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Leader (1850-1860), 16th December 1854, Edition 1 of 2, Page 1185, Untitled Article

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      would physically on the batteries and fortifications In regretting that this course was adopted , it cannot ba forgotten that these remarks are biassed by the knowledge that it in a great measure proved a failure but it does still appear that a more correct judgment ought to have been formed a priori by our engineers as to the power of resistance of the Russian earth-works against out artillery . Before the fire from the English batteries commenced . it was constantly remarked that the works which were so industriously thrown up before our eyes around the Round Tower would disappear immediately after our guns opened ; but the fact is , the gums in the mud batteries there have never once been

      wholly silenced , and now , our fire having been in a great degree withdrawn from it for some time past , the embrasures have been made nearly as perfect as they ever were , and are fitted for the reception of guns at any moment , if they are not there already . So with the other earth batteries opposed to ours . It is not so on the left ; there the most advanced battery of the Russians has been silenced . This has happened because , from the nature of the ground , the French have been enabled to make regular approaches , and therefore were certain of eventually silencing the work . But , even at this point , the Russians have thrown up a retrenchment , which is nearly as destructive to the French works as the former battery . "

      RUSSIANS IN THE ALLIED HOSPITALS . ¦•' The hospitals atBalaklava are sadly crowded with wounded Russians , who evince a decided ingratitude to their medical attendants . No sooner are their wounds dressed , and the surgeon has turned his back , than the bandages are removed by the patients and thrown upon the ground . I cannot explain this extraordinary conduct , which must be prompted by sctne fanatic prejudices , inspired by their leaders-Hospital gangrene has consequently set in with great rirulence , and the poor fellows are dying rapidly . The medical superintendence of the wounded prisoners is in the hands of Dr . Fraaklin , a most efficient and energetic officer . Too much praise can . nbt be awarded to Dr . Tyce and his staff of hard-¦ worked assistants for the zeal displayed by them in Balaklara . " —• Daily News . .

      NEW PKOJECTILES . Mr . Lancaster , the inventor of the long-range gun , has been in Wolverhampton and other places representing the Admiralty ; and in consequence of his visit , Messrs . Thorneycroft and Go ., of the Shrubbery and Bradley AVorks ^ have undertaken to supply the Government , in a short time , with a large quantity Of iron plates , of a peculiar shape , and very difficult to manufacture . The firm referred to manifested considerable public spirit in the readiness with ¦ Which they accepted the order , as its execution will , ¦ they are informed , involve expensive alterations in a considerable portion of their machinery , with only trifling pecuniary advantages . The plates will eventually be formed into projectiles of a novel description . —Staffordshire Advertiser ,

      NEW CANNON . The new cannon invented by Dr . Church , and patented by that gentleman in connexion with Mr . Goddard , is now undergoing a trial at one of the Government depots , with a view to its being brought into immediate use if found to answer the purpose for which it is intended . The principal feature in the invention consists in the capability of the gun to discharge 300 balLs continuously in an almost incredibly short space of time , an advantage which cannot be overrated should tlie war continue . —Birmingham Gazette .

      THE STOftSl IK THE BLACK SEA . A correspondent of the Daily News explaining that the hurricane was really of some good , tells us how the inhabitants of Scbastopol fared : — " The hurricane has done some good . Though Lord Raglan has not yet thought proper to announce his intention of wintering in the Crimea , the men and officers understand now that we must remain . They have at onco commenced hutting ; and as wood is not to bo had , they make huts of the stones , large and small , that « ovor the plain of Sebastopol . " Another good effect of the gale is the damage it did

      to our enemies . Deserters tell tis that the destruction in Sebastopol is terrible . A great mnny public buildings wore unroofed -, houses that had been fired by our shells foil in and buried hundreds among the Tuins . Sobnutopol , the deserters say , is a perfect liell , And the sooner wo get in the bettor . Wo thank them for the compliment , and agree with thorn as to the desirability of our getting in . But with a Russian army in our roar and three positions to guard , the thing is eusier fluid than done . Still it must bo dono , and it will bo done , » ind the reinforcements which fl . ro now arriving will onablo us to do it . "

      TUB AU 8 TUIAN 8 IN THM WUHClFAI . mKB . A special" correspondent of the Duty Sewn , in WalLachin , gives a painful account of the atrocities committed by the Austrian army of occupation , lie then describes the state of feeling throughout the country in the following manner :- — «« Those arc but n . portion of the outragos which those missionaries of peaoo havo committed within a aiugl

      week . I have taken tlem at random from a mass , and have extenuated nothing and set nothing down in malice . I guarantee the authenticity of eveiy single fact I have recounted . It is an easy matter enough to tell you thus in detail what the people suffer ; but I could never give you a correct idea of what the people feel . A Wallachian lady informed me seriously , two days ago , with horror depicted on her face , that the Austrians had seized upon two children , boiled one , roasted the other , and passed the night in an orgie in which this horrid repast was the leading incident . So firmly was she persuaded of the truth of her story , that she appeared greatly offended when I expressed my doubts it have the

      regarding . I best reasons for knowing that it is without the smallest foundation , but it is not a little remarkable as an index of the popular notions regarding the demeanour and ferocity of the soldiers of Francis Joseph . There is not a family- in the town that is not suffering cruel inconvenience—that is not exposed daily to insults that make the blood of a freeman boil at hearing them recounted . Several cases have occurred in which families have implored the quarter commission to give them one or two of the few English and French sappers who are here to deliver them from the presence of the men who have been poured upon the Principalities as if they wgje a legitimate prey , and . who see in every citizen an Italian of Milan or Venice .

      The universal feeling amongst the Wallachians is one of deep disappointment at the conduct of the Western Powers . When the Turks crossed the Danube last August , and it was known that an English and French army were acting in conjunction with them , every one expected that the whole reyime—the alternate triumphs of Russian protection and Turkish protection , of Russian influence and Turkish influence—was at an end for ever ; that the Government would be reorganised upon a totally new footing , which , seeing that France and England , owing ; to their position , could have no selfish , interest in the matter , would leave "VVallachia complete liberty o | v action , enable the liberal and patriotic party to gain the ascendant , carry out their

      plans for the material improvement of the : country , and put it on the fair way to wealth and influence ; for it must be remembered that "Wallachia is capable of maintaining with , ease four times her present population , and could , in that case , without creating any sensible financial burden , support an army of at least 100 , 000 men . When the only result of the Russian retreat was an Austrian occupation , Turkey , France , and England lost in one month an amount of influence which , without the presence of a single soldier , would have lasted hftTe in the hearts of the people for many a year to come . It is of no use to employ against the Wallachians the arguments by which the enemies of Russia justify the war we are now

      carrying on against her ; it is of no use to point out the danger of her becoming dominant in the Mediterranean , of gaining such a footing in the west as would enable her to strike a fatal blow at European liberty , and reduce every continental unborn to the same level of brutality and rascality as her own subjects . These are dangers that may loom awfully in the future at Paris or London , but which have no terror for Wallachians . They look , and pardonably—nay praiseworthily—to their own immediate and pressing wants . If they aie to be protected they prefer being protected by France and England , because these two powers would have no interest in . driving them liither and thither , and in repressing in them every sentiment of independence and nationality , and would , they know well , be glad to see

      their country grow and flourish , and . scorn the yoke of either Sultan or Emperor . But if England and France withdraw from the matter , and leave them to choose between Turkey , Russia , or Austria , the youth , and the liberal and honest party amongst the old boyards , -would declare for Turkey ; the Greeks , the religious or fanatical party amongat the "Wallacha , would declare for Russia ; but one and all would cry out against Austria as the very ' abomination of desolation . ' 1 am firmly persuaded that not a man in Bucharest , except a Gonnan colonist , would havo the hardihood to contradict whnt I now state ; and even the Gorman colony is composed in the main of tUoao whoso detestation of tho Austrian government is cordial and concentrated , but who , having nlao no liking for the Wallachtanti , are rather gratified than otherwise to see them lorded over by their countrymen . "

      DISMAY IN BKIUSTOPOL . The Morning Chronicle correspondent says : — " A Polish officer gave himaolf up as n deserter a . few days since , and roports that the Russians have had 2 i > , 000 mon placed hora de con * l > at Hinco tho battle of Inkorman , and that they cannot uinko out why wo havo not ntormod tho ttnvn . It is said that a Hussian doctor canto over to tho French on tb . fi sumo day , and stated that thoy were in « sad way from tho want of medical

      mon , and that flomo of tho wounded on tho 5 th had not even then had their woundfl dressed . It is also reported that Genoral I , Udern , with a relnforcomoiit of 12 , 000 mon , had arrived . I forgot to mention that tlio Polo said that thoy never could get tho ltuftaiann to advance upon Hi * again us * thoy did on the 5 th ; thoro is no doubt that thoy worn half drunk , like na they worn on their firr » t attack on tho 26 th of October . An officer told mo that ho miw a Rua » iiui fall down on tho 6 th from tthoor drunkonncsa . "

      COMFORT IN THE FREHCH ARMY . A French naval officer , writing home , proves that soldiers' clothing is ordered very much better in France : — " Never has an army been so wonderfully provided with everything it requires ; the soldiers enjoy abundance . Every one admits that a generous and attentive soHcitude watches over the army and foresees all its wants . The soldiers receive tents , sheepskin cloaks , and rations of wine and brandy ; provisions are abundant , and the supply is secured by the most certain and extensiva

      arrangements . Ten large English steamers have just been taken up for the exclusive purpose of bringing provisions of every kind . It may be seen that the Emperor does not hesitate at any " sacrifice for Che welfare of the soldiers , and these brave men are deeply sensible of it . ' Look , ' said a trooper to me ; showing me at the same time his -warm sheepskin cloak , ' they think of us in France . ' With this system oup sitny will realise great things ; the Emperor will see what can be done by those soldiers whom he knows how to keep so gay , so confident , and in such good health . "

      BTJSSIAN LOSSES AT SEA . A communication from Warsaw affirms that Prince Menschikoff , in an unpublished portion of his despatch of the 14 th nit ., states that near Cape Berdanskaia ( on the north coast of the Sea of Azoff ) a hurricane h ad literally demolished the breakwater , driven on shore thirty-five Russian vessels , and : dashed to pieces five others . A letter from Odessa * addressed to a merchant at Cracow , states that the tempest of the 14 th ult . occasioned considerable damage to Russian shipping . Thirty-five ; ' merchant vessels , with valuable cargoes on board , were driven on shore in the port of Berdjansk , in the Sea of . Azoff . Five of them were lost . The port itself was much injured ; sortie of the piers were-washed / away , and the town was almost inundated .

      SIB © E lACTt EVANS . The following letter has been addressed to Lady Evans by the Duke of Newcastle : — " Downing-street , Nov . 22 . " Madam—I trust you will not consider me intrusive or impertinent , but I cannot resist the temptation of congratulating you from my heart upon the record of this day ' s Gazette on an act of the truest heroism and finest chivalry on . the part of Sir De Lacy Evana . " All know him to be a gallant soldier , but I know

      nothing more noble in the records of war than a veteran general rising from his bed of sickness at the sound of a battle , hurrying to his troops , and , instead of claiming his right to command them , resolved not to supersede the junior who was winning the laurels of the day , bat remaining at his side , aiding him with his advice , and assisting him as if he were his aide-de-camp . " God grant bim a safe return in good time ! " I have the honour to be , madam , " Your very obedient servant , " Newcastle . "

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      INCIDENTS . Medals . —A medal will be promptly issued to the troops serving in the Crimea . The medal will be given to all those who have been in any part of tho present campaign . A clasp will be added for the Alma and one for Inkerman . The regiments engaged are to have on tlieir colours and appointments the wordB " Crimea , " " Alma , " and " Inkerman . " Something not Fair in Wak . —Some Scripture readers who went to Scutari to read tho Bible to tho wounded soldiers , have been prohibited from continuing tlieir visits because they have also distributed polemical tracts . Fair play for Protestants and Catholics is insisted on .

      Englishmen and AwjytiCANS in Russia . —Tho following is to tho Kditor of the Times from " A lato Resident in Russia" : — " Sir , —Mr . Baird ' s ironfoundry is in full work again . lie has contracted for five screw engines , four of 300 , and one of 4 O 0 horae-powcr , and actually received s . ro . 300-m , ( f > O , 0 O 0 f . ) in advance , without depositing any guarantee—an unusual thing with Government contracts . The Americans ( tho sumo who had so much to do with the Moscow Railway ) are building a great many gunbonts ( screws ) , and Colonel Col ( has been , or is hero still , with his machinery to make revolvers . " Post . vcm-stamps for tub Thoops . — Afr . Need-Imm , of Alfrcton , Derbyshire , hearing that postagestamps were difficult to obtain , hns sent twenty shilliuga * worth to tho commanding officer * of fifty different regiments and divisions for distribution amongst the men .

      The WAk oettino moiiw Eabtbiu-t . —An © nvoj from Kohwn , and one from Dost Molmmod , have asked for nsBiHtnnco from tho Uritish Government against the Russia ™ . Tho Anglian cliiof bun decided on an Kngliah in preference to a Kubso Persian alliance . ClIHIflTMAB IN TUN ClUMKA . — ' 1 llO ladies Of Nottll allorton nnd Nuwcnstle , besides a very liberal aupplj of flaniiol-shirtd and other nccoHBnriea , havo contrl buted no lona than 4 O plum-puddings .

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      Pecjsmbbb 16 , 1854 . ] THE LEADER . llftJt lloft

  • Citation
    • Leader (1850-1860), Dec. 16, 1854, page 1185, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2069/page/9/