The Russians seem to be pretty well assured that war
will come in the spring. According to the Times, they are preparing new works for the defence of Cronstadt, mounting 300-pound guns on them, and facing earthworks with iron. The channels are filled with infernal machines, and a steam rant is build- ing which is to cost 27,000/., and run at hostile vessels under water—a great improvement on all other rams. By 1st June, 1864, the Marine Department expects to have sixteen iron-clad vessels in the Baltic, all in good order, though with rather thin plates. Cast-steel guns, enormous shells, and every variety of ammunition are being collected in quantities, and the extra expenditure already sanctioned amounts to fifteen millions sterling.
Governments do not spend such sums without grave reason, and that of Russia is usually well informed. It is scarcely, however, it Cronstadt that the French blow will be struck.
