TURKEY AND RUSSIA.

Lyttelton Times, Volume IV, Issue 180, 17 June 1854, Page 6

TURKEY AND RUSSIA.

(From the " Sydney Morning Herald." A treat}' is about to be concluded between France, England, and Turkey, by which the two powers engage to aid the Sultan in repelling the Russian invasion, and he binds himself not to make any treaty with Russia, unless with the concurrence of the two Powers. It is understood that, in addition to the two fleets in the Black Sea, France and England will send large bodies of troops u> the seat of war, for the defence of Turkey, and to assist in driving; the Russians beyond the Prutb. The combined force will amount to about 80,000 or 100,000 men, of which France will supply about two-thirds, while England makes up her deficiency in that department, by sending a powerful fleet to the Baltic, before the Russian vessels can make their escape from that inland sea. Tuiucey.—Letters from Bucharest of the 16th Feb., state that the preparations making by the Russians at Brailow and in the neighbourhood of Giurgev'o indicate their intention to cross the Danube on those points. On the 9th, 16 waggons laden with pontoons and the other materiel necessary for the operation, arrived, at a place called Smourcla, a little above the island of Mokau. Eight other waggous were employed in conveying ftimber.to another place situate four leagues^ further up, opposite the island of Batinow. The Russians are actively engaged on those two points in constructing the bridges necessary for the passage of the Danube, which they propose to effect about the 24th ultimo. 'Their intention is to begin by seizing on several Bulgarian villages along the right bank, where tliey hope to he well received by the ■ population. It is with the same view that the ganison of Braiiow has been reinforced by a regiment of infantry, and 24 pieces of cannon. General Salis arrived on the 10th at Braiiow. Prince Gortschakoff was also expected there to inspect the works of the ponlonniers opposite the point of Gitichtel, below Braiiow. On the.23rd ultimo, at six o'clock in the morning, the Rusi sum battery, at' the eastern extremity of the I island, between Ibraila and Matchiu, attacked

the Turkish battery, No. 1. The cannonade lasted five hours, and more than 700 shots were exchanged. The Turkish battery suffered a good deal ; the Russian, being protected to a certain extent, received little damage. By noon, upwards oH3O wounded Russians were carried to the hospitals of Ibraila.; the number of the killed is not known. The cannonade was to be resumed on the following day. Prince Gortschakoff, who arrived at Ibraila on the 21st, set out on the 23rd for Ismail, where a council was to be held. The concentration of the troops at Ibraila leaves no doubt of the intention of the Russians to cross the Danube. Russia.—The last accounts from St. Petersburg state that the Russian Government was indefatigable in its exertions to excite the fanaticism of the population. Every,day processions traversed the streets and exhibited to the people the relics of the saints of the Greek Calendar. The clergy everywhere urge the true believers to take arms for the defence of the orthodox faith. The Government, on its side, published bulletins containing accounts of victories supposed to have been gained by the Russians hi Asia. Those demonstrations dispirit both the merchants and upper classes. Odessa, 3rd March.—Vessels having already on board part of their cargo of grain, are not even allowed ■to complete it. The export of wool, hemp, tallow, and linseed, from the said ports will, to all appearance, not be prevented. Linseed has risen from R 24 to R 30. KKAjova, 6th March.—The Russian Blockade Corps will be divided into two lines at the .beginning of the mild season; the second line will occupy a camp, whilst the first will conserve the present positiou. It seems however, that instead of the expected assaults on Kalafat another plan of operation will be adopted, and that the Russians will content themselves for the present with the close blockade of Kalafat, in order to secure an attack against Widdin, which may take place at a further period, leaving Kalafat aside. Vienna, Bth March.—The Russians liave retired from their positions round Kalafat. St. Petebsburgh, 28th February.—Field Marshal Paskiewith is going to the Danube as Generallissimo. of all the troops on the European theatre of war, Prince GortschakofF conserves under the Field ; Marshal, his present rank.of Commander-in-chief in the principalities. General Yon Berg will take the command of the forces which are to be concentrated in Curlaud, Eslland, and Livonia. Malta.—The arrival of the French steamer from Coustantinople brings but little news. The snow was still too deep to admit of military operations. The squadron was lying at Beycos. " Furious had returned from her cruize to Varna, Odessa, and Sebastopol, hut only brought a confirmation of the report of the English and French ambassadors having left St. Petersbuigh. Varna., 25th February.—When the Courier left, the Russians were cannonading Boustchouk, but the Turks, owing to their favourable position, were able to return it effectually ; 400 Albanians had arrived, headed by a priest, (Prince di Meriditi) of the ancient family of Skandar Bey. This corps made a sortie with such impetuosity, that a Russian battalion was completely routed. • Berlin, Bth March.—The Prussian correspondent says, Prussia will conserve an expecting neutral position, calculated to maintain the peace in middle Europe, and to act afterwards in a conciliatory way on both sides.