EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCE. [From the Straits Times, August 15.]

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IX, Issue 853, 5 October 1853, Page 4

EUROPEAN INTELLIGENCE. [From the Straits Times, August 15.]

. The newt which has reached a« from the Levant, and which x>ur readers will find in the following translation* from the Oourrier de Constantinople, is of pressing interest, and must lead to anxious • peculation and conjecture. Russia has placed herself in an advanced position, from which it wilt be difficult for her . to retire. Against her taking another step forward or proceeding to actual aggression, both justice and the strong position occupied by France and England are opposed. The Russian Government must be -aware that it is not in its power to defy, even for a short time, the whole of the Test of Europe. Sut in this there is unfortunately no sufficient security for peace. The Emperor of Russia is described as having become of late more than ever -arbitrary, self-willed, and unamenable to reason. The uncontrolled use o( power not uncommonly leads to its abuses whatever the consequences, ■and utterly regardless of these, be may have determined upon recklessly throwing the gauntlet, and bidding with one mighty effort for the prize he has so long aimed at, in the possession of Constantinople. England and France cannot do less than watch events most closely : —

The Eastern Question. After two months attire diplomatic conference •the £a«tern question appears likely to result in hostilities between Russia and the Ottoman Empire. Hitherto we have considered such a result improbable. The long agitated question of the 'Holy Places, which is at the root of all the Eastern questions, past and present, — tbe apple of discord between all Christian denominations, and thejpretext, rather than the cause, of the difficulties, embarrassments, and political difficulties of the East, — the question concerning the Holy Places, we repeat, had, last week, been settled to tbe entire satisfaction of all the parties concerned. The Ottoman Government took this opportunity of manifestibg the scrupulously religious care -with which it watches over liberty of conscience, and the truly paternal solicitude with which it protects its subjects in the exercise of their religions worship. It was the general opinion here, and not without reason, that all difficulties had been completely removed, and that the problem had been solved in suoh a manner as to give universal satisfaction. In the opinion of the whole world, 'the mist, which had overspread the political horizon, was on the point of being dispersed : and the affairs, which bad for several months filled ■the Levant with alarm and apprehension, were -scarcely definitely eettled, when Prince MenschU ;koff, Ambassador Extraordinary of the Czar of Russia, demanded for his august master, the Emperor Nicholas, under the form of an ultimatum, the Protectorate of tbe Greeks, subject to the 'Ottoman Empire. Time does not permit us, at present, to unfold th» reasons, which render it impossible that such ■a demand should be acceded to. We will merely say, that, by consenting to this proposal, the Sultan would 'be resigning 4nto the hands of tbe -Czar a portion of his legitimate authority, he would be creating a State within a State ; he would be introducing into tbe Empire an element of dissolution, and finally, he would be ■opeuing a door to anarchy. Now it is obvious that this would be to detract from the respect due to the Imperial dignity : it would be to infringe the diarter of Gul-Hane, which guarantees to all Ottoman subjects, without distinction of creed, liberty of conscience, life, property, fortune, and honour 4 and it would be a great breach of tbe treaty of 1640, which was signed by the five great powers, and which bad in view tbe independence and integrity of tbe Turkish Empire. What most surprises us is, that tbe Russian Ambassador seems not to per- , ceive, that if his demands were in any point based on justice, there was no chance of their being acceded to, from the day on which Rescind Pacha was restored to power. Is not Reschid Pacha, for tbe Ottoman Empire, as for the whole of Eu- i rope, the very man whom bis augist sovereign seeks as a guide, under difficult circumstances ? ' Is he not the promoter of the Ottoman charter, the instigator of the treaty of 1840, the faithful ally, and at the same time, without reserve, the most sincere partisan of progress, the very, centre of national reconciliation, tbe Richelieu of Ottoman nationality ? Prince Menscuikoff demanded protection for persons already under protection, aud too happy in their present condition to entertain any desire •f change. This demand could not he •therwise than rejected by tht Government of his Imperial Majesty. Six successive Cabinet Councils were held at the Porte to consider this subject, and in order that tbe answer to the ultimatum of the Russian Ambassador should not be deficient in that importance, which so grave a question merited, it was carefully weighed and commented upon, and with tbat imposing solemnity, which is required in moments of extreme, peril to the State; during the sessions of the last two councils all the great functionaries of tbe Ottoman Empire, both in active service and retired, were summoned and were present to take part in the debate. The rejection of the demand of Russia was unanimous on the part of this council, which may not improperly be called the National Assembly. In consequence of this decision, which was communicated on the 18th inst., the Russian Ambassador Extraordinary, without awaiting the expiration of the delay of five days, at the end of which an answer was expected from the Ottoman Government, transmitted to tbe Council,' on the afternoon of the time day, 1 final note, an-

nouncing the suspension of political relations between the two States. In this note, the Russian Prince slates, that be considers bis mission terminated, that he is about to quit Constantinople, and in virtue of the full powers •ntrusted to him, that he will take with him all the personal effects of the Russian Embassy, which, says he, "I van no longer leave in this place, without detracting from the dignity of the Emperor, and exposing him tofurthor insults" The Ambassador has nevertheless left tbt Director of the Chancery in order to protect navigation and the interests of the Russian merchants. At .the same tiaae be has notified, that iftht slightest atttropt be made against the present state of the privileges accorded to the Orthodox Church, such attempt will be considered by the Emperor as contrary to the spirit and the letter of existing stipulations, and will compel the Emperor to enforce his claims, by having recourse to arms. Finally, that the distrust which the Sublime Porte appears, by its notes, to hate of the ideas ot the Emperor, who only demanded an ostensible proof of good will on the part of the Sultan towards the religious convictions of the • Emperor, towards the creed which he professes, and of which be is the natural defender, has been the caute of a misunderstanding between the two \ Empires, the i espoosibility of which he felt in duty bound to cast upouthe Ottoman Cabinet. On the reception of the note of Prince Menscbikoff, the Porte referred the matter through a diplomatic channel to France, England, Austria, and Prussia, which powers, together with Russia, signed the treaty of 1840. The next day a Cabinet council was held at the Imperial Palace of Tcheragan, in the presence of H. M. the Sultan. The Council sat for several hours. On the same day M. deLacour, the Ambassador of France and Lord Stratford de Redcliffe, Ambassador of England, had an audience successively with Mustapha Pacba, the Grand Vizier, at his residence at Balta-liman : the conferences with these dignitaries were prolonged for some time. The suspension of diplomatic relations announced between Russia and the Ottoman Empire has already been put into execution. The day after the despatch of the vote, the I2tb, Prince Menscbikoff quilled Constantinople with bis suite. The other persons connected with the Russian Embassy will take their departure, it is said, tomorrow, (26ih). On the 21st and 22nd, during the nigbt doubtless by the orders of the Ambassador, the imperial armorial bearings of Russia were removed from the front of the palace ; this occasioned considerable curiosity amongst the crowd which was quietly walking to and fro before the palace. Be it as it may, the Russian note and tbe Ottoman reply, have given me to facts of an instructive nature -connected vriia the question pending. Tbe Mussulmans feeliog their dignity hurt have offered large sums of money to defray the expenses of the war, each one giving according to his means. Tbe Ottoman Greeks openly disavow all that Priuce Menschikoff has said and done for them. The Ottoman Christians apparently sympathise entirely with the Government of Sultan Abdul Medjid. A deputation of French has waited on the Sublime Porte to offer to form a Foreign legion. And there can be no doubt that tbe Ottoman Empire may reckon upon tbe efficacious and devoted'services, in rase of need, of the Europeans of all nations who live happily and securely under the shadow of its laws ; we do not iv the least hesitate to say so. In a word, if on one side, affairs appear to indicate feebleness, on tbe other enthusiasm is ac- , live for tbe cause of justice and equity. It is truly a glorious spectacle. It is not easy to say what direction public opinion has taken at the news of a solution which the world was far from anticipating. The exchange at Galata has been considerably affected by this movement, and commerce will be very much influenced. Is it likely that war will be tbe consequence of the Note ? Well ; in ipite of all appearances, we think not. We indulge a hope that the Emperor of Russia will deliberate maturely before be gives his sanction to the acts of Prince Menschikoff. The political atmosphere is pregnant with 6torms ; to commence war is to open an abyss, to endanger the peace of the whole world. Immense is the responsibility of beginning a conflict which nothing can sufficiently justify, and which will assuredly be attended with inconceivable disasters.

Warlike P&eparations. Abbas Pacha of Egypt has placeJ at the disposition of the Sublime Porte 35,000 troops, commanded by Soliman Pacha (Colonel Sevres). Also various ships of the line, two frigates, four corvettes, two steam frigates, one of 850, and the other of 420 horse p«wer, besides a steam corvette of 300. This spontaneous act has proved agreeable to the .Turks, and sufficiently demonstrates the tpirit of the Mussulmans. A force of 200,000 Albanians have also been placed at the disposal of the P^rte by the Governor of Ilerzegovine. Rendev-han Bey has also offered to organise a considerable body of troops. The land aud sea forces of the Ottoman Empire are as follows; — Aumy. Regular troops (active) . . . 136,680 „ (reserve) . « . 138,680 Irregular troops 61,500 Auxiliary contingents. . . . 110,000 446,860 '- • Navy. r Q sbipi of the line of from 74 to 90 guns, and from 600 to 900 men. 11 frigates of from 52 to 64 guns, and from 350 to 500 men. I 12 corvettes of from 18 to 28 guns, and from 150 to 260 men. 4 brigs of from 12 to 18 guns, aad from 100 to 150 men. ; 14 schooners, cutters, &,c. I 6 steam frigates of from 450 to 800 horsepower. 8 steam corvettes and smaller vessels. THE HOLY PLACES. i This question is definitively settled. The Otto-

man Government has undertaken to defray the j expences of such repairs as may be deemed necessary for the dome of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which arrangement has been notified to the Representatives of the Foreign Powers. As regards the repairs the ministers of the different Christian worshippers have this week been called by the Porte to a consultation, — a new proof of the interest taken by the Sultan in his subjects of whatever creed. The Porte has also accorded to Prince Meuschikoff permission to build a Russian church ai»d hospital at Jerusalem, promising at the same lime, that Russian pilgrims shall enjoy the like privileges as those of the most favoured nations. By the P. & O. Co/s steamers Haddington, we have received advices from Constantinople three days later than by the last mail ; but nothing further of importance has transpired.— Malta Mail, June 8.

/DEPARTURE OF VICE-ADMIRAL DUNDAS AND THE SQUADRON. Oil the afternoon of the 7lb instant, H.M. steamer Caradoc, wbose arrival from Marseilles had been anxiously expected for some days previously, was telegraphed, and shortly alter she entered port. | All was immediately in a state of activity — officers of every rank hastening to convey orders and messages according to their instructions, and ere long the anticipated signal was maJe, " Fleet prepare for sea." No time was lost, and by 10 o'clock, every steamer bad its steam up, and the Arethusa frigate was taken in tow by the Tiger aud got out. In the mean time the wind which was fair, blew with some violence into the harbour, and it was impossible in the darkness of the night to incur the risk of towing out the ships — and blue lights and night signals were burned and made till a late hour. i On the following morning at 6 o'clock, the Caradoc, which had been employed in coaling during the night, got under weigh for the Levant the bearer of important despatches for Lord Stratford de Redchffe, and before she was well ou* of the harbour the ships were all ready for sea. At S o'clock all had left their moorings at the lime and in the manner following :—: — 6$ a.m. Albion towed by Sampson. „ „ Vengeance „ Retribution. 6} „ Rodney „ 7 „ Bellerophon „ Fury. 7i „ Britannia (Sag),, Tiger. 8 „ Trafalgar „ Inflexible. and before 11 o'clock every vessel, all which had shaped their course for the Levant, was out j of sight from the signal tower. In their endeavour to get out the evening previous, the Britannia had carried away her flying jib boom, which was the only accident' — the Tiger however in going out had got her screw fowl of some fishing nets, and was obliged to put j back — having cleared herself, she put to sea i again in the afternoon. The departure of the fleet has created a j sensation almost indescribable, although the events in the East had led to the conclusion that such an event was unavoidable. The Admiral carried with him a moderate breeze from the "VV.N.W. which was quite fair. As'the fleet was going out, a signal was made that a steam frigate was in sight from the N.W. She shortly reached port, and proved to be the Firebrand, Captain Hyde Parker, from Lisbon. This last-named vessel was, we believe, to remain in port to convey any despatches to Admiral Dundas, that may reach him from Marseilles, but she left port for the eastward yesterday. Adairal Corry'9 squadron is also looked for from day to day at Lisbon. On Sunday last, Rear Admiral Houston Stewart a- lived in Malta by the French steamer, Mentor, from Marseilles, and shortly after hoisted his flag on beard the Niger, steam frigate, and received the salute due to his rank. Admiral Stewart relieves Rear Admiral Harvey, as Superintendent of the Malta Dockyard, and at present occupies a part of the palace of His Excellency the Governor, who is living at his country residence. — Malta Mail, June 13. News from the capital by the French steamer has reached us to the 13tb, and from Smyrna as ldte as the 17th June. On the 9th a special envoy from Odessa reached Constantinople, bearing despatches from Count Nesselrode to His Highness Reschid Pasha, containing a modified ultimatum. Mr. Bolabine, First Secretary to the late Embassy, was the bearer, and he has instructions to remain until j Friday next, for a final answer, then return to Odessa, where the Prince Menschikoff also awaits his return. On the arrival of the envoy he summoned Signor Argyropoulos, Ist dragoman of tha Embassy, and actually in charge of the commercial interests, to whom he intrusted them for di-livery to Reschid Pasha. On the following day, a grand Council assembled, over which the Sultan himself presided, at which the determination was come to to reject the demands of the Czar. Mr. Bolabine will leave on the 17th with the reply, and in a week, the exciting question wi]l be solved, will there be a war or not ? In the despatch of Coaot Nesselrode the modus agexdi of Prince Menschkoff has met the full approval of the Emperor, and its purport seems to be to endeavour to persuade the Porte to place itself under the protection of Russia ! Failing a favourable reply, against the reasonable expectations of the Czar " the Russian army will pass the Frontier, and invade the Danubian provinces, of which act the Sultan will be made to incur all the responsibility." In the meantime Russia is making vast preparations -to carry on her threats. A vast army is collected inthe environs ot Galatz, and the transport both of guns and ammunition actively pursued from Odessa. The arrival of the English fleet at the Bay of Besika, and its perfect accord with the French (also arrived) has inspired Turkey with the fullest confidence. Between the officers of the two fleets the greatest harmony prevails, and on the anniversary of the Queen's accession, the French AdLa Susse will be entertained by Vice Admiral Dundas. So great is the enthusiasm of the Turks to engage Russia that more volunteers pour in than can be employed, and many have been sent back to look after the harvest, which would otherwise be lost.

70,000 troops are concentrated on the Danube to meet any attack of the Russians ; they are highly disciplined and full of enthusiasm. The Council is in full activity, and both the English and French ambassadors are daily in conference both with the Sultan aud bis Divan. A Russian squadron is reported by two merchant vessels to be at a short distance from the Bosphorus, although it exhibits no intention to enter ; it is composed of 7 line-of-battle ships and a frigate. Private letters, and among a great deal of Ipth much of the Munchausen prevails, assert confidentially the Russian plan of operations : the invasion of Moldavia will be attempted by thiowing a brilge over the Pruth, at Husch and the Faltschi, whilst the Cossacks will overrun the country, throwing bridges over various parts of Isakitscha, opposite to Karral, as was done in 1828, when in the war against the Porte Silistria was invaded. The Caradoc and Chaptal have both arrived with despatches to the English and French ambassadors I—the1 — the former has returned to the fleet, for despatches, whilst the Niger has been despatched to the Bosphorus. The ships are all ready for action. All the furniture is struct below, officers having their carpet bags aud hammocks alone in their foimer cabins. Numerical force of the united French and

Gomer (razee) 60 guns, with the flag of Rear Admiral Destosses, Las left Symnia to join ibe fleet at Besika Bay. Armed aud ready for sea : Friedland, 120, Jena, 90. Preparing : — Dugueslin ; Austerlitz : Duperre ; Marengo ; Jean Bart.

SMYRNA. The Gomcr, frigate, bearing the flag of R<ar Admiral Deslosses, has received orders to pioceed to Bet.ika Bay. This province will supply 2.5,000 militia: a Turkish hteam frigate arrived here this morning (17th) and will embark 3000 during the day. The troops are in the highest tpiiils. The emplojes of the Consulate here have, it is said, orders to accompany the Consul to Odessa, and the Chancellerie will be left for commercial interests, in charge of a dragoman. The Russian Heel in the Blark Sea, under the command of Vice Admiral Berg, consists of 18 line-of-bdule ships, 14 only of which are fined out ; out of ttie&e six are Vessels of 120, and ei^hi of 81 guns. They have besides eight frigdtes, corvettes, bri^s., Sec. None of these vessels are propelled by ste<mi, there being only two or three small steamers for carrying despatches. The Russian army consisis of 72 regiments of infantry, divided into 32 battalions, and 24 regiments of cavalry of 192 squadrons; the artillery consists of six corps and 690 guns. The total number of the active army is 290,000, without counting the reserve. The reserve is composeJ of 6 divisions of infantry, and 6 brigades of cavalry, and forms a force of 80,000 men, without counting the Cossacks. Vice Admiral Dundas, after a beautiful run of five days only from Malta, anchored in the Bay of Besika on the 13th inst., and was joined by Vice Adruiial La Susse on the following day. Both fleets are lying in order of battle, double shotted and a steamer ahead, and ready lor anything that may happen. The French ships have excited the admiration of the English officers, from their admirable state of discipline, — Malta Times. In an interesting supplement published by a local paper, the Portafoglio, his correspondent, speaking of the all-absorbing question, says: — Ahmed Pasha is named commauder-in-chief of the Ottoman troops, to be concentrated on the Ottoman frontier of the Danubian provinces. Col. Feihbey is appointed to the Staff of Field Marshal, Abdi Pasha, commander-in-chief of the army of Auatolia, and will be stationed at Trebizonde. General Mehmet Bey, on a special mission from the Bay of Tunis, has arrived witb an offer of money and troops from Tunis, to the Sultan. The Danube, above Sulina, is rendered unnavigable, on account of several old boats, laden with stones, being sunk, so as to impede the communication between Turkey and via Vienna. By this infamous procedure, he adds, more than 300 sail, laden with wheat, are unable to make sail. This news reached by the Austrian steamer Schild,, arrived on the 9tli, without mails or passengers. — Malta Mail. '' Since our last issue no news haa been received tending to throw light on this all-absorb-ing subject, the intelligence brought by the steamers Eurotat and Wasp being only one day later than that previously received. " Are we likely to have war or not ?" is the universal enquiry, to which none can venture to reply with any feeling of certainty. Yet a few days, and our curiosity will be gratified. Russia and Turkey will either be engaged in deadly conflict,' or the banner of peace will continue to wave over them as heretofore. War is certainly not to be desired, but it is difficult to say how it can be avoided, if the Emperor of Russia persists

in his unreasonable demands. Concession on the part of Turkey is not possible for a tingle instant. No alternative remains if the Czar determines to pnsb bis pretended claims; the* Crescent must once more be opposed to the Cross, tbe followers of Islam once more wield' tbeir scimiters against those whom, on religious grounds they hare heen taught to consider their enemies from infancy. Setting aside al) con--siderations of creed, and looking upon the mat* ter merely in a political point of view, our sympathies are naturally enlisted in favour of Turkey, and the demands of the court of Russiawe look upon a* solely a pretext to engage Turkey in hostilities against her will. It ishowever possible thai the matter may be settled, as we said last week, through the friendly intervention of other powers.. How will it be? We* pause for a reply. Meanwhile it nroy not be" uninteresting to our readers to know the con--tents of the modified ultimatum, on tbe accep--tance or rejection of which by Turkey, the wholeaffairs depends. We have accordingly subjoined"' a copy of the same. The communication addressed to His Excellency Reschid Pacha, and ' dated St. Petersburg I9th (31st) May, 1853,. is as follows :—: — "My august sovereign, the Emperor, has been* informed that his ambassador has been obliged to quit Constantinople in consequence of the peremptory refusal of the Porte to take sucb measures with regard to the Court of Russia as will be expressive of the intention of the Ottoman Government to protect tbe interests- and the worship of the churches of the East. It hasnot been until after a fruitless sojourn of three months ; after having reiterated in vain both, verbally and by letter all that virtue, benevolence, and the spirit of reconciliation dictated to him ; after having endeavoured to remove all the ill-founded scruples and wrong impressionsof the Porte by means of the successive mollifications to which he consented in the termsand in form of the guarantees which he wascommissioned to demand, that Prince Menschikoff has been obliged to take a step which the Emperor sincerely regrets but of which he cannot for a moment disapprove. Your Excellency cannot fail to foresee tbe consequences of the interruption of our friendly relations with the government of His Highness ; you are too much attached to the real and permanent interests of Your Sovereign and his Empire, not to feel deeply grieved at the prospect of the events which may occur, the whole responsibility of which must entirely rest upon those who provoke them. My only object, therefore, in addressing this note to your Excellency, is to furnish you with an opportunity, whilst such a thing is possible, to tender your Sovereign a most important service. Represent once more before His Imperial Highness the real state of things, the moderation, the justice of Russia, the grave offence which he has committed against the Emperor by opposing his friendly and generous intentions by manifesting uncalled-for diffidence and returning an inexcusable refusal. The dignity of His Majesty, the interests of his empire, the voice of conscience, do not permit him to agree to similar proceedings in return for that you have had, and still desire to have for Turkey. You ought to en.leavour to obtain reparation, and prevent their recurrence for the future- In a few weeks the troops will receive orders to cross the frontier*, not to wayp war with the Sultan, for it would be repugna t to the feelings of His Imperial Mnje&ty thus to act towards a sovoreign whom he has always pleased to consider a sincere ally and a we lintentioued neighbour, tut with a view to posse- s sufficient guarantee that the Ottoman Government will, when its views are more in conform) y with those of Russia, funm.li such assuranc s as His Majesty has for the past mo years be n unable to obtain through his representatives in Constantinople and latterly through his ambassador. The note which Prince Menschikoff penned before his departure, and which wa* delivered to you, is still in your possession. Lrt me request Your Excellency to sign that note with the consent of His Highness the Sultan without making any alterations in it, and to transmit it at the fart est within eight days to our ambassador who is at present in Odessa. I desire nothing more than that the counsel which I address to Your Excellency, under a sense of your wisdom and patriotism, may be appreciated both by yourself and your colleagues of the Divan, and that for the sake of peace, which we ought all to love and preserve, it may be adopted without hesitation or delay. — Nesselrode. We need scarcely offer a remark on the haughty and imperious style of this- communication from the court of Russia. That Reschid Pacha should advise his sovereign to adopt such counsel, from such a quarter, dictated with manifestly an air of authority, is too much to expect. The sage and patriotic minister of Abdul Medjid could never for an instant be guilty of so flagrant an act. Driven to extremity, treated with marked contempt, and threatened with invasion, nothing remains for the Turks but to repel the invader and assert their right in terms unmistakable. England ami France for a while are spectators of the scene. Wbat will be tbe precise nature of their movements it is impossible to divine. Let us hope that the feeling of union which now happily exists between these two great powers will never be marred. Tbe combined fleets present a magnificent spectacle in Besika Bay ; tbe utmost harmony prevails between tbe officers of the various ships. — Malta Times, June 27.

PERSIA. Disastrous news has reached under date 30th May. Cholera rages at Teheran, carrying off 100 to 130 souls daily. Shiraz and Cashan have been completely destroyed by earth-quake. •15000 bodies had been interred, and a pestilential epidemic was dreaded. The earthquake, which lasted 2 l.oun, had dried up the river of Ispahan on which the populace had calculated for supplies of water. To increase the misfortune by which this country has been stricken, locusts have devoured the crops and fruits of Ispahan. Teheran had suffered some damages from inundations, and the plague is reported to have manifested itself in Khoracan,— Malta Mail.

It vii rumoured tbat the Mexican Ocetn sod Overland Company had obtained the contract for cooTeying the U.S. mails to California. Disturbances with the Indians continued to prevail in California. Lynch law is still practised io many parts of the State. Fight with the Indians. — We learn from the Mountain Herald of tbe 30th ult. that the party that started from Yreka on tbe 20th alt. for the purpose of recovering stock stolen by the Indians, overhauled the thieves in a large and beautiful valley watered either by Mac Cloud's or Pitt's River, about one hundred miles from Yreka. The whites attacked them just at daylight, each man picking an Indian with 'his rifle, and then pitching into them promiscuously with their revolvers. Abont twenty or twenty-five were -killed, only five of the band having eccaped. Tbe miners in tbe north are doing well, generally, and tbe crops are abundant and ■promising. The lame paper lays, Mr. Lackey, who arrived in this place on Wednesday last, informs -us that two white men were murdered by tbe Lower Rogue River Indians, about four miles on this side of tbe Canyon. It appears that they attached the house, shot tbe white men, and then set fire to the house, leaving the dead bodies to be consumed by the flames. Tbe Indians then proceeded to Mr. Evan's trading post at tbe mouth of Gravt Creek, on Rogue River, attacked and drove the gentleman in charge of the same away, after wounding him, ana* destroyed the whole property. We undei stand that some excitement prevailed about tbe affair mt Jacksonville and throughout that country, and that measures are being taken to chastise these savages. A Tbiechafh. — We understand it is tbe intention of Messrs. Sweeny and fiaugh, of the Merchants' Exchange, to establish a magnetic telegraph line between the Exchange and the light bouse, at Point Lobos, by which tbe announcement of the arrival of vessels will be made several hours in advance of tbe present time. Tbe enterprise is a comraeud&ble one, and required by the wants of our enteprising community.

Thx Pacific and Atlantic Railroad.— The Picific and Atlantic Railroad— the great great enterprise of the age — it daily gaining favour with the public, and eliciting discussion ■and action of a practical nature. Tbe parties now engaged in preliminary surreys of tbe several routes proposed will be ready to report to tbe next Ccngiess; and by tbat time the actutl commencement of the great work will be strongly 'demanded by unanimous public sentiment, that the government will be compelled to give it prompt and vigorous attention. The enterprise cannot be considered any longer problematical. So soon at the surveyors have determined the shortest and most practicable route, tbe work will be commenced. Once commenced, it will be prosecuted on a scale commensurate with its magnitude and importance. The St. Louis Republican says that when the road is completed that city and this will be within three •days of each other, and Neir York and San Francisco only five days apart. By means of steam from this coast to China, St. Louis, if tbat should be the terminns of tbe rtad, will be but thirty days ; New York tbirtvglwo days, and England forjjtone days from Chiar. Affording the cheapest, as well as tbe most expeditious communication between England and her East India possessions, this route would naturally •command the travel as well as the Oriental commerce of -Great Britain and Europe generally. It is 21,000 miles from London to Calcutta by the way of Cape Horn, 15,000 by the Cape of Good Hope, and 14,000 by Panama — requiriog 90, 70, and £0 days respectively to mr.ke the several distances between the two points by ateam. ! By the great American Railroad, it is estimated that tbe lime between Calcutta and London will be reduced to twtnty*fire days. With the prospect, we may «ay the certainty, of having tbe commerce of tbe world in her own hands in a few years, t brilliant future opens to San Francisco. She has it in her power to hasten materially the fruition of her hopes, if she will use it, — Alta California, August 9.

Th* Mormons. — Major John S. Fowler armed in Sacramento, on Thursday, from Carson Valley. Through him, the Union baa receired a copy of the Deieret News t of July 9th, and other interesting intelligence from Utah. The harvest at Great Salt Lake City is progressing; the yield is not great in quantity, but of excellent >qaality. Tbe waters are abating, though yet very high. The streams will admit of very little access into the canons. The citizens of Great Salt Lake City, celebrated the National Annifersary with great enthusi«sm. The News *sys:— "The day was very warm, like all other days in the valley of late, but no one of the astembled thousands got drink on tbe occasion, unless it was on small beer, cookies, and ice cream, and no swearing or bawling was heard in our streets, day or evening. The social hall was crowded in the evening, and scores or hundreds retired for want of seats, while farces, songs, •and music cheered all who could gain admission. The schoolhouses in tbe 14th ward were filled with prayers and music and dancing, and speeches, and picnics, and joy, and gladness. The annireraary of tbe entrance of the pioneers into the ▼alley was to have been celebrated on the 24th of July. — Gaunt's woollen manufactory is in active and successful operation. On the 23rd May there was a great bail storm in Grantsville, Toole County, which damaged the crops consider- i ably. The Califomian mails reached Carson Valley on the Ist instant, but Major Fowler has anticipated their arrival here, having left the Valley last Monday. Tbe number of immigrants between the Homboldt and Carson Valley, alto at the latter place, is immense ; and tbe number of waggons estimate J at not less than one thousand. Tbe amount of stock is unprecedented ly great, thexe being at least three hundred thousand head between the " Sink " and California. An •pidemic, has, however, broken out amongst them which is growing exceedingly virulent and destructive. — Ibid.

French. Ville de Parts „ line, (flag), Valmy cc. do. Montebello .... do. Henri IV. do. Sfapoleon ' do. leynard do. 'Jharleinagne" m .... do. Tupiter ........ do. Wogador frigate, Sane do. Maggellan do. ?alon corvette. Penaud, Serval, Favin Leveque, Johenne, Dupony, Fabre, Chebannes, Lugeol, For:uneuton, Vauhello. Mdgre, Legras. 112 120 120 100 90 90 80 80 16 14 14 6 842

English fleets at Besika :—: — English. Class. Britannia line, (flag), Trafalgar do. Albion do. Rodney do. Vengeance do. Bellerophon .... do. Arelhusa frigate, Retribution .... steam frigate Sampson do. Tiger do. Niger do. Furious do. Fury coivette, Firebrand ...... do. Indexible do. Mode&te (doubtful)s\ao\>, Wasp bo. do. Captain. Guns. Carter, 120 Greville, 120 Lushington, 90 Graham, 90 Lord Russell, 84 Lord Paulet, 78 Symonds, 50 Drummond 28 Jones 16 Giffard 16 Heath, 16 Loriug, 16 Tatham, 6 Pinker, 6 "\\ oolridge, C LordCompton 18 Lord Hay 14 11 A