DIGEST OF FOREIGN NEWS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume V, Issue 318, 17 November 1855, Page 6

DIGEST OF FOREIGN NEWS.

That the war is popilar in France may be inferred from the readiness with which the people come forward to subscribe their money to carry it on. Judged by this test—than which nothing, we presume, can be more decisive—the enthusiasm for a vigorous prosecution of the conflict with Russia is even stronger in France than in England. The Government of Louis Napoleon has been deceived in estimating the feeling ofthe people, for while it only asked for a loan of thirty millions sterling, nearly five times that amount has hesn offered. Not the least remarkable feature in the case is, that most of the persons thus tendering their money belong to the humbler classes of society. Looked at from this point of view, the present ruler of France is personally popular, and the people have confidence in hi. policy. On this side of the channel, heavy as the war taxes are, scarcely a murmur of dissent is heard. The mass of the community pay them willingly, because their hearts are in the conflict; hut" ihe enthusiasm which exists amongst our neighbours for supporting the war at the expense of their treasure is greater than anything which we witness amongst ourselves. But this state of the national feeling, so genuine and earnest, must not be trifled with. Popular dissatisfaction with us would amount to nothing more serious than a change of ministry. In the case of our volatile neighbours, the result would be what wh shrink from picturing. The French Emperor can scan his countrymen, aud he knows them too well to willingly wound their national vanity. Austria is fidgetty. The game which she has played in breaking virtually with the Western Powers, is producing its natuivl results. Her Italian Provinces show such symptoms of taking advantage of circumstances, "that the Lombard do-Veneto troops have been largely swelled in numbeis. It is asserted ou apparently unimpeachable authority, that at least 100,000 troops arc now stationed in this portion of her dominions. Au<tria now rules her outlaying provinces in the spirit of a stepmother, and the result, is, that when the political horizon begins to darken, she has to rely on brute force, because patriotism is unknown. Retributive justice is the tyraut's punishment. The news from the Crimea is unimportant. Rumours prevail that General Simpson is dissatisfied with his position, and wishes to escape

from it. Whether ho has actually resigned or not is only mutter,of conjecture, but it is rather singular that ihe late detailed accounts from the seat of war confirm the statements respecting his temporary occupation of the first position. In'his last despatch, General Simpson gives a dry account of the measures which are progressingjfor another assauli, —very correct, no doubt, but} little calculated to inspire people at home, after repeated disappointments, with a high opinion of the military genius which rules in the British camp. Preparations on a large scale are miking for another winter in the Crimea, and this alone is not calculated to inspire confidence. The war iv Asia exhibits the Russians in a position infinitely superior to the Turks, and Omar Pacha has been to Constantinople for the purpose, it is surmised, of arranging matters, so as to strike a blow iv that quarter. The alUed commanders iv the Crimea are said to have forwarded to the Porte a statement, the object of which is to counteract the Russian movement on Kars. According to this version, 38,000 men are to be concentrated at Batoum and Churuksu, for the purpose of operating against the troops of the Czar, in case Mustapha Pacha should have to retire before the forces .if the Russians opposed to him at Kalessi. Between Mustapha Pacha and Omar Pacha, an old feud exists, which is not a very encouraging sign of success. The time which would be lost before such a body of men could be transported, would render operations in the field virtually impracticable during the present campaign. It is gratifying to know that the statement which has oeen current, to the effect that the Bishi-Bazouks had murdered General Beatsou, is untrue. Lord Paumure has officially contradicted it.

Rumours have prevailed during the last few days to the effect that the Russian ascendancy over Austria, iv consequence of the recent misunderstanding of that power with France and England, had become so great that we may look for a speedy alliance between Russia and the two great Germanic States. The assumption of this triple alliance against the Western Powers appears to be based on no better authority than some wheedling expressions whi.h are found iv Count Nesselrode's letter to Count Bind, at the close of the Vienna Conference, and on certain alleged conversations .between the Dowager Empress of Russia and the mother of the present Emperor of Austria which may or may not hare taken place. Considering the consummate skill which Count Buol displayed during the whole of the negociations in the Austrian capital and the ease with which he twisted Lord John Russell round his finger, he must be infinitely less shrewd than we believe him to be, if such miserable sophistry as that iv which the Russian chancellor indulges can influence him, —reasoning which clearly shows that Russia is at the present moment putting forth precisely the same argument for interference in the internal affairs of Turkey, namely, to protect the Christian subjects of the Porte,—as that which was advanced by the late Czar, and which led iv reality to the war. Still, the bland praises in whioh Count Ncsselrode speaks of Austria, however chargeable with hypocrisy on this head, are no doubt sincere on another," —namely, the valuable aid which she has given to the court of Si. Petersburg.! by the release of the army of observation.

The Russians have attempted anothar defence of the massacre at Mango, but at tbe sacrifice of much truth, and the old story is repeated that the English navy, under cover of flags of truce, has pursued warlike operations, without, however, specifying instances. Vague generalities of this kind are the strongest indications of conscious guilt. A British officer capable of such conduct could expect to receive no countenanc from his superiors, and would certainly be dis missed by the home authorities. In 'all such cases, defeat, and even death, is preferable to dishonor. Not the least interesting feature of the last few days is the intelligence from Siam, which states that Sir John Bowring has concluded a commercial treaty with his Siamese Majesty, who is described as a most learned personage, well v«»rsed in the English and Latin languages, and, what is still better, has a thorough appreciation of the blessings which flow from comineice.— Weekly Age. The Foiikion Lrgion.—-The Paris " Union" says:—"The recruiting officers for the English foreign legion have found favour in the sight of several young men at Metis and the environs,

and also, it is said, in German Lorraine. On Saturday a first detachment of 80 recruits left for its destination by the evening train." Advices from St. Petersburg state that steam boat excursions take place on Sundays and Thursdays to PeterhofF and Cronstadt, to give the passengers an opportunity of witnessing the defence of that fortress, as also to behold the allied fleets in the neighbourhood.

Apartmeuts are being arranged at St. Cloud for the reception of her Majesty and Prince Albert, who are expected in Paris early in August. The chateau will form a delightful residence for her Majesty. The interior is very beautifully furnished, and rich in Gobelin tapestry, Sevres china, and other elegancies, which the Queen is known to appreciate so highly. The pare de St. Cloud will afford an agreeable promenade for the royal visitors, and the chateau being so near Paris insures every convenience to be desired. Her Majesty will certainly meet with a hearty reception.— Home News. A New Long Range.—Major Jacob of the Bombay artillery, the well known commandant of tbe Sciude irregular horse, has brought to perfection some remarkable improvements iv firearms, and has made public the results of his experiments. One missile, which he calls the percus-ion rifle shell, is the most formidable ever invented by man. The shape of the ball is such that its velocity, after a flight of I*2oo yards, is but very little reduced, and Major Jacob declares, that judging from the practice at Jacobadad, " two riflemen so armed could, in ten minutes, annihilate the best field battery of artillery now existing." The experiments on rifled cannon are not less remarkable, and those who treated Captain Warner's long range "f three or four miles with ridicule, will be suiprised to read the following declaration from Major Jacob, who says, " Judging from experiments made, as an old artillery officer, as well as a rifleman, and practical mechanic, I am deliberately of opinion, that a four grooved rifled iron gun, of a bore 4 inches in diameter, weighing not less than twenty-four hundredweight, could be made to throw shot to a distance of ten miles and more, with force and accuracy.'' Taking the distance even at one half, or five miles, this is a range far beyond what is now attained. When we consider that Major Jacob's experiments la c been carried on at his own expense, during a period of 30 years, and that he is a man of scientific knowledge and mechanical ingenuity, as well as a zealous and patriotic soldier, we wonder that his proposed improvements in rifle practice have not at once commanded the attention of the Government. He says that 50,000 English soldiers trained and armed according to bis plan, would be a match for the world in arms, and that " the army which first adopts these weapons would thereby obtain an advantage equal to that of the exclusive possession of fire-arms a century ago." It is to he regretted that Major Jacob has published his statements on rifle practice. The Russian authorities are sure to take advantage of the valuable information here afforded, and to follow if not improve upon the detailed directions for manufacturing the weapons. Our own Government might yet have the start of the other, but under the present system there is every likelihood of Major Jacob's proposal being neglected. The Master-General of the Ordnance, who ought, to aiteud to such matters, is in the Crimea, and Lords Pan inure and Hardinge are not likely to receive suggestions made by a *' Sopoy officer." Army Works Corps.—A new body of men under this title is about to take its departure for i tbe seat of war. The organisation of this specia battalion is of a very notable character. It is t >be 1,000 strong, its bulk consisting of 800 " aavvies," formed in " gangs" of 25 each, to which are added as accessories, smiths and carpenters, to the number of 70, and general artificers, such as shoemakers, hainessmakers, tailors, barbers, &c, to the number of 65. The colonel of this industrious regiment will be a civil engineer; majors will be represented by " superintendents," and clerks, foremen, gangers, &c, are to figure in tbe place of captains, lieutenants, and ensign. The duties of the Army Works Corps will comprise the construction of siege or field works, roads, bridges, huts, and so forth ; besides which they will aid in the preparation of places for encampments, in sinking wells, in executing works of drainage, iv repairing damages done to materials, and generally •n relieving the fighting portion of the army f rom the extraordinary duties arising out [oi an

active campaign. That a corps like this, representing in a manner the excellence of civil enterprise as opposed to the traditions of military routine, should he admirably fitted out is no more than we might expect, and it is slated accordingly that the tents, carts, and equipages of tbe battalion are all models in their way. Canadian Riflemkn Bound for the Crimea.—The train from Suspension Bridge, which arrived at New York late on Monday night, brought a company of Canadian volunteer riflemen, armed and equipped, bound for the Crimea. They left yesterday morning, via Western Railroad, for Boston, where they wiiUo-day ship on board a packet for Constantinople. The company numbers some 60 membeis—young athletic, hardy sons of Canada—who state that " they will not come back until they lick the Russians."