The news from Constantinople and the seat of war, for
such it has become, in Syria, is important and interesting. The Turkish Sultan has openly declared war against Egypt. The grand Mufti was conducted on the 9th of June in state to the Sublime Porte, and was asked in the usual form, whether it was lawful to go to war, and what punishment ought to be inflicted on the Sultan's rebellious vassals ? The Mufti replied that the war was justifiable, and that MEHEMET Ara and his race ought to be exterminated ; and therefore he presented a fhtva or formal sentence to that effect. The manifesto of war issued by the Sultan was read in the mosques of Constantinople on the 14th of June. The Sultan has been furnished with ample funds from some unknown source ; and has discharged nearly all the arrears due to his sailors and soldiers.
An engagement has taken place between the Turks and an ad- vanced guard of Egyptians. The latter retreated in good order before a very superior Turkish force. The main army of the Egyptians advanced from Aleppo, to support the advanced guard.
It is said that MEHEMET ALL has despatched positive orders to IBRAHIM not to risk a general engagement ; but it was suspected that as the two armies were moving towards each other, a battle would be fought before MEHEMET'S order, if really sent and in- tended to be acted upon, would be received.
The Turkish fleet was seen in the Dardanelles on the 18th of June ; and a portion of the naval armament of Egypt is cruizing off the coast of Syria.
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