On this page
-
Text (7)
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
-
Untitled Article
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
-
-
Transcript
-
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.
Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.
Untitled Article
LETTERS FROM PARIS . Letter CV . Paris , Thursday Evening , Dec . 29 , 1853 . The crisis in France is extraordinarily a ggravated , and it will he difficult enough to get over the next three or four months without a catastrophe . I have mentioned in a former letter the frequent cases of incendiarism arising from personal enmities . I have mentioned the distress of the manufacturers and the shopkeepers—the former without commissions , the latter without customers . Now we find even official bodies venturing on remonstrance . The provincial
municipal councils were ordered to vote extraordinary charges for the maintenance of the bread tax at the nominal rate of 40 centimes the kilogramme ( 21 bs . ) . I their Deeemher session several of these councils protested against this heavy impost , and some even declared their refusal to pay it . "If , " they said , " as the Government alleges , the enemies of the present regime are hut a knot of factious malcontents , it is not fair that the mass of honest and good people should be taxed for fear of a few malcontents . " The Municipal Council of Paris has begun to show its teeth at last . It first sent a deputation to Bonaparte , to remonstrate on the bread-tax
in Paris . This tax , you may remember , is fixed at the rate of 40 cents , a kilogramme ( 2 lbs . ) . The < aty has had to reimburse the bakers the difference between the fixed rate and the market price . Not less than 8 , 000 , 000 of francs ( 320 , 000 / . ) has been sunk already on this impost , in four months only , at a rate of 2 , 000 , 000 francs ( 80 ; 000 J . ) a month , threatening a deficit of from 20 to 24 millions of francs ( 800 , 000 / . —960 , 000 ? . ) in good time . At present all classes gain alike by this forced cheapness of bread . The city wants to return to the system of bread-tickets delivered to the working classes and paupers only . This would effect a saving of some 16 , 000 , 000 francs
( 640 , 000 / . ) on its eventual expenditure . The deputation , therefore , requested Bonaparte to abolish the ^ present system , and return to the bread-tickets ; but Bonaparte flatly refused , insisting that the ticket system was a bad one , and that the present tax must be maintained . Thereupon a second deputation , was sent to Bonaparte to represent that the consequence of this charge would be to expose the city to an enormous deficit , and to urge that the sums voted for the public architectural works should be devoted to the payment of the bread-tax
instead . Bonaparte replied , that he wouldn t hear of anything of the kind ; that not bread only , but work must be found , and that the city must vote , not six , but eight millions of francs for the public works . The city , on receipt of this reply , declared open revolt , and A oted unanimously , excepting the votes of the Government agents , the abolition of the present bread-tax , and the return to the ticket system . Bonaparte will soon set matters to rights , by cancelling their decision , appointing ( for it is he who appoints ) another municipal council , and , if necessary , decreeing the budget of the city .
Now , the fact is that this vote of the council was a manoeuvre of the Fusion . All the members are Orleanists , and they act under orders in Paris , as in the provinces . As for the republican party , it is still as death . Not but what it still inspires fear ; witness the recent discovery of depots of anna in the Faubourg St . Antoine , and the ridiculous affair at Lyons . There , as at Paris , exists a vast secret organisation . The police , despairing of laying their hands on it in Paris , tried to do so at Lyons . A secret agent of M . Carlier , ex-prefect of police , was despatched to Lyons , with orders to hold no communications but
with Pcrsigny himself . This agent , disguised as an operative , frequented the cabarets where theAVorkingmen meet , and tried to make acquaintance with them . Most of them had nothing to aay to the fellow ; some few did fall into his trap . They seduced others , -and thus a few groups were got into good working order for the police . The agent gave himself up for one of the Lyonnese chiefs ; simulated reports , deliberations , orders of the day , and the whole apparatus of conspiracy . On the other hand , the secret agent of Pcrsigny fancied he was in relation with real working-men , and that from ramification to ramification he was i-apidly gathering into his hands all the threads of an immense organisation . Unhappily for tho Government it was all a
delusion— " diamond cut diamond . " These pretended adepts were themselves mere , agents- of the secret police of Lyons . They , too , fancying' they had laid their hands on a grand ringleader , transmitted regularly reports of conversations , &c , to tho prefect of police at Lyons . That distinguished functionary , naturally anxious to distinguish himself for skill and activity , was only too eager to light the match in order to extinguish it . Ilia agents got to work to incite tho Paris agent to bring matters to a head : that ip , to a complete insurrection . The Pax-is agent driven to a corner promised a regular outbreak ; so ho distributed to every man his part . O / F went tho agents to tho prefect to donounco to him tho day , tho hour , tho plan of this famous insurrection . That day the whole- garrison
was ranged in battle array in the streets of Lyons : troops from the neighbouring quarters were summoned by forced marches to the defence of society ; but as the Lyons' agents on the one hand stuck to the prefect , and the Paris agent found himself without a single backer , there was not a soul in the streets , and the police were " sold . " Such is the truth of the ridiculous affair at Lyons . The police was completely mystified by itself . Two days after the Mouiteur confessed as much .
While affairs seem drawing oh to a denuument in Paris , while Henry V . ( according to a letter from M . de Blacas ) is preparing to visit London , while all the parts of the new comedy are being distributed , to the actors , Bonaparte remains impassible as ever . He has lately passed his time in standing sponsor to the infant children of his followers . One day it was to the child of his fosterbrother , another to his architect ' s son . When he is not st anding godfather , he is engaged in
meditating grave and important decrees : such as that which forbids public functionaries to assume the title of Monseiyneur , a title appertaining of right to the Princes of the Imperial Family exclusively . The mania for etiquette is pushed to the last bounds of burlesque . What do you think they pass their time about at the Tuileries just now?—rehearsing the ceremonial of obeisance and presentation to be observed this year at the court . The ceremonies are to be those of the Court of Bavaria .
AH the world of officials ,.- from ministers to footmen , are learning how to bow gracefully , and the women how to curtsey majestically . The introduction of questionable ladies is to be severely guarded against this year ; there will be none but special invitations . It is also rumoured that a certain batcli of princes and dukes is to be created on New Year ' s-day . A pretty noblesse for the France of 1854 ! The marriage of Prince Napoleon Jerome is also talked of . More fortunate than his cousin , he is to marry a real princess—his cousin Pauline Marie of Baden , just eighteen .
The greatest confusion and perplexity exist with regard to affairs in the East . It is certain that Bonaparte has resolved to act ; but it is equally certain that the action of France will continue to avoid clashing with ( de ne pas he urter ) Russia . What a mockery ! To talk like a bully , and act like a poltroon ! How can we complain of Lord Aberdeen , when we are at least as bad as he is ? The French fleet will enter the Black Sea with orders to prevent the repetition of the Sinope butchery , but to avoid collision with the Hueaian licet . It seems the English Government likewise deems this course of action noble and consistent , and has sent similar orders to its ambassador and admiral . At least , we hear so . S .
Untitled Article
The winter equinox has set in very severel y on the Euxine . As many as eighty merchant snips are reported to have been lost , and the price of grain had risen enormously . A Russian man-of-war schooner had been compelled to bear up for the Bosphorus on the night of the 15 th ; she threw her guns overboard to avoid reprisals , but wa 3 provisionally taken by the Turks .
Untitled Article
On the 12 th ult . the anniversary of Servian independence was celebrated at Belgrade , and for the first time the usual prayer aloud , " for our Russian protector , the Emperor Nicholas , " was omitted . The Russian ' Consul-General , who frequently crosses from Semliu to Belgrade , did not assist at the ceremony . On the same day Izzet Pasjia , the resolute old commander of the fortress , was gathered to his fathers . No action has taken place on the banks of the Danube : but several skirmishes between the Cossack cavalry ana the Turkish irregular cavalry . The correspondent of the Times , writing from Kalafat , says that it will take 50 , 000
of the best Russian troops to " pay a visit to Kalafat . " He speaks in the highest terms of the discipline and efficiency of the Turkish forces , ns also does the Spanish General Prim , who is now on his return to Spain , with the intention of returning to the scene of war iti the spring . A second lino of breastwork is being thrown up at Kalafat . Persia has declared war against the Porte , and against England , at tho instigation of Russia . The Shah supplies a Force of 30 , 000 men to be under the command of General Yermolo . An embassy from Dost Mohammed , a determined enemy of Russia , has arrived at Teheran . instant
A private letter from St . Petersburg of tho 19 th , affirms that the exchange of the ratifications of an offensive and defensive treaty between the Government of tho bnali of Persia and Russia took place on the evening of tho l » tu instant . From Constantinople wo learn that tho meeting ot tno Grand Council , originally appointed to bo held on the JOHi , had taken place on the 18 th , for tho discussion of tho collective Note communicated to Rescind Pacha by the ambassadors of tho Four Powers , pursuant to tho agreement ot December 5 . Tho Porto was not disinclined to enter into negotiations with tho Four Powers , on tho following conditions : — That tho seat of tho conference should not ho Vienna . That tho evacuation of the Principalities should bo guaranteed . That concession should bo made to Russian claims . lUiiUU lu
no JLIIitl 11 U COnCCBHIOll K 11 OIUU UO **»« . »~ . ., That all treaties between Russia and tho Porte , « fP 0 Cial f the treaties of Kainardji and Adrianoplo , should do »«* - A further meeting of tho Grand Council was announced for tho 22 nd inat . It was foreseen that there were « Biiperablo obstacles in tho way of an armistice botn m * lilackSeu and in Asia , and it was not likely that Ms <™ would be -diapoaed to yield to tho conditions laid down vj tho Porte .
Untitled Article
Tho Catoh , an express steamer of tho French G ^ " * ment , has loll Marseilles , bearing tho final infract"lithe two Governments of Franco and England to then « i basandors . Sho is expected to reach the Inrkwli cupiti " tho 6 th of Janunry . _ ,. - „ : „ tho Tho First Aide-de-camp of tho Minister of Mnrinew w boarer of these despatches . By them , formal a ' rectl ° " t ] l 0 given to tho ambassadors to send tho two fleets at > once i u Muck Sea . Thoir mission will ho to tho ofloot that tncy ^ not to allow any shipii of war , whetbor Russian or in ' nuvigftto that sou ; and they are directed to fionu , u Italian shi p * into SohaHtopol , and nil Turkish fih . pa into i ^ porta on tho south mdo of tho Eiixino ; and , in " forc& refusal on tho part of cither , in cuho of necessity ™ " * . ^ Tho Black Soa is to bo declared a nmtral sea aau b coutiuuanco of tho war .
Untitled Article
CONTINENTAL NO TES . Authentic details of the butchery at Sinope were brought to Constantinople by the Retribution and Mogador steamfrigates , which had been sent to reconnoitre the scene of the attack , and to bring back the wounded Turks . The following table shows the loss of shipa and men , and the number of wounded : — " The Navick , 52 guns , 500 men , AH Bey , captain ( killed ); opposed to a Russian three-decker . Blown up . " Tho Nozim , 52 guns , 500 men , Hassan Boy , captain ( killed ); opposed to a Russian two-deckor of 80 guns . Destroyed . " Tho Farsli Hat , 38 guns , 400 men , Ali Maher Bey , captain ( killed ) ; opposcd * to a Russian two-decker of 80 guns . Destroyed . " Tho Gullu-Scfit . 2-1 guns , 200 men , Selis Bey , captain ( killed ) . Destroyed . "Tho Aon-lllah ( flag ) , 3 G guns , 400 men , Osman Pacha ( lost leg and made prisoner ); opposed to a Russian threeuceker of 120 guns , which lost spars . "Tho Damietta , 56 guns , 500 men . Destroyed . " The Nedgbi-Feachir , 24 guns , 200 men , Huosein Bey , captain ( prisoner ) . On shore , dismasted . " Tho K : ud , 50 guns , 500 men , Elan Ray , captain ( escaped ) ; opposed to a huge thrce-deckor . Blew up . " Tiie Ne / emiah ( fl >> g ) , CO gun . s , 000 men , Hussein Pacha , second in command , and Captain Kudi iSey ( killed ); opposed to a largo throe-docker . Blew up . ' * Tho Faisi Mcrbout , 22 guns , 240 men , Izct Boy , captain . Destroyed . 44 Tho Taif steamer , 1 G guns , 300 men , 800-horse-powcr . Not engaged . " Tho Iregli steamer , 4 guns , 150 men , 160-horao power . Destroyed . " Making a total of 431 guns , and 4 , 400 men . " Ru . siiiun guns <> 0 () , besides four nte ; uner . s and two frigates not , in tlio action . WVighfc of KuHaiun fihot , 0 Escaped on bhoro , it is presumed 1 , 000 Eacjiped , per Taif steamer 300 1 , 080 Total number of men 4 , 41 ) 0 Accounted for l , G 80 Unaccounted fur 2 , 810
Tho letters of tho 12 th , by Trieste , agaia speak of th affair of Sinope , mentioning that the Turkish Governm t had found it impossible to obtain any official report of th combat , as "there did not any longer exist a single pers either of the authorities of . the town or of the officers of th ' fleet , in a state to draw one up . The wounded Turks ' wo ? left by the Russians , these letters declare , pell-mell on tr beach , such conduct being very different from that of th Turks , who have in all cases been as attentive to the wounded amongst the Russians as to tln ? ir own men . Th same letters repeat that the first intelligence of the tt \ tnnnJ ? ' -
of the Turkish fleet at Sinope was taken to Sebastopol by a steamer of the Lloyd Company . Hussein Pacha ' s conducfc was marked with great gallantry , and when the first vessel on which he was on board was set on fire , he got on board another and continued ^ the combat .. When this second vessel foundered , he threw himself iuto the sea , and although badlv wounded in the head , succeeded in reaching the shore bv swimming , when he was killed by ^ a cannon pall . Tho loss of Turkey in the combat is estimated at 30 millions of piastres , and 3000 men killed or Wounded .
The Russian Admiral Nacmmovv addressed a letter to the Austrian Consul at Sinope , " regretting the dest ruction caused to the town , " and statingthat it was " mainl y caused by the obstinate resistance of the Turks , and by the fire spreading from those of the ships ^ hich blew up . " Amongst the ships destroyed at Sinope was a British merchant brig . Two of the seameh were lost . The captain and the rest of the crew got on shore . Another merchant brig was likewise burnt . The crews were brought to Constantinople by the Retribution . The greatest indignation prevailed at Constantinople . Cries of 4 I To arms" were heard in the streets . The Gapitan Pacha had demanded to be sent before the Grand Council to clear himself from the responsibility of tho disaster at Sinope .
Untitled Article
1254 THE LEADER [ Saturday ¦ . ' ¦ ¦ ' ' - — — - — ' i ¦ i ' i ¦ ' ' ' " ¦ ¦ "' ' ¦ " '" ' ¦¦ —¦¦ ' ¦¦ ' i n - ml i — ,,..
Untitled Article
The Russian successes of Prince Andronikoff and General Bebakoff in Asia , seem to resolve themselves into two battles , of which the results were at least doubtful . At all events , the amazing successes conveyed by the Russian bulletins to St . Petersburg were hot known at Constantinople .
-
-
Citation
-
Leader (1850-1860), Dec. 31, 1853, page 1254, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2019/page/6/
-