LATEST EUROPEAN NEWS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume V, Issue 239, 14 February 1855, Page 3

LATEST EUROPEAN NEWS.

PROGRESS OF THE SIEGE OF SEBASTOPOL. Alexandria, 17th October, 1854. To-day we have news from Constantinople— the allies had offered the Russians bit tile at Becbec (on the Crimea), which had been refused, and the Russians had taken refuge within the walls of Sebastopol. The artillery of the Allies was in position to commence the bombardment of Sebastopol, but had given forty-eight hours for a reply to the, summons to surrender the place. [t was reported that Sebastopol has been captured—but our Malta letter of October 14th says the place was to be attacked on October 4th or 5 th.

Vienna, Wednesday evening, Oct. 11. Intelligence lias been received from Varna of the sth . On tiie 2nd of October- Sebastopol was completely invested on the south, and the aqueduct was in the hands of the Allies. It was understood that the bombardment of the forts was to commence immediately, and to be continued till the Bth, on which day it was Siticl that an assault would be made. The Russians have formed sand batteries and armed them with ships' guns, but the range of the Allies' artillery is greater than that of the enemy. The Prince of Prussia is expected here. Some very sharp English and French notes are said to have reached Berlin a few days since. According to the Presse and Oesterreichiscke Correspondonz, Lord Raglan has taken the supreme command of the allied armies. All the reserves have left Varna for,the Crimea, and two French regiments and one English are to leave the Piraeus for the same destination. Fresh English troops were to be sent from Malta to Athens. Schamyl is said to have been defeated by Prince Andronikoff, who again threatens Kars.

Berlin, Wednesday morning, Oct. 11. Part of Admiral Plumridge's squadron joined Admiral Descheues in Kiel harbour on the 7th.

Constantinople, stb Oct. Fifty heavy guns, 650 sailors, and 2000 marines have been landed from the fleet at Balaklava. The English army is close to Sebastopol, which is invested on the south ;and the batteries of heavy guns have been constructed. The enemy is working at his fortifications night and day.

Paris, Thursday morning, 12th Oct. The Moriiteur states, that according to despatches from Constantinople of the sth, the aqueduct, on which Sebastopol almost entirely depends for its supply of water, was in the hands of the allies. It was asserted that the Russians were prepaying to sink the remaining vessels of their fleet, and it was generally expected that Sebastopol must fall in a few days. An Imperial decree orders that the funeral of Marshal St. Arnaud shall take place at the public expense. The ceremony will takfi place at the Invalides, and his remains will be deposited in the vaults of that church.

Paris, Friday. A private telegraphic despatch from Vienna of the 12th announces that, according to a despatch from Lord Raglan of the 6th, the siege works of the allies were sufficiently advanced to admit of their opening their fire in a few days. The aqueducts were cut off. A. telegraphic despatch from Madrid of the 10th states.that th« elections were proceeding quietly, and with advantage to'the Progressistas. According to accounts from Datilzig of the Bth October, at six o'clock the night before the mail steamer Bullring, expected since Thursday morning, arrived in the roads. She had towed a Prussian brig, the Alma, all the way from Bevel, and had been further detained by westerly gales. The Bulldog reports that the greater portion of ihc fleet (all steamers) under the orders of Sir C. Napier and Admiral Martin were at " anchor near llevel. A part was cruising in the Gulf of Bothnia, and a number of ships were to sail to Lcclsund. No attack had been made, hut the ships of the

fleet on their way to England were under orders to wait at Kiel, &c, for further instructions. The Bulldog left again, after a few hours' stay, with the outward mail. The Wab—iPmvY Council.—Their Excellencies the Lord Justices, the Chancellor and the Lieutennnt-Governor commanding, held a Privy Council yesterday, at which an order was agreed to for raising and enrolling the Irish militia. It is still apprehended there will be considerable difficulty in procuring the requisite number of able-bodied men in the bulk of the agricultural districts. In the large towns, however, there is, perhaps, a sufficiency of unemployed hands to supply the vacancies in such regiments as may fall 6hort of their required complement. The floating batteries, said to he ordered to he built as strong as wood and iron can make them by private ship builders, are to be equivalent to vessels of 1300 tous, and to have plates of iron on them four inches thick. The decks are to he eight inches thick. Exaggerated reports are prevalent with regard to the losses that will fall on London from insurance claims in connexion with the fire at Memel. Some Tandom estimates have put them at £700,000. It is believed, however, that about £30,000 is the limit of the policies open at our fire offices, and, even as regards that amount, it is not certain that the goods so covered are among those which have been destroyed. Lloyds and the Marine Insurance offices have something at stake, as they have granted policies on goods, taking all risks, from St. Petersburg to England ; but reckoning these, it is probable the whole amount to be met here will not at the utmost exceed £150,000.