The Sun. — London, England, 1863-04-29 00:00:00

TREAT RE-ROY Al,, HAY MARKET, Lesece, Mr. J. I. Ruckstone. THIS EVENING, STILL WATERS RUN DEEP. Mr. and Mrs. Alfred 'Wigan, Mr. W. Farren, Mr. Chippen dale, and Miss Louisa Angel. After which, an apropos Dramatic Sketch, introducing a Panorama of the Tour of the Prince of W ales In the East. To conclude with BORROWING A HUSBAND. Pamela Rim Maria Harris. Commence at 7. THEATRE -ROYAL LYCEUM orEs, under the Sole Management of Mr. FECHTER. THIS EVENING, at 7, to commence with an Original s"aetch, entitled A SUDDEN ATTACK. M essrs . Shore, earden, H. Widdicomb, Mies Henrade, and Mrs. Lee. Attar which, at a Quarter to Ei g ht, a N ew R oman tic Drama, In Three Acts, and Pr3loaue, entitled THE MOTTO, by Paul Peva! and John Brougham. U'ne principal character will be sustained by Mr. Fechter, supported by Messrs. J. G. Shore, G. Jordan. J. Brougham, B. iddimmbe, F. Charles, Garden, Raymond, Dawson; Misses Carlotta Leclercq, Kate Terry, E. Lavenue, and Elsworthy, Acting-Manager, Mr. H. Barnett. ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE Lame( e. resin 5. Lindua and Vining. THIS EVENING the drama of AURORA FLOYD. Mi.. 13 Amy Sedgwick. Miss Henderson, and Mrs. Simpson - Messrs. R• Roxby, G. Melville, G. Belmore, C. Seyton, Wallace, and Cathcart. After which, KILLING TIME. Mr. Geo. Vining. Mr. C &yton, and Miss Amy Sedgwick. To conclude with a new whimsical Extravaganza, entitled BEAUTIFUL HA [DEE ; or The Sca Nymph and the Sallee Rovers. Misses M. Oliver, Helen Howard, Hudspeth, Hen derson, and Murray ; Messrs. C. Seyton, G. Belmore, Fit lames, Moreland, and Cockerill. NEW THEATRE-ROYAL, ADELPHI, Sole Proprietor and Manson. Mr. B. Webster. THIS EVENING, JANET PRIDE. Messrs. B. Webster, J. L. Toole, Paul Bedford, St9henson,. Stuart, Eburne Sefton, C. J. Smith, Romer; Miss Avonia Jones, Miss A. seaman, and Mrs. Stoker. • To conclude with DOMESTIC ECONOMY. Mr. J. L Toole, Miss Kate Kelly, Miss A. Seaman. and Miss Stoker. L* Commence at 7. THE THIRD EDITION OF " THE SUN," Containing the Latest SPORTING INTELLIGENCE, can be had Every Evening of G. R. GLENIE, NEWS AGENT, No. 4, Connaught-terrace, Hyde-park. The Weather---Sun Office, April 29, 1863. THERMOMETER. Highest since Noon yesterday Lowest during the night This day at N00n..... Wind—Northerly ; fresh and squally, HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. Tars DAY.—Morning, 10h. 44m.—Afternoon, 11h. 20m. To-mottaow.-Morning, 11h. 49m.—Afternoon, h. y J Akr: pe.°..'' j t itaalr-C-* PITA, e 7or pa% 4144 ,4 4444, LONDON, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1863. The possible surrender of the Peterhot as announced in one of our latest telegrams, may be all well enough in its way, supposing that pos sibility to be realised ! But immediately after wards, at the next clicking of the electric needles, there comes another telegram (" the antidote and the bane are both before us") intimating upon the authority, such as it is, of the New Fork Evening Post, that, unless the English Government enters into some distinct understanding, that the fitting out of certain privateers in British seaports— privateers, that is to say, 'aaving destinations marled out for them in the direction of the Con federates—Mr. ADAMS must be recalled forthwith from London, and Lord LYONS sent home again from Washington. "If it is true," says this New York journal (for the precise words here given are really worth repeating in, shall we say, their integrity ?)—" If it is true that Mr. SEwARD has sent a note to the British Govern ment demanding that the encouragement given to the fitting out of privateers shall cease, then the honour of America will demand an immediate reply, and, f the British Government hesitates, the Federal Government can do no better than recall Mr. ADAMS and send Lord LYONS home." The Federal journalist adding, with exem. plary coolness, with an absolutely delicious effron. tery of self-possession, under the circumstances— " There should be no hesitation in doing this, and there will then be time enough to deliberate on further measures." Precisely. That is —If--and —Then ! Not otherwise. The gracious sur render of the Peterhoff, now said to be thought of so benignantly and magnanimously byMr. SEWARD, would thus appear only to have been thought of as something calculated to mitigate slightly the excessive bitterness of flavour characterising the cup proffered to us to drink, at the very same mo ment, by that same magnanimous, benefieent, and superlatively gracious Mr. SEWARD, the Federal Administrator. The entire course marked out for themselves by the Federals in this matter, it will be observed, is one so adroitly assuming, that they, and they exclusively, are throughout the whole of these recent transactions in the right—that the English from first to last are, and nll along have been, alone the aggressors. R:ading these telegrams one might really be led to suppose that Mr. ADAMS bad never written a letter, and that Admiral WILKEs had never commanded a Federal man-of-war. None are so blind, says the proverb, as those who won't see. Aud it is therefore, of course, the most consistent thing in the world, on the part of the Federal Government and the New York newspapers, that the fitting out of privateers, as they are called, should alone be recognised as taking place here on this side of the Atlantic—not one syllable of reference being made, as an obvious matter of necessity, to the munitions of war shipped westwards, not for the use of the Confederates, but —of the Federals. So that Mr. SEWARD is to write a note—if he have not already written and de spatched it—demanding, peremptorily enough, from the British Government that this and that shall be done on our part. Otherwise, quoth the New York Bouncer, Mr. ADAMS must be recalled at once from London, and Lord LYONS sent home as summarily from Washington. Now, it needs only that Mr. SEWARD should act to a nicety in this very insensate manner—it needs only that he should act to a nicety thus—to afford the world once more that often before now wit nessed spectacle—always a ludicrous spectacle in itself—to wit, that of " the Engineer hoist' with his own petard !" To suppose, for one single instant that, with the Lords and Commons of England in the humour in which they are now perfectly well known to be—with the public feeling here through out this country inflamed and exasperated to its present pitch—with Lord PALMERSTON, of all men, li v ing, entrusted at this moment with the responbi. hility of presiding over the British Administration —we will even add, with Earl RUSSELL in Office at the head of our Foreign Department —to suppose, we say, for one single instant of time that, under these circumstances, a vote of the nature thus coolly and complacently talked of, by the telegram, can actually have been penned by Mr, SEWARD, with out Mr. SEWARD knowing perfectly well, at the moment of sending it, that it could have but one only result, that it could but elicit one only reply, would be an insult to the common sense of both great divisions of the Anglo-Saxon race, both the English and the American. Another Yankee paper (the New York Times) goes so far as to sly that "it is phy6ically certain America will exact atonement for British outrages, the only certain thing being the question of time. It may be next month, or next year, or ten years he nce [says Mr. JEFFERSON BRICK, evidently dra wing in hi s b reat h w i th a dea d ly re li s h t h roug h his set teeth, i n the intervals of talking], but every dollar destr oyed b good by voluntary pa yments or reprisals : and [the I IVar Correspondent of the Neto loi . k Times there- 1 THE SUN, LONDON, WE,DNESDAY EVENING, APRIL 29. 1863 upon 3 urges the Federal Government to make no of the unwieldy =titers of the deep. Sir J. further remonstrance, but to let the British rulers ELPHINSTONE observed that he had been very take their course while America will bide her recently present at a trial of the Hebe, which was time." Does that mean, by the way, that she will fitted with two engines and two screws working simply watch for her opportunity ? Not so, how- entirely independent. With one screw she steamed ever, as we have seen, thinks and decides its still at three-fourths of the force attained by the two, more bellicose contemporary, the New York Even and with one screw going ahead and the other re- Ing Post aforesaid. That warlike journal having versed, she was able to turn on her axis in twenty become apparently quite prepared for a course of seconds. The advantage of this power of man saver action on the part of Mr. SEWARD a great deal more ing and turning quickly round will be incalculable short, sharp, and decisive. The Federal Government for ships of war. A large ship is too often like a is not to make any apology, much less is it to offer large army, unwieldy from its size, while an active any sort of reparation. Mr. ADAMS is to receive no manageable vessel resembles a small body of well. kind of reprimand from his own Government. trained men, who can often harrass, or even disable Admiral WILKEs is seemingly s till t o go on hi s th e i r cum b rous a d versar y. The knight s o f o ld were way rejoicing—acting without let or hindrance, at well protected, it is true, by their heavy armour, his own free will and pleasure, whether he chances but in battle it was often as great a drawback as a at the moment to be in Amerie,an or in British protection—for woe betide him that fell. In like waters. Mr. SEWARD, it is true, may consent at manner, in modern history, the Santissima Trini last to wink at the surrender cf the Peterhoff. dada but ill-fulfilled the expectations formed of But—beyond that one just possible conces- her; and we apprehend that NELSON, were he now side' the apologies, the reparations, the alive, would cite her as an example of size being guarantees for better behaviour are to come outwitted by agility. Speed is power, the ability from the British to the Federal Government. to avoid attack and to come to close quarters with Under these amazing circumstances, breathless with the enemy is the sure road to victory. Let cur yes the resent perusal of these last refreshing telegrams, sell have speed, and iron-plated turrets, and all we Englishers can possibly have left us to do.-- all new-fangled notions will give way to cutlasses is just meekly to wait and see whether or not Mr. and boarding-pikes. At all events, the whole SEWARD can, by the barest possibility, have written question of our naval improvements requires care any such insane communication. And if so Mr. ful consideration, and demands a fair and candid COBDEN himself would be able, this time, to answer spirit on the part of the authorities. Unless they his own inquiry as to What next, and next ? show this they will not give satisfaction to the pub lic, who are too deeply interested to tolerate official prejudice in a matter of national importance. We have to thank the American war for directing public attention more strongly than usual to the question of our naval efficiency—a question of vital importance to the nation, which is but feebly repre sented by the administration of Admiralty affairs. The construction of iron-plated vessels has entirely revolutionised modern navies ; and in surprise and gratification at the astonishing power of these ships, men have been inclined to rush into the opposite extreme, and to denounce our whole fleet as useless, and to urge the authorities to construct an unlimited number of ironclads. Our Admiralty, however dilatory in some of its movements, and how ever unwilling to accept suggestions out of the privileged clique, are always ready enough to expend the public money in changes and alterations. The notion of our old wooden ships being rendered worthless by the in novation of iron-clads is therefore only too likely to find favour in their sight, The system pursued in our dockyards has long since excited the indig nation of those who know anything of naval matters. In the words of Lord ROBERT MONTAGU last night, "Money is completely frittered away in dockyards ; ships are constantly altered while in course of con struction, and after they hive bean constructed at vast expense they are never sent to sea, but are ul timately sold as old stores !" This is scarcely the way to procure an efficient navy, to excite the emu lation of competent men, or to satisfy the public. Of course there are occasions when modern improve ments may be adapted to old ships, thereby saving expense and rendering the vessels doubly efficient, but these are seldom taken advantage of by our naval lords. For instance, why should not the Ad miralty turn to account some of the wooden vessels now lying idle in its dockyards by armour-plating them ? The conversion of a three decker into a two-decker would neutralise the additional weight of the iron, and we should thus have iron-plated ships ready for service in a short space of time, while public money would be saved and good old vessels turned to account. That our wooden vessels are worth using is sufficiently proved by the case of the Sanspareil, mentioned in the House last night. This vessel received Last night General LINDSAY moved that an address be presented to Her .MAJESTY, praying that she will appoint a Royal Commission " to in quire into the claims of 21 officers of the army who were promoted to the rank of colonel in 1866 and 1856 as aides-de-camp to the QUEEN and for dis tinguished services in the Crimea, who, by a re commendation of the Royal Commission of 1858, which had reference to another class of officers, had been deprived to an undue extent of the position they attained by the promotion conferred upon them, and to report to her MAJESTY whether they were entitled to any redress, and if so to rocommend in what form should redress be accarded them. General LINDSAY explained that he did not want to take the opinion of the house on the question, but he wished that the subject should be thoroughly in vestigated by proper authorities. The late Lord HERBERT had admitted the justice of the claims of these officers, and the late Sir G. LEWIS had re commended the payment of £ll,OOO for meeting the exigences of the case. Both these Secretaries for War had coincided in opinion that these officers had just ground for complaint, and were entitled to a remedial measure, Sir G. LEWIS stating that they ought to be promoted to the first vacancies. He (General LINDSAY) could not see how the position of these of 3ers ought to have been effected by a commission of 1868. He would take this opportu nity of telling the House what a distinguished man had said of their case. Sir WILLIAM NAPIER, one of the veterans of the Peninsular War, showed them what a noble soldier thought of their position. In writing to one of the officers referred to, he said " that he had never heard of such flagrant injustice or shameful treat ment, and he recommended his correspondent to address an earnest and respectful memorial to the authorities, stating all the particulars of the case." General LINDSAY concluded his simple but impressive address by trusting that he had then adduced sufficient reasons for the inquiry, and he hoped the House would sanction his request. The Marquis of HARTINGTON said that it was impos sible to assent to this proposition, and be did not see what grounds for complaint could exist. These are generally the arguments adopted by officials when the rights or wrongs of any individuals are called in question, and therefore there was no great weight attached to the speech of the noble marquis. Sir J. PAKTNGTON said that as General PEEL was not present he would briefly state some facts. His right hon. friend the Secretary for War would tell them that he was quite unconscious of the effect of the report on these officers. One of the officers referred to was Sir THOMAS TROWBRIDGE, who was wheeled past her MAJESTY at the distribution of honours, both his feet having been shot from under him. The fact was that three successive Secre taries of State had borne testimony to the claims of these officers. General PEEL had said that he would never have submitted the warrant to the QUEEN had he known its effect,:the late Lord HER BERT, and the late Sir G. C, LEWIS. But now the Under-Secretary for War informed them that it was not suitable to disturb the Army List. He did not think that there were a dozen men in the army who would not much rather have the Army List dis turbed than that injustice should be done to a body of distinguished officers. Lord PALMERSTON was rather ambiguous in his statement, he said that he did not wish the House to interfere with the detailed management of the army, and also he pro mised that if the honouable and gallant member withdrew his motion he would engage, on the part of the Government, that the commission should be appointed. It was no wonder that this announcement was received with laughter. The fact was that the noble lord saw with his usual perspicuity that the decision of the Under- Secretary could not be adhered to, and, not willing to contradict his subordinate, he adopted a medium course, which, if carried out, would be virtually the same. Mr. DISRAELI commented on the inconsist encies of the speech of the noble lord, and said that he had forgotten that there was a mode of interfering with the army which was not unconstitutional, and that was the form proposed by his hen. and gallant friend, namely, to petition her MAJESTY to exercise her prerogative and take those steps which might bring about the results that the house desired. The right hon. gentleman truly declared that it was unconstitutional to adopt the course that Lord PALMERSTON had done, for the house to agree that there was a wrong, and yet that they must be silent, and let the Govern rmnrienyt take some sec re t s t e p t o accom pli s h it s redress. whatevers n s s eR nA T Eo h Lu e is r e s, hp w earn a mo s dpa g o ysriet have Lord o a i t n f . orce in this argument of PALMERSTON lost in strategydig gaoinfedeoiunrseGn e e General his l LINDsAY agreed to withdraw his motion, and leave the case to the honour of the Government. This does not affect the real issue however, that is how long it is to be permitted for Ministers to play at power , If th ese officers were not wronged, why do the Government promise to attend to their request. If they are, why d d they not sce to it earlier, and not suffer opprobrium to fall on their reputation by leaving gallant defenders of their country unpro tected. The fact is that no reformation is so much needed as that which is required in the official departments where merit is unnoticed and worth passed over unless they are accompanied by patro • nage or introduced by the agency of favouritsm. 24 shells and nine round shot in the action at Fort Constantine, yet continued the action for several hours, was repaired, returned to England, and is now in the service. It is idle to depend entirely on theory in matters of this kind. Scientific men may lay do vn the law very ably and unan swerably, but it often proves that practical service puts their infallibility to a very severe test. The Northern States of America relied on the invul- nerability of their Monitors, but experience has proved that the turret ships are easily disordered in a severe action. The perfect fit of a turret in its groove is indispensable to its proper working, and it is manifest that a Whitworth shot can disable the best appointed " Monitor." In the late deadly engagement at Charleston, for instance, a shot struck the turret of the Passaic and fractured some portions of the interior casing which fell into the groove upon which the turret revolved, so that it could not be turned in consequence of the obstruc tion. Again, the Nantucket received shots which Indented her turret so deeply as to prevent the pendulum which closes the ports from working, her guns became unserviceable, and the turret itself was twice stopped by shot. Lord C. PAGET, in oppos- ing the motion for a commission on the best mode of constructing iron ships last evening, referred to the Charleston affair as a proof of the inexpedience of granting a commission. The fact is, the commis sion was asked for as much from the general want of confidence in the administration of our naval affairs as from any great faith in its utility. If the public could see a really able man placed at the head of the Admiralty, the Board constructed without reference to party favour, or " taking care of Doevei ;" if the offices wore independent of Government changes, and if men of experience and proved ability out of official circles were consulted on special occasions, they would have some confidence in entrusting the ex penditure of their money and the protection of their naval interests to the hands of the appointed authorities. At present they have no such grounds for satisfaction... Every scheme, suggestion, or re form not of their own originating is condemned by th e Board. The construction, destruction, and alteration of ships is carried on very much after the fashion of children's toys, which are said " to be made to be broken"—so our Admiralty seems to think that a ship i s put together i n order to be pulled to pieces. sirs. ELPHINSTONE's su ggest i on of assembling a council of the ablest engineers and men of practical experience to consider the best form i of construction for iron and iron plated ships appears to us to be just and sensible. Why not avail our selves of the experience of men whose interest it has tli e o b r ieset m at a o y build good and efficient ships. A be very eager for the enceess of his theory ; but if a large shipbuilder does not turn out good ships he will soon forfeit his reputation and his property. A council of inquiry should include both classes —men of scientific knowledge and men who have acquired their Wisdom from testing it afloat. Sir J. ELPHINSTONE reminded the [louse that when Sir J. PABINGTON remodelled the navy and did good service to the country by his exer tions, he_ held a council of the ablest engineers, who determined on the form of the 'Warrior and the Black Prince, two of the finest ships in our navy. Even these vessels, however, are capable of improvement. In the anxiety to secure strength and size, other advantages are frequently lest sight of, and it is not an uncommon thing to find ships of such great size somewhat unmanageable. The in vention of the double screw, which extorted the reluctant approval of Sir C. PAGET, however, comes in to assist in the management SOMETIIING.—There is a man down East, a rather facetious fellow, whose name is New. He named his first child Something —it was Something New. The next child was Nothing --it being Nothing New. And on being asked " Why is the rudder of a steamboat like a public hang man ?" he answered the question thus, " Because it has a stern duty to perform,"—Ainerican .Paper, LATEST INTELLIGENCE. (REUTER'S EXPRESS.) AMERICA. NEW YORK, APRIL 17 (Morning) (Per City of New York.) Information has reached Fortress Monroe that a steamer with one regiment and supplies had sue ceeded in reaching General Foster at Washington (N.C.) on the 14th inst. The Confederates under Longstreet, to the re- ported number of 30 ; 000 strong, continue to invest Suffolk, where the Federals are fortifying them selves. Heavy skirmishing daily occurs. The Con federates have attempted to get round Suffolk, and cut off the Federal communication with Norfolk. It is supposed that in case of the capture of Suffolk by the Confederates, the Federals would burn Norfolk. Southern despatches from Vicksburg to the 10th inst. state that two more Federal transports, filled with troops, had gone up the Mississippi, and others were preparing to follow. Fifty-three Federal gunboats had proceeded up the Coldwater River. A Federal ironclad was abandoned and des troyed at the mDuth of the Amile River. Refugees from Vicksburg state that there are sufficient supplies there to last the garrison for two years. Vicksburg is fortified by 225 cannon. At present it is held by not more than 5,000 troops, but in case of attack reinforcements can be had. The Confederates are constructing three gun boats up the Red River. The steamer Indianola is lying at Plaisance, on the Red River, ready for action. At Jackson, Mississippi, the Confederates are said to have an extensive foundry and powder manufactory. There are reported to be 800,000 bales of cotton in and around Jackson. Sixty thousand bales are hid away in swamps and woods The Federals have closed the Memphis lines for 60 days, neither contrabands nor cotton would be admitted. Thirty Federal boats and twelve gunboats had left Memphis to operate on the Cumberland River. The Ilzchmond TlTht:9 says :—A fight took place at Williamsburg, Va., on the fourth (fourteenth P). The Confederates under Gen. Wise drove in the Federal pickets, and occupied the town. The Fe derals retired to Fort Magrada, from which point they shelled Williamsburg. General Wise has en trenched one side of Williamsburg, and is going to attack Fort Magrada. Ia compliance with a request of Congress, Presi dent Davis has issued an address to the people of the Southern States. After recapitulating the different events of the war, and declaring that the present position of the South was well calculated to inspire confidence in the success of the Southern cause, he says—" There is but one danger which the 1 Government regards with apprehension, and to avert this I appeal to the spirit and patriotism of the people. The harvest of last year was far below the average yield, especially in the northern part of the confederacy, where supplies are most needed for the army. If, through confidence in early peace, people now plant cotton and tobacco instead of grain and articles necessary for the subsistence of the people and the army, the consequences may prove serious, if not disastrous, especially if the present season proves as the last. The wheat in more Southern States promises an abundant yield, but the difficulties of transportation will embarrass mili tary operations and cause suffsring among the people if the crops in the middle and northern por tions of the Confederacy prove deficient. No un easiness is felt for the mere supply of bread for the men. It is for corn and forage to raise live stock and supplies for animals used in military operations that the deficiency of last harvest was mostly felt He urges the people to raise exclusively corn, oats, beans, peas, potatoes, and other food for man and beast, and to sow corn broadcast for fodder in tht immediate proximity of railroads and canals. Tbr supply of meat is deficient. The deficiency is, how ever, only temporary, as measures have been adopted which, it is believed, will soon restore full rations The ration is now reduced sometimes to one-halt the usual quantity in some of the Southern armies. The supply of meat in the country is sufficient for the support of all, but transportation is so difficult, and speculators having caused the surplus in tin hands of producers to be withdrawn from sale, Government has been unable to gather full supplies. The Secretary of War has prepared a plan by which people will be enabled to assist Government offi cers to purchase bacon, corn, poi k, and b ee f, known to exist in large quantities in different parts of the Confederacy. The address concluded as follows : Entertaining no fear that the people will miscon strue the motives of this address, or fail to respond to the call of patriotism, I place the facts fully and frankly before the people. There is little doubt that if the people unite in doing their duty the sovereignty and independence of the Confederate States will be maintained. The Governor of New York has sent a message to the Legislature recommending it to pass an amendment to the Constitution, giving the Legisla• Lure power to pass a law to enable absent soldiers to vote, which, if concurred in by the next Legisla- ture, could then bo submitted to the vote of the people, and if their decision was favourable the next Legislature could take the necessary action. He recommends this course in preference to the passage of an unconstitutional law or one of questionable validity. He says—' The conduct of the high officials have caused great distrust in relation to freedom from restraints and coercion in voting which could be accorded to absentees. It would be worse than mockery to allow soldiers and sailors to vote if they are not allowed to receive letters and papers from their friends, or if they have no fre:dom in reading public journals. If officers are to be subject to dismissal and soldiers to increased hardships for the expres sion of opinion by votes or by customary political action, the flames of civil war will be kindled at the North. The Governor notices with regret the attempts of some officers of the Federal Govern ment to interfere with the free enjoyment of poli tical opinion by persons in the army. These inexcusable acts of official tyranny are rendered more objectionable by the language used in their execution, which is at once opprobrious in terms and a wanton and unjust attack upon half the peop'e of the loyal Suites. While subordinate officers arc punished for doing their duty as citizens at home, officers of high rank have been employed to in er fere in elections of the States of which they are not residents. The people will not permit the army to be used for electioneering purposes by those seeking an additional term of power. The Governor hopes the wisdom of the Adminis tration will admonish it in season of the dangers of acts marked by these features of wrong and oppression. The Governor, however, has confidenoe that the vrisdom of the people, and the Legislature of New York, will be sufficient to secure to absent soldiers and seamen the freedom of political opinion. The New York press, generally, with the excep tion of the World, are assuming a highly he'll- gerent tone towards En7;tand. The New Yor,;; Herald urges President line°ln to call an extra session of Congress to consider what measures ought to be adopted in case of a collision with England, as It is essential that the legislative branch of the Go vernment should co-operate with the executive to give the war all the moral force necessary for its success, and thinks Congress should share with the President the responsibilities of a war with Eng land, if such a course should be necessary to vindi- cate the honour or uphold the interests of America The New York Times says it is physically cer tain America will exact atonement for British outrages, the only uncertain thing is the question of time, It may be next month, or next year, or ten years hence, but every dollar destroyed by English privateers will be made good by voluntary payments or reprisals, and urges the Federal Go vernment to make no further remonstrance, but let the British rulers take their course and America will bide her time. The same journal thinks that the invincibility of the American seaboard is proved by the fact that the harbour obstructions can pre vent the entrance into our ports of ironclad fleets, and as the war would be defensive on the part of America, with the exception that America would invade Canada, and launch hundreds of privateers, there is left no room to doubt that England would get the worst of it. Seventy thou sand Federal troops could march through Canada without impediment, as England could not break the blockade, as it would be protected by ironclads, of which America has five to one of England. The World ridicules the Tames' article, and says the defences of Canada are superior to anything the Federals have met with at the South, and backed by the greatest naval power on earth. The con quest of Canada would not be such child's play as the Times supposes. The Richmond Examiner says it is not cotton 41one, but well grounded confidence of the ability of the South to maintain her independence, which has given the standing to the Confederate loan in Europe. The French frigate Guerriere arrived at For. Munroe on the 14th. NEW YORK, APRIL 17, Afternoon, (Per City of New York.) It is reported that Mr. Seward is in favour o, surrendering the Peterhoff. The .21reto ork Evening Post says : "If it is true that Mr. Seward has sent a note to the British Government de manding that the encouragement given to the fitting out of privat, era shall cease, then the honour of America will demand an immediate reply, and if the British Government hesitates, the Federal Government can do no better than recall Mr. Adams and send Lord Lyons home. There should be no hesitation in doing this, and there will then be time enough to deliberate on further mea- cures." A report has reached here from Bermuda that the British steamer Cygnet was fired at by Federal cruisers whilst entering a Cuban port, the cruisers having mistaken the Cygnet for a privateer. Later direct Havana advices do not, however, mention this affair. NEW YORK, APRIL 18 (Morning). It is rumoured in Nashville that 600 Southern sympathisers are to be arrested in that city, and held as hostages for East Tennessee Unionists con fined in Southern prisons. These hostages are to be exchanged for Unionists when the Confederate Government is willing. The report of the Secretary of the Treasury esti mates that the Government expenses for the six months ending December, 1863, will exceed 50,000,000 dole, per month, and recommends further taxation. The .Rzehmond Enquirer sees no further prospect of peace, as the Northern peace means reconstruc tion. The Southern peace means separation, and the _Richmond Enqutrer thinks the North can ensure the dangers and disasters of war, but cannot face the horrors of peace on Southern terms, as Northern financial credit is supported wholly on the hope of subjugating the south. NEW YORK, APRIL 18 (Evening). The New York Tribune asserts that General Stoneman's force, comprising cavalry, infantry, and artillery, after making a feint attack at Kelly's Ford, crossed the Rappahannock higher up and pushed on to Culpepper and Gordonsville, whicn they now occupy. This movement is said to break the line of the Virginia Central Railway and turns the flank of the Confederates at Fredericksburg. Souther❑ journals report that the Federal iron clads sailed from Charleston southward on the 12th nstant. The Federals have occupied Coles Kiawah and Seabrooks Island, located between Folly Island and Hilton Head. General Beauregard has issued a congratulatory address to the troops on the result of the engage ment of the 7th. The Charleston Mercury says that Fort Sumter, although somewhat pitted, is as strong as ever. No one was killed in it. It is estimated that the Federals fired 80 shots, 40 of which struck Fort Sumter. An engagement between Federal gunboats and Confederate artillery has occurred on the Name.. moid River, blow Suffolk. The Confederate artillery was silenced by the gunboats, one of which, however, was disabled and moved off. Considerable excitement prevails at Suffolk con cerning the shooting of Colonel Kimba, by General Corcoran. It is said that Colonel Kimball, while on picket duty, attempted to prevent General Car coran from passing, and the General shot him dead. Southern Journals confirm the repulse of Gene ral Van Dorn at Franklin, Tennessee. The same papers state that two Federal gunboats and three transports were destroyed on Cumberland River by Wheeler's cavalry, who had also captured several Federal trains between Louisville and N4shville. A steamer from Bermuda arrived at Charleston on the 13th inst. The steamer Eagle from Wilmington, and the steamers Margaret and Jessie, from Charleston, on the Bth, have arrived front Nassau. Fourteen vessels with cotton from Southern ports arrived at Nassau between March 18 and April 10. COMMERCIAL Pt TELLIGENCE. NEW YORK, APRIL 18. Money abundant. Gold 53 per cent. premium Exchange on London, 166. Stocks very firm. New York Central, 114 ; Illinois shares, Bn-; Erie, 79 1 ; 6 per Cent. United Sates Bonds, 104. Cotton dull. Middling Upland, 66c. Flour quiet and unchanged. Wheat dull. Corn quiet. Provisions good inquiry. Coffee inactive. Sugar good demand. Molasses Crude Petroleum, 204 to 21. quiet. The City of New York takes out 107,706 dole. in specie. MEXICO. NEW YORK, APRIL 17. Washington semi-official advices states that the French had invested Puebla, and occupied Amalo cm 11W, commanding the road to Vera Cruz, and San Juan Hill, commanding the road to Mexico. Comonfort's forces were within hail a mile of the French. POLAND. DEFEAT OF THE RUSSIANS WITH GREAT LOSS NEAR WARKA, THORN, APRIL 29. Last Saturday an important engagement took place been the Russians and the insurgents near Warka, south of Warsaw. The Russians were de feated with great loss. AUSTRIA, VIENNA, APRIL 29, This morning Langiewicz, accompanied by a police commissary and the requisite guards, was conducted from Tischnovitz to the Bohemian for tress of Josephstadt. PLYMOUTH, APRIL 29. The St. Lawrence, from Calcutta, has arrived in the Channel. On the 18th inst. she spoke the Wooloomooloo from Sydney. FRANCE. PARIS, APRIL 29. The Corps Legislatif has passed the whole Budge by 240 against seven votes. The Constitutionnel of to-day publishes an article signed by its chief editor, M. Paulin Limayrac, con - tradicting the reports which have been circulated by several newspapers relative to an alleged change in the policy of the Court of Vienna. The Constitutionnel says :—" In seeking in the policy of Austria motives and combinations which have no existence, her loyalty is outraged. Austria has freely adopted her line of conduct and has there fore no reason to change it. The three great Powers first presented their observations to Russia and after them other Powers did the same. The reply of Russia will evidently be dictated by the same feeling of moderaticn and courtesy and by the desire to yield to the wishes of Europe. We expect this reply with confidence." Official despatches have been received here from Vera Cruz, announcing that General Mirandol has defeated Comonfort near Cuolula, after a brilliant engagement. The Mexio-tn loss was 200 kilted ann 80 prisoners, that of the French was 10 men, two of whom were kilted. The disposition of the inha bitants towards the French is favourable. A French corps has occupied the road between Puebla and Mexico. During the night between the 23d and 24th, entrenchments were successfully opened be fore San Juan. Le Pays announces that their Imperial High- nesses the Prince Napoleon and the Princess Clotiide quitted Paris last evening at 8 o'clock for Marseilles, whence they will at once proceed on their tour through Egypt and Palestine. Optnion Aationule comments significantly upon the fact that while conflicting interests just now retard the action of France and England in behalf of Poland—leaving the Poles to support their rights unaided upon the field of battle—Sweden, oa the contrary, manife:ts its sympathy with remarkable energy in favour of that < ffiteted country and people ! The attitude of the German Diet towards Den mark, says _Le Conetztutionnel, every day becomes more menacing. BOURSE, April 28.—The market has been rather firmer, but without any material improvement in prices, Threes, for the Account, being now at 69t. 25c. Mobilier have advanced. The Railway Share Market has been well maintained, and with a slight the lines. The market improvement on some o closed as follows : it per Cents . . 69 60 Do ead 3 per Cents Do. end month 69 20 Credit Mobilier 1400 Italian Loan 7l 65 Do. end month — Ve w ditto Do, end month — Russian Austrian Spanish Three, — Home Debt .. — Do. end month 1395 Bank Shared 33h0 Credit oncier 1470 RAILWAYS. Cash. Account. Orleans lOl2 60 1015 Northern New ditto .. 1010 1011 25 Lyons and Mediterranean 1153 75 .. 1155 Goneva Southern Western Eastern .... Sardinian ..... Austrian Lon•bard North of Spain Saragossa.. Ditto to Barcelona 765 .. 765 525 .. 527 50 530 .. b3O 452 5u .. 453 75 490 .. 490 595 .. 596 25 565 .. 665 750 .. 370 .. 371 25 THE CAPE MAIL. The mail steamship Briton arrived at Plymouth yesterday afternoon with the above mail and 35 passengers. Sr.e left the Cape on the 22d, S'. Helena on the 310 t ult., and A. , eension on the 4th inst. The Cape Parliament was to meet m - aApii; 16. The measures which the Governor intended to submit had not transp'red. The absentee policy had been abandoned by Eastern members, and it was expected that nearly all of them would attend shortly after Parliament bad assembled. The ex ptnditure for the year 1862 had exceeded the re venue by 1:70,000. The colony was suffering uncle, very serious depression. Ttree years' drought and the long winter had reduced the agricultural popu lation to great straits. Almost universal insolvency pet vaded large farming districts, and the trade of the towns had suffered severely through distress in the country. Provisions were scarce and dear and money dearer. It was, however, hoped that the depression would ultimately benefit the colony by prompting to large improvements in farming and commerce. Trade was very dull, and until after next harvest much improvement was not expected. Fine rains continued to fall in all parts of the colony. The appearance of the country was beau tiful, and there was great promise of abundant winter crops. Cattle stealing by the natives stilt prevailed to an alarming extent both in the colony and in British Kuffraria. Otherwise ail was quiet on the frontier. The President et Free State had at length resigned. Every day's events were con sidered to show the necessity of the re-extension of British sovereignty to that country. The Volksraad had, on the ground of expense, abolished its border police establishuent, and de clined to constitute a supreme court of appeal Seven miles more of the Cape Town Railway were open. The colonial railway engineer had inspected the routes of the projected railways, and approved of them. Orders had been received for the recall and breaking up of the Livingstone expedition. The latest news from the missionary stations was favourable. Messrs. Chapman and Baines had effected their passage across from Watwich Bay to the Zambesi, and coefir med D. Livingstone's glow ing description of the Victoria Fails. On the 12th March the Federal corvette James town, 20 guns, for China, put into Table Bay, having damaged her rudder. She was suffered to remain two days on a plea of effecting repairs. During that time she shipped surreptitiously about 20 seamen there. Severe retribution had been exacted of the Arabs for murdering the Penguin's sear en. The Briton arrived out March 12, and the Himalaya March 18. Messrs. Farmer ana Rogers, of Regent-street, have been appointed India Shawl Warehousemen to Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales. THE COST OF OUR IRON CLADS.—From a re turn issued yesterday morning we learn that the cost of the iron-plated ships since the Warrior has been as follows : The Black Prince, £373,899 ; the Resistance, £257,848 ; and the Defence, £252,893. We may here state that the whole oost of the Warrior before being ready for sea is now known—it amounts to £377,373; the principal difference between the cost of the Warrior and that of the Black Prince being in the item of masts and yards, rigging and stores. SOURCE OF CHEERFULNESS.—CheerfuIness arisen half from personal goodness, half from a belief in the per sonal g09v1n034 Of (Alters, AIWV,4I-1 rtir VIA& HER MAJESTY. WINDSOR CASTLE, April 28. Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales, Prince Alfred, Prince Louis of Hesse, their Grand Ducal Highnesses Prince Alexander and Prince Henry of Hesse, attended by Lieutenant-General Knollys, Captain Grey, Major Cowell, Captain Wester, weller, and Baron de Rotsminn, went to Aldershot this morning. The Prince of Wales and Prince Alfred proceeded afterwards to London, and the Princess of Hesse retu Ind to Windsor Castle. Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, at tended by the Hon. Mrs. Brace and the Hon. Mrs. Stonor, left Windsor Castle this afternoon for Marl borough House. Her Royal Highness Princess Helena, attended by Lady Caroline Barrington and Sir W. }loge, accompanied the Princess of Wales to London, and went to Buckingham Palace. Tim Queen held a Privy Council this afternoon, which was attended by Earl Granville, the Duke of Newcastle, Earl Russell, and the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone. The Rlght Hon, George Earl de Grey, by corn• [nand of the Queen, was sworn of her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council. The Queen hav tog been pleased to appoint Earl de Grey to be one , of her Majesty's principal Secretaries of State, his lordship was sworn one of the Quten's principal Secretaries of State. Mr. Helps, Clerk of the Council, attended. The Spanish Minister was presented at an audience by &at ituesell. Earl Granville and Earl Russell had audiences of the Queen. Mr. Tneed has been honoured with sittings by her Majesty the Queen, to complete the model of hts Hitoricttl Group ot the Queen and _enlace Con sort fur Windsor Castle. Mr. George Crutitshank has had the honour of übmitung for her Majesty's inspection at Windsor Castle his large picture of the " Worship of Bac chus.' ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA. Last night Covent-garden Theatre was honoured with the presence of their Royal highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales. The anuouncement of the intention of rue illustrious pair to visit for tne first time one of the great metropolitan theatres caused no small degree of excitement and a great demand for plac,, , s in every part of the house. The curiosity of the public to see the charming Princess notr domiciled among us, and henceforward our own countrywo , - man, appears to have been awakened rather than satisfied by the cursory glimpses of her person obtained during her late triumphal progress through our streets, and everyone DI more eager than ever to behold (in the words of Edmund Burke) so " delighttul a vision." Accordingly the theatre was filled to overflowing, from the orchestra to the highest regions of the gallery, with a vast multitude anxious to ob- Lain a glance of the fair and royal stranger. The same feeling was shared out of doors, for dense crowds were in the streets adjoining the theatre, waiting the arrival of the splendid cortege. When the royal party entered the theatre it was thready full. The whole audience rose by a smut' taneous impulse; the curtain was raised and exhibted the vocal strength of the 3ompany drawn up ou the stage God save the Queen" was magnificently sung, amid shouts and acclamations. The objects of this royal homage acknowledged it repeatedly and graceiully ; and when the joyous tumult had subsided the opera began. The royal box was tastefully decorated and brilliantly lighted up, so that its occupants were distinctly seen from many parts of tne house. '!heir Royal highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Helena and rrince Allred ere at she front of the box, which was com pletely titled by a nutne ous and brilliant suite, among wheal we observed Lady Car o li ne B arr i ngton, L ady de Grey, Mrs. atonor, Lord Harris, Lord Moun. Edgeumbe, Gen. Knoll,* Captain Grey, Sir William mate, the Hon. Mr. Meader and Major Cowell. Their itcyal Highnesses the Ducneae Catubr,dge and the Princess Mary were present; an d the boxes and stalls were lull of persons of rank and distinction. livery box had inure than us ordinary n..mber of occupants; and wneu the audience rose to welcome the royal party, the nouns presented a coup (Neil of almost unexampied s play uuur and beauty. Ot the opera and its performance there is nothing 1 ° ue eaid. The opera was " masaniellu," performed precisely as a was a rew nignts ago, when we hau occasion to nescribe it. Ic went, oft very well, but with very little applause, tile audience perhaps being restrained by tannenotion or etiquette in the presence et royalty. I nere was only one excePLW IL to the prevailing silence : the grew, duet in the seconu act/ between Masanielto and Pietro, was sung oy Nauoin so d Faure with so much fire and enerby that it wa s Wildly ell' eel ed. When the curtain had fallen a, the end of the opera, ig lose again alter a short interval, and disclosed the stag ° completely cuverea with people. There were not only °it the principal performers, and a chorus greatly m btrengtuall In nubers, but a large wintery band, and a 1:11111ULUtle 0 persons who had been peiluitied, we presume, to comellP° ° toe stage and swell the apparent number of the choral' " God save the Queen" was sung a second tuue, and tilt ° the royal visitors took their departure multi Mesh deuloir strations of loyalty. TEE LATE PRINCE CONSORT. On Wednesday, the 10th J une, the Memorial of the Vl hibition of 1851, and the statue of his Royal Highness 1118 Prince Consort, in th e gardens of the Royal Horticultur e society, will be u ncovered in the presence of their 144 al ' ~, Highnesses the Pri nce an d P r i ncess of Wales and 011.7, members of the ro ya l fa mily. T he following ceremuul" wilt be obse(ved on the occasion : The guests invited to take part in the procession wi ll assemble (by invitation card only) at the west dome of th e International Building. Whilst assembling the military bands will play. The royal party will arr i ve at four o'clock precisely, and will be received by the Executive Committee of the Nler modal Committee, who will conduct their Royal nesses to a reserved place on the platform under the western dome. proceed down the nal! Their Royal Highnesses will then to a balcouy over the sou,hern entrance 01 the Royal flora' cultural Gardens, and their arrival will be announced by flourish of trumpets. "God Save the Queen" will b 6 played by three military bands united in the ante-garden. The council of the Royal Horticultural Society will then present an address and receive a reply. Military bands will again play. After which the txecutive Committee of the Memorial Committee will read a short address and receive a reply His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales will oraer t",. uncovering of the memoria l , which will be announced 1/ . ; flourish of tru mpets and a salute of artillery, alter military music will be performed and the fountains 11 play. The royal party, headed by the procession, will tbe:o walk round the garde ns , sto p p i ng at var i ous points to the memorial and the garden. a The line of the procession will be marked by barriers 0413 0 banners, and it is requested that, during the procession spectators will remain stationary. IL the event of rain the line of procession will keep under the cover of tha arcades The exhibition buildi ng w i ll be thrown open to tilt / viaiturs to the garden. The Princ e o f W ales has been appointed Co ll t of the 10th Hu s s ars , k nown as the Prince of Wales's ° Royal Regiment, vice the Earl Beauchamp, who i 9 painted colonel of the 2d Lite Guards, vacant by the d e. of Field-Marshal Lord Seaton. Itie Duke of Cleveland and Lady Augusta Pcie -e tti return to town at the close of the week from Paris. ter , 'l'ne Duke and Duchess of Matlburouga elllll tained a select party at dinner l as t even i ng at the i r 1 8111 " residence in St. James s.square. Lot a Brougnaih, who is in th e b es t of be'l ltil ; intends to Lava his chateau at Cannes the week after P e lle fur Paris; and the noble and learned lord will probab l y in town by the third week in May. rile° The Cou n t ess o f D er b y will h ave evening P 9,1, on Thursday, th e 21 s t M a y, an d on W e d nesday , the 2 7- Eirl aria COIIIIIVBB Russell entertainer; at di° oo last evening, iu Cheshatn-piace, the Spanish Minister, azta Haytian Mi n i ster , t h t D owager Countess of Li c hfi i riadi Lady G. Anson, th e M arqu i s o f Hart i ngton, L or a and a dY Hairy Vane, Lord and Lady Cosmo Russell, Lord eu d o ut Taunton, Lard Henry Sc o tt, L or d C ourtena y, and Wiropffen. 1 00 Lady Margaret B eaumont ' s b al l will take P on Monday, May 18. th e Lidy Henniker gave her secon d ball for - - eason last evening. gin et '[he Right R on . th e C hancellor of the E el 'i and Nlrs. Gladst one enterta i ned a small "`j party at dialler -8° evening, at their res id ence on Carlton- h ouse •terrace' t l y e B The Earl of Wil ton has returne d t o town f or eat eason. The nobl e ear l will give a series of dinners - in the ensui ng month. °te a The Earl an d C ountess o f W ar wick are e°l)e do , to arrive at their house in the Stable Yard, St. L-merrow, from Italy. en 1 1 10 The Earl of Denbigh is nearly reicovered fr og la te ilium; Kid is still iu the wuntry,