The Sun.
London, England, 1864-01-20 00:00:00

2,055 11 5

THE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, JANUARY 20, 1864.

irrevocable concession, not the suzerainship of one
fatal duchy, but she would relinquish her own in-
tegrity among the Sovereign Powers of Europe.
Feeling assured of this alternation, King Christian
and his Government, and not the King and Go-
vernment only, but the whole Danish nationality
appear to have made their unanimous decision. As
we anticipated it would be, when the first report
of the ultimatum reached us, that decision will be—
a -refusal. Come what may, Schleswig will be re-
tained, and the independent Kingdom of Denmark
will refuse to sink into a German principality. If
war be the result, and that it will be so appears
painfully imminent, we cannot blame the Danes for

its election. Even peace may be purchased at too
great a price, end national h:nour and independence
is a price which no free citizen will bb willing to pay.
Better, grievous as is the alternative, better far a
costly sacrifice than an ignoble safety. Better that
the brave soldiers of free Demnark should shed their
hearts' blood at their King's command, than that
her senators and citizens should sell their national
independence for the protecting favour of a German
despot. A war of aggression or of spoliation is one
of the greatest iniquities under the sun, but very
different is a defensive war, whether it be a defence
of rights or of principles. If Denmark be driven

to arms the onus of the decision will no.; be hers.
Oa the German Powers will rest the full obloquy
of disturbing the peace of Europe, and thereby
renewing the horrors of what NAPOLEON THE
GREAT justly denominated a " civil war.'.'

Nothing seems wanting in the line of action

bat has been drawn out by the continental inno-

vators. The Emperor of AUSTRIA. has personally
addressed the troops that are intended for execution

n Schleswig. The advice tendered on this occasion

is not very salutary, but the meaning is very signifi

cant. In the first place the troops are bidden to
keep on " good terms with their Prussian brethren

in arms." It may bo asked of what great conse-

quence is that, and how are they likely to dispute.
It is only too evident from all that has transpired

that there is only too much unity between the
allied belligerents. If there were a little more
rivalry or difference of opinion, much might be
expected to accrue which would tend to the advan-
tage of the other side; but it suits the avaricious

leanings and the grasping passions of these States
_. _

only too well to proceed in such an undertaking as

hat in which they are now engaged. The &game

of the EMPEROR'S address is full of meaning, and

very fully and clearly discloses the purport of the
transaction, laying bare the secrets of the ma-

nceuvre. " I know that you will do your duty as

if yon were at home, and, should it come to blows,
will show your courage." This is strange
language to use unless the occasion is one of emer-

gency, but it must by this time be evident to the
meanest capacity that the object and intention of
the organisers of the expedition is to proceed vi et

armis, and to force their way through thick and
through thin. It is very much to be regretted

that things should have come to such a pass,

and it is expedient that some means should
be devised for the suppressing of the plot. A

large v.um has been demanded by the Austrian

Government for the expenses of the expedition :
in fine, everything tends to prove more and more
the urgency of the case, and to demonstrate the
fallacy of those arguments which were constantly
urged against the danger of allowing Federal exe-

cation in Holstein. All the sophistries then urged
have turned out to be very sorry ones, and the con-
duct of our Government in persisting to advocate

the expediency of the measure is about as unwise
as it is reprehensible. At all events it is gratify-
ing to turn to the address of the Dines to the KING.

It is an expression of patriotic sentiments, and
breathes a spirit of resolute determination and ar-

dent zeal, which are especially necessary on such
an occasion, and without which all chanc3 of succest,
would be quite out of the question, A time like this is
a sure test whereby to try the mettle of a people, and
all well-wishers will look eagerly and earnestly on
while the gems is being played out. There has
been as yet no hesitation evinced or reticence dis-
played in the bearing and demeanour of the in-

habitants of Denmark in this critical juncture, for
they have come forward with true ardour to bear
the brunt of an attack which is alike unprovoked
and illegitimate in its demands. The address com-
mences by an assurance on the part of the House
that they have seen with satisfaction the determi-
nation of the KING to maintain inviolate the
" liberty and independenceof Denmark, in answer
to the demands made by foreign nations that she
should surrender her rights and irtvalidate her Con-
stitution. Further on they declare that the task
which the KING has inherited from his predecessor
is a difficult one, and may eventually be attended
with great sacrifices. " But," says the most im-
portant passage in the whole address, " they will
bo willingly borne by the people to preserve
the inseparable union between Schleswig and the
kingdom." This is indeed coming to the point and
speaking as men and patriots. They could do no
less than thus avow their intentions to advocate
and support a most determined resistance. At
the same time, while he has a right to
claim their counsel and to seek their sentiments,
the KING can do no less than now proceed and
persevere in the course actually commenced. It is
always gratifying to notice a complete accord be-
tween a Monarch and his subjects on an occasion of
such imminent peril, and so far, at least, a satisfac
tory sight is presented by the denizens of Copen-
hagen. Nor is there any cause to dread that the
country will hesitate to ratify the agreement thus
entered upon by the KING and the Assembly. The
emphatic words which his MAJESTY has addressed
to a deputation in regard to this affair, rightly ex-
plain and powerfully declare the feelings which
actuate and animate him in this momentous struggle.
He says that if all others forsake him in the event of
a war, he yet hopes for the support of the Danish
people. Certainly, King CHRISTIAN has done his
utmost to deserve the success which no mortal can
command, and all civilised and free nations will bid
him God speed in his venture. It will be a burning
shame if our Ministers persist in drawing back from
all participation in matters which their blunders
have helped to bring to such a pass, and their ob-
stinacy has conspired to complicate. They must
reflect that there !s more at stake than the check-
ing of arbitrary and assuming Powers on the Con-
tinent, of more consequence than the safety or pros
perity of a persecuted Ally, and that is the honour
of England—which is in jeopardy by these events,
which is now entrusted to their hands to maintain
and vindicate, and of which a strict account will
one day be demanded of them. The Parliament
will shortly assemble, when recusant statesmen will
not find it so easy to beffie inspection and to shirk
responsibility, but beyond that court of inquiry,
there is another tribunal where evasion and crafty
diplomacy will not avail, and woe betide them if
they cannot undergo the fiery ordeal of public
opinion.

" to

Our national love for discussion and debate id
generally very forcibly shown on the occasion of
hhe
the
Englishmen becoming involved in hostilities in any
ipartargeo ofEnglishndirect agency people have so
thsehsgrelo,
public opinion in influencing the actions of their
bet.hrouTg

Government that they feel in some measure per-

sonally responsible for its proceedings, and show a
consequent eagerness that the policy pursued and
the principles upheld should be worthy of them. If
this is the case in matters of internal legislation,
and in times of peace and order, it is doubly so
when words have passed into deeds, and argu-
ment and remonstrance are replaced by the logic
of the sword. We are by no means a military
people by habit or preference, although proving
formidable antagonists when roused ; and thanks,
perhaps, to our commercial predilections, our
" ideas" are all in favour of peace and progress,
rather than war and glory. There are some few
among us, too, who carry their love of peace,
and their appreciation of its blessings, to an ex-
treme that borders on the ridiculous ; and although
their numbers are small, and their disciples few,
yet the principles which they so warmly advocate
are not without their influence. A good many
people, again, are always inclined, on hearing of
any calamity, to relieve their feelings by blaming
somebody, and others have a pleasant habit of
considering that " Whatever is, is wrong," so that
no sooner are we engaged in hostilities in any
part of the world than up starts some critic to
assure us that it is certainly owing to some error
cr misconduct, national or political. The Crimean
war, we were continually assured, was entirely
due to the sins of this country, while the Indian
Mutiny was directly traced, perhaps with some
degree of truth, to a long course of misgovernment
and neglect. Oar wars with China have given rise
to stormy discussions, our recent proceedings in Japan
have called forth an unlimited amount of censure,
while the conflict with the Maories of New Zealand,
although hastened if anything by the lenity of our
authorities, has been readily traced to British
tyranny and injustice. The rights of the aborigines
have been insisted on, their claims to consideration
brought forward, and a policy of extermination
strongly denounced. Side by side in our public
prints, with the despatch addressed to Sir GEORGE
GREY by the Colonial Minister on the subject of the
Waitara lan 3, is a memorial to the Governor of
New Zealand by a large body of English noblemen
and gentlemen. The object of this communication
is to express a hope, that his Excellency would avail
himself of the first opportunity for coming to terms
with the natives, and that the policy recommended
in some quarters of confiscating the land of all con-
tumacious and rebellious natives should be avoided.
The memorialists, it is true, intersperse their sug-
gestions with many tributes to the Governor's
prudence, justice, and humanity, but the memorial
itself pays but a Berry compliment to these quali-
ties. The course which Sir GEORGE GREY has
hitherto pursued with reference to the Maories has
surely been humane and conciliatory enough to
clear him from all suspicion of unnecessary harsh-
ness, whatever means he may think necessary to
pat down the rebellion. The Duke of NEWCASTLE,
in the despatch above referred to, remarks that,
while he fully approves of the course pursued by
Sir GEORGE by the abandonment of the disputed
land in May last, still he considers that such a con-
cession was beyond what could in strict justice be de-
manded. In the opening of this very address, too, we
find admission made of " the persevering efforts',
made by the Governor "to establish a system of
self-government in the native districts." With great
candour the memorialists also adqiit that these
efforts for the benefit of the natives have entirely
failed, and they profess a deep sympathy with the
difficulties of the Governor's position. Perhaps it
is hardly possible rightly to estimate those difficul-
ties, or to appreciate accurately the position of the
colonist. He has come out at great expense, and
with considerable risk, on an undertaking that all
parties regarded as perfectly lawful and praise.
worthy. He makes many sacrifices, and undergoes
many hardships. He finds the land a waste, and
the simplest principles of agriculture unknown and
uncared for. With time and labour he reclaims and
cultivates the land which he calls his own; he shows
no illwill to his black neighbours, but lives peace-
ably, as he thinks, with all around. Suddenly on
some idle pretext or another the natives declare war;
they seize his land, declaring that it belongs not to
the owner who sold it to the settler, but to some
far-off chief who never agreed to its alienation. The
colonist is fortunate if he escapes unharmed with
his family to the shelter of the nearest town, to re-
turn, after long delay and cruel anxiety, to find his
home a heap of ruins, and his ground laid waste.
In the face of scenes like these the colonists feel
rather as if the cry forjastice should come on behalf
of themselves, while the Go-Verno-r, whatever his
feelings of pity for the suicidal follye of an inferior
race, cannot but remember that his` first duty is to
protect the lives and property- of the peaceable citi-
zens of whom he is the chief. • No one can justly
accuse our colonial authorities' of having shown un-
due precipitancy in following up
the war. It is
well known that so greet was the reluctance shown
that the colonists at last became indignant, and
threatened to take measures for their own protec-
tion. We have, therefore, no right to suppose that
Sir GEORGE GREY, General CAMERON, or any of
those in power, will
show undue severity, or fail to
temper justice with mercy. Bat we should surely
be doing them equal injustice did we suppose that
they would leave their work half finished,
and put out the flame, leaving the smoulder-
ing embers ready to blaze up again at the
very first spark. It would be cruel kindness alike
to the native and the colonist were a hasty settle-
ment of differences superficially arranged, and were
all the present suffering to have been endured for
nothing. Let a thorough settlement be made now
the task is forced upon us. Let the natives have
their rights, and let them be rigidly respected,
but let no authority be recognised in the islands
on any pretenco whatever save that of her Majesty
Queen VICTORIA. The natives may style each
other what titles they please, after the fashion of
Indian Rajahs, but no King should for a moment be
recognised or tolerated. It should always be borne
in mind that the natives are by no means the inno-
cent and unsuspecting savages of romance. They
are naturally quick and clever, and have been
trained by the influence and intelligence of white
men. With regard to the confiscation of the land
there is no doubt that such will be at all events

to some extent a necessary evil. The memorialists
should bear in mind when they talk of such a
policy driving the people to the " madness of de-
spair," that, by their own admission, it is only the
band of " contumacious• and rebellious natives"
which it is proposed to confiscate, who aze conse-
quently in violent antagonism with us already.
Also, the value which they attach to property is
more theoretical than practical, as is proved by
the little use they make of their land when they
have it. It would be well to take advantage of
this general convulsion to pass some enactment
regarding the transfer of land similar to Lord
CANNING.S Waste Land Bill in India, in order to
clear off the incubus of these old traditional pos
sessors. Such a measure might be framed with
all possible leniency and fairness, but it would un,
questionably prove a great blessing to the Maories
themselves, who are coatinually disputing on such
They have always been famous for inter-
necine struggles and dissensions, although they
make common cause against the settlers. It is evi-

matters.

dent, in spite of the memorialists, that our autho-
rity must be restored with a high hand, and that
decided measures must he taken not only to obtain
peace but to ensure it. Such a course offers the best
hope for the future of the Maori race, and such a
course, promptly followed in Japan has secured the
submission of Prince SATSUMA, and the consequent
psotection of European residents from murder. We
see as yet no grounds for necessitating such an
appeal to the Colonial Governor, and consider that
matters are much better left to the discretion of
those on the spot, who can weigh the effect of every
word, than settled 16,000 miles off by critics alike
unable to realise the magnitude of the danger and
to grasp the best means of dealing with it.

AMERICA.

['REUTER'S TELEGRAM
(Per the North American.)
NEW YORK, Jan. 7 (Evening).

A resolution introduced in the Senate to call out
1,000,000 volunteers for 90 days, to be commanded
by General Grant, has been referred to the Military
Committee. The New York Herald and Tribune
urge Congress to pass this resolution.
The House of Representatives has passed a reso-
lution that any proposition or negotiation with the
rebels ought to be rejected without hesitation or
delay.
A large Confederate force, under Jones, has
captured 300 Federals at Jonesville, Western Vir-
ginia, who were guarding the country on which the
Federals depend for supplies of forage.
General Burnside retains his commission. His
command is not yet designated.

Signal stations, occupied by a small garrison, are
to be established along the Mississippi for the pro-
tection of its navigation, in accordance with a
recommendation from President Lincoln and the
Secretary of War.
Congress has ordered the payment of bounties to
veteran volunteers to be continued until March.
The Opposition members favoured the measure as a
step towards the repeal of the Conscription Act.
The New York Tribune denies that it will be
necessary to issue more greenbacks.
The draft is reported to be postponed.
Gen. Butler has returned to Fort Monroe. It is
stated that he is entrusted with full powers from
the Government to carry out his plans for exchang-

ing prisoners.
A delegation of prominent citizens has left Ar.
kansas for Washington to arrange for the State o:
Arkansas re-entering the Union.

The New H%mpshi:e Republican State Conven
,on has nominated Mr. Lincoln for the next pre.

sidency.
The Republican press are inconsed against Gover-
nor Seymour's message to the New York Stare
Legislature.
The New York limes declares that Governor
Seymour's sympathies are with rebellion. The
New York Tribune denounces him as a traitorous
and malignant enemy of his country.
Archbishop Hughes was buried with great cere-
mony to-day. An enormous concourse of people,
were present. The law courts and numerous
places of business were closed.
The Nova beotia Government has placed the
steamer Chesapeake in the Admiralty Court.
The Africa has arrived at Halifax. The City of
Baltimore has arrived out.
NEW YORK, Jan. 8 (Evening).
A naval and military expedition has left New
Orleans, it is supposed for Mobile.
The Confederate movements in the Shenandoah
Valley have been checked by the severe weather
rendering the roads impassable.
Ia the House of Representatives, Mr. Arnold,
of Illinois, has urged Mr. Lincoln for the next Pre-
sidency, on the ground that hi- reappointment
would ensure emancipation throughout the Union.
The Governor of Maryland, in his message to the
Legislature, favours immediate steps for gradual
emancipation, and says :—" The natural resources
of Maryland are such as cannot be developed by
slave labour."
Tho secretary of the collector of New York cus-
toms has been sent to Fort Lafayette for complicity
with parties shipping goods to the South via
Nassau and Bermuda.
Acother of the Chesapeake pirates is reported to
have been arrested at Halifax.
The steamer New York has put into Halifax
short of coals.

NEW YORK, Jan. 9 (Morning).

Western Virginia advices report that the Con-
federates have surrounded the Federal garrison at
Petersburg, driven the Federals out of Burlington,
and are threatening Camberland, Maryland, where
an attack is hourly expected. Fitz Hugh Lee and
Rosser are moving between New Creek and Peters-
burg. Yesterday they captured 36 Federal wag-
gons.
Imboden is reported to have been attacked by
the Federals near Winchester and driven back.

Very severe cold continues to prevail throughout
the countr, , causing much suffering along the
Mississippi and through the Western States.

NEW YORK, Jan. 9, 2 p.m.

The Confederates are moving on Winchester,
Western Virginia. The Federals are prepared for
the attack.

Great excitement prevails among the inhabitants
of London (Virginia) in consequence of extensive
depredations being committed by lawless gangs,
supposed to ba deserters from both armies.
JAN. 9 (4 P.M.).

Washington telegrams report that the Confede,
rates are retreating from the neighbourhood of
Peterburg and Winchester.
COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.
NEW YORK, Jan, 8 (Evening).

Money tight. Gold, 51i per cent. prem. Ex-
change on London, 1664; do. Paris, 3.371. Stocks
steady. New York Centrals, 1314; Illinois, 118;
Erie, 1091. Cotton quiet; middling Upland, 81 to
811. Flour and wheat advancing. Corn in limited
demand. Provisions good inquiry. Coffee steady,
Sugar in good demand. Molasses steady. Petro-
leum inactive—crude, 311 to 321; refined, 46 to 47.
GALWAY, Jan. 19.

The Atlantic royal mail steamer Hibernia sailed
at 2.25 p.m. to-day, for New York, with 300 pas-
sengers, 28 mail bags, and the latest telegrams.

A RUINED PARISII.—Before the present civil war
the population of St. Mary's, in Louisiana, contained 12,019
slaves, assessed as worth 6,433,250 dole., averaging 535
dole. for man, woman, and child. The plantations were
assessed at the value of 5,948,100 dols., the slave property
being as usual worth more than the real estate. Each'elave
was reckoned to net his master 175 per annum--one-third
of his assessed value. The whole taxable property of the
parish was assessed at 14,000,000 dols„ giving to each of
the 4,021 white inhabitants the handsome sum of 3,500 dols.
The war has destroyed this property, and obliterated these
values. The slave prosperity has gone, and the white po-
pulation are beggared. First came a derangement of all
ordinary pursuits, and then it degenerated into anarchy.—
Amerrcan raper.
MR. MARK LEMON.—Last night, et 8 o'clock,
Mr. Mark Lemon, editor of Punch, gave his drama-
tic reading-of "Hearts are Trumps," to a numerously at-
tended audience, at the Bridge House Hotel, Southwark, in
aid of the United Kingdom Railway officers and Servants'
Association. The chair was occupied by Captain Meek, of
Braintree-park.
LONDON, BRIGHTON, AND SOUTH COAST RAIL-
WAY.—The accounts for the past year having been sub-
mitted to the board, the directors have decided upon reconi •
mending the payme balance ividend of 21 per cent. for the
halt-year, leaving a of about £10,600 to be carried
forward to the current half-year.
A committee of the Lords of her Majesty's most
Honourable Privy Council assembled yesterday, at
three o'clock, at the Council Chamber, 'Whitehall. Present
—The Lord Chancellor, the Lord President, Earl de Grey
and Ripon, Lord Cranworth, the Right Hon. Sir George
Grey, Bart., and the Right Hon. Robert Lowe. Their
lordships met to consider certain petitions for and against
the creation of an additional assize for the West Riding of
the county of York. Mr. Waddington, Under Secretary of
State for the Home Department, was present at the cora-
. mittee. Mr. A. Helps, the Clerk of the Council ; and Mr,
B, Harrison, the Deputy Clerk, attended,
A NEW SONG, BY THE AUTHOR OF "COD SAVE
THE QUEEN."--A valuable MS scab by the celebrated Dr.
John Bull, author of " God Save the Queen," has been
found in the Public Record Office, and doubtless will soon
see the light through an enterprising publishing firm.