The New York Herald Newspaper, December 27, 1853, Page 1

THE NEW YORK HERALD. WHOLE NO. 6336. MORY. ING EDITION—TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1853. FOUR DAYS LATER FLOM EVROPE, ees IMPORTANT FROM THE BLACK SEA. The Greatest Nava! Battle Since Wavarioo. Twelve to Twenty Ships of War Suak, Burned, or Destroyed, at Sinope, One ofthe Turkish Squadrons Annihilated TURKI:H ADMIRAL TAKEN PRISOVER, WAR IN EUROPE DEEMED INEVITABLE, IMPORTANT FROM PERSIA. WAR AGAINST TURKEY. INTERESTING FROM AUSTRALIA MINISTERIAL CRISIS IN SPAIN. THE LATEST COMMERCIAL CIRCULARS, a, &., &. The United States mail steamsh'p Pacific, Capt. Nye, from Liverpool Wednesday moratag, Deo. 14, arrived at one o’clock yesterday afternoon. The news is of the greatest importance. One of the Turkish squadrons has been utterly annihilated by the Russians. Hitherto the inertwess of the An- glo-French allies of Turkey was ia a manuer excus- able of the ground that no hostilit es affecting the general issue of the question had taken place. The engagements had also been confined to land, and the avowed object of the Anglo-French fleet was to pre verve the integrity of the Turks at sea. Now the whole aspect of affairs is changed, and the convic- tion begins to dawn eveu on the government of Bag: land that a European war is iuevitable. Atelegraphio despatch from Madrid announces the dissolution of the Cortes. A coup d'état is ex- pected. bad Portugal is quiet. The rest of Europe is anxionsly watshing the tide of events. ‘ The Indian mail is telegraphed. General Godwin died at Simla. Msjor Edwardes of Mooltan celobrity is appointed Commirsiouer to Peshawur. ghtiag in Chima continues. The uglish Consul, Bird, at Whampoz, had ‘been protected by the Americans from outrage. We have advices to 26th of Sent. Gom Sydacy, Australia. Tho colony was prosperous, ‘The Cunard steamship Arabia arrived st Liverpool ata quérter before eignt on Suaday moraing, Uth inst, ~ At Liverpool breadstuifs have again advanced. Cotton remains steady. Among the passengers bythe Pacify is Madame Bodisco, the wife of the Russian Minister. Mr. Bo- disco has been a week in town, awaiting the arrival of Madame B. The Londom Chronicle of the 12th inet. says :— THE EON OF THE ¥MPEROR OF MAYTI. This young privee has recently arrived in England from Franoe, having travelled vnd-r the pameof M Dalval, Hit Highness, who ts Cescrived 6a mv st dotelligent gentlemanlise person, has been # joursiar for a a! time at'the fashionable watering place of ‘orquay. object Im visiting this ocuntry is said to ba to complet his education, for which purpose he will shor'ly proaed to Dawlish, and place himself unier e& clergyman of that piace, It te expected that the Emperor of Haytt hinnalf, with some of the members of the court, will vivlt hie son | during the ensning spring The London News of the 13th inst. has the fol- Jowing notice of a missing member of the House of ‘Commons :— At the lart general election the Hom Charles Fitewi- Ham was returned member for Malton, borough in which the Fitzwilliam isterest always prevailed, and where differences of political enimons and conterts are unknown to tke nominal convituency, At the time of his eleetion, the young gentlemen so returned wat io America, but his retara, in time to take is seat at the opening of the present parliament, was unnounosd. ‘Tae sersion opeaed. but no Mr C Fitzwiiliam eppeared to ‘take the oaths and his sea‘; time rolled on, and he came wot; and the session clover without him. Nor could any intelligence be obtained of the rofrsing momber; he had gone to hunt bears on the Rocky Mountains; but farther, it was reported, his family were naacquainted with bis movements. and, at tast, they becatne serivualy alarmed Recent lettera from the United States, hownzer, bring ia fety, the hon. member for Malion having I ie, in a bear skia, on bis rsturn from Oslifornia. Whether he intends comicg back to Eogland ‘ds not stated, Seamen are still scarce in England, and their | ‘wages keep up. In London there was great difficulty in getting seamen unless at very high wages. As much as £5 and £5 10s.a month was given to sea men on board colliers. The Peninsular Company sent to Southampton, amongst their own ships there, for a crew to take round the Himalaya. Mr. Frederick Glennie, resident at Mexico, has been appointed to discharge the duties of her Britan- Bic Majesty’s Consul in that city. THE TURCO-RUSSIAN WAR. Our London Correspondence. THE WAR IN THE B4St—1MPORTANT NAVAL ENGAGE MENT— TWELVE TO FOURTEEN VESSELS DESTROYED —POLITIOAL INTRIGUS¢—A PEEP BEAIND THE SCENES. Loxpon, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 1853. Sufficient time has not elapsed since my last com- munication to allow the replies of the Czar and the Sultan to the proposed Congress and protocol of the four Powers to reach London. In my humble opinion, as stated in my last, the reply will be a negative one. Events have taken place since then which tend still more to confirm that opinion. ‘On the 30th November, the Russian Vice Admiral Nachimow, (commander of the fifth naval divisionin the Black Sea,) with six ships of the line, attacked & Turkish squadron, near Sinope, and, (s0 says the Russian bulletin,) despite the land batteries, com- pletely destroyed seven Turkish frigates, two cor- wettes, one steamer, and three transports, in one hour, making Osman Pacha, the Turkish Vice Admiral, and all his staf’, prisoners of war, The Russian fiag-ship returned to Sebastopol greatly damaged. The Russian Admiral immediately sent Prince Menachikoff’s side-de-camp with the news ‘to the Emperor. After a careful examination of all the facts con- nected with the case, this naval engagement loses somewhat of its importance. We know for certain that the chief portion of the Tarkish flest,ander Blade, was at anchor at the time in the Bosphorus, after a cruise in the Black Sea, and the small di- vision which has been annihilated was a convoy of troops to Batoum, escorted by some steam-frigates. At the same time, it must be regarded as tho com- mencemeut of a naval war; and it is not likely that elther of the belligerent parties will now listen to the counsels of peace. It is, thereforo,a very im- portant event. The first leader im the Times of this day cannot fail to have am effect upon the funds. at |, it was inspired by Lord Aber- the Of Trrkey will rejoice. After spout- articles for the lagt week, the great Loa- ARRIVAL OF THE PACIFIC. | dom jor hus uddenly goa on another taok. euye 2 We have thought ft our Cuty to uptold and defend the Cene@ Of peace us long as perce was compatible wilt the ly nor ond ¢ignity of the eountry, aud we f-et 00 regrat thet, to the vary Isnt, we have aarored to a coure of peer which a juit cuacera fr tha bes: tntersets of dog id and of the civilined world preverimd, But ve nave never co: eveled cur opinion that the events ocearriag a the Kast might ere lopg cow pel a to meet by more revo. Jnte ménsures a aterner siternstive; and we harese meted \y urged upon thy goverament ravce wad Bag jaod the necessity of buivug prepared with a plin of op- dations adapted to ruch am emergemay. Ifthe iminili- force last re .etved be confirmed in tha manuer ia wrich tt is related to us, the time for these resolutions to take uffect a ready ams. This is warlike enough; and, reelly, it is time that the combined fleets should give something like real support to the Snitav. It is not improbable now thut the fleets will enter the Black Sea and act. I bave received some most curious details of what Is going on inthe diplomatic circles. Russia and Austria are at the bottom ef all the intrigues, Por instance, Lord Redoliffe, who individnally isa stnunch supporter of Turkey, has received a letter from a high pergzonage, commandiag him to urge the Sultao to conclade a peace, It appeara that the Em- perer of Russia wrote a long sifectionate letter to his “dear brother of Belgiug,” asking him to exert bia ipfiuence with Queen Victoria to effect s peace 'This explains (he sudden departure for Brassela, and almost immediate return, of the Dake of Brabant, to Wiudscr Castle. At the same time Austria and Prussia, a'so written to by the Emperor, have been urged to a similar course, and their representatives ut Constantinople have been singing psalms of peace into the Sultan’s ears. France holds the proudest pesition of all the alliea of the Sultan, Though Baraguay dHilliera spoke of the hopes of peace, he distiactly stated that Louis Napsleon would not leave the Sultan in the lurch. It is true Franoe is a party to the proposed Congress, but only condition- ally. This congress is gotup by Russia. This naval engagement will, I trast, have brought matters to a crisis. The Emperor Nicholas has no intention whatever of evacuating the Priucipalities; and the sooner the allied Powers compel him to do so the better. From his proclamation appoloting a Russian Governor of the Danubian Principalities, his intentions are quite clear. I enclose that proclamation and other import- ant documenta. Our fast accounts from Conitavtiuople confirm the success of the Turkish arms in Asia. In every en- gagement on land the Russiacs have been beaten. The’ snow and frost will, for a time, put a atop to ac- tive Lostitities on Jand; but, belicve me, the war is 4 far from termination as possible. a I should not at all be astonished to see Palmerston at the head of affairs here shortly. Lord Aberdeen is accused of not showing sufficient energy. Adwir- al Lyons, who bas joined the fleet in the Bosphorus, is u sworn enemy of Russia, and an able dipiomatist. Te was for a long time Ambassador at Athens. In case of a European war, Austria is endeavoring to procure, at ail cost, a declaration of neutrality on the part of the German confederation. Prassis has Ceciined taking part in such a declaration. Now, according to the laws of the Diet, the queations of peace and war are desided by a majority of two- vbirda of the yotes of the plenary assembly; thera: fore, if Austrian intrigne succeeds ia gaining over the other States, there exists the possibility of compelling galy to adopt a peace policy in this ess. I know, from a well-in‘ormed quarter, that Baron der Pfordten, the Bavarian Minieter, hes had of late long interviews with Baron Beust, the Saxon Minister, and with Esterhazy, the Austrian Minister, on this subjeit, with a view to thwart the views of Prassia. The Germaas, how ever, cuterta’n no very great sympathies for Russia, and it is to be hoped that these intrigues will be un successful. * You will remember that Namik Pacha was sent by the Sultan to Europe to procure a loan. Hs vego tiations have not yet been crowred with success. Every obstacle is thrown in his way. Jt is stated aga, ond is believed by many, that the United States have vffered to advance a considerable sum to the } Porte on condition of receiving an island in the Arch pdago. 1 leave it to you to find out the truth of this at Washington. It may be thrown out for eflect here. THE NEW3 FROM THE BLACK SEA. TE DEFEAT AND DESTRUCTION OF APART OF THE TCRKISU FLEET. On Monday, 12th, the British public was startled from its propriety by a telegraphic despatch pub- lished in the Loadon T'mes, statin that a Russian squadron, of six sail of the line, had forced the har- bor of Sinope, and barned, sunk, captured and de- stroyed every ship, with ove exception, of the Turk- ish squadron of fourteen sail, had taken prisoner the Torkich Admiral, Osman, carried off his flagship from under the guns of the shore batteries, and were tow- ing it to Sebastopol, when it sunk, and with it the supply of money for paying the Turkish fleet. ‘This disastrous intelligence cansed the greatest ox- citement, and further intelligence was anxiously looked for. Additional accounts came at length, only to con- firm the previons news. On the 30th of November the Russian admiral Nachimow, (other accounts spell h's name Macbinoff,) with six ships of the line, ap- peared cff the roads of Sinong,and forthwith proceed ed to attack the Turkish force that he foand there After an engsgement of one hour’s duration, he had destroyed seven Turkish frigates, two corvettes, one steamer, and three transports. The large vessels had each 800 soldiers, besides artillerymen on board, and a large suin of money, be'ng bound for the east coast of the Black Sea. The Turkish Admiral’s frigate was towed dut by the Raselans, but sunk at sea. Osman Pasha and bis suite were taken on board the Russian Admiral’s ship. One Tarkish vessel mapaged toescape undamaged, being the only sar- vivot of fourteen. The battle, says the despatch, he- gun at an hoar’s distance from Sinope. The Rassian flogebip was so much injared that she conld, with difficulty jreachSebastopol. Prince Menschikoff im- mediately left Odessa for St. Petersburg, to commu nicate the victory to the Emperor. c We already knew that Osman Pacha was charged with the conveyance of troops and stores to Batoum. Acoonnta said “ charged, with a few steam frigates, with the escort of six or seven transports of troops.” The battle is stated to have commenced at an hour's distance from Sinope. There is, therefore, every probability that on leaving the harbor of Sinope, he fell in with the Russian squadron, and either accept- ed battle on unequal terms, or attempted to regain the protection of the land batteries,’ but was eut to pieces before reaching. The latter is the more like- ly. One ebip is reported to have escaped undam- aged, having, no doubt, succeeded ia gaining ‘shelter under the shore guns. Observe that this report of the victory was brought to Odessa by a Russian aid-de-camp of Menchikoff, and from Odessa it was telegraphed to Vienna. The confirmation came from Bucharest and other Russian sources, But hero is the other fide :-- Having giving the Russian account of the battle, we learn by telegraphic despatches received at Paris, on the 12th instant, that the Russian force consid- erably outnumbered the Turkish. In addition to the six ships of the line mentioned inthe Monitewr, as the strength of Nachimoff’s fleet, he had twelve frigates, a brig, and five steamers, in all twenty-four sail, while Osman had bat fourteen. The Turks fought with the most desperate bravery, and caused the Russians the loss, in gunk and bumed, of two chips of the line, three frigates, and two steam- boats. fbe shore batteries were totally inefficient for protection. The remaining Ruslan ships were so badly disabled that they could take uo prizes, and could with difficulty make their way back to Sebus topo), While this calamity is befallen the Turkish fleet, the English and Freuch fleats are lying idle in the Bosphorus. And more yet extraordinary, the main levies of the Turkish fleet is lying there idle too. Ad- tmiral Siade, the Englishman who commanded it, bea jnst returned from a pleasant cruisg ia the Black} Sea, having been unavle to find an enemy, although merchonotmen report hav- ing eeen several Russian ships of war prowling abont. So Admiral Slade and the British and French admirals solace themselves by giving each other dancing parties! Perhaps the follow- ing remarks from the [&yerpool 7'mes, which ia this instance epenks the Ygptiments of the beat thinking of the nation, may aot be unworthy of the gallant Admiral’s attention. “What, may he asked, has besome of Admiral Slade, the Engtichman said to bein command of the Torkish flee; in the Black Sea? He lef Con- stantinople with the whole Turkish force under his commard, and on November 26 he is said to have returned to the: Bosphorus with the squadron under his command.” If Admiral Slade bad detached himself from so large @ portion of his force as that said to have been destroyed at Sinope, he must be called upon by the Parliament of Britain to ac- count for such an act. In taking the command of he Turkish fleet he did not shake off his British allegiance, and if be cannot give a satisfactory ac- count of an act which may entail years of bloodsaed, he rhould be dealt with accordingly. The day, we trust, is far spent when the righta of nations can be bartered away for a mess of oottage. If the destruc tion of the Ottoman fleet has taken place, a general Euro, war must be the inevitable result, and the aetors in the prelude to a0 untoward and lameatable an occurrence are responsible, not to Eoglaad oulg, but to Europe. Again we say, the North ought to speak out before it is too late. From the London Times, Deo 18, The intelligence from the seat of war, which we Teceived yes'erday with hesitation, has now been corroborated by several channels, aud by a positive announcement in the official journal of France. War bas begun in earnest. A naval action has been fought upon the coast of Asia Minor, ending in the total destruction of a portion of the Ottoman fleet; and, for the first time in naval , & Ressian equadron has returned to Sebastopol laden with the spoils of victury. The war, hitherto conflaed to the occupation of the Danubian Prinvipalities and toa few partial encounters of the hostile armies, appears to have agsumed on the Black Sea tne character of direct aggression, and ihe Emperor of Russia hus thrown down Sia ganniee to the maritime Power precirely on that element on which they are best pre- pared to meet him. We have thought it our daty to uphold and defend tae cause of peace as long as peace was compatible with the honor and dignity of the country; and we feel no regret that, to the very last, we buve adbered to a course of polics which a just concern for the best interests of Hagland aud of tae civilized world prescribed. But we have never corceaied our opinion that the events occurring ia the East might, ere long, compel us to meet by more resolute measures a sterner aileruetive; and we have repeaiedly urged upcen the governments of England aud Frauce the necessity of being prepared with a plan of operations adapted to such an emergency. If the intelligence last received be coutirmed in the manner in which it is related td us, the time ior these resolutions to take effect is already come. It must, however, be remarked that great per- plexity and uncerteimty still hang over the details of this iwportant event. Ali the accounts received of is app: ar to have been despatched from O Jessa on the Sth instant, and to Lavy passed through Vienna. ‘They are, therefore, allogethor Russizn sta'ements. Ou the other hand, it is well ascertaiced that on the 23h of Novemier—two days prior tu the action the principal divivious of the Turkish fleet were at avchor iu the Bosphcras. Admiral Slade bad brongat back his division some days before, with the excep- tion of one frigate, which had taken shelter at Si- Lope, and arent satisfaction bad been ex id that, at this inclement season of the year, che ha o -batile shins and frigates were safe in harbor. it would seem probable, therefore, that the sqaadron which the Russians bave demolished was a convoy bound with troops and arms for some poiatoa toe coast of Asia; and the most probable version of the story seems to be that the Russian cruisers pursned this convoy into the roads of Sinope. It has also been suggested that, as Sinope is a naval arsenal, it is possibis that some of the vessels destroyed by the Russians were bulks in the port. Sinope is the best harbor on the coast of Asia Miaor, situated about 300 miles from the ig ena and at the narrowest part of the Biack Sea, being only 42 maritime leagues from Sebastopol. The town of Sinope is built on the isthmus of a peninsula jntting out into the Eux- ine, and forming two capacious harbors, Taat to the southeast is used by the Turksase@ naval station. The town is @ square, flanked with towers, and covered by a small citadel; but, in evite of the importance of the place, is has long been considered the most vuinerabie point on the whole north coast of Asia Minor. The land batteries, whatever they may be, appear to hava bem qnite incom petent to mee the fire of the ships, and this engagement forniskes another examp'e of the comparative weakness of orditary forzifications when Popes is modera naval guonery. Among the Turkish forts there are scarcely any strong enough to beat off a line of-baitle shio. However, ofter the cestruction of no jess than twelve Turkiah vessels, without ek a single prize in a state to bo removed to Sebastopol, the Russian alae were them. selves in a conditien to reach that harbor with diffl- culty. The bavoc which is deecribed to bave taken place shows that the ships on both sides were tought with greet gallantry ; and the Russians, who first furprised every one py allowing themselves to be beaten on land, have now surprised us again by an exploit at sea. They had, however, by their own account, @ vast superiority of force, and Osman Bey, the Turkish commander, only surrendered at the last extremity. Whatever doubt may still prevail es to the circum- stances which preceded this action and the mode in which it was fought, there cau be very uittle #8 to its naval and political consequences. It tends to give the Russian navy an ascendensy on the Black Ssa which the Turks have bitherto feet _ it calls w iyo ia fee ‘orte, in very positive language, to supp! that naval protection of which she more than ever steads in peed. If it should turn out that the Rus- sian sq7adron fell ia with a convoy bound for the army of Asia, and pursued these ships into Siaope, this act may, in the prevent atate of warfare between the two Powers, be considered justifiable. Bat if, as is equally probable, these Russian ships of the line were sent out from Se! o} to burn, sink, and de- stioy the Turkish squadron, not on the high seas or on the coast of Circassia, but at anchor in their own fortified barbor, this proceeding of the Emperor of Tiuseia goes to the last extremity of aggressive war. It disposes at once of the assurances, till now so pertinsciously repeated, of his desire to stand on the defensive only, even since the Tnrkish casein any degree ha yo penne of Russia; and it imposes upon tne allied fleeta more iptory duties. In- deed, as this blow on the naval resourots of quan interrupts her communications with Treb!zond an jurious to her Asiatic army, mentous than any which this question had yet as- ee ae ree that the Nears ve ‘equal emergency. It scarce! evolves, indeed, on the ministers of the crown now to determine what positive steps are to be taken under theee 3; for we cannot donbt that wach an act of ive war, Upon a Btate under the of the umited flags of France avd ts td aor Coty measures required. aa less informed of tate of tie “one, "staat nels Whe weeival, of deepetohen _———o | CENTS. PRICE TWO before they adopt steps involv‘ng the whole ques- tion of peace and war; but prbably, before such despatches can be received here or in Paris, the en- voys on the spot will have acted u,%0n the powers es them in the eveut of a direct Aggression b sia on the Turkish coasts. It will temain wi ja ees ministers to afford an effectital sapport that decision by the usual commanisatio.w to par- Mameut, and by placing oar present relations with the Russian ewpire in their true shape. Having ex- hausted every means that forbearance and ingenuity could suggest, for the restoration of peace, but hav- ing, at the sawe time, pledged the novor and the naval forces of Englavd,to bring this dispute toa successful termination by other meavs, if ali negotia- tions for peace should fail, it would be un y of the position we occupy in the world, and the pecu'iar obligations we have ‘contracted in this question, to heritate when the conr:e is clear before us. The Evg'ish Pe, aple are resolved that Russia shall uot dio- tate ccnditions to Europe, or convert the Black Sea, with all the various interests encompassing itashores, foto s Russian lake. Toey desire that # conrse of consumma‘e hypocrisy should be punished by a sig- nal defeat, and thata stop s!*uld be put to these aggressions. The Emperor of Rassia, who began this war without a pretext, is carrying it on withou; dis-, guice, and it therefore becomes the imperative duty oj the four Powers, who have so recently recorded eee determ natios to put an end to tt, to take all the meas- ures which that object may demand. [From the Tondon Post. Dec 13 The damage to the Turkish cause, the check to the Turkish anccesz, may be somewhat more or some- what lesy than it is represented by the ty and sac- cinct deaya‘ch whiclfwe have received; but it is at leost evident tbat a Russ‘an naval force, despatched to act on the Turkish coasi, bas been able to atrike a@sudéen and heavy blow st the resources of the Porte, precisely in the quarter where the Divan had the best reason to expec’ that, if there were anything subetential— anything beyond mere oztentation—ia the professed services of her allies,the value and operation of such services might now be expected to become available. [t will hardly be urged, we sup- pose, that the Black Sea is an appropriate stage for avotber scene of the diplomatic comedy which has been ed in the Principalities, under the name of erial Guarantee,” or that Russia. is joint rotector of the roads within which it seems that amare from Sebastopol has succee¢ed in de- molishing a Turkish armament. Whatever quibbles may be raised as to the mational character of Wal- \achia and Mo!davia, there is no question possible as to tho nature of an attack under the guns of Sinope. That port is as esseotinliy a part of the Ottoman torritory as Portsmouth is of the Britizh, or Brest ot the French. The Russians, therefore, may be taken to have abandoned the bypocrisy of their defensive attitude as to the very sphere of operations, in which the lect or supineness of the great maritime Powers would in- flict on them the deepest disgrace, were not mea- uses forthwith taken, as we cannot but trust that they will be, to eavent the possibility of such a scandal as would be caused in Europe by the specta- cle of Purkey deserted in her noble struggle for jus- tice, by the allies who have insisted most loudly on the theory of rights, which, as yet, the Turk along has maintained in practice. combined fleets which now lie in the Bosphoras could demolish, at the will of those who direct them, the whole naval force of Russia. Doubtless, had tne attack at Sinope been known or anticipated, steps would have been token in time to gt the results, if not to punish the intention. But the disaster is described as a sur- price. Such, we presume, it must have been. But whatever doubts or hopes may have lingered on the minds of Evropean statesmen. naturally relactant to undertake the dread responsibility of war, as to the caution and indulgence yet to be exteuced to the in- tolerable ungcrupulovsness of Russia, we apprehend that the time for such conscientious forbearanse has been stretched to the utmost. It must be a subject of deep regret that the extent to which our soothing policy has gone has brought heavy damage on our ally,snd a shadow of reproach on ourselves. It would be o matisr of lasting blame snd scandi should a eecond such d'saster be suffered to occur want of that protection which our fleets were ex- presaly despatched to afiord. [From the Lonéor Chroviol*, Dre. 13 ] ‘The letter from our Constantinople correspondent, which appeared in our second edition of yesterday, ensbles us to form a tolerably correct estimate of the real magnitude and importance of the victory so boastfully claimed in the Russian despatch from Odessa, of the 5th instant. In the first place, we Jeary trom our correspondent that, on the 23th ult., the Turkish eqnadron was lying at anchor, withont euy signs of movement, at Buyukdere, im the Bos- phorus; and we might safely infer, from ‘this fact one, that the “ frigates” engaged at Sinope, on Ih, were no part of the veesels under Siade’s ¢ ver Pacha’s) command. Put a letter from ‘Trebizond, of the 18th Noy., forwarded to us by our correspondent, saves us the necessity of relying on mere inferences and conjectures with respect to the force unger the unfortunate Osman Pacha’s com- mand. In that letter we read :—‘' On the 14th, three frigates and two small steamers entered this i (trebizond,) coming from Constantinople. They are bound to Batoum. This little squadron is carry- ing smuusition, and is to aitempt a landing on the coast of Circassia, in the hope of getting up a move- ment omong those populations. They left on the evening of the 16th, on their way to Batoum.” It is perfec y evident that this “little squadron” is identical with the “ Turkish fleet,” which, accord- ing to our Vienna despatch, given elsewhere, was “ encountered by Admiral ‘Nachimo, near Sak- um-Kale,” on the Clreassian coast; for the des Hee expressly states that ‘‘ Admiral Osman Pacha intended Isndiog troops there.” And, ag it adds that “the Ruszians gave chase, and pursued the ‘Turks into the roadstead of Sinope, where they apnihilated thirteen Turkish vessels,” we have at once a complete clue to the true character of the affuir of the 30th, The Russian line of battle ships cruising in those parts of the Black Sea intercepted the thice frigates and the two small steamers under Osmon Pacha’s command, on their way to Batoum, and chased them to Sinope, where they were proba- bly unable to get fully under cover of the land bat- teriee. It is, therefore not surprising that they failed to cope with six or seven line of battle shi, This, we imagine, will turn ont to be the correct account of the triumph which Prince Menschikoff is absurcedly reported to have set off to announce to the Czar in person. If thirteen vessels were de stroyed by the Russians, as they insert, there, can be no doubt that, in addition to the five vessels which were encountered at Sukum-Kale and chased to Sinope, certain hulka which are known to have been lying at the latter place have been included in order to swell the list. The true value of Russian boasta of victory may be appreciated from a fact com- muricated in one of our Trebizond letters—viz., that the “Turkigh steam-frigate,” alleged to have been captured off St. Nicholas, turns out to-be neither more ner Jess than ‘‘a commercial steamer belonging to the company of Hava, with twelve passengers on board.’ In its strategical aspect we may there- fore treat this “ grand naval victory” as an incident of very subordinate moment. It may not be imma- terial © add that, bad Admiral Nachimow’s aitack not been directed against Turkish re engaged in active warfare—had the imperial s iy an unprovoked assault upon 9 Turkish port in Asia, Mumor, or upon ships sheltered within it—sach a Peoeting would have been a direct violation of the ‘zer's express and repeated disclaimer of offensive hostilities, and would have opened questions of the graveet moment as regards the position of the Wes- tern Powers. Such a cegualty, however, as that of the 30th ult., is not likely materially to affect the result of the ee ‘The Turks, hitherto success- on Jond both in yt “Sige in Asia, will cer- tainly neither acquiesce in the loss of the Principali- ties, nor accept the Russian protectorate, merely be- caure.a few frigates and transports have been sur- pred bya ae force. Thesvceneof the late col- ision ia. a point peculiarly exposed to attacks from the fleet stationed at Sel 1; and it is evident, from the entire absence of ships of the line, as well as from all the circumstances of Osman Pacha’s expedition, that the Turkish squadron was not pre to mecf the Russian fleet in battle. It is needless to inquire whether the Otto- man authorities committed an act_of imprudence in sending an expedition to sea without the protection of the fleet; but, as only three transports are men- tioned in the Russian bulletin, and as the “battle” must have taken place near the land, there is reason to hope that no considerable number of troops have been tacrificed. In any case the affair throws no light on the comparative efticiency of the hostile fleete, for the name of a victory is obvizusly misa) piied 9 an encounter between forces so ptterly unequi Asingle reverse can, as we have suggested, in no way affect the resolution of the Porte; and, under the peculiar circumstances of the case, there is no reason why an occasional suc:ess should increase the confidence of Russia. Should the present at- tempt to effect an Sree een prove abor- tive, the chances of the would depend, not on the relative strength of the principals in the but on the Lory Te the Xr gmp contend handed against Turkey her allies. Up to the assistance whatever terms which the signaries of the Vienna portocol will probably be authorized by Turkey to Bint gave When the English and French fivets shall be cruising off Sebastopol, there will be no denger for auy Torkish squadron which may happen to ficd itself in the neighborhood of Sukum-Kele. Even if the aliied commanders saould desire to avoid 4 cul- Iision, a simple blockade wll effzctually close the Black Sea to the Russian flag. I is to be regretiad *bat the Ottoman marine should have experienced avy reverse, however incooviderabe, deture the re- sources of diplomacy have been fully exhausted; but the Cabines of St. Petersburg must be aware that there is # limit to the patience of the Western Po v- ere, and that, when the boundary is once passed, all pee lauritime advantages will become wholly uselers. . The difficulty of formiag an accurate jadgmert of the events of war is remarkably illustrate 1 by the auccess-uf the Turkish forces on land, compsred witb the mishap which they have experisaced ia the Black Sea. Before the commencement of hoi tilities, @ general belief prevailed that it was impos ible for che Ottoman army to stavd agains: the enemy; and, on the other hand, the Russians thea- and feelivgs of this country. Long expertence i® | the wurking of this has pe rer much ixpatby avd discust in the public mind of Great Britaiv ; but we have vever read history rig if we have nit discovered that paxsiveness prod by such ques! means, hes been met by a reaction which swept away the cloud which darkened ths path of the lil cause, and Jeft a!l moderation ex- posed to the mors violent Jar indignation. The very nature of the Russian war has en- ated the moral feeting of all classes in favor of the unoffending Turks; while the political character and conse quexces of the contest are viewed by all. interested as o#¢ which presenta a golden a nity for the rulers of Europe to show the that a war of aggrea-iom shall rth be impossible. But tnstead of doing this with a bold hand and open heart, we have a volume of secret noves fiyio court t2 court—telegraphs reporte—sccret despatches, give the public a rel —tecret daplomacy mening Denes vy the Sortel: acre—whbile Lord Aberdeen is winking at the Mus covy ducks in St. James’s park. But what order of administration of public gifairs relves were ully sware that their oavy would either be destroyed or become useless as soon as the mari- time Powers should enter on the szene of action. Elaborate attempts were made to show thst the con- test must be decided by the arm in which the in- vader felt himseif strongest; and it will now, we aup- pose, be necessary to deve a new theory, to prove that the combat of Sinope must exercise A con- clusive influence on the result fof the war. After all, however, i: ix jut possible that this affuir may be made use of for the furtherance of a pase settlement. The fiatterers of the Emperor icholas have repeatedly declared that the dignity of thelr patron reqnired the continnance of the war until the reverses sustained by the imperial arms on the Danube and in Asta should have been redeemed. If Rugsie chooees to contider the collision et Sinope 60 important a victory as it is represented in her bu!- lectin, she has an opportunity of exhibiting a magna- nimity which would at least be consistent wit pru- dence. There can be no donbt that the advantage which has been cbtained will be represeated, both to the Emperor and the nation, in the most favorable light; and the all pride of the sovereign, as well asthe bypothetical enthusiasm of the psople, may postibly accept the destruction of a few Tarkish ves- sels as a sufficient satistaction to the demands of am- bition and revenge. The fleet which may at mo- ment be shut up in Sebastopol will apoear all the more formidable if the war concludes with what can be plausibly described as @ victory; and, on the whole, as the Czar can scarcely fail to apprecinte the true bearing of the transaction, it ia not impronable that the Power which has disturbed the psace of the world may now be disposed to acquiesce in the ter- mination of the war. On the other hand, it is at lezst possible that the Court of Bt. Petersburg may hope, after the ad- vantage, hewever anim nt, which has been obtained, to intimidate great Powers by ob- stinate perseverance in the aggression which Turkey has thus far resisted without foreign aid. Although the Emperor can have no expectation of offering @ successful opposition to the allied fleets, be wey imagine that an arrogant tone and exorbi- tant demands will tend to prolong the negotiations, ax to afford opportunities for further successes over the enemy. Against a policy so consistent with a}l that we have h'therto scen, it wero usciess to offer a mere verbal protest. Force will, in the long run, always triumph, unless it is repelled by superior force, But the dangers which encompass the Ras- sian empire are not yet conjured away. The south- ern provinces are in imminent danger; the Danubian Privcipalities axe alferated from the icterest of a foreign invader; Poland is ready to rise on the first prospect of success; and the great Powers, while they sre ready and eager to save Ru:sia from the ocneeqnerces of ber own errors, are steadily deter- miced that the terii’orial limits of Eastera a od shall not be removed. The recent combat in the Black Sea will be more injurious to the conqueror, should it confirm tim in his obstinacy, than to ‘Lar. key, sbi@h has, at the worst, only suifered the loss of certain frigates and of a detachmentot troops, Itthe war is to continne, the alfair at Siaop cannot alter cur estimate either of tho relative position of the belligerents or of them raspec- tive chances of vitimate satcess, Their means of moutuul arnovance are as iistle affected by that cccurrnce #6 the crigival merits of the quarrel. It was known beforehand that the Turkish crews, whatever might be their skill as sa'lors, were bkely to prove themselves brave and efli ient in Sghiieg @ ship, considered a3 4 floating bat- tery; and the event of Sinope certetsly reilect’ no discredis on their character for ccnrage aud wilitary aptitnde. The Russian account of the matter amply attests both the overvhelmirg force ot the sasailauts, aud the bigh price which was paid for success. In no part of the worl’ cans few irigates and transports contend, with @ prospect of success, against six ehips of the line. When itis remembrred that Priace Gortechaboff’s bu'letins claimed a victory at Oltenitza, we may safely aesome that the present accounts contaia a large admixture of exaggeration and falsehood. it isa singular fact that, even according tu the olfivial despatch, no prize bas been ipa into Odessa, while the Russian flag-ehip is suid to have reached Sebastopol witn @fficulty. No certain rules can be laid down for tie procesees of subtraction ard reduction which ought to be applied to Russian official documen’s. It may, however, be confidently conjectured thst, of the fri- gates which were not brought into the enemy’s port, all are not at the bottom ot the sea. Hyen the troops in the transports, as they are not mentioned in the despatch, may posvibly at tis moment be parsuil their unmolested course to join the Circassians; a1 though the Rassian account should prove some‘hing like proximately true, Sinope is no set off agaiast Oltenitza, either ia point of credit or of subst intial advantage. The great superiority of the Russian force, and the brave resiatance of the Turks, form the only real polots of resemblance. [From the L'verpool Times, Dec. 14} The telegraphic intelligence received from the East yesterday is highly important. If true, it proves two great facts, First, that secret diplomacy led to amost sanguinary conflict; and, secondly, that if the Turks were beaten at all, vad fought with sufficient gollantry to win for them the warmest sympathy and admiration of every tree and jnstice loving peo- ple. In the reported defeat of the Turks at Sinope, 4 is said that the Ottomans loat thirteen ships, while the Turkish yersion of the affair, received yesterday, informs us that the Russians lost two ships of the line, three frigates, and two steamboats. The despatch also states the Jatter force consisted of twelve frigates, @ brig, five steamboats, and six ships of the line. Successfully to resist such an overwhelming force ag this was impossible; but the fact of a Turkish con- yoy having engaged 80 formidable an armament, and having destroyes no less than seven ships,is an event in navel warfare that will not be readily forgotten. But Europe is not seeking bloody exploits, or mili- pail renown. Civilization invokes and good- will smong ‘all nations. Rational liberty wilt not hear of the triumphant march of despotism. If the ‘Turks were no better than the rabble of Amoy, or Canton, England should blush at suffering an attempt to be made to exterminate them without mercy. In all cases such as the present ¢ court and every cabinet bas its views and feelings. Nicholas is per- sonally known to every one in St. James's, from the Prince down to the en grocer. Long visita and short accounts are k. nely qualities which command considerable popularity in these days, and by these means the royal family of Russia ‘have won the ‘olden opinions of the softheaded people of the vest End. To outrage the susceptibilities of the Czar would be to do dighoner to Briti Hee pen ! Be ot such quirks and quibbles could have sanctioned for one moment the inveriou ot the ‘Turkish territory by so an enemy to civil and religious liberty as the autocrat of the firet moment his croreed the Prath, the fell scope of his designs were made known to the cabinet and people of this country, and those wh? do not resist cruelty and injustice stand charged with the full guilt of igs commiasion; and when we think of the fearful cs that Sinope must have witnes- sed in a naval conflict in which twen' sald to have been destroyed, we do envy thove their reflections who might have saved humanity from such an amount of death and bloodshed. The Turks, in resisting the inroads of the Czar upon their soll, are doing no more than we should do under similar circumstances, and the net that does not recognise this right and tacitly admit the right of ve invasion against which we have been expending millions in the “wilitery defences.” At one period, our a to cabl- sustain ft, is this? 1s it government atall, that leaves the most Vital interests of the empire exposed to all the | and dangers of along protracted season of doal in Paris, the pnblic excitement produced by the ported defeat of tue Turkish naval force, is fast Proaching a climax, We have already warned readers of the dangers to be apprehended from anc a defeat; nud we again repeat that Europe is oot @ temper to be trifled with by mere ambitious suto- crats. France eannot wait for a long string of acci- den‘s to decide her course. The first must, in all probability, be seized as a safeguard agaiost the con- sequences of a second shock; and once France takes the field. Europe may be ssid to be in a blaze; when Epgiand’s consolation will be—she had au imbecite old geutleman for a minister, aud enjoyed a degree of passiveness equel to her destruction ! ‘The London organ of the Foreign Office gives us the followiog information, which we think sufficient in itselfto show what we may expect for the unh Turks at the hands of their savage invaders:— “ begin = of Yano tape ph hapeae ee now thaa ie ree mouths ago, but e nothiog less; and by the arrangement that has been come to » with Austria, all idea of assisting the Turks in an- nulling “he treaties with Russia, which exist ed before the present war, is abgpdoned. The Torks will, therefore, have gained Chae ts their Tesistance—they will have impoverished their finan- ces, have lost a portion of their navy, have sacrificed lives for conquests in Asta which they mast surren~ der; nd ita toaeeaec Russia will be very mous if he does not, under the influence of the org tecting Powers, compel ther to pay largely for the incopvenience to which be has been put by their obstinacy.” London is the home of political toadies; aud the metropolis is the hot bed of political double ¢ewing. Let the North be the antidote to their ini- quity and the real friend of the suffererin this case. [From the London News, Dec 33.) In ove part of Napoleon's strategy the Russians have proved themeelves apt papils—the art of mak- ing bulletins. The message tranemitied from Odeess to Vienna, announcing an advantage gained by the Russians over the Turks at sea, is an aps illustration of this. The de truction of twelve Turkish vessels by six Russian ships of the line in the roads of Sino, the Ruesians having to contend against a violent from land batteries, in addition to the fira of the Turkish ships, has a most imposiug sound. Bat denving fan the present unquestioned the avermenta Pres | os i of the Russians, that they have gained a naval victo- ry, there are known facts which: ; t out of doabt that their account of it is exay d—tbat they have been idealiging their own beri represent- ing themselves as over les which did not exist. Ir place ¢ hat the great force of the Du aavy is within the Bosphae me. The only Tak 1 ships o war kuown wish cer- teinty to be in the B of Sinope, where th fought, are a squad kc Sea, at least in the direction battle is said to have beer on of seven frigates, two cor yettes, and a steamer or two, despatched as convoy to the transport suips conveying reinforcements to Batoun. Inthe second place, Sinsge, (or sinoad,) the birthplace of Diogeves, who, bad he lived in our day, might bave found a rich field for the exercise of his peculiar vein gin the Russian braggadocio, is # decayed port of great strength. Trade has de serted it in favor of Trebizond, which is more favora- bly situated for intervourse wits the interior. Sivopa has an arsenal, we believe, but a secondary one, to which no great attention has been paid by the Turkish government; and thé coast defences, of little importance in themselves, had, until the com- TMencement of the present nostilities, heen neglected. Admitting, then, that stx Russtau ships of the ling may have fallen upon the Turkish transports and eOnvoy in the roads of Sinope, it is clear that the superiority io guns and men was greatly on the side ot the Russiars ; and that the Yarias could derive but stender aid from the batteries on shere. That an engagement has polly taken place off Sinope is extremely probable. The distance from the moath of the Bosphorus to Batoun is abont six hundred sea, miles, Sinope being situated about haléway. Sebas- topol, the prec station of the Russian Black Sea wavy, is only about two hundred sea miles distant from Sinope—a little to the wast of north. The Russians protess to have blockaded . the coast from Sukum Kaleh to Trebizond— that is, thelr ships have been hovering off the coast. It is, therefore, easily to be believed that they have kept a considerable naval force off the portion of the Asiatic course nearest their great naval station, to intercept straggling Turkish vessels, or such squadrons as they could master. Ail circamstances considered, it i8 difficult to acquit the Turkish authorities of considerable rashness in having sant their reinforcements to Batoun—seeing how im- ebro it was to keep np the ascendancy obtained y the Turkish arms in tbat quarter—ao guarded—when a course of ne less than six hand: miles had to be run, and when the peineesl station of the Bussian navy. waa only two-hundred to the north of this course, about midway. It will, there- fore, probably be found, when the exact facts of the rencontre are ascertained, that the Turks have lost at the utmost the warships composing their com and a few of the transports, eight of which are by the version of the story accredited at the embasey ip Paris to have escaped. If such be the case, it will be a smart rap over the knuckles to the Ottomans, but by no means an irreparable Joss. On the contrary, it may prove to them a nsefal lesson to be more cautious in future in the matter of trans- ports and wera In war an altervation of success and mishap is always to be looked for. The nation that cannot bear up under temporary reverses is in- capable of waging, war with saccess. Now, the whole tenor of Furkish history goes to the Osmanti is marked by one characteristic more than another, it is that of a dogged, pertinacious ower of fighting under adverse circumstances. Even d the lorses on the Black Sea fallen entirely to the lot of the Turks, there can be little doubt that they would cnly have spurred them on to redoubled exer tions. But the Russians also have had their share. In their unsuccessful sea attack on Fort Skefkatil, a steamer with 1,500 troops on was urd the whole of the men either drowned or made prisoners by the Turks. They have also encounter- ed other misadventures which, when a balance is feirly struck, wili probably bring the losses suffered by Turks and Russians on the Black Sea since the Soong eapgge e Nag hostilities somewhat near to an equality. So much for the relative positions of Russia ar: ‘Turkey, on the aseumptlon that the news of a nay victory gained by the former Power, transmitted to Odeesa, shall ultimately prove to be founded on tact. But on this same assumption, what do the fleets of England and France cut? Were they sent. up the Dardanelles and the Sea of Marmora into the to look idly on while the squadrons of their ally were bein, pene gg ag ping ee ceray England and France have told the Sultan his cause is just; Sy a ¥ Lm a _ seertion of rights; and yet, thougl y have a combined force more than sufficient amp! seian navy in check, whom, 98 schoolboys, pA eg Bay a England to Turkey relation o! ce Bn Coed different from that of austria and Prussia, . ‘he two latter Powers May, with some a 4 ine and lent ari ; Fommitted themselves by promices of aid to Terkey. Let us, however, for the sake of argument, for a moat apogee apilgeyg eo Powers are... in @ condition to act a8 @ cour! equity. judge cn the matters in dik between Turkey andey useia-—what is the first ofa See ne such a tesk? Assuredly to adopt measures shall insure both parties worse position in consequence of the: il ite preliminary inquiries. Have the tale a with Turkey? On the contrary, has we de- monstrated yesterday, their delays enabling Roseia to en’ a in. the Danu- bian bie meget and efroerens Cd events on to the cans of in the remoter a of Asia. CE a are i ry F F i HH j bi