms their determination to break through sluggish precedents. How else could we account for Prussia's own prominent station among the realms of Europe ? How, for that of every foremost State in each ago of human annals? Such States have been almost ceaselessly plunged in war. In 1806 Berlin was taken—the Prussian field army anni- hilated the whole land was reduced to a far lower place than that occupied by any fifth-rate principality which had happened to escape the thunderbolt. But it is not this, it is not this kind of thunderbolt which is fatal; it is indifference. In the community, or, as the sanctioned phrase is, the comity of nations, the same rule holds which applies to the community of individuals-the selfish are out of the game, and out of its chances in the end. And, surely, if era- generosity and public spirit ran a heat against downright egotism in the political arena of modern Europe, it is now. Those who have the least immediate, or the least imme- diately apparent, interest in the issue have espoused the quarrel of the rest; and those whose danger is obviously the most remote have undertaken for the freedom, and engaged for the safety, of all. I- Weare not here speaking of terms, or conditions, or special proposals, on which the tranquility of Europe might be rebuilt. We are talkirg of things as permanent as the race of man. Influence and moral sway pass away from the supine, the timid, and the spiritless, to crown the enterprising and the large-hearted to reward a policy dic- tated in conformity with those great characteristics. Trade may flourish by clandestine and ignoble advantages but the temper which would vindicate a people and guard a throne has suffered corruption. Not "papains," but mundus "(1:1 sibil,i.t I and the result is internal demoralisation and general contempt. The weight of the nation is gone. Merchants may have grown fraudulently rich; but their disgraceful harvest is succeeded by a winter of penury, un- redeemed by consideration, void of dignity, and bereft of every ulterior hope. The French journals have recently moralised on the strange and melancholy spectacle which Germany exhibits. Nothing but its unexpected weakness is made manifest by this war. One of its States has thriven furtively but, even there, there is nothing which can be avowed—it is the huckster's fortune, the smuggler's triumph, and the states- man's shame. The French are right. Paris has been taken, yet Paris still forms the unquestioned centre to which tlw Continent directs its attention. The high and grand spirit of a nation of heroes was never broken they have borne cruel wounds but they are animated still by the self same feeling of" an all daring, all-achieving race," which inspired them of old, and which iio%v laiids them in the Olympic ring, as ready as ever for competition, while the old competitors are spent and evanished. It matters little when peace may be re-established bo it to-morrow, or be it still to be purchased bv the blood and sacrifices of another and more terrible campaign, all these disparities will find their due levels. Tint base and the mag- nanimous will hold then own respectively in the ultimate settlement. What has ever ruled mankind will continue to sway the awards of national destiny and those whose purse and' sword have striven for peace will find themselves further elevated in the adjustment which compensates the struggle- elevated, in the abiding prosperity of the indemnifying issue, above their cold-blooded competitors, further than when chivalrous courage seconded the profoundest prudence, and distinguished the once brave and politic from the now degenerate kingdom-electorate, which has, we fear, forgotten its hardy origin, ignored its natural vocation, and abj ured its splendid destinies. The longer the war lasts the less we are afraid of its contingencies, and the more clear becomes at once the necessity- of our own course and the probable readj ustment which will secure the world from any early recurrence of so huge and deplorable a disturbance,-Post.
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ANOTHER RIOIIT MAN IN THE RIGHT PLACE.—We understand that the direction of the City Electric Telegraph has been entrusted to Alderman Wire. — Comic Times. CRITICS BEWARE!—Mademoiselle Dupuis, an actress of the Vaudeville Theatre, Paris, appeared on Saturday, be- fore the Tribunal of Correctional Police, to complain that M. Jallabert, editor of the Theatre, had libelled her, by comparing her in offensive terms to a Nuremberg doll. The Tribunal decided that such a style of criticism was not allowable and as it appeared to have been dictated by personal animosity, it condemned Jallabert to pay 500 francs fine and 2000 francs damages also to insert the text of the judgment in his paper, and to pay the expenses of inserting it in three other papers of Paris, to be chusne by the complainant. IRON Siiirs.-Their plates ought to have the makers' names stamped legibly upon, as there has been a deal of bad iron made during the last three years, and some of it little better than cast iron. Should any of the ships built within the last four years meet with any accident from the cause of bad iron, the makers of it ought to be made a public example. I saw a vessel a short time ago that had been run into, that was built in the Clyde, and the quality of her plates was very bad, and looked more like cast than wrought iron, Plates have been made so as barely to stand the punch going through them, and plenty of the holes have been cracked in the tivetting, and filled up with red lead. The rivets ought to be made from the best wrought scrap iron, and not from the rolled bars.-J. Clare, jun., in Mechanics' Magazine. WHAT EVERYBODY SAYS MUST BE TRUE.—This saying is peculiarly applicable to books, in the selection of which too much care cannot be exercised. Hence, when a good book appears, it becomes the duty of every one to possess it. The Family Friend for 2s. Gd. the Practical Housewife, price 2s. Gd.; and Treasures in Nee- dlework, price Ss. 6d., richly gilt, are most strongly recom- mended by nearly every newspaper editor in the land, as being necessary to the comfort, enlightenment, and enjoy- ment of home. One reviewer, writing of the Family Friend, says, It is the very thing we want after the curtains are drawn, and the candles lit, for a long plea- sant evening;" while another says, "Such a mass of useful, instructive, and entertaining matter as it contains, is nowhere else to be found." In like manner the Prac- tical Housew ife is spoken of, as certain to produce an incalculable amount of good to shed comfort and hap- piness in e\Cry dwelling;" and as "a work of gteat iutility," that "our readers, especially the wives and mo- thers among them, should get without a day's delay." while Treasures in Needlework is said to be the beau ideal of a present to industrious young ladies," that must really be of inestimable value," suitable for fingers that ply for love, pleasure, or daily bread. Pub- lished by Ward and Lock, 158, Fleet Street, London, and sold by all Booksellers. FiKE ix A Pitiso,Th e Cologne Gazette gives the de- taus of a fire 111 the prison at Bailen (Canton of Argau) :— "ihe Hrc broke out on the ground tlnor, and having im- mediately after caught the wooden staircase, cut off all communication with the upper floors. The jailers had gone their usual rounds at nine o'clock and at eleven, but saw nothing and they were, themselves roused from their sleep by the flames. The prisoners on the first floor succeeded in escaping, some of them hy tearing away the iron bars from the window of the water-closet, but many of them were severely hurt in their attempt. Those on the second floor were not so fortunate, as the flooring being burnt through gave way beneath them. In consequence of the severe frost, the engines could work but very imperfectly, and the fire continued burning during the whole day. Fifteen ear- bonized bodies have already been got out .from the ruins, and the body of one unfortunate man was found jammed in the pipe of the water-closet through which he had endeavoured to force a passage."
THE SUSPECTED POISONING CASE…
THE SUSPECTED POISONING CASE AT RUGELEY. Mr. William Palmer, surgeon of Rugeley, who was arrested on Saturday evening last on the coroner's war- rant for the wilful murder of Mr. John Parsons Cook, of Lutterworth, by poison, was removed to Stafford gaol on Monday last in a postchaise. The accused, who had been suffering from illness for upwards of a week, was allowed to recline on pillows and he was in the custody of Chief Constable Hattm and Superintendent Wollaston. A large crowd of persons assembled round his house at Rugeley to see him leave, but, in consequence of the chaise being driven through the back streets, the majority of the crowd were disappointed, although numbers followed the vehicle, to the outskirts of the town. On arriving at Staffore the same anxiety was manifested to get a sight of the prisoner, but the chaise was driven rapidly through the place, and on reaching the gaol passed through the large gates into the yard, instead of stopping at the lodge entrance, as- usual. The prisoner took but little notice of the specta- tors, and since his confinement in gaol he has preserved the same determination to abstain almost entirely from food as he did during the lengthened proceedings con- nected with the inquest. On Tuesday morning, at an early hour, a solicitor of Birmingham arrived at Rugeley, and demanded admittance into the house of the accused, in virtue of a bill of sale for £ 10,500 given by the prisoner in the spring of the present year. The request was refused by Mr. Bergen, superin- tendent of police, who was in charge of the papers and other things in the house, and an entrance was subse- quently effected by breaking a pane of glass and opening a window. The whole of the prisoner's stud of racehorses, and other property, are stated to be included in the bill of sale, which is said to have been given for negociation to an assurance office. In consequence of the suspicious deaths of the prisoner*! wire and brother, and other persons, the police authorities, in conjunction with the friends of the deceased Mr. Cook, determined to apply for an order to exhume the bodies. Since that determination the churchyard at Rugeley has been strictly watched by police officers every night; and on Wednesday Mr. Ilatton went to London for the purpose of obtaining an interview with the Secretary of State, who, upon the representation made to him, issued an order for ttieexiiiiiiiatioti of the body of the prisoner's wife and of his brother, Walter Palmer. Warrants have been since issued by the coroner for the disinterment of the bodies— the former having been interred in September, 18.54, and the latter in August last-and the remains of the stomach and intestines will be subjected to chymical analysis, for the purpose of ascertaining, if possible, whether death was caused by poison. The prisoner is said to have received the sum of £ 13,500 from an assurance-office on the proof of his wife's death and a similar insurance was effected on his brother's life, the policy, before his death, hating been transferred to the prisoner in lieu of an alleged debt of L 100. In compliance with the request of the Secretary of State, the bodies of Ann Palmer, wife of the prisoner, who was buried in September, 1851, and of Walter Palmer, his brother, who was buried in the same family vault in Angust last, were exhumed on Thursday morning under the superintendence of Chief Superintendent Bergen, and were conveyed from the churchyarn to the Talbot Inn, ad- joining. At 1 o'clock a jury of 23 persons, principally tradesmen of itugclev, wai empanelled to investigate the case, Mr. W. Fowke acting as foreman. The body of Walter Palmer was cncased in a strong leaden coffin, but that of Mrs. Palmer, in an oak coffin only. After being sworn, the jury proceeded to view the bodies which were much decomposed, but the features of both were rewgnizable to a great extent. Evidence was afterwards taken before the coroner as to the identity of the bodies—a young man named Woollams idetitif) ing that of Walter Palmer, and a woman named Rowley that of Mrs, Palmer. The post mortem examination was made by Dr. Monck- ton, assisted by a medical gentleman from Queen's Hospi- tal, Birmingham, and the contents of the stomachs and intestines were subsequently sent to Dr. Taylor, of Guy's Hospital, for analysation. The inquiry was then adjourned. -n_
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The news of the ratification of the Swedish treaty, we hear from Germany, has produced a great sensation, and especially at Berlin. The Archbishop of Paris has ordered the cure of every parish in his diocese to open a depot for the reception of old clothes, damaged or worn-out furniture, and broken victuals for the use of the poor. The Tuscan Government is about to use the utmost rigour to pteveut any Tuscan from joining the Anglo- Italian Legion. The Austrian Government has suggested that this corps may be one day be dangerous to Italy. It is said that a move is being made in the West Riding in favour of the Right Hon. Mr. T. Baiues, member for Leeds, as the Liberal Candidate and Henry Edwards, Es-q. of Rye Nest, late M.P. for Halifax, as the Conservative candidate, at the next election. DEATH OF REAR-ADMIRAL F. J. TIIO-IIAS.-We have to record the demise of Rear-Admiral Frederick Jennings Thomas, who expired on Wednesday last, at his residence near Southampton, at an advanced age. SEVASTOPOL DocKs.-A letter from Kamiesch, in the Gazette du Midi, says;—"The docks of Sebastopol are to be blown up on the 9th. The destruction of these great works will be the signal for a war without mercy. It seems to me,' said a general, that in blowing up the docks we j?hall blow up the head quarters of nego- tiations.' The Pope is urging Tuscany and the Two Sicilies to subscribe to a concordant similar to that lately signed by Austria. There is every probability of the Vatican BUC. ceeding. MORE TRACTARIANISM.—The Rev. W. Wheeler, for many years vicar of Old and New Shoreham, in the county of Sussex, has within a day or two left the Church of Eng- land and embraced the doctrines and become a member of the Church of Rome. For a long period this gentleman has held high Tractarian principles. THE BISHOPRIC OF DURHAM.—It is understood that the Bishop of Durham has now actually made an assign- ment of the revenues of his see to the Ecclesiastical Com- missioners, in consideration of an annual stipend of L8,000 The 'Newcastle Journal,' in making this statement, earn. estly hopes that such vast surplus wealth may be appro- priated to objects that cry aloud for help, and whose appalling condition reflects shame on our ecclesiastical institutions." A REAL BLESSING TO EVERYBODY.—The lawyers are making a great effort to turn Saturday into a half-holiday for themselves, and we are sure that everybody will second such a very salutary movement. If the lawyers can be got to abstain from work for only half a day in the week, an immense amount of mischief must necessarily be presented. Punch. THE LATE ANSEUI ROTHSCHILD.—The Swabian Mercury contains the following from Frankfort:—"The fortune of Baron de Rothschild, who recently died, hat been valued at from 40,000,000 to 50,000,000 florins. A sum 1,200,000 florins is destined to continue the alms which the deceased was in the habit of distributing every week, as well as for the distribution of wood to the poor in winter. The fund for giving a dower to Jewish maidens receives 50,000 florins the fund for the sick as well as the Jewish hospital, 10,000 florins each. The Jewisti school, 50,000 florins. Sums of 3,000 florins are bestowed ou several Christian establishments. The clerks who have been more than 20 years in the firm receive 2,000 florins, the others 1,000 the juniors from 300 to 500 florins. Many legacies are left to servants. ADAM'S SUSPENDED GIRDER RAIL.-Soine interesting experiments were made on Monday on a new system of permanent way invented by Mr W. B. Adams. It was laid down under the direction < f Mr. Joseph Cubitt, C. E., on part of the up-line of the Great Northern Railway, over which the heavy coal traffic passes to the goods station, Maiden lane. The new system of permanent way by Mr. Adams consists of a rail similar to the ordinary rail, but two inches deeper-that is 7 inches instead of 5 inches in depth. There is a flange at the top and bottom of the rail. On each side of the rail are fitted angle brackets. Ot.e side of the bracket fills up the space between the flanges, and is secured to the rail by bolts. The other side of the bracket extends outwards from the rai, forming a kind of longitudinal shelf at each side of the rail level witfi the ballast and immediately under the upper flange of the tail; so that when ballasted all that is seen of the rail is the upper flang, which rises about 12 inches above the upper side of the bracket or longitudinal sheif. These project about 9j inches on each side of the rail, and form with the rail a longi- tudinal and horizontal bearing of 13 inches in width. The ballast is packed from the surface at each side of the rail, under the brackets, and thus secures the permanent way. There are no wooden sleepers used, the gauge of the rails being preserved by iron ties about nine feet apart. The whole is constructed of wrought iron, and consists of four parts-viz the rails brackets, the bolts, and tie-bars. Each joint is protected by two whole pieces at each side of it, forming in the whole when put together a compact mass. The rails were made at the Ebbw Vale I Works, and are 18 feet in length, and the angle bracket. are nine feet in length. The various parts are so con- J trived that no mistake can occur in putting them together, and they can also belaid down with great facility. CHRISTMAS BIJOUTERlr,. -Those best and dearest feel- ings of the human breast being most excited at (hili joyous period of the year, it is natural for maternal solicitude to seek a present for daughters, which will combine elegance with utility. The glow of health is materially affected by cutaneous tension, consequent upon rapid transition from the heat of the drawing-room fire, or exercise in the ball-room, to frosty, or foggy air, and which also dilapidates the fri»eur's structures; any alleviation of such effects, must be highly desirable and time and distinguished patronage have proved the efficacy of that unrivalled pre- paration, ROWLANDS' KALYDOR, which has extended its elegance to all quarters of the globe, and is eagerly sought after by every anxious parent as the truest preservative of the daughter's beauty whilst U.OWLA.NDS' MACASSAR OIL isltqually inseparable from the toilette, for strengthening the tresses of juveniles of fashion and displa, ing their natural gifts to the utmost advantage.