Intign nub

Pantr.—The French and Foreign members of the Council of War, about to be held in Paris, have now assembled. The Duke of Cambridge, Admiral Lyons, Sir Richard Airey, and General La Mrirmora, arrived in Paris on Wednesday. It continues to be stated by the Ministerial or- -grans, that the object of the Council is to bring together and furnish the Allied Governments with the largest possible quantity of the best inform- ation on the subject of the war, in order that the hovernment may be in a good position to determine the objects of the next campaign.

There was a grand ball at the Tuileries on Tuesday. It is remarked that the Empress was present, and looked extremely well. Canrobert, and the Crimean Generals who have recently returned to France—Bos- quet, Mellinct, Blanchard—were among the guests. The Emperor walked up and down the salon arm-in-arm with General Bosquet ; and, it is reported, said to him, "General, you must get quite well as soon as possible, for I want to fight side by side with you in the next campaign."

France has lost her best sculptor, and the Moderate Republicans a steady adherent. David d'Angers died on Sunday, at the age of sixty. five' and his funeral gave rise to a sort of political demonstration. e was the pupil, and he married the niece, but he was not the relative of David the painter of the Revolution. Among his well-known works are busts of Chateaubriand and Byron the monuments of Foy and St. Cyr in Pere la Chaise, the statue of Baron Larrey in Val de Grace, and of Philopemen in the Tuileries. When the coup d'etat took place David d'Angers was a Representative of the People ; his name figured in the list of proscription, and he took refuge at Brussels. Afterwards he returned to France. The funeral, on Tuesday, was attended by nearly all the eminent men of liberal opinions in Paris ; including Reran- ger, Villemain, Cavaignae, Carnet, Marie, Cremieux, and Goudchaux. M. Leon Halevey pronounced the funeral oration. On-leaving the cemetery, Beranger was surrounded by a number of artists and students, who em- braced him and almost carried him in their arms. Moved by this ovation, the venerable lyric poet embraced one of their number in the name of all the French youth. In the account we have followed it is added, that after this ebullition of feeling many arrests were made.

etrman4.—The text of the propositions carried to St. Petersburg by Count Esterhazy and submitted to Count Nesselrode has been published by the Indipendance Beige, a Brussels journal which has heretofore been made the medium of communicating similar documents to the public. It will be seen that the propositions confirm the account of them that had already leaked out. " I. Danubian Principalities.—Complete abolition of the Russian protec- torate. The Danubian Principalities shall receive al organization conform- able to their wishes, to their wants, to their interests ;" and this new organ ization„ respecting which the population itself will be consulted, shall be recognized by the contrattin! Powers and sanctioned by the Sultan as em- anating from his severeig-n initiative. No state shall be able, under any pretext whatever, under any form of protectorate, to interfere in the ques- tion of the internal administration of the Principalities ; they shall adopt a definitive permanent system demanded by their geographical position - and no impediment can be made to their fortifying, in the interest of their safety, in such manner as they may deem advisable, their territory against foreign aggression.

"Is 'exchange for the strong places and territories occupied by the Allied armies, Russia .consents to a rectification of her frontier with Turkey in Europe. It would commence in the vicinity- of Chotym, follow the line of the mountains, which extend in a South-easterly direction and terminate at Lake Sasik. The line (grace) shall be definitively regulated by the gene- ral treaty ; and the conce,ded territory would return to the Principalities and to the suzerainty of the Porte.

" 2. 27e Danmbe.—The freedom of the Danube and of its mouths shall be efficaciously assured by European institutions, in which the contracting Pow- ers shall be equally represented ,.except the particular positions of the lords of the soil Oil the banks, (dee nverains) which shall be regulated upon the principles established bv the act of the Congress of Vienna as regards the navigation of rivers. Each of the contracting Powers shall have the right to keep one or two small vessels stationed at the mouths of the river, destined to assure the execution of the regulations relative to the freedom of the

Danube. •

Neutral6ation of the Black 8ca.—This sea shall be open to merchant vessels, ..closed to war navies (marines mititairee) ; consequently, no naval military arsenals shall be created or maintained there. The protection of the commercial and maritbne interests of all nations shall be assured in the respective ports a the Black Sea by the eatablishment of iustitutions con- formable to mternational law, and to the customs eenctioned in such mat- ters. The two Powers whieli'hold the coast engage themselves to maintain only the number of light vessels, of a fixed force, necessary for their coast service. This convention, ooncluded separately between these two rowers, shall form 'part as an inner Of the general treaty after receiving the appro- val of the contracting parties. This separate convention cannot be annulled or modified without the =sent of the sigeatuies of the general Areaty.,,, The closing of the Straits will admit the eXception applicabloto tbaspatiouN ary vessels mentioned in the preceding article. "4. Christian Subjecte of the Porte.—The immunities of the Rayah sub- jects a the Porte 'shall be religiously preserved, without infringement on the mdependence and dignity of the Sultan's crown. As deliberations are taking place between Austria, France, Great Britain, and the Sublime Porte; to assure to the Christian subjects of the Sultan their religious and political rights, Russia shall be invited, when peace is made, to associate herself thereto.

"ö. The belligerent Powers reserve to themselves the right which apper- tains to them of producing in an European interest special conditions over and above the four guarantees."

Hints of the progress of negotiations at St. Petersburg have appeared in the Continental press chiefly derived from those questionable letters from St. Petersburg" which abound in the Paris journals. From these it would appear that Count Esterhazy had a brief interview with Nessel- rode on the 28th December, ,when he handed in the Austrian proposals. On the 30th a second interview took place : it lasted more than an hour, and was "completely taken up with mutual recriminations," to the ex- clusion of the precise objects which should have formed the subject of discussion. [liOW is it that the substance of these private interviews becomes known?] The new year opened with the continuation of an obstinate contest between the Peace and War parties in the Russian Cabinet—the former headed by Nesselrode, the latter by Seniavine, a prominent member of the old Russian party. In "society," peace was favoured; among the "masses," war. The Empress-mother is for peace, the reigning Empress for war; the Emperor had not declared himself.

Meanwhile, the Berlin telegraph states that information has reached the Prussian capital to the effect that Count Stackelberg had startea from St. Petersburg with the answer of the Russian Government : it is anticipated that he will reach Vienna on Sunday or Monday, and that then Prince Gortschakoff will communicate the contents of Stackclberg's despatches to the Government of Austria.

1371151ii li.—The Prussian Parliament recommenced its sittings on the 7th ; when the Right won another victory. The Chamber of Deputies elected Count Eulenberg President, by a majority of 191 to 104. His opponent was Count Schwerin.

tassia.—it is evident from all accounts that the Russian Govern- ment is vigorously preparing for another campaign. This year the greatest preparations are in progress on the coasts of the Baltic. In- trenched camps are in the course of construction in Livonia, Courland, and Esthonia. New batteries are to be armed at Riga and Revel. There is a talk of fortifying Finland from Abo to Wyborg. General Rudiger has issued an order stating, that "in consequence of the large number of officers required next year for the service of the shore-batteries and the redoubts constructed for the defence of the Baltic coasts, naval officers whose wounds have rendered them incapable of active service with the fleet, are invited to serve in the coasting batteries and redoubts."

IjtSaltir.—it seems the squadron left the waters of the Baltic too soon. The Polyphemus steam-sloop, Commander Warren, left Spit-

head on Sunday for the Baltic. Another vessel is ordered also to the same waters, in consequence of reports having been made that the ice is loose enough to admit of partial navigation, so as to admit of trading by the enemy.

Arnmark.—The Danish Government, in a circular addressed to the various European states, renews the declaration in virtue of which it persists in continuing its neutral position, and declines to admit that it is bound in any way by the treaty concluded on the 21st of November between Sweden and the Western Powers.

4f tritnta.—A Supplement to the Gazette of Tuesday contained a despatch from Sir William Codrington to Lord Panmure, dealing with the charge of drunkenness preferred against the army by many of the correspondents. "Sebastopol, Dm. 27. "My Lord—Your Lordship has referred in severaldespatches to drunken- ness in this army. Reports of all sorts seem to have been circulated, state- ments read, descriptions made, until it was apparently believed that this army was composed of drunkards, and immersed in riot and vice. "I took the opportunity of expressing myself strongly to your Lordship that this would prove not to be the truth.

"I now state, in confirmation of this opinion, that returns are in my possession from every regiment, of all cases of drunkenness tried by court- martial, as well as those settled at the regimental orderly-rooms for three months.* It was during this time that arrears of field-allowance, more than 2/. each man, were received as back pay, besides 10,000 men receiving additional working pay; and yet the resat is that, including Artillery, Sappers, and Infantry, the number of crimes of drunkenness (and these are many more than the men drunk) is a little above one man in two days per company estimated at 100 men.

"No doubt, there are many facilities in all these open and crowded camps for drunken men to get in without being seen. They do so, and escape ob- servation. But suppose we double or treble the amount of these numbers— which are taken from official retarns—and. I suspect the army will bear a comparison with many towns, many villages, many populations of Great Britain.

"it is easy. to give—it is as easy to read—a minute, a ludicrous, or even a filthy description of a drunken man ; and it seems seized i upon as the type of the whole. The fathers, and mothers, and wives, and sisters n England, are fully persuaded we do nothing but drink; and the good character of the army is forgotten in a few sketches from nature. That such need not be the case with those who know anything about the matter, will; I think, be proved by the statement now made to your Lordship. "I have, &e. W. J. CODRINGTON, 'General coonnanding." A second despatch, dated on Christmas Day, has also been published. From that it appears that the severe weather had not affected the health of the army; that the roads were "in good working order" ; and that, "though the efficacy of the locomotive engines had been impaired by the frost, the damage had been made good."

With regard to military operations, a war of outposts seems likely to set in. The Russians began it some time ago' by cutting off exposed sentries, and small posts of four, or five men. For these exploits they received great praise from Prince Gortsehakoff; who, although they were trivial affairs, published the details in a general order, and urged the battalion-officers to emulate their comrades. The great skirmish in the Balder Valley at Baga and Ourkusta was the largest of these enter- prises.- liat&ally, they provoked retaliation; and as the French soldiers are among the best in the world for surprises it is probable the enemy will have cause to regret the example he has set. The French made a beginning before Christmas, when they captured a post at Tells. Again, on the night of the 26th, acting on good information, and with the permission of General d'Autemarre, Colonel Laeretelle, taking two com- panies of skirmishers' fell upon an outpost a i3o infantry soldiers and 20 Cossacks; bayoneted 18, and captured 18., without themselves suffering any loss.

The Invalide Rune records a daring reeommissance made by the enemy in Sebastopol. Lieutenant Dogloff, with a sloop and three boats, crossed the great and entered the inner harbour on the night of the 5th Decem- ber. Landing, he advanced towards the docks ; but coming on a corps de garde, he fell back to his boats. Another attempt to land in the same quarter failed. They were more successful near the New Admiralty ; but, meeting a sentry who although knocked down alarmed the guard, they again retreated. The upshot of the adventure was, that they were compelled to keep to the shore of the bay. The French have blown up one of the dry docks which they were charged to destroy. The mines, principally galleries carried across and beneath the dock, were fired by trains of gunpowder and. fuses.

The English have been obstructed in their operations by the influx of water and the freezing of the pumps. They have sunk perpendicular shafts at frequent intervals along the sides, ao as to blow the whole in- wards, and under the bottom, with the view of displacing the floor; and thcy intend to fire them by means of a voltaic battery. Uiristinas Day was duly observed in the camp; roast beef and plum

pudding being abundant. Plenty of merriment, and little excess."

General Vivian has forwarded a despatch, stating that Captain It. Sherwood had fallen in a cavalry encounter on the 10th Deeember,—the same which has been already reported by way of St. Petersburg. The skirmish was a dashing affair. A party of the Turkish cavalry, eighty- four in number, belonging to the Contingent, were sent out to bring in forage. Hearing the enemy were abroad, Major M'Donald went care- fully forward; and on seeing their outposts riding in, he still went on. In a short time he found himself in the presence of 400 dragoons. He then fell back, galled by the enemy's fire, who seem to have had car- bines carrying a considerable distance, while the Turks were armed with short carbines—useless weapons at the best. Seeing the enemy gather on his flank, M'Donald formed and charged through them; then, still retiring, he found the Russians, augmented in numbers, again on his flank. The men had been eight hours in the saddle ; the horses were fatigued.; the long shots of the enemy still told. Permitting the enemy to approach, he ordered a charge; and, leading well in front, dashed upon the enemy. The odds were too great; only thirty-nine men, with M'Donald, wounded, got away. The rest were either killed, wounded, or prisoners. Captain Sherwood, the second in command, was among the wounded ; he died in the hands of the enemy.

• For September, October, and November. earkr4.—The "great fact" reported from Constantinople is the presentation of the Grand Cordon of the Legion of Honour to the Sultan by the French Ambassador. The ceremony took place on the 29th December, at the Imperial Palace. All the high dignitaries of the Porte, in f-ull'costume, were present. M. Thouvenel, the French Ambassador, was attended by the members of the Legation. In a brief speech he represented, that the demonstration of that day was a new pledge of the memorable alliance which has brought the Ottoman empire within the European system. The Sultan made a reply, which is reported in the following terms. " I regard these precious insignia not only as a souvenir of the pirate friendship of his Majesty the Emperor, my august ally, towards inyself, but. also as one of the great results of the memorable alliance which is destined to consolidate for ever those friendly relations which existed of old betweerr the two empires. I am the more touched by this mark of regard on the part of his Majesty, for the reason that it is the first foreign decoration which I have received, and that I receive it from the hands of so distinguished an ambassador. I firmly hope that my unceasing efforts to secure the happiness

of all my subjects will be crowned with the desired success; and that my empire, henceforth one of the members of the great European family, will prove to the entire universe that it is worthy to occupy an important place in the assembly of the civilized nations. 'Turkey will never forget the generous sacrifices which her noble allies have imposed upon themselves in order that this great and happy result may be obtained. I shall write at once to the Emperor to return him my thanks; but I ask you also, Mr. Ambassador, to acquaint him with my sentiments."

We have direct news from the Ottoman camp at Ziewie to the 26th November. At that date, Omar Pasha, with the bulk of his army, bad not turned back. Much rain had fallen ; the roads were broken up and the streams swollen ; but depots of provisions had been accumulated, and the talk in the camp was still of an advance to Kutais. But there seems no doubt., now, that Omar Pasha has retreated, not upon Souchum- Kaleh, as was reported last week, but on Redout-Kaleh. The following

despatch has been received from St. Petersburg— Omar Pasha has fallen back on Redout-Kakh. His troops suffer much from the inclemency of the season. Our detachments harass his rear as much as possible."

It appears that, early in October, Prince Bebutoff invoked the aid of the Mingrelians, Imeretians, and Gourinese. He told them, that the motive impelling the enemy was envy of the power of the Czar, and jea- lousy of him, because, "in conformity with the will of the merciful Saviour, he claimed the right of alleviating the sufferings of the Chris- tians who inhabit Turkey." The enemy desired to afflict the heart of the Czar by ruining his subjects. "Three calling themselves Christians, have allied themselves with the enemy o Christ, and have sought to destroy, at the same time, both the power of Russia and the protection she has hitherto afforded. The Turk, in trampling under foot our holy soil, threatens to abolish the holy religion which you have professed for eighteen hundred years. He menaces •

the principles of your welfare; he mamfests an intention to defile the tem- pies where your glorious ancestors repose, and the houses which give shelter

to your wives and children. He seeks to attack your property, and, those dignities which belong to you as well as all your other privileges

The hour has now arrived for you to show your fidelity towards Gad and to-

wards our monarch, His anointed. To arres,then, all of you—to arms, pea- sants and serfs and join the victorious Russian troops, who shed their purest blood for your defence." The Constantinople correspondence of the journals is full of statements accounting for the fall of Kars. According to one letter, there were in Kars "only three days' ammunition for the guns in position." Habit Bey, the chief of the Ordnance Department of the Asiatic army, is under inquiry in consequence. So scarce were provisions, that the garrison only received in the second month half, and in the end only quarter rations." Tahir Pasha, the Commissary-General, is responsible. To all General Williams's requests he opposed refusals or evasions. These; statements are freely made-

" While the garrison of Kars was starving, the defterdar, seized by an unaccountable economical fit, bargained with the muleteem, and insisted on a difference of a few pares; the result of which was that no bargain was. concluded at all. Plenty of grain was in the stores of Erzeroum, but the pretext was the want of animals to carry it. There are, however' number-

less donkeys in the town ; and when it was proposed to employ them, the defterdar's objection was that it would' be a shame to employ donkeys for the Commissariat of the Imperial army. During the siege itself there were persons who offered to take grain to Kars at their own risk, and again eco- nomical pretexts prevented this."

It is also said that "cosmetics and other curious medicines, enough for-

the whole population of Asia Minor, formed the chief portion of the medical supplies.' The same writer avers that Kars was neglected in the summer because the members of the Turkish Government and the members-expectant were engaged in a life-and-death struggle for power. When it ended, the army was disorganized for want of supplies, and Kars was virtually gone. The new Government did its best to remedy

the accumulated evils; recalled Omar Pasha from the Crimea; gave him men and supplies and freedom of action, provided he would operate for

the relief of Kars. He selected Kutais, andtook the longest way thither; he failed, and must bear the responsibility. Other writers positively blame Omar Pasha; and condemn him for his inactivity. Yet it is ad- mitted that he only received final orders in September. A German journalist, who displays considerable geograpical knowledge, has shown that Omar Pasha had no choice of a line of operations; that the country between Batoum and Kars is impracticable for an army, especially an army with defective means of transport. The highest pass it would have had to cross is 6500 feet above the level of the sea. The roads are rugged tracks. The truth is, the Turks missed, according to this writer, the only season when operations are practicable—between June and September; and thus Kars was not relieved. The Paris Constitutionnel of Monday openly attributed the blame for the loss of Kars to Lord Stratford. Gatigna,n"s Messenger, imputing this to a hostile animus, or political aversion, undertook the defence of the British Ambassador, at the expense of the Turkish Commander-in- chief.

"So far from Lord Stratford de Redeliffe having been blind to the dan- gers incurred by the Anatolian army, he had recommended the Porte,. six-

teen months ago, to accept the services of General Klapka, then a resident at Constantinople, and esteemed one of the best tacticians of the age. The formation of the 'Turkish Contingent is due to Lord Stratford; who has thus laid the foundations of a future Turkish army, which, at the termination of the war, will be national and effective. The difficulties experienced in it's

formation were excited by Omar Pasha, who aimed at the exclusive control of the whole Ottoman army, both in Europe and Asia. Lord de Bedell& had, moreover no control over its movements; and the changes in its des- tination are to be ascribed to the views of the Allied Generals, who had not then determined on the operations that were to be effected in the autumn months. When it was decided by them that no active operations were to take place , the campaign was considered at an end, and the Contingent di- rect on Kertch and Yeniksle, where doubtless General Wrangel will find it occupation before the departure of frost. With the plan of campaign drawn up by Omar Pasha, which was to result in the capture of Kutais, the British Minister had naturally no concern. He has ever abstained from in- terfering with the military acts of the Turkish Government, however much he may have asserted by his authority in the councils the grand cause of -civilization and progress. This authority, which no intrigue has succeeded in shaking, he has (minded on thirty years' devotion to the true interests and welfare of the Ottoman empire. The campaign of Omar Pasha in Asia was undertaken on the responsibility of that General ; and he, with the authorities at Constantinople, may be called to account for the fall of Kars."

f1116.—The Municipal Council of Turin, after a debate adjourned over two sittings, decided on the third, by 37 to 28 votes, to dispense with the services of the religions order of Ignorantelli, or Freres de l'Ecole Chritienne as they are called in France in the communal schools of the capital. They ha been discovered distributing writings against the Government in the schools at Raceonigi.

The Archbishop of Mibin, and the other Lombard Prelates have begun

lo exercise the powers conferred by the Concordat. The Prelates, has censured the press • has issued a circular declaring that he will strictly enforcethe terms of the Concordat, and not permit the circulation of any books entered in the "Index," or any that shall contain "errors of any description whatever,"—meaning by errors, statements that militate against the Roman Catholic faith or good morals." All printed works must therefore, under severe penalties, be submitted to ecclesiastical re- vision; and before they can print any foreign work, booksellers must ob- tain ecclesiastical permission.

It should be remarked, however, that the Archbishop demanded the assistance of the Government to repress the impertinence of the editors, and the Government made HD reply. Then the writers were summoned and threatened. At Bergamo the Crepueeolo, a paper published at Milan, as well as the works of Schiller, was prohibited by ecclesiastical au- thority; but no attention was paid to such prohibitions there or else- where, and the Bishops reproach the Government with not maintaining the Concordat.

ituitth Shit PB.—The Baltic arrived at Liverpool on Tuesday, with advises from New York to the 26th December.

The House of Representatives had adjourned over Christmas Day without electing a Speaker. The principal candidates had been reduced to three; the highest of whom obtained 101, the lowest 31 votes. Pro- posals to elect a Speaker by other than the customary methods had been rejected over and over again. Meanwhile the President's message, put in type under the immediate eye of the President, and strictly kept secret, remains locked up in the Presidential chambers of the Capitol.

The delay in the organization of the House, and the consequent de- tention of the President's message from the public, have led to a slight feeling of impatience. People begin to suspect that the jealously. guarded document is of "more than ordinary importance "; that, in fact, it is " warlike " in tone, if not in substance ; and the sober portion of the press was urging the organization of the House, in order that the extent of its bellicose character might be known at once.

The affairs in Kansas have taken a new turn. The danger of civil war is now said to be over ; and what is more surprising, each party, without having fired a shot, claims and seems satisfied with the victory :which neither has gained.

At New York the authorities had thought fit to seize a steamer, the Northern Light, bound for San Juan de Nicaragua with a strong corps pf adventurers on board, intended as a reinforcement to the army of .fillbasters under Colonel Walker, Governor of Gremlin. The ship was to start on the 24th. On that day, however, a telegraphic message from the Executive at Washington reached the District Attorney, instructing him to prevent the departure of the vessel. Officers were sent on board immediately, and the revenue-cutter Washington was held in readiness to apply force should persuasion fail. When Tinklepaugh, the com- mander of the Northern Light, went on board, he was informed that the vessel was in possession of the authorities. He replied, that he knew nothing of filibustering; that he had a customhouse clearance, and that he would sail. Before he took a final resolution, he went ashore again, and on returning gave orders to proceed. The hawser was cast off; and the steamer proceeded down the bay with the officers of the United States on board. Meanwhile seeing the turn affairs had taken, the revenue-cutter Washington, making herself fast to a steam-tug, went in chase. In order to bring the steamer to, the cutter fired blank cartridge; but as this produced no effect, a shot was sent across the bows of the Northern Light. This proved effectual. She now returned when ordered by the captain of the cutter' and cast anchor; the cutter anchoring outside, and keeping strict watch with loaded guns. During the night many of the " passengers " got very drunk ; they suffered from cold and prayed to be put on shore. Their request was granted, and, not without difficulty, before morning, nearly two hundred young men, unprovided with proper passenger-tickets, and having only a "cloth button" as a pass, were landed. Many of them were youths of from fourteen to twenty years of age. They were described to us, says the Tribune, "as the most ruffianly and vile of all the off-scourings of creation. The captain of the First Ward Police speaking of them, said they consisted for the most part of pocketbook-droppers, sneak thieves, runners, hackmen, and vagabonds of the worst class in the city ; and it was a great pity they were not so easily got rid of." The firm of Vanderbilt having given security for the vessel, she was released ; but her captain and chief engineer were held to bail ; and warrants of arrest were issued against "Parker IL French, the Nicaraguan Minister "— that is, the envoy sent by Walker to the United States—and several others on a charge of setting on foot a military expedition against the State of Nicaragua, with which the Government of the United States is at peace. A communication from Washington to New York states that there were upwards of 1000 men at New Orleans, organized and armed by a Colonel Grant for a descent on Nicaragua.