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    December 16,1854.] THE LEADER. 1185

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    INCIDENTS. Medals.—A medal will be promp...

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    Over-Estimation Of Ali-Te1> Power. A " S...

    would physically on the batteries and fortifications . In regretting that this course was adopted , it cannot be forgotten that these remarks are biassed by the knowledge that it in a great measure proved a failure ; bat 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 earthworks against our artillery . Before the fire , from the English batteries commenced it was constantly remarked that the works -which were so industriously thrown up before oar eyes around the Bound Tower would disappear immediately after our guns opened ; but the fact is , the guns 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 a great degree withdrawn from it for some time past , the embrasures have been made nearly as perfect as they evei were , and are ^ fitted for the reception of guns at any moment , if they are not there already . So with tlie other earth batteries opposed to ours . It is not so on tie lef £ ; 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 , eve , n at this point , the Russians have thrown up a retrenchment , whicli is nearly as destructive to the French works as the former battery . "

    RUSSIANS IN THE AUIED HOSPITALS . " The hospitals at Balaklava are sadly crowded with wounded Russians , who evince a decided ingratitude to their medical attendants . Uo sooner ate 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 some ^ fanatic prejudices , inspired by their leaders . Ilospital gangrene has consequently set in with great virulence , and the poor fellows are dying rapidly . The medical superintendence of the wounded prisoners is in the hands of Dr . Franklin , a most efficient and energetic officer . Too much praise cannot be awarded to Dr . Tyce and his staff of hardworked assistants f <> r the zeal displayed by theni in BaUOdava . "—Daily News .

    NEVF PROJECTILES . 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 Co ., of the Shrubbery and Bradley Works , have undertaken to supply the < jroyeinnient r 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 wliich cannot be overrated should the war continue . —Birmingham Gazette .

    THE STOABt IN TBJS BLACK SEA . A correspondent of the Daily JVcws explaining that the hurricane was really of sonic good , tells us how the inhabitants of Scbustopol fared : — " The hurricane has done some good . Though JDord Raglan lias not yet thought proper to announce hid intention of wintering in the . Crimea , the men and officers understand now that ire must remain . They have at once commenced hutting ; and as wood is not to be had , they make huta of tho stones , larg « and small , that cover tUo plain of Sebaatopol .

    " Another good offect of tho galo is tho damage it did to our enemies . Deserters tell us that tho destruction in Sobnatopol is terrible . A great many public buildup were unroofed ; houses that had been fired by our aholls fell in and buried hundreds among tho rains . Sobnstopol , the desoxtors say , is a perfect hell , and tho sooner wo . get u * the bettor . \ V ~ o thank thorn for tho compliment , mid agree with thorn na to tho desirability of our getting In . But ) with a Kussian army in our rear aud threu positions to guard , tho tiling is easier , mud than done . Still it must be done , and it will be dono , ami tho reinforcements which aro now arriving will cnublo us to do it . "

    TUB AUSTIUANa 1 H THK PHIN 01 PALIT 1 E 8 . A ' ? opecial" correspondent of the Daily \' ew . i , In WtUlacWia , gives u painful account of tho atrocities committed by the Austrian army of occupation . Ho then describes the utnt « of reeling throughout the country in tho following manner ;—14 Theao are but a portion of tho outrages which thoao missionaries of peace havo committed within a sinwlo

    week . I have taken them at random from a mass , and have extenuated nothing and set nothing down in malice . I guarantee the authenticity of every single fact I have recounted . It ia 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 cne , 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 hei story , that she appealed greatly offended when I expressed my

    doubts regarding it . I have the 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 aiot 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 axe here to deliver them from the presence of the men who have teen poured upon the Principalities as if they wgjie 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 . TTlen 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 regime—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 Wallacbia complete liberty of 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 onl y result of the Russian retreat was jm Austrian occupation , Turkey , Franco , and England lost in one month an . amount of influence' which , without the presence of asingle soldier , -would have lasted here in the hearts of tlie people for many a year to come . It is of no use to employ against tlie Wallachians the arguments by whick tlie enemies of Russia justify the war w « ' are now

    carrying on against her ; it ia of no use to point out tlie danger of her becoming- dominant in the Mediterranean , of gaining such a footing in the veesf ' as would enable her to strike a fatal Wow at European liberty , and reduce every continental unborn" to the same level of brutality arid rascality as her own subjects . These aro dangers that may loom awfully in the future at Paris or London , but wliich hare ho terror for Wallachiuna . Tliey look , and pardonably—nay praisewdrthily— to their own immediate and pressing wants . If they are to be protected they prefer being protected by France and England , because these two powers -would linve no interest in driving them hither # nd thither , and in repressing in them every sentiment of independonce and nationality , and would , they know well , be glad to see

    their country grow and flourish , and acorn the yoke of either Sultan or Emperor . But if England and France withdraw from the matter , and leavo them to choose between Turkey , Russia , or Austria , the youth , and tho liberal and honest party amongst the old Loyarda , would declare for Turkey ; tho Greeks , tho religious or fanatical party amongst the Wallaclis , would declare for Runs in ; but one and all "would cry out against Austria as the very ' abomination of desolation . ' I am firmly persuaded that not a man ia DuchaTcsty except a German colonist , would have the hardihood to contradict what I now state ; and evon tlio Gorman colony is composed in the main of those whoso detestation of tho Austrian government is cordial and concentrated , but who , having also no liking for the Wallncliians , are rather gratified than otherwise to ecu them lorded over by their country men . "

    piSMAr iw SKiJAsroPor ... The Morning Clmwich correspondent snyB : — l * A Polish oJHcct gave hlmsolf up as n dosertox a few dayo since , and reports Hint tho Russians have hud 25 , 000 men placed hors da cotreiiat since the battle of Inkonnun , and that they cannot » mkc out why we hnvo not stormed tho town . It is said that n Russian doctor came over to tho French on tho muno day , and stated that they were in a sad tray from tho want of medical

    men , and that aomo of the wounded on tho f ) th had not oven then hud thoir woun < l .- > drowned . It in nlao reported that G on oral Ludorn , with a roinforcomoiit of 12 , 000 men , had arrived , I forgot to mention that tho Polo Haid that they novor could got the Russians to advance upon us agnin n » Uioy did on tho 5 th ; there i .-t no doubt that thoy woro half drunk , lilto aa thoy wore on their ilrnt attack on tho 20 th of October . An ollleur told mo that he Haw a Kuftsinn fall down on tho 6 th from ahoor drunkenness . "

    COMFOJKT IN THE FJtENCH VIEMY . A French naval officer , writing home , proves tbat soldiers' clothing is ordered very much better in France : — lt Never has an army been so wonderfully provided with everything it requires ; the soldiers enjoy abundance . Every one admits that a generous and attentive solicitude 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 extensive

    arrangements . Ten large English steamers have just been taken up for the exclusive purpose of bringing provisions of eveiy kind . It may fce seen that the Emperor does not hesitate at any sacrifice for the 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 our army 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 . "

    BUSSIAN LOSSES AT SEA . A communication from Waisaw affirms that Prince MensehikofT , in an unpublished portion of his despatch of the 14 th ult ., states that near Cnpe-Berdjanskaia ( on the north coast of the Sea of Azoff ) a hurricane had 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 tliat 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 ; some of th « piers were washed away , and the town was almost inundated .

    SIK \ DE LACY EVANS . Tlie following letter has been addressed to Lady Evans by the Duke of Newcastle : — " Powning-stieet , 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 Evans . " 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 , but remaining at his , side , aiding him with his advice , and assisting him as if he were his aide-de-camp . " God grant him a safe return in good time ! "I have the honour to be-, madam , , "Your very obedient servant , " Newcastle . '

    December 16,1854.] The Leader. 1185

    December 16 , 1854 . ] THE LEADER . 1185

    Incidents. Medals.—A Medal Will Be Promp...

    INCIDENTS . Medals . —A medal will be promptly issued to the troops serving in tlie Crimea . Tlie medal will be given to all those who hnve been in any part of the present campaign . A clasp will be added for the Alma and one for Inkerman . The regiments engnged arc to have on their colours and appointments the words " Crinien , " "Alma , " and " laikerman . " Something not Fair in Wau . —Some Scripture readers who went to Scutari to lead the Bible to the wounded soldiers , have been prohibited from continuing their visits because they have also distributed polemical tracts . Fair play for Protestants and Catholics ia insisted on . Englishmen ani > Amkiuoans in Kossia . —The following is to the Kditor of tho Times from " A lato Resident in llnssia . " : — " Sir , —Mr . I 3 iiird's ironfoundry is in full work again . Ho has contracted for five screw engines , four of 300 , and one of 400 liorse-jiowcr , and actually received a . ro . 3 OO-xn . ( f > 0 , OQOf . ) in advance , without depositing any guarantee—nn unuaunl thing with Goveminent contracts . The Americans ( the snmc who had so much to do with the Moscow Railway ) are building a great ninny gunboats ( screws ) , and Colonel Colt has boon , or is hero still , with his machinery to make revolvers . "

    l ' osiMaK-RTAMFfi fob . TUK Tnoora . ¦—Mr . Woed " hiv . n , of Alfretoi ) , Derbyshire , hearing that poatagestaiiips were difficult to obtain , has sent twenty shillings * worth to tlio commanding oftteera of fifty different regiments and divisions for distribution uinongat tho mon . Tin : Wah okttino womh T 5 a » tk « i . v . —An enroy from Kohan , and one trom Dost Moh tuned , have asked for nssistanco from tho British Government ngiiinst tho Huasians . Tlio All'ghnn chief has decided on nn Engliah in preference to a Rueso-Persiui * nllinuce .

    ClUUBT . MAH IN TUB CltlMBA . —TIlO 1 ( 1 ( 1 iG 9 of NOJTthullertoH nnd NewunstU ) , besides n Tory liberal supply of nanncl-tihfrtd and other ucceeaariea , hnvo contributed no leas than 40 nlum-nucldhigs .

• Citation
  • Leader (1850-1860), Dec. 16, 1854, page 9, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/cld_16121854/page/9/