The 6pertator, lutp 30t, 1853
TURKEY.—The Sublime Porte has protested against the Russian occupa- tion of Moldavia and Wallachia, in a very able state paper, issued on the 14th July from the Foreign Office at Constantinople.
The Porte declares that it has learned with pain and surprise, the passage of the Pruth and the occupation of an integral part of its empire by Russian troops. "It is difficult to reconcile such an aggression with the pacific declarations and friendly assurances which the Cabinet of St. Petersburg has so often reiterated "; and " still more difficult for it not to be astonished at an operation which strikes at the principles established by the treaty of 1841." Prince Menschikoff's first negotiations, were confined to the question of the Holy Places; and that question received a solution satisfactory to all the parties interested. After this, the Prince made demands which, if admitted, would have struck a grievous blow at the interests of the empire.
RUSSIA.—Few facts cross the frontiers of Russia; but we learn that the Baltic fleet, of thirty-seven sail, has been twice inspected of late by the Crown Prince of Russia, and that one division has been ordered to cruise in the Gulf of Finland. There is also talk, with what truth it is impossible to say, of a Russian corps d'armee, 30,000 strong, having been ordered to take up a position in Finland.
The Moldo-Wallachian provinces were, at the latest dates, occupied by about 80,000 men of all arms; the fortification of the posts con- tinned; and the Russian general had organized a diplomatic chancelry, under M. de Kotzebue. We have already accounts of the oppression exercised by the Russians over the native population, in compelling them to assist the movements of the army.
It seems now pretty well established that the Russians have assumed the management of the post-office in the Principalities; and that the Generals take precedence, as Lieutenants of the Emperor, over the Hospodars as Viceroys of the Sultan. Troops continue to enter Bessarabia and the Crimea; and Russian cruisers watch the mouths of the Bosphorous, at a respectable distance.
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