TURKEY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume V, Issue 288, 4 August 1855, Page 5

TURKEY.

Constantinople, 22nd March, 1854

The death of old Mensehilcoff (as he was generally called) following so soon upon that

of his imperial master, is a singular event, and people here look upon it as a judgment of Providence—at the same time the prospects for any change in Russian policy are looked upon as more uncertain than ever; and that it must he fought out, and fought through, at whatever sacrifice. Immense preparations are making on both sides; and the French camp of 40,000 on the Bosphorus, will soon he a fait accompli. The activity manifested by our allies is something wonderful; and they go about their work in a methodic, businesslike manner, that is quite edifying. They already possess most of the public buildings about Pera, Galala, &c, and it is stated that a barracks is to be formed at the old seraglio in Stamboul, 'hitherto held sacred from the presence ot unbelievers. The whole country round about is drained of provisions, horses, and every conceivable thin<r that can be required, by the presence of some2oo,ooo armed men, naval and military, besides a host of civilians. The recruiting for horses appears to be going on very extensively ; and the allies will assume a very different attitude with their cavalry in the forthcoming struggle—having, no doubt, found out the necessity of this valuable arm. Cavalry officers are sent in various directions to purchase horses, and Mr. Aspinall is gone to Messina with the same object—at least, so it is reported—having now some engagement with the commissariat. The weather, from being most disagreeable, has improved for the last two days; and we may soon look for a hot burning sun, by which time the labours of the sanitary commission will have been brought to some practical result, and there is much need of it by all accounts; for both in the hospitals and in this city there is much fever prevailing now, and it was reported yesterday from Scutari that poor Campbell, who was wounded at the battle of Alma, was in a very dangerous state with it. Dr. Gavin sailed for the Crimea yesterday in the Ottawa, and Mr. Rawlinson will follow in a few days. Dr. Sutherland is going to Smyrna to recruit a little before he proceeds to the Crimea. The improvements recommended by the sanitary commission at Scutari, and other neighbouring hospitals, are stated to be most cordially and promptly met by the authorities, who will carry them out forthwith. There is indeed ample scope for those labours in the fearfully pestiferous state in which all Turkish towns and cities appear to be, and nothing but the most determined resolutions on the part of foreigners can make these people change their habits. Amongst other reports from Balaklava is one of the round tower that has caused so much annoyance to the French batteries, being destroyed or taken, but it is not authentic: nor are there any details to-day of interest. Probably Monday's mail will afford more scope. Sailing ships and steamers of every kind and description are daily arriving —most of them with stores and provisions, <See. ; nor have any English troops passed up for some time —only French. The Himalaya is hourly expected. Selim Pasha. — Selim Pasha, who was killed in the Russian attack on Eupatoria, was the single Mameluke who escaped the slaughter by Mehemet Alt at Cairo in 1811 : he made his horse leap the parapet of the wall of the court where his companions were butchered, and Mehemet Ali was so pleased by the daring exhibited that he spared Selim.