WO • br Altoona 3!‘ to No. 506.—Y0L. X. POLITICAL DISQUISITION. THE RUSSIAN EXPEDITION. THE intelligence that a fleet of six sail of the line is about to leave a Russian port, without its destination • being made known, has thrown sonic of the Journalists of this country into a state of extreme alarm, and, dur ing the past week, they have been most industrious in attempting to instil their fears into their readers. It is not a little singular that the writers who, at the commencement, and during the progress, of the late war, affected to despise all the apprehensions which the Government entertained of the naval power of our enemies, when that power was really to be dreaded, should now be inspired with such unusual sensibility, that not a vessel can put out from the ports of our al lies, but they apprehend the destruction of our naval superiority. Those same men who, at a period of ex treme danger, could see nothing to fear from the Da nish fleet, on the point of falling into the hands of Buo naparte, can now discover in the sailing of six ships of war front a Russian port in a time of profound peace, every thing to be feared. If the people of this conntry would reflect what has been the condition of the Russian marine, from its first creation to the present hour, they would cease to be tray such childish apprehensions as they every day do, no doubt t- the infinite amusement of that power of whom they are so greatly 'frail. The deplorable condition of those Russian fleets which, at different periods during the last twenty years, lasve come into our porta, may serve to give us some idea of the neceslity which exists of the gevernment ;ending its ships to sea, if for no other purpose than that of exercise. Who does not remember the wretched condition of that fleet which fell into our hands at the commencement of the Peninsular war. Difective in .every species of equipment, it exhibited a spectacle well calculatol to excite feelings of contempt, rather than of alarm, for a marine which appeared to be at least a century behind our own. Such, indeed, wa s the general defectiveness of their sys'em, that, in 1803, when the Emperor had determined upon sending an "Embassy to Japan, the whole Russian navy could not famish two ships, of 400 tons burden fit for the voy age, nor could they be procured until the officer ap pointed second in command proceeded from Petcrsburgh to London, where he bought not only the ships, but almost every article of equipment—instruments, charts, and books, things not to be procured in the ports of Russia. During a period of twenty-five years, when Russia was always at war with one or other of the Furopean powerv, she had but few opportunities of improving her system by practice ; is it surprising, therefore, that now she has obtained a peace, the fruits of her own va lour, she should endeavour to improve the discipline of her marine, by sending it into those seas from which she has been hitherto excluded by the hostility of her neighbours ? We do not pretend to say that this is actually the object of Russia, in sending thrth a fleet nt the present moment, fi)r there are other causes which may have in duced such a measure, but we suggest it as one by no means unlikely, indeed, infinitely more likely than any of those projects which the fertile brains of our diurnal writers are creating without col. After all that has been grid about negotiations be tween Russia and Spain, it is no wonder that there are many who look to South America as the place of this fleet's destination ; and supposing this to be the ease, why should we interest ourselves so deeply about it. We may all enter.aia our opinioas respect ing the wisdom of such a proceeding, and as to the pro bability of its suce,:ess, but Le the event what it may, Our to eoncititution an ab 36. MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1817. it surely ought not to furnish subject of alarm to us• Algiers has by others been pointed out as the object in view ; if this be the point of destination, we certainly ought to wish them the most triumphant success. We hope England has not become so selfish, that she will admit no rival in acts of justice and mercy; on the contrary, we arc convinced that whatever power comes forth to save the defenceless merchant from all the hor rors of an African enemy, must 4 and will command our gratitude—not our hate. By some it is imagined that this expedition is intend ed to overawe Turkey, and compel the Porte to avenge the death of ('ferny Georges upon his murderers; and in this guess we think they are just as near to the troth as in the others the Dardanelles, we know by sad experience, is no place to play with. Nor will we be lieve that Alexander is so void of understanding, as to anticipate success to his fleet in an enterprise wherein that of Great Britain failed. But allowing any of these guesses to be right, why should they create alarm here ? It we are thus to sound the alanim upon every vessel putting forth from a friendly port, our allies have fought for little purpose, they have only changed the tyranny of Buonaparte for that of the English Press, and though the former was doubtless the most galling, yet the latter, by its pertinacity, cannot fail to become offensive. We would, therefore, KTiously advise our brother Journalists to consult the honour of their coun try a little more than they do by this unceasing jea lousy of our neighbours, and let them see, that, con scious of our own strength, we are superior to the narrow prejudices which would restrain every attempt at a fair and liberal rivalry. Since the above - was written, inteili•ence received from different quarters, seems to fix the destination of this fleet, which has exeitedso much curiosity and alarm. Advices from Cadiz, state, that an order had been issued to ,told 3000 men in readiness for embarkation at that port, and to prepare an adequate number of trans. ports for their conveyance, that a foreign armament expected there might experience no delay on its arrival. This are the fears of the alarmists quieted, unless, in deed, they apprehend the subjugation of South America to the power of Russia, by the resistless minks of half a dozen ships of war ! Palcz g4d. reserve which Spain has always ready. Still, however, we doubt the truth of this report. Our discussion- with Portu gal cannot require a measure 60 serious, and which would at once derange all our financial plans ; and in the present state of Europe, just escaped from the evils of an unexam pled war, what Power would wish to fire the first gun That precedency, we trust, is not reserved for us. Most of our readers will probably recollect the fate or the Marquis of Solana, gem nor of Cadiz, who fell by the hands of the populace of that place. in N( , in consequence of his supposed adherence to the French. Ferdinand the VII. has been pleased to cause the following decree to be issued in favour of his family, and of his memory : •` CIRCULAR OF THE MIAIITCR or WAR.—The King, is enniphanee with the earnest solicitations ot the Marchioness Of Solana, Craton as del Carpio, and ot the Marchioness of Socorro, the former the w.le, and the latter the mother. of the Lieutenant General, I). Francisco Solano, formerly cap. tain General of Andalusia, and Governorof the fortress and city of Cadiz; was pleased, ou the t7th of July. 1516, to order an examination Into the real conduct observed by the said General, in the ntovententa arid occurrences ot the month of May, NOS, and the said examination having taken place, in the said fortress of Cadiz, and being reported to the Su preme Conned of War, his Niajesty, coinciding in the opinion of that tribunal, has been pleased to command, that the inno cence of the Lieutenant General, D. Fraticir.co Solano, be published and made known to the army, iu general orders, and Also cireniated by means of the public papers, that he is well satisfied with his good services ; and that so tar front the unhappy death which lie suffered on the 29th May, ISOU, in Cadiz. being in any way injurious or prejudicial to the me mory of so worthy a chief, or to his family, he has, on the contrary declared, that the fate of this unhappy general, his !ter rieelver!ii Fined during his distinguished career, hi■ fidt, lity towards his ltosoi Perm's, aad Ids innocence, are so many v unions reasons whirl, ought to weigh in favonr and to the advantage ot his young sons, in order that, deprived as they were, of a father, worthy a hitter fate, in the said t 1111 l lath on. orcurrence, they may fine} another in his Majesty, Mho never forgets the nicrits of those w ho have served him with honour and purity, which roy I orthnitaince I communicate to yon, for your intOrmation, and fulfilment, as far its .41.1/11'. Wills to you. Aladi id, Aug. 13 tr." GERMANY. FRANKFORT, OCT. 4.—The English inartafactared goods, which %vele squandered away far a trifill ill tile last autumnal fair, have novs risen very considerably, since we have i ceetved news that they have advanced 20 per ceht. in ilin• • •titly The same may be 6aid of goods almost or. ••• ki n d, Fite. NOM is in guest demand, as well MS woollen • 'ills arid cu; ton goods. Under these rirc 1111 l stances, the Leipsic fair must tarn out very se ell—uartiotlary sitter, as letters front that place state, a great ueauy Pules and Greeks are arrive.) the re, who arc expected to make large purchases. Golimml foods maintain their prier, am' are exoected to rei t e the saute is tlie case with all the neees.taries of ha, without exception. Mandy is not to be had at less than .`rt or 03 florins; rum, cieznac, and all descriptions of spiri mons liquors, iu propoi thin. Since the fair, discount has fallen from 3/ to 1 per cod. Sll. 111:11LIN, OCT. consequence of a circular letter from the Minister of the Police, ail police officers are ordered to take the strictest care that iitruLing players, pupp e t showmen, and the like, shall not t publicly represent any scenes limn the. Bible or the Passion of our Saviour. In England nu subject from the Bible can be brought upon the stage. His Majesty has for the present assigned the sans of 10,000 dollars to purchase the neeirssary decorations and wardrobe rue the Berlin Theatre. Count Bi old has ordered the dream s for Schiller's Moja/ Orleans to be first made. As this piece is got up with extratirdittaryspleielosir on our stage, and a great variety of costume is required, this was a very rood idea, because many other piece 4 may be got up with little additional expense. It is said that some rich Jews as Berlin have offered to re hada the Theatre at their own expense, bat st ith the express condition, that Itencethrth no piece shall be exreated which is directed against the Jew.. If the reported offer should be mainlined, we ate impatient to sec n {tether the condition will be accepted. DENMAttK. COPENHAGEN, Orr. 4.—ln the third quarter 2,614 ships passed the Sunnd from the North Sea, and 2,549 from the Baltic r among the fatter were • hoB Loutish, 352 Swedish, 2sl Prussian, 271 Dutch, Fib Norwegian, 121 Daitisli, 321 American, 36 Mennen, Ist Hanoverian, and 16 Ilaruourgh vessels. FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE. FRANCE. SPANISH AMERICAS! ISSURGESTS.—A Havre paper of the 7th of this mouth contains the following notice : " iiis Most Catholic Alajesty's Consul for the Northern I)epaitmehts of France, residing at Emien, informed of the underhand practices of %nine agents of the .%nu•riran Incur_ gents, to bring over to their party !tome brave French milita• rv, gives notice, that the most effectual maasiires have been to disconcert their sinister proicets.and that in cascs , t c hrue leuitiumte atitholity may not soreecil in preventing these foreign adventoi els from joining the standard of the rebels, they toast expect, if taken with arms in their hands, to he treated as robbers." A Royal ()rilinalire, dated the Stir of October, subjects lithography, or stone-engraving, to the tame laws as existed with respect to printing and engraving, on copper. The virtuous and faithfulThiety , first v aletsde-eha mho e fn the King, last made a present to his relative and hiiend, th e Chevalier Thicry, iif a valnable relic, containing some clothes °film Dauphin, who died Loots XVII. with the ineription. "La Vest Lud. Delp." With the same hand and ink arc ti rit ten Sisix lines at the back of the bins, lint in sonic moments of terror tin y have been elfaeed. M. de St. Pout, however, thinks that by the Ilse of acids they might he read. NOTF.—I I it belies rd that these vestments belonged to the young King Louis XVII. who died in.the Temple. That miry be, but they might also have belonged to Louis Joseph XX. ter Francis Dauphin, who died at th'e castle of Metation, in I 7u9. This opinion is sttetigihened by the Latin ins...riptien. " fax Vest Dill. Delp, which gives the young Pi ace only the title or Dauphin, while the august vict..o or tire T..ini.lc woad nut have failed to receive tiom a faithful servant the tote of King. SPAIN. NlArittin. SEPT. 30.—The ;an Vement of the tronps %chid, inarvltota from Ant - idiom* to E-tram4 , ittra rontinite6 to for It two t.t for cosiotertort, ttttt g our draw ing room pu. 1101 W reported that Isie told , I% I. to be called witch all. add to th. army an etistctsve fore ot . 3.1,000 intis; for the Intrilia corps ale tilwa” compl.te. They are saised oy ■ sort of conscriptiou; the regiments bring }hied op lib soon as tin sardur is giver. The Nelatie i► as army o 1• swEDEN. The differences which for a moment existed between Swit• &newt England, (I, the subject of r kiting English ships approaching theSwedisli eaa•ts, have been removed by the imeotiations between the Swedish Minister, M. Eii;:ostiocri, and the Esieli.h Envoy, Lind Stiangford. It is confidently asserted even that mole intimate c ttttt iexions are about to be re•establiblied between these • From •he areotints that have been printed by Order of the Floest' of Commons, it aprars, that the g,mss produce of the Revenue of Great Britain fbr V.O years (from the Si h of January, 1797, to the sth of.lantiarv, ►817) amounted to the enortmws sum of twelve hun dred and ninety LW') millions, one hundred and eighty thousand, five hundrisl a• d ninety two pounds, five shillings and three halfpence sterling—a sum o money that almost baffles the iniaginatuw. This amount wa; expended in the prosecution of t'u: war, besides an ad ditional sum of about six hundred millions ►terliug ad• tied to our funded and floating debt* tittPT+ , ~'