F O R E I G N N E W S

Publishing Committee · ROCHESTER, N. Y. · Jun 20, 1854

F O R E I G N N E W S .

T H E W A R .

Although nothing decisive has yet occurred, the news from the East begins to assume a greater interest. The Russians have at last been driven from the whole line of the Circassian coast, and their only means of communicating with the army which now threatens Kars and Erzeroum, will be, henceforth, by way of the Caspian Sea. The independence of Georgia has been proclaimed, but we have yet to learn by whom, and in what manner. Tiflis, its capital, is still in the hands of the Russians. The allied fleets in the Black Sea have not yet recovered from the fatigue of their recent labors at Odessa, for we have not a word concerning them.

Silistria still maintains its glorious defense, the Russians having been repulsed at every attack they have made. Omer Pasha, since his conference with the French and English Generals at Varna, is advancing toward the fortress with all the force of his command, and an engagement on a grand scale was expected. The communication between Silistria and Shumla was still kept open, notwithstanding the great increase in the Russian force which invests the former place.

There is nothing of note from the Baltic. The attack on the fort of Gustavsvärn, is not even confirmed. The French fleet, however, had left Kiel, and would in a few days join Sir Charles Napier's squadron. But our news from the Baltic will probably be, for some time to come, that something is going to happen. Sir James Graham has announced to the House of Commons that an Anglo-French squadron has sailed for the White Sea. In Denmark there appears to have been a coup d'état on a small scale, occasioned by the anti-Russian feeling of the people.

The ultimatum of Austria—or what was considered such—was to have been dispatched from Vienna on the 2d inst. At the same time we learn that a firman has been signed for the occupation by Austria of Montenegro, Albania and Servia, "if occasion shall demand it." At a dinner given to the Duke of Cambridge by the Sultan, Marshal St. Arnaud stated in the course of his speech, that he hoped soon to announce the alliance of a third great power. The Austrian Minister, who was present, said nothing. It remains to be seen whether these straws indicate a breeze from Vienna, or merely another eddy of that wind from the same quarter, which has yet blown good to nobody.

The Austrian Summons to Russia.—From Vienna, May 31, it is stated that on June 2, the Austrian summons to evacuate the Turkish territory, would be sent to St. Petersburg.

Letters from Belgrade and Widdin state that Austrian troops were continually coming down the Danube in the direction of Orsova and Wallachia frontier. Considerable forces are now concentrated in Hungary and Transylvania. Another dispatch says, Austria sends troops to Orsova.

More Rumors of Peace. The latest rumor in Paris is that the Emperor of Russia again manifests a disposition to negotiate for peace. This rumor has been so often set afloat that we attach no value to it, especially not to the statement that the Czar will withdraw on condition that the powers will agree to the establishment of the status quo. If there be any truth in the above propositions they can only be made with the view of detaching Austria and Prussia from the alliance, those powers being supposed to be adverse to any act that would tend to dismember or diminish the Russian Empire.

The Plan of the Campaign.—Marshal St. Arnaud, Commander-in-Chief of the allied forces in Turkey, accompanied by Lord Raglan, and the Seraskier or Minister of War of the Porte, proceeded in separate steam vessels, on the 18th of May, from Constantinople to Varna, to hold a Council of War, and to determine the operations of the campaign. It was expected that Admirals Hamelin and Dundas would also attend the meeting, but they did not. The result of the deliberations did not of course transpire, but it was surmised that the French and English troops would proceed to Adrianople—further, that it is not expedient to expose the Turkish army to the risk of a general action for the sake of repelling the attack of the Russians on the fortresses, which cover the right bank of the Danube. Neither is it supposed to be their intention to throw any considerable portion of the allied armies on the coast, so as to come into immediate collision with the present advanced post of the Russians.

The Black Sea Fleet.—Since last advices no news whatever has come to hand respecting the movements of the allied fleets on the Black Sea.

By the last accounts from the Black Sea, the fleet was still off Sevastopol. For several days there had been a heavy fog, and they had to keep up constant noises to prevent their running foul of each other. The cable which is put across the mouth of Sevastopol is described as consisting of a number of chain cables twisted together and secured on each side by strong masonry, and is hove taut by capstans. From its being formed of separate chains, it would be sufficiently strong to keep out a steamer or any vessel going at full speed.

Greece.—Eight thousand French troops have disembarked at the Piraeus, after having taken possession of the Greek ships of war.

King Otho has accepted the Anglo-French ultimatum; has proclaimed neutrality, and effected a complete change of Ministry.

Letters from Athens of the 22d May, state that the Queen was in a state bordering on frenzy, and that it required the entreaties and tears of the King and of the ladies in waiting to keep her from placing herself at the head of the army. Her baggage was all packed for departure on this Quixotic enterprise, but on second thought, she has had the boxes unpacked, and consents to remain at peace.

Great Britain.—The proceedings in Parliament have been totally without interest.