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

EA T " -F,° A l i upon] urges the Federal Government to make no THIS EVENINLesG, see STILL WATERS M BucHkst RUN DEEP. ne. ARK ET. further remonstrance, but to let th e B r iti s h rulers Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Wigan, Mr. W. Farren, Mr. Chippen- take their course while America will bide her dale, and Miss Louisa Angei. After which, an apropos Dramatic Sketch, introducing a time." Does that mean, by the way, that she will Panorama of the Tour o the Prince of W ales in the East. simply wech f h how . - To conclude with BORROWING A HUSBAND. Pamela or er opportunity ? Not so, Miss Maria Harris. Commence at 7. ever, as we have seen, thinks and decides its still more bellicose contemporary, the New York Even mg Post aforesaid. That warlike journal having become apparently quite prepared for a course of action on the part of Mr. SEWARD a great deal more short, sharp, and decisive. The Federal Government is not to make any apology, much less is it to offer any sort of reparation. Mr. ADAMS is to receive no kind of reprimand from his own Government. Admiral WILKES IS seemingly still to go on his way rejoicing—acting without let or hindrance, at his own free will and pleasure, whether he chances at the moment to be in Amerian or in British waters. Mr. SEWARD, it is true, may consent at last to wink at the surrender of the Peterhoff. But—beyond that one just possible conces sion the apologies, the reparations, the guarantees for better behaviour are to come from the British to the Federal Government. Under these amazing circumstances, breathless with the resent perusal of these last refreshing telegrams, all we Englishers can possibly have left us to da— is just meekly to wait and see whether or not Mr. SEWARD can, by the barest possibility, have written any such insane communication. And if so Mr. COBDEN himself would be able, this time, to answer his own inquiry as to What next, and next ? TFIEATRE-ROYAL LYCEUM OPEN, under the Sole Management of Mr. FECHTER. THIS EVENING, at 7, to commence with an Orl'lnal Sketch, entitled A SUDDEN ATTACK. Messrs. Shore, Garden, lti. Widdicomb, Miss Henrade, and Mrs. Lee. After which, at a Quarter to Eight, a New Romantic Drama, In Three Acts, and Priiogue, entitled THE DUKE'S MOTTO, by Paul Feval and John Brougham. The principal character will be sustained by Mr. Fechter, guTported by_ Messrs. J. G. Shore, G. Jordan, J. BrongT am, H. ,viddi omrse, F. Charles, Garden, Raymond, Dawson; Misses Carlotta Leolercq, Kate Terry, E, Lavenue, and Elsworti.y. Acting-Manager, Mr. H. Barnett. ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE. Leitaef S. Kegs: s. Linda; and Vining. THIS EVENING the drama of AURORA FLOYD. Miss Amy Sedpvick. 11 iss Hencltnlou, and Mrs. Simpson ; Messrs. ki. Roxby, G. Melville, G. Belninre, C. Seyton, Wallace, and Cathcart. After which, KILLING TIME. Mr. Gel, Vining, Mr. C. Seyton, and Miss Amy Sedgwick. To conclude with a new , ;himsical Extravaganza, entitled BEAUTIFUL HAIDE ; or The Sea Nymph and the Sallee Rovers. Misses M. Oliver, Helen Howard, Hudspeth, Hen derson, and Murray ; Messrs. C. Seyton, G. Belmore, Fitz :Mies, Moreland, and Cockerlll NEW THEATRE-ROYAL, ADELPHI.-• Foie Proprietor and Manager. Mr. 13. Webster. THIS EVENING, JANET PRIDE. Messrs. B.Webster, J. L. Toole, Paul Bedford, Stephenson. Stuart, F.burne, 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. Commence at 7. TIME THIRD EDITION OF " THE SUN," 1 Containing the Latest SPORTING INTELLIGENCE, can be had Every Evening of G. R. GLENIE, NEWS AGENT, No. 4, Connaught-terrace, Hyde -park. 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 anythingof 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 have been constructed at vast expense they ere 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. Ot course there aro 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 obi 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 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 am the law very ably and unan- j swerably, but it often prove s th a t prac ti ca l serv i ce ) 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 lest 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 DOWB ;" if the offices were independent of Government changes, and it men of experience and proved ability oat 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 the Board. The construction, destruction, and alteration of ships is carried on very much after which are sa id "to the fashion of children's t oys, be made to be broken" —so our Admiralty s eems t o think that a ship is put togeth er i n order to be pulled to pieces. Sir J. ELPECIN STONE'S suggestion of assembling a council of the ablest engineers and men of practical experience to consider the best form 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 been t o b u i ld good and efficient s hi ps. A theori s t may be very eager for the enccess 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 11.-,use that when Sir I. PAKTNGTON remodelled the navy end 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, t wo o f t h e 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 sueh 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 The Weather--Sun Office, April 29, 1863. THERMOMETER. _Highest since Noon yesterday, 56 Lowest during the night This day at N00n..... - -- Wind--Northerly; fresh and squally. HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE TEIIII DAY.—Morning, 10h. 44m.—Afternomi, 11h. 20m. To-moußow.-Morning, 11h. 49m.—Afterucon, h. m. ing and turnin g qu i c kl y roun d w i ll be incalculable for ships o f war . A l arge ship is too often like a large army, u nw i e ld y f rom i ts s i ze, while an active ► manageable vessel resembl es a sma ll b o d y of well of the unwieldy of the Sir J. ELPHINSTOE observed that he had been very recently present a t a tr i al of the Ilehe, which was fitted with tw o engines and two screws working entirely iodtpendent. With o ne screw s h e steamed at three-fo ur th s o f the force attained by the two, And with one screw go i ng ahead and the other re versed, she w as a bl e to turn on her axis in twenty seconds. The ad v a n t age o f t hi s power of mar waver trained men, who can often harrass, or even disable their cumbrous adversary. The knights of old were well protected, it is true, by their heavy armour, but in battle it was often as great a drawback as a protection—for woe betide him that fell. In like manner, in modern history, the Santissima Trini dada but ill-fulfilled the expectations formed of her; and we apprehend that NELSON, were be now alive, would cite her as an example of size being outwitted by agility. Speed is power, the ability to avoid attack and to come to close quarters with the enemy is the sure road to victory. Let our ves sels have speed, and iron-plated turrets, and all new-fangled notions will give way to cutlasses and boarding-pikes. At all eventp, the whole question of our naval improvements requires care ful consideration, and demands a fair and candid spirit on the part of the authorities. Unless they show this they will not give satisfaction to thepub lie, who are too deeply interested to tolerate officia prejudice in a matter of national importance, (REUTER'S EXPRESS.) 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 1855 and 1836 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 accorded 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 officers ought to have been effected by a commission of 1858, 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 ono 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 bat impressive address by trusting that he bad then addueed 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 he 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 attacbed to the speech of the noble marquis. Sir J. PAKINGTON 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 adeptecl a medium course, which, if carried out, would be virtually the same. Mr. DISRAELI commented ors 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 ment take come secret step to accomplish its redress. There was great force in this argument 01 Mr. DISRAELI'S, and Lord PALMERSION lost in dig fitnLh hoi i steeNys Dejwsna notAshg ey a e atnateffi agreed r e ucet r st he det h hp e therooo m rnwpe a ooai y ustl ihr t di os o a rs fn v ua .wt e e h g n f ed e i u n r strategy General h e h o i G s w o m e v v o ei non,a a that *d i I s eT h ah o vi w es long it is to be permitted for Ministers to play at power If these officers were not wronged, why do the Government promise to attend to their request. If d d they not 9: to it earli er , an d not s t u h ff ey er are, Iy opprobrium vh 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 favouritew. The Governor of New York has sent a message to the Legislature recommending it to pass an amendment to the Constitution, giving the Legisla ture power to pass a law to enable absent soldiers to vote, which, if concurred in by the next Legisla ture, could then be 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. Ile 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 flimes 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 people of the loyal States. While subordinate officers are punished for doing their duty as citizens at home, officers of high rank have been employed to inter fere in el ec ti ons o f t h e S tates of which they are not residents. Th e people will not pe rm it the army to be used for e l ect i oneer i ng 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 confidence that the wisdom 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, g enera l ly, w i th the excep tion of the World, are as sum i ng a hi g hly belli- SOMETUING.—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 P" he answered the question thus, ', Because it has a stern duty to perforoa."—.4tnerican .Paper. LATEST INTELLIGENCE. 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 Fester at Washington (N.C.) on the 14th inst. The Confederates under Longstreet, to the re- ported number of 30,000 strong, continue to inves 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 mouth 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 _Richmond Tl 7 hig 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. In 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 Government regards with aeprehension, 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 tery operations and cause suffering 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 the immediate proximity of railroads and canals. The 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-half 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 the hands of producers to be withdrawn from sale, Gevernment has been unable to gather full supplies. The Secretary of War has prepared a plan by which people will be enabled to a•=sist Government offi cers to purchase bacon, corn, pork, and beef, 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 b e f ore the people. Th ere i s little doubt that if the p eop l e un i te i n doin g t h e i r duty the sovereignty and independence of the Confederate States will be maintained. • * l4 Zlit • '' , , , `"" =: ` . ll l, :r 144 . _ LONDON, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1863, The possible surrender of the Peterhoff, as announced in one of our latest telegrams, may be all well enough in its way, supposing that pos sibility to be realised! Bat 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 York 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, having destinations merited 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, if the British Government hesitates, the Federal Government can do no better than recall Mr. ADAMEI 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 bylir. 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, beneficent, and superlatively gracious Mr. SEWARD, the Federa 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 all along have been, alone the aggressors. Reading these telegrams one might really be led to suppose that Mr. ADAMS had 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. And 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 LY ONS 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 spectecle—always a ludicrous spectacle in itself—to wit, that of " the Engineer hoist' with his own petard!" To Suppose, fnr 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 hers through out this country inflamed and exasperated to its present pitch—with Lord PALMERSTON, of all men, living, entrusted at this moment with the respon e i. hility of presiding over the British Administration —we will even add, with Earl RUSSELL in -office at I the head of our Foreign Department —to Su ppose, we s ay, 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 Shave been penned by Mr. SEWARD, with out Mr. SEwARD knowing perfectly well, at the mo ment of sending it, that it co u ld h ave b ut one only result, that it could but elicit one only reply, would le an insult to the common sense of both great both the Aivisions of the Anglo - Saxon race, English and the American. Another Yankee paper (the New York Times) goes so far as to say that "it is physically certain America will exact atonement for British ontragee, the only certain thing being the question of time. It may be next mouth, or next year, or ten years hence [says Mr. JEFFERSON BRICK, evidently drawing in his breath with a deadly relish through his set t ee th , i n the intervals of talk i ng ) , b ut every dollar destroyed by English privateers will be made goo by Port Wa d r arY payments or re p r isals : and [the C OrnisPondent of the New Xvk Times there- I !, WEDNESDAY EVENING, APRIL 29, 1863. 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 clone, 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 New 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 ers 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 ,hould 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 (Aloi ning). It is rumoured in Nashville that 500 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 dols. per month, and recommends farther taxation. The .12zehmond Enquirer sees no further prospect of peace, as the Northern peace means reconstruc tion. The Southern peace means separation, and the _Richmond Enquwer 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 Netb York 7ribune 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, which they now occupy. This movement is said to break the line of the Virginia Central Railway and turns the flank of the Confederates at Frederickabuig. Southern journals report that the Federal iron clads sailed from Charleston southward on the 12th instant. 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 ith. The Charleston Mercury says that Fort Sumter, although somewhat pitted, is as strong as ever. No one was killed i❑ 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 Nanse rnoid River, b low Suffolk. The Confederate artillery was silene?d by the gunboats, one of which, however, was disabled acd moved off. Considerable excitement prevails at Suffolk con cerning the shooting of Colonel Kimbat by General Corcoran. It is said that Colonel Kimball, while on picket duty, attempted to prevent General Cor 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 No.shville. 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 from Nassau. Fourteen vessels with cotton from Southern ports arrived at Nassau between March 18 and April 10. gerent tone towards England. The New York Herald urges President Lincoln 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 responsibilitizs of a war with Eng. land, if such a course should be necessary to vindi• cats 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 o England. COMMERCIAL I*-TELLIGENCE. NEW YORK,. APRIL 18. Money abundant. Gold 53 per cent. premium Exchange on London, 166. Stocks very firm. Now York Cntral, 114; Illinois shares, 882-; 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 quiet. Crude Petroleum, 201 to 21. The City of New York takes out 107,706 dols. in specie MEXICO. Nt.W YORK, APRIL 17. Washington semi-official advices states that the French bad invested Puebla, and occupied Amalo eau Hill, commanding the road to Vera Cruz, and San Juan Hill, commanding the road to 1V." , 2:-.izo. Comonfort's forces were within half a mile el' the French. POLAND. DEFEAT OF THE RUSSIANS WITH GREAT LOSS NEAR WARKA. THORN, APRIL 29. List Saltuday an important engagement took place been the Russians and the insurgents near - Mirka, south of Warsaw, The Russians were de feated with great loss. FRANCE. The attitude of the German Diet towards Den mark, says Le Constztutionnel, 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 69f. 25c. Mobilier have advanced. The Railway Share Market has been well maintained, and with a slight improvement on some of the lines. The market closed as follows :--- it per Cents 69 50 Do. end month — :3 per Cents 69 20 Do. end month 69 20 Credit Al 1400 on, end month 1395 Bank Shares 340 Credit k oncier 1470 Italian Loan 7l 65 Do. end month — New ditto Do. end mouth — Russian Austrian Spani,h Threes — flume Debt RAILWAYs. Orleans Northern .... dit*o Lyons and Mediterranean Geneva Southern Western Eastern •••• 00000 ..,•• Sardinian Austrian I,orr.b.rd North of Spain Saragossa Ditto to Barcelona Cash. Account. 1012 50 .. 1015 -- 10.2 50 .. 1031 25 1010 -- 1011 25 1153 75 .. 1155 -- - - • • - 765 - 765 - 525 - .. 527 50 530 - 530 -- 452 50 .. 453 75 490 - .. 490 - 595 - 596 25 665 - 665 -- 750 - - 370 - 371 25 THE CAPE MAIL. The mail steamship Briton arrived at Plymouth yesterday afternoon with the above mail and 35 passengers. Sce left the Cape on the 22d, St. Helena on the 31st ult., and A-tension on the 4th inst. The Cape Parliament was to meet on April 16. The measures which the Governor intended to submit had not trunsp'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 penditure for the year 1862 had exceeded the re venue by .E 70,000. The colony was suffering under very serious depression. Tt.ree years' drought and the long winter had reduced the agricultural popu lation to great straits. Almost universal insolvenc3 pervaded ►arge farming districts, and the trade of the towns had suffered severely through distress in the country. Provisions were scarce and dear and money dearer. 1t - was, however, hoped that the depression would ultimately benefit the colony b 3 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 titul, and there was great promise of abundant winter crops. Cattle stealing by the natives still prevailed to an alarming extent both in the colony and in British Kaffraria. 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 Voiksraad had, on the ground of expense, abolished its border police establish Lent. and de clined to constitute a supreme court of appeal Seven miles more cf 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 Waiwich Bay to the Z mbesi, and cobfir med Di. Livingstone's glow ing description of the Victoria Falls. 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 surreplitioP.sly about 20 seamen there. S.vere retribution had been exacted of the Arabs for murdering the Penguin's scan en. The Briton arrived out March 12, and the Himalaya Mural 18. Messrs. Farm-r an (I Rlgt rs, 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 Defi-nce, £252,898. We may here state that the whole cost of the Warrior before being ready for sea is now known—it amounts to £377,373; the principal difference between the cost of the Wa , rior and that of the Black Prince being in the item of masts and yards, rigging and stores. SOURCE OF CIIEERFULNESS.—CheerfuIness arises half from personal goodness, half from a belief in the per sonal goodness of others, PARIS, APRIL 29. The Corps Lcgislatif has passed the whole Budget 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 outragsd. 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 courteiy and by the desire to yield to the wishes of Europe. We expect this reply with confidence." 1 Official despatches have been received here from Vera Cruz, announcing that General Mirandol has defeated Comonfort near Cholula, after a brilliant engagement. The Mexic4n loss was 200 kilied Etna SO prisoners, that of the French was 10 wen, two of whom were killed. The disposition of the inha bitants towards the French is favourable. A French corps has occupied the road between Puebli and Mexico. During the night between the 23d and 14th, entrenchments were successfully opened be fore San Juan. Le Pays announces that their Imperial High nesses Prince N .poleon and the Princess Clot tide quitted Paris last evening at 8 o'clock fur Marseilles, whence they will at once proceed on their tour through Egypt end Pah stine. L Opinion .A ationale 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 b.ttle—Sweden, on the contrary, manite:ts its 83 mpa hy with ri mai kable energy in favour of that fflicted country and people ! AUSTRIA, VIENNA, APRIL 29. This morning Langiewicz, accompanied by a police commissary and tho ruquisile guards, was conducted from Tischnovitz to the Bohemian for tress of Josephstd.dt. PLYMOUTH, APRIL 29. The St. Lgwrence, from Calcutta, has arrived i ,he Channel. On the 18th inst. she spoke the Wooloomooloo 7roua Sydney. sz iltal: 4 „A tri la ....„:„,..... ..,, 4. 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 Prinei Henry of Hesse, attended by Lieutenant-General Runny's, Captain Grey, Major C owe ll, C a ptain Westerwdler, and Baron de Rotsmann, west to Aldershot this maiming. Tne Prince of Wales and Prince Alfred proceeded afterward to Loudon, and the Princess of Hose retu ned to Windsor Castle. Her Th)yal Highness tte Princess of Wales, at tendee by the Hon. Mrs. Bruce 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. I - Fatet accompanied the Princess of Wales to London, and went to Buckingham Palace. Tne Queen held a Privy Council this afternooth which was attended by Earl Granville, the Duke of Newcastle, Earl Russell, and the Right Hon. E. Gladstone. The Right Hon. George Earl de Grey, by com mand of the Queen, was sworn of her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council. The Queen hair" tug been pleased to appoint Earl de Grey to be 0 00 of her Majesty's principal Secretaries of State, his lordship was sworn one of the QutLn's principal Secretaries of State. Mr. Helps, Clerk of the Council, attended. The Spanish Minister was presented at an audience by Earl Rubenll. Earl Granville and Earl Russell had audiences of the Queen. Mr. Ttieed has been honoured with sittings by her Majesty the Queen, to complete the model of his Historical Group of the Queen and Prince Con sort fur Windsor Castle. Mr. George Crulkshank has had the honour of submitting for tier 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 an , .ounceuient of the intention of the illustrious pair to visit ior tne first time one of the great metropolitan theatres caused no small degree of excitement and a great ciernand tor places in every part of the house. I:he curiosity ut the public to see the charming Princess noir domiciled among us, and henceterward our own countryWe' 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 is more eager than ever to behold (in the words of Edmund- Burke) so " deiightlul a vision." Accurdingiy the theatre was fiord to oveitiowing, Irvin the orchestra to the highess regions of the gaileiy, wits; a 17481 multitude anxious to ob.' tam a glance of the lan and royal arranger. The same fteung was shared out or doors, tor dense crowds were le. streets aupnuing the theatre, waiting the arrival or the apiemaci cortege. NV the. the royal party entered the theatre .t was au . euoy lull. The Winne audience ruse by a kauul tsuecus impulse, toe curtain us raised and extubted the vocal strength in the :tympany drown up on the stage •• God /save the Queen" was magnificently sung, amid allulikB airs in:chianti-I(ms. Lie objects 01 this royal homage. acknowledged it repeatedly and gracemily ; and wrien juyuws tumult had siihslded the opera began. rite royal Ma was tastefully uecurared and brilliandry lighted up, so that its occupants were custinc,ly seen irons many parts of tue house. a heir Royal highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Helena and rrincs Anted ere at die hula of the b,x, which was com pletely tided by a name ous and brilliant suite, among whollii we observed Lady Caroline Barrington, Lady de Grey, Mrs. otouur, Lord hart is, Lord Munn , Eugcumbe, Gen. linollya, Captain Grey, Sir William hoste, the Hon. Mr. Meade, and Major Cowell. their itoyal Highnesses the Ducnese or Cauibr dge and the Princess Mary were present; and the DuXes anti stalls were lull of persons ut rank and dish/town. every box bad more than its °wan:try m..niber of occupants; and wren the audience ruse to welcome the royal party, the house presented a coup cl•cei4 ht almost unexampled sktell" dour and beauty. Or the opera and its performance there is nothing to be said. the opera was " musautello," performed preen :WV as ii Was a iew n.guts ago, whsu We has occasion to hescribe' it. 16 went off very weh, but with very little applause, the. audience perhaps bethgredattlned byautuenottorlot etiquette , in the presence or re d arty. 1 were was only one exception to the prevailing silence : the great dlieL, in the second act, between lilasautelio and Pietro, was sung oy Nauclin and Eaure with so much fire and energy that it was loudly en cored. When the curtain had fallen ac the end of the opera, it . rose again alter a short interval, and disclosed tile stage completely covered with people. There were not only all the principal periortuers, and a chorus greatly btreugt.a.ned in numbers, but a large military band, and a multitude 0t persona wau had been permitted, we presume, to come upon the stage and swell the apparent number of the chorus. " God save the Queen" was sung a second time, and then the royal visitors took their departure amid flesh demon strations of loyalty. THE LATE PRINCE CONSORT. On Wednesday, the 10th June, the Memorial of the Ex° hibitiun of 1851, and the statue of his ituyai ilighruss the Prince Consort, in the gardens ut the ituyai liorticulturia Sucieiy, will ue uncovered in the presence of their Blal tliBtiueses the Prince and Princess of Wales and other members of the loyal Lundy. The following ceremonial wilt be obses ved on the occasion The guests invital to take part in the procession wil l assemble (by invitation card only) at the west dome of the International budding. 11 hilst assembahg the military bands will play. The royal party will arrive at tour o'clock precisely, and wily be received by the Executive Committee of the Me morial Cutunutue, who wilt conduct their Royal High uesses to a reserved place on the plituorru under the western dome. iheir Ituyal Highnesses will then proceed down the nava to a balcony over the sou hum entrance or the it.tyal Hord cuittirai Gardens, and their arrival will be announced by - a ilu,,rish or trumpets. " Goa Save the Queen' wilt be played by ihr_e military baud. united in the ante-garden. lire council of the Itoyal nurticuiturat Society will then present an undress and receive a reply. Military bands wilt again play. Atter which the .xecutive Committee of the Memorial comutittee will read a short address end receive a reply. His Royal Highness the Prince of %Yams will °ranr the uncovering of the mennTial, which wilt be announced by a flourish oi trumpets and a salute of artillery, after which limitary music will be performed and the fountains will The royal party, headed by the procession, will then walk round the gardens, stopping at, various points to see the memorial and tke garden. The line of the pivutssion will be marked by barriers and banners, and it is requested than, during the. procession the zpectutors will remain siatiuntu_y. In the event of rain the line of procession will keep under the cover of the arcades The exhibition building will be thrown open to the visitors to the garden. The Prince of Wales has been appointed colonel of the tOtn Hu ssars, know n a s th e P r i nce of Wales ' s Own Ruyal R eg i ment, vice the Earl Beauchamp, who is ap pointed colonel of the 2d Lite Guardt.4., vacant by the death of Field-Marshed Lord Seaton. ftie Dukt, of Cleveland and Lady Augusta Poulett return to triwn at the close of the week from Paris. The Dttlie and Duchess of Marlborough enter tained a select party at dinner last evening at their /mill residence in St. James s •square. Lord Brougham, who is in the best of health, itu e nds to leave his chateau at Cannes the week after nett for Paris; and the noble and learned lord will probably be in town by the third week In May. The Countess of Derby will have evening parties on Thursday, the 21st May, and on Wednesday, the 27th. and Cuunices Russell entertained at dinner last evening, in Chesham-place, the Spanish Minister, the. Haytian Mi n i ster, thf Dowager Countess of Liehfi la an d Laay Anson, the Marquis of liartington, Lord and Le-dY Harry Vane, Lord and Laity Como itusell, Lord and Lady. 'Taunton, Lard Hen r y S cott, Lord Courtenay, and Coas t Wimptlen. L,dy Margaret - Beaumont's ball will take plait® on Monday, May 18. Lady ii , ;ziniker gave her second ball for the eason last evening. lhe &grit file. the Chancellor of the ExcheqU er . feud Mrs. Gladstonemitertaiatd a kinidll party at dinner last evening, at their residence on Carlton-house terrace. The EArl of Wi itou has returned to town for t h e season. Thu noble earl will &lye a series of dinners early in the ensuing month. Tne and CuLmtess of War wick are expected to arrive at their hour© in the Siable Yard, St. James °' L-tnerrow, iron liaiy, Tile Earl of Denbigh is ;nearly recovered from late illness, and is still in th cpuntrY. pl.ay