The Sun.
London, England, 1864-12-20 00:00:00

SPIRIT OF THE PUBLIC JOURNALS.

TIMES.—The most recent intelligence of Sher-
man and his army is still imperfect and confused,
but not quite so unintelligible as the previous
rumours. From the moment he abandoned Atlanta
and moved southwards, the people of the North lost
all trace of him, and almost a fortnight elapsed bea
fore even the Confederate Government obtained any
certain knowledge of his movements. That an army of
50,000 men, csith all its trains, stores, and artillery,
could disappear alike from friend and foe as com-
pletely as an Eastern caravan overwhelmed by a
sand storm in the desert, is one of the most striking
events of the war. When again heard of, it was
through the Southern journals exclusively, and the
information they could obtain was very scanty. The
latest reports, however, are more exact in the impor-
tant points of dates and localities, and when compared
make up an account which may be accepted as pro-
bable. To the Northern public the sudden movement
was represented as a great military operation, in-
tended to continue the campaign by a bold plunge
in to the enemy's country, to attack Augusta, and de-
stroy the powder works of the Confederate Govern-
ment. The capture of the city of Savannah was
equally part of the plan. Coaoperation in an assault
of. Charleston from the land side was even suggested as
possible. The real purpose of Sherman was much more
simple, yet difficult enough to:carry out successfully
as he has discovered. It was to extricate his army
from an untenable position by a rapid march to t. he
sea coast and the aid of the Federal fleet. In the first
part of his expedition he was so far fortunate that
as ho advanced he found no enemy before him.- But
the Southern troops now begin to appear, and it is by
actual and not successful encounters with them that
his position is made clear. One portion of his army,
following the line of the Augusta and Savannah
Railway, has reached Millen, a little town about
70 miles from Savannah city. It is in the State of
Georgia. Sherman, therefore, has not yet been able
to cross the Savannah river. Another division of
his army has either returned to or been left in the
neighbourhood of Augusta, to the east of which
place a detachment of the Federal cavalry has been
intercepted and either killed, captured, or driven
back, The two portions of Sherman's force are
still on the Georgian side of the Savannah river, and
there aro Southern troops between both the divi-
sions and the river itself. When the stream is
passed they have still to cross the State of South li
Carolina, the division now posted at Millen having
the shortest route to traverse, to Beaufort, but
through the most difficult country. On the frontier
between South Carolina and Georgia the country is
elevated and well wooded. Thence an army,
moving towards the Atlantic coast, must descend
to the "middle country," which is comparatively
barren, formed principally of sand-hills. Then
comes the wide belt of swamp and morass, inter-
seced by slu. gish streams, that extend along the
whole of the southeastern coast. It is not unreason-
able to suppose that in such a country the
Southerners will find some position where the pro.
gress of an army that must have been reduced in
strenth and efficiency by weeks of continuous
marching may be disputed. In addition to the diffi-
culties presented by the natural features of the
country, the temper of the population must also be
considered. South Carolina, always dissatisfied
and restless under the old Federal Constitution, was
the leading State of the present disruption. It was
the first to declare the Southern Confederacy, and
the first to commence the actual war by the loom.
bardment of Fort Sumter. The successful defence
of that fort and the city of Charleston itself against
the repeated attacks of the Federal fleet has en.
couraged the spirit of the people, and no Southern
Stateis more confident of the issue of the struggle.
Taking the country and the population together, it
is impossible to predict forGheenhe7slfbohueurdmhains
march apro-
gress through it so easy as
to its frontier. Even the Northern press cannot
persist in representing Sherman's desperate march
as a deliberate and skilfully-calculated military
operation. We believe it was not a calculation, but
a necessity. Sherman had no choice, except of
difficulties, long before he quitted Atlanta. His
position was simply that of, a commander who has
advanced tog far into the enemy's country, and dis-
covers that his opponents have cat off his supplies
and every line of retreat. When he obtained pos.
session of Atlanta it was only to find the Confederate
Generals between him and any route north or
west. But the country to the south and east
was open to him, if he could traverse the
distance that divided him from the points
on the sea coast in the possession of the
Federals, or within reach of help from the
fleet. He decided on this course, and must accom-
plish his object or fail altogether. There is nothing
for him between the two extremes. His march is
a repetition on a larger scale of the "great stra-
tegic movement" by which M'Clellan transferred
his army, after his defeat before Richmond, to
Harrison's Landing, where it found " safety," and
the Federal gunboats and transports. But the diss
fence between the York and James rivers is not,
as in Georgia, measured by hundreds of miles.
execated his manta evre successfully, but
the campaign itself was a failure. Sherman has
undertaken a more desperate operation of the same
kind. He must march to the sea, as no Federal
flotilla can ascend the Savannah to aid him. His
difficulty is one of frequent recurrence in military
history, ancient and modern. An invading army
must keep open a line of retreat in case of being
oat-mar ccavred or overpowered, or rue the risk of
destruction or surrender, either fatal to the expedi-
tion: The " ten thousand Greeks" were led by
Xenophon from the plains of the Euphrates to the
shore of the Black Sea, but the enterprise was
undertaken by the wreck of an army. The retreat
itself is celebrated in history, but it told the world
that the invasion of Persia was a ruinous failure.
It is possible that Sherman may save as much of his
army as he can march to the shore of the Atlantic,
but not the less will the invasion of Georgia have
been signally defeated.
POST.—Tho official Gazette of Turin contains the
proclamation of Victor Emmanuel in giving effect to
the legislative act which provides for the transfer
of the seat of Government from Turin to Florence.
The change is to be made good within six months
from the date of the proclamation, which is the
11th inst. ; but there is reason to believe that it will
take place at an earlier period in the ensuing year.
Side by side with this proclamation we have the
text of the Convention of the 15th of September,
together with the Act of Ratification. It will be
acknowledged that the terms of this arrangement
make ample provision for the safety of the Pope,
if he should avail himself of the day of grace still
offered to him for the reform and secularisation of
his Government, and for the substitution of a
municipal force for the retiring army of France. Few
subjects at this moment attract greater attention in
Continental politics than the progress of the Italian
Government in centralisation and in retrenchment.
The transfer of the capital may now be regarded as
a fait accompli. That measure will at once affbrd
an increase of security hi the international relations
of the kingdom, and will add very considerably to
the administrative power of the Government in con-
trolling the distant Neapolitan provinces. While
this improvement is being effected in the political
organisation, it is satisfactory to learn that, after
the extraordinary expenditure which an abnormal
state of things had brought about, there are Ind i-
cations of a returning economy. For the last five
years Austria and Italy have stood face to face,
menacing each other by the magnitude of their
armameets, and yet neither being willing, or even
seriously intending to strike a blow. It appears to
be at length discovered upon both sides that a war
of demonstration is the most expensive of all kinds
of hostility ; for it is equally without end and with-
out object. There is nothing to terminate it, and
there is nothing to indemnify or reward it. It is a
condition of things that must necessarily have its
development either in a rupture or in a disarmament.
The moment the fear of the former alternative passes
away the other becomes inevitable. In the relations
between Italy and Austria we have just arrived at
this stage. The two Governments have agreed that
bygones shall be bygones; they have arrived at an
understanding to respect each other's frontiers and
each other's rights. All that is wanting to impart a
formal character to this state of things is the out-
ward recognition of the Italian kingdom by Austria
and the exchange of ambassadors between Vienna
and Florence. That is a result which we may look
forward to with some confidence as likely soon to
happen. In this state ofthings a disarmament becomes
ineviable. Neither Italy nor Austria can afford
their present establishments. Both countries are
outspending their revenue; and, since they have
resolved to live on neighbourly terms with one
another, a continuance of their recent extravagance
would be similly reckless. Now, therefore, that the
paramount question of the change in the seat of
Government has been settled, the Italian Cabinet
have no duty so urgent on their hands its that of
setting their financial house in order. The tnele in
by no means an impraoieable one. Both their foreign
relations and their internal organisation Enable
them to do this without any great difficulty. The
obstacles really in the way of retrenchment and an
equilibrium have certainly been exaggerated. We
are in the habit of hearing that the debt is large,
the current expenditure large, the revenue incon.
siderable. These are relative terms, but let us take
the facts one by one. The Italian debt amounts--
enumerating all descriptions, local as well as general
—to about £160,000,000. In considering the sum
we must bear in mind alto the population. The
little kingdom of Hollacd, with a population of only
4,000,000, has a debt of not less than £lOO 000,000 ;
and, in spite of this burdens, its credit stands' higher

,10.....

- -
than any other country with the exception of out
own. Italy, on the other hand, has a population
of 22,000,000 under the dominion of Victor Emma`
nuel. Again, the population of Fiance is about
half as much again as that of Italy, while the French
debt is nearly fourfold the amount of the Italian.
The Italian debt, therefore, lies within manageable
compass, whether we look to the numbers or the
i
wealth of the population. What is wanted s, Ite
word, to give it the character of finality. Until
that is done, the question of the debt remains a very
serious consideration; but when it is done it becomes
no more than an ordinary State burden, bearing a
,:proportion to the population much below the aver
age. Italieu finance requires an assurance that fre
loans will not be needed, and that is all. If th°
current expenditure can be diminished, the liabilities,
can readily be met without annual deficits in future
The interest on the debt is less than a third of the
revenue; while in England it is fully tsvo fifths.
M. Sells is understood to be resolved to bring
about a financial equilibrium for 1865: and there
is no doubt that political events are favouring a
reelisatien of his policy. We have been of opinion
throughout that the alarm with which his frank
expose of the stale of the national finance eva9
received some six weeks ago, was much beyond
reason. The truth that'is Italian finance was then
unmistakably improving. For 1863 the deficit was
not lees than £12,000,000. For 1864 it has been
ascertained to be kept within £8,000.000. Of coureet
this continued excess of expenditure over receipts
increases the difficulties of Ministers as it goes on,
although the ratio of the excess is itself diminishing'
But if the Government can see their way terougn
the wood, and find themselves in a position to bring
the revenue and expenditure to an equilibrium, the
inconvenience will be but temporary, and can readily
be met. Since the appearance of M. Sella's budge;
political events have undergone a considerable
change. The Austrian Government has given 83
earnest of its pacific policy, which would have core
cised a material effect on the budget of M. Sella had
that budget appeared a few weeks later. But the
event does not occur too late for essential changes
in the expenditure of the Italian Government. It 19
felt that since Austria and Italy mean to live on gOOl
terms together for the future, an army of three
hundred and seventy thousand men is a much larger
force than Italy requires; and that a quarter of. a
million would amply suffice to maintain her poliel
and position in Europe. Such a reduction, combine,
with some other economies already introduced, would
in itself close the hiatus in the yearly budget. In
the meantime, the Italian revenue, under the salve
pressure of taxation, is slowly but surely increasing;
These changes would assure us that the increase 01
the national debt was at an end. The Italians ell'
readily bear the burden they already have. Th.°.
public revenue amounts to £25,000,000 a year;
is considerably larger than the income of the Prus-
sian treasury; and all that is wanting to enable inn
Italian Government to live within it is the assure? ve
that they should be left at peace. The consolidall°ll
of the Government and the development of the
national resources may now therefore be looked for-
ward to with some confidence. Brigandage in thet
south will necessarily decline when it is known 03,,,a
the chances of foreign aid and succour are cut e?-1.
Trade will gain a fresh impetus, and capital off
be put forward with confidence for reproduettve
investment. Indeed, all these things might have
happened before, if there had not year by year been
some fresh alarm, We believe, however, that thie
coming year will open with happier auguries, 6.13"
that all Europe will show itself prepared to eloPr
and profit by its repose.

COUNTRY MARKETS.


COLCHESTER—DEC. 17.
market
We had a fair supply of wheat on offer at our roar-
to-day, and previous quotations were maintained. Barley
unaltered.
Wheat, white 40s 40s Beans, Mazagan „ 335 ~6 3
red 36s 42s middle & 5ma11.355 4,,'.,!
Barley
Oats
20s 25s grey 365 3Ss

NORTHAMPTON—Dm. 17.
White wheat; new,' 39s to 42s ; new red, 37s to 40s;
old. 40s to 44s per qr.' Barley, new malting, 32s to 343--•
other sorts, Ms to 298. Old oats, 28s to 325; new, 20s,st°3
27s per 24 stone. Beans, 36s to 44g. Peas, 34s to
per qr.

GLOUCESTER—DEC. 17. at
There was a good supply of English wheat to-dai
our market, which sold slowly at late prices. Foreign f 0
in limited demand, at about former rates. Barley, Q4'
and beans very dull.

CHELMSFORD—Drc. IG.
At this corn exchange to-day the supply of wheat 1
more than an averttge, bat somewhat out of condition.
~.
dull trade, last week's quotations were barely maintaincu
Spring corn met with a slow sale, at no advance in pricso•
Wheat, old white 40s 45s , yeas, Partridge.... 36s 339
new 40s 411 White 30s ''
04s
old red....39s 40s Boiling .. . 38s 429
new 37s 40s Dun 31s 359
Barley 2s 3'': Ditto new —s "---3
Chevalier 26s 33s__.$ Beaus, Tick, t)ld ..345
...._.g
Grinding 20s 28s new.. —8
Malt....
Chevalier . 64s 68s 1 new..—s
353
Oats . 20s 264 I Mazagan ....... 333

KIRKCALDY GRAIN—DEC. 17. t
We had Lrge supplies of oats at our market to-(131,
small of wheat.and barley. Prices much the same as '11'"
week.

"Wheat. Barley. Oats.
First 30s.Cd 2ls Od 16s Gd
Second 33s Od 22s Od 17s Gd
Od 24s Od 18s Gd

COAL H.
Flues of Coal per Ton al
8. d.

Lambert's West Hart-

ley 18
Bates'sWest Hartley, ,18
iiolywell 18
.far.lield Moor 18
Wylain 19
Eden Main 22

Walls End.

ARK ET.
t the close of the market.
NValls , End.

Bell
Framwellgato ...22 3
Ships at marke

•
Hotton ,, 23 6
.... 0
Reugh Ea,11,......... 74' 0
South Kelloe ......... 23
Russel's lletton ...... 22 6
East llartlepool ...... 21 3
Hartlepool ........... 9
Tunstall
23
Cassop ......
Newßelmont ........ .22

;t, 3) ; sold, 2S,

Foreign Mail Packet List.

MAILS DUE.
, A lg.
riustro.lia and Mauritius, via Southampton. .. A/8-'l2,
via Marsegles Jai. 4
Brazil and Cape Verds, by British packet. Jan. `"
'29.
Vivo of Good Hope, Ascension, and St. ilelena 1)80' 19,
China, Penang, and Singapore, via Southampton.l)B6 21.
__ via Marseilles Dee'

-
Falkland Islands . - •• ** Deo. 19
Gibraltar, via Southampt. Z 9.
India (Calcutta), and Ceylon, via Southampton Pec' 127
vi:; Marseilles Dec' 4
India (Bombay), via Southampton Dec. ,1
via Marseilles
Portugal....
Malta, Egypt, and Aden, via Southatopt:: ************* •:Pj2e'lcri:: 612-1
via Marseilles ........ Pee* 21.
..I)e°'
Newfoundland
Oporto and Vigo
U. Shand British N. America, by Brit. packet... • •L'e-
- by U.S. I..aekot.. • • 23.
by Canadian packet.lice• io,
W.C. of Africa, Madeira, and Teneriffe ;WI' 0.
West Indies and Pacific O. ~
.• ........ ~.
Bahamas
(viditto)a New York)
Dec. i,
ermuda (
Cuba and Mexico

[ADVERTISEMENT.]—Holloway's Ointment and
Healing not Hlrintut.—No application has met wg.'ets
same universal approbation for curing all external auincieeP
as that which this unguent has received. Skin Fore:,,sei,
ulcers, fetid discharges, burns, blistered surfaces, ,10,," rose.
similar affections are at once soothed and put on ir,„3ent
to soundness by Holloway's ointment. With his ealfiz,rA
and his pills the wealthy may save themselves much oetlicsa
ing and the,poor may help themselves to health, sitleelosed
medicaments are reasonable in price and can be Puq jyttS,
in ever hamlet. They have effected cures of stiff Je res.
swelled legs, and ulcerated limbs, and opened out the Pocl
pect of a happy future, after every hope of recovery
been given up.

Births.
DEVETIEUX,—On the 18th inst., at 23, BerkoleY-otritifi2
the wito of Rear-Admiral the Hon. Walter llevrc
ot a son.
Fox.--On the 17th inst., at Cork, the Hon. Mrs. AllgilstilB
Lane Fox, of a son. Ealinb, the
FLUDE.—On the 19th inst., at Hangenvale,
wife of James B. Flude, Esq., of a daughter. .f, of
HIGMAN.—On the 17th inst., et Woolwich, the W I -
Captain Higman, R.M., of a daughter.

Marriages. uty
Gou ii BAUTON.-011 the 17th inst., rethard, ou
Tipperary, George Gough, Esq., ltAthronan
Anise Margaret, daughter of the late Wm. -13Art°11'
of Grove. James°o
O'HAnA—GAlstlirEn.—Or. the 15th inst., at St.
'
Piccadilly:, James O'Hara, Esq , of LeuabeY,
late Captain 6th Dragoon Guards,' to Diana"
tiler, of
Eldest daughter of the late Rev. Sebastian Gam
Sandgate, Kent.

Deaths.
ALL.--a . ;n Ito
A aged
dt7hse 18th inst., at ciaphara. road, Cap
• , • fast
BULWRII. —On the 14th inst., Edward Lytton, tho In
son of Lieut.-G.lonel Mil
BAN -stet.
cr, C.D., aged six months.
ISTER.—On the 1G:11 inst , Henry Grant Bon
r_
Superintendent of tho Chartered Gasworks, Ilorsefor
road, Westminster, aged 36. .0 of
GRAHAM —On tho 16th inst., Robert Graham, -DA )
Buxton House, Forest, Leyton, E, aged 86.
HorxiNsON.__On the 17th inst., at his resat'
sq
c,a4A„, '•
King-street, St. Jaines's-s.qaare,:lll9jor-Gen. Sir Cia rr4-0
Hopkinson, aged 82.

London: ranzed and Frt.lfailed by WILLIASI./INDItE,
of No. 112, Strand, Printer, at Tim SUN Office Z"'•
Strand, in ibe Precinct of iho SAvoy, 41 the Cc ualY
Tue4day, December 2J, 1E Gl.'