The Sun.
London, England, 1864-12-30 00:00:00

SPIRIT OF THE PUBLIC JOURNALS,

TiefEs.—President Lincoln thought it necessary
to remark, in his Message, upon " the insecurity of
life and property in the region adjacent to the
Canadian border by reason of assaults of despera-
does committed by inimical and desperate persons
who wore harboured there." To this observation,
however, he candidly added, " I desire to be under-
stood, while making this statement, that the colo-
nial authorities of Canada aro not deemed to be in•
ternationally unjust or unfriendly to the United
States; but, on the contrary, there is every reason
to expect that with the approval of the Imperial
Government they will take the necessary measures
to prevent new incursions across the border." It is
fortunate that we can contrast this frank and tem-
perate language with the proclamation of General
Dix and the Resolutions just offered on the sub.
ject in the Federal Senate. In Congress we are
charged with complicity in assassination and pillage,
while a military commander threatens our terri-
tories with invasion ; but the Chief of the Re-
public does justice both to Canada and to England,
and we gladly receive his views as those which time
and reason will commend to the American people.
The subject which has thus acquired so unex-
pected interest is certainly a difficult one. Our
colony of Canada, lying north of the Federal States,
was commonly regarded by the people of the old
Union as a prize which would some day- or other
fall to their share. In their estimation, the privi-
leges of American citizenship were so great that
they believed the Canadians must be anxious to
acquire them at the first opportunity, sad if they
talked little about conquest it was because they
then anticipated an equivalent consummation
by a more pacific and natural course of events.
But the Civil War destroyed these agreeable
expectations. The sanguinary convulsions of the
American Republic inspired the Canadians with
a due sense of their own blessings, and a decided
preference of their ;own political lot, so that from
easy friends and presumed admirers they became
critical and unsymputhising neighbours. Presently
indeed the course of colonial opinion took a turn
still more offensive to the Federals, for there arose
a feeling in favour of the South, which was quick-
ened and confretned by the violent bearing of the
North. Oa every suggestive occasion the Canadians
heard themselves threateped with invasion and
subjugation, and were told in plain terms that they
should be made to expiate the imaginary crimes of
this Government by undergoing the indignities of
military conquest. These j Ars, however, might have
passed harmlessly away had it not been for the
proceedings of American refugees on Canadian soil.
The frontier towns of Canada have been made the
resort of characters not unjustly described in the
strong words of the Federal President, "Inimical
and desperate persons," genuine "desperadoes,"
swarm along the frontier, and it is admitted even by
Confederate organs of opinion that among them are
men capable of any audacity or violence. Many of
them, it is true, ere objects of compassion, being
men who have seen their homesteads ravaged, their
property plundered, and perhaps their kinsfolk slain
by hostile armies; but many also, we are told, are
men who have evaded military service with the
Southern forces, and have betaken themselves to
the British colony for the chances of the asylum.
President Lincoln betrays a little asperity when
he specks of these people as "harboured" in cur
territory, but he must know full well that it cone
sists neither with British nor American policy to
reject such visitors. We can only insist on
their conforming to law and abstaining from
offence during the term of their sojourn, and it is
upon this point that the present difficulty occurred.
Nobody can deny that a most unjustifiable outrage
was organised and perpetrated upon Americans
from our soil. A party of raiders, as they are
mildly termed, crossed the Canadian frontier and
committed acts of the mast flagrant atrocity in the
town of St. Albano. It would be hard to allow that
any political pretext could divest such sets of their
criminal character. To assert that a commission
from the Confederate Government gave a license
for such deeds is to confess a most scandalous offence
against international law. Either these " raiders"
were mere brigands, or, being duly commissioned
by their own authorities, they orge'nised from our
neutral territory .a hostile expedition against a
friendly State. All this troy be said, but to say,
as the Americans say now, that the Cenadian Judge
who doubted his own jurisdiction in the case either
strained or pervert( d the law out of sympathy with
the " rebels" and hatred to the North, is the mere
eXtravagance of passion. None know better than
the Fedenils themselves what difficu:ties are EXpC•
deuced in questions like these, and how frequently
the action of courts of law disappoints the eager,
ness of popular expectation. They may depend
upon it that neither in Canada nor hero is there
any desire to encourage or protect such persons es
the S. Albans raiders ; but the course of law is the
best path to follow. Nothing has been more re-
markable throughout the whole of this contest than
the inconsistency of the Federals in the attitudes
they assume towards this country. At one moment
they are irrationally alarmed at the idea of our
intervention ; at another, with equal unreason,
they provoke this very intervention by gratuitous
defiance. The Chief Magistrate of the Republic
has publicly recorded the thankfulness of the people
for their escape from foreign war, when no such
war, except by their own causing, was in the least
degree probable. Yet upon the slightest pretext,
however unsubstantial, the Americans are ready to
challenge this war, to proclaim it themselves, and
to declare the extremities to which they will carry
ire What war with England would really mean
they know better than we could tell them. They
know that it formed the chief hope of the South in
resolving on secession. Their own Minister has
just told us that even such a contraband intercourse
with the South as a rigorous observance of neu-
trality on our part cannot prevent has been suffi-
cient to "promote and protract the war." The very
Senator who brought his inflammatory resolutions
before Congress asserted that but for this intercourse
the contest could net have been maintained for six
months. We are not quoting these opinions for
their truth, but for their bearing upon the great
question of war or peace. If the mere specula.
tive sympathies of political observers or the
smuggling of cargoes through the blockade can
exercise such an influence on the fortunes of the
war, what would be the result if the whole power
of England were thrown really into the balance ?
War between America and England would be
simply the most formidable intervention in behalf
of the South which Mr Jefferson Davis could desire,
and we especially recommend this point to the
consideration of Americans, as perhaps not uncon.
nected with the very questiod before us. It has
been long surmised that the Confederate agents in
their various operations have been rather allured
than deterred by the prospects of international em•
broilment arising from their schemes. If, besides
escaping with a cruiser or plundering a bank, they
could bring a powerful enemy on the back of their
foe, it would be an enormous gain. Perhaps some
of them are now looking at the St. Albans raid
with hopes of this kind, and, if so, it would be much
wiser to disappoint them than to play their game.
The Federals may assure themselves that not even
the capture of Nashville, nor the defeat of Sherman,
would gratify the South half as much as that
rupture with this country which certain Northern
politicians are incessantly advising.
POST.—Whether the rumour of the fall of Savan-
nah is founded on fact or not, Sherman has already
done enough to establish his fame as a skilful, ori-
ginal, and, above all, a successful general. How-
ever the war may terminate, and however singular
may be the episodes which it will yet furnish to
history, the grand march of the Federal army through
the heart of Georgia in the winter of 1864 must
ever possess an almost paramount claim to remem-
brance. Viewed strategically, General Sherman's
tactics may be said to be unprecedented in the
annals of warfare, because in the only instance of
a parallel nature which can be discovered the
motives dictating so hazardous a movement were
different. It Sherman's communications had been
cut off when he was in occupation of Atlanta, and
if any serious obstacles had opposed themselves
to his retracing his steps through Tennessee,
then in self-defence he might, as a sole chance of
saving his army, have pushed his way southwards
towards the sea. But this was not so. Hood, it
is true, was enabled at times with the forces under
his command in Tennessee to threaten the Federal
line of communications; but for all practical pur-
poses the Northern general was always able to
obtain everything of which he stood in need, and
was free to move his army in any direction he
p:eased. His advance through Georgia was there-
fore purely voluntary, and was, so far as we are in
a position to judge, dictated by the hopes of capture
lug the principal towns on his line of march, of de.
vastating the country,and finally of being able,vrith
the sea as a base of operations, to employ his ermy
to better advantage than he could have done by re-
naaining in Northern Georgia. The ticks which he
incurred were considerable, and indeed such as would
have deterred most men from undertaking such an
enterprise. Abandoning his hese of operations he
was obliged to provide his army with supplies suffi-
cient for a miere'a of probably six Weeks, and WU

compelled to guard as he beat could against any of,
those thousand contingencies which might compel
him to abandon his undertaking and once more turn
his face toward the North. Ignorant of the country
he was to traverse and of the force which his OPP°-
nents might be enabled to employ against him, he
had to trust principally to the supposed superiority
of his army and to the good fortune which prover-
bially attends the enterprising. His anticipations,
and his aspirations have both been realised; and
now, after a march occupying just four weeks, and
as it would seem without having encountered all
serious opposition, he has established the much de-
sired communication between his army and the
Federal fleet. The details of Sherman's late opera'
tions are now before us, and dismissing as unrell'
able the report of the fall of Savannah, it is este:
blished beyond doubt that on the 14th of the present
month the Federal army had taken up a strong
position on the south west of the town and."d
captured an important fort on the Ogeechee
six miles from the point where it falls into the sea'
Advancing along the left bank of the river Sher-
man was enable% apparently without oppeettint
to extend the left wing of his army until it rous
have closely approached to the Savannah River:
and by this means secured the command of s,"
the communications with the town from the
north and west. Three lines of railway
.lear°
Savannah, one passing in a westerly direction te,
Albany, and crossing the Ogeechee River at Fort
M'Allister. The second is the Central Georgian
Railway, which follows the left bank of the Übeect
till it reaches Millen,and the third is that which lease
to Charleston. The first two of these lines are 1°
the hands of Sherman ; and as the third pursues a
northerly course for a few miles cu the Georgina
bank of the Savannah before crossing that river, 1
is not improbable that the left wing of his artil,
l
may have taken possession of it. The aproachee to
Savannah from the Georgian side are therefore 13
the command of the Federal general. The eff°rts
made by Foster to intercept the communication*
between Savannah and Charleston have, however,
failed, and, so far as we can gather from the inteill
brought by the last mail, the Confederates will ne
he precluded from sending reinforcements to Savall;
nab, if they are fortunate enough to have them 5
their disposal. The fate of that town, if not alreltd
i
decided, wilt depend chit fly on the force which the
Confederates will be enabled to employ in its o°'
fence. Although Sherman's march through Georgia
was unexpected, it would be a great mistake to sup'
pose that the Confederate Government have taken
no precautions against an attack from the land side'
Strong fortifications have been raised since the bell
ginning of the war, and it only remains to be sect
whether those fortifications can be manned wit'
troops sufficiently numerous to withstand the as-
saults of the army before whose prowess Atlant°
tell. The junction effected between Sherman (I°d,
the Federal squadron is not the only piece of intel":
gence unfavourable to the Confederates varnie'i
reaches us by the present mail. An engageno3„
has taken place between the Federal army unuei
the command of Thomas occupying Nashville, itri.
the Confederate forces which, under Hood, WI
recently laid siege to that town. The Federet
general reports that on the 14th of the prosen,s
month he attacked the left wing of the Confederal
army, driving it from its entrenchments, and OP:
turing one thousand prisoners and sixteen gull
besides several trains, The Confederates did of.
succeed in regaining their lost ground, and on tr
following day the attack was renewed by the
Federal general. The engagement is stated bid
General Thomas to have lasted the entire day, an®
to have terminated in the complete route of t"
Confederate army. Hood is said to have been
"
:
driven from his entrenched position outside NO";
villa, and between 3,000 and 5,000 prisoners, tol,
30 or 40 pieces of cannon, are alleged to have f 314
ten into the Federal hands. When we cell to
g
mind that on the recent occasion when Theintti
was defeated in a pitched battle by Hood, 03,
compelled to retreat to Nashville, his official Oa
port to the G )vernment at Washingten described
the result of the engagement as a victory for t'io
Federal arms; we may be excused for heeitating to
attach implicit credence to the account tow bet°,
us. Making every allowance for the known Ineti,
dacity of Federal generals, it is, however, scarcely
possible that a report such as that made by Gee'
'Thomas should be forwarded to his Government
some serious reverse had not been sustained by s
besieging army. The next mail will probably brtes;
us the details of theF3e operations, and meansvhli
we must suspend our judgment on their possible
result. If Hood has in truth suffered so seriouell;
the siege of Nashville must be raised, and tb
Confederate general may esteem himself fortunoile
if he is enabled to withdraw in safety the remains
of his discomfited army. The Confederate version
will, however, not improbably place a differes
colouring upon the entire eff tit*.

COUNTRY MARKETS,

-------~ .f. .r.

BUSY ST. EDMUND'S—WEDNESDAY.
There was an average show of wheat and barley at th,'l'
market to-day, for which the sales were at late rates.
full attendance of farmers. -• •

BIRMINGHAAI—THURSDAY.
There was a fair supply of English wheat in our c°,,r,40
market to-day, which realised is advance upon last wee"'os
quotations. Fine barley inactive; seconds unaltered. Of'„
held for quite as much money. Beans and peas inacti;
—English wheat was sold at 40s to 44s for white, andn to
to 418 per 36 stone for red, Barley, new malting, 20000
34s per qr; grinding, 225: to 255. Oats, old, 248 to
per :30 stone; Irish, 198 to 24e. Beaus, 38s to 42s per q
peas, 38s to 40s per 36 stone.

MANCHESTER—THURSDAY. •
There was a fair attendance at our market this morn
ing, and English wheat was taken off moderately at is at
the currency of last week. Flour moved off slowly, 4.
late prices.- Oats and oatmeal were in limited reque°
Beans as before, as also Indian corn.

EDINBURGH GRAIN—WEDNESDAY.
To-day there was a fair supply of country wheat, vibicii
sold at late rates.
-
Wheat on the top 5s Od up average Os 7d till'
Barley on the top Os 2d up... average Os 114 UP'
Oats on tho top Os 6d up..... average Os 2d ul3'
Beans on the top 6s Od down .. average Os ld up'
Total Supply and Sales.
Wheat ... 698 qrs Sold 390 qrs
8ar1ey.........2134 qrs Sold 1674 qrs
Oats ........ 3126 qrs Sold 2054 qrs
Beans 133 qrs Sold 115 qrs
Avei age Prices. 6,1
Wheat 37s 2d f Oats. lBs qj
Barley .... 24s 8d I Beans 350
stril
Town• made flour sells as follows :—White, 365; s--
superfine. 345; superfine, 32s 6d; fine, 31s.

GLASGOW—WEDNESDAY.
The market was thinly attended. Wheat was more
cpired for than of late at 6d per qr advance, and a fair bup
nese was done thereat. Barley and oats were steady•
beans prices rather higher. Flour 6d dearer,

CORK•

WEDNESDAY,

. o
The following were the quotations this morning Iv
wheat, 7s 6d to Ss 2d; white, 8s 4d to 8s 8d barn 0
8d to 6s 10d ; oats, 7s 6d to 8s 2d ; black do., 6s -3
Os 7d; bore, —s Od.

tl3o°
The Cork Daily Herald .eaye on reliable all Sorg,
rity that the negotiations for the purchase of the e,,i
;
queenstown, and Youghal Railway by the Great South
and Western Company are all but completed.
LA DVERTISEMENT.] —Holloway's Pills.—The ar
~101
Requisites.—Nobody will deny the assertion that fori%cli
comfort and happiness pure blood and a sound 01°1{019
rank amongst his first requirements. Both may be
and inexpensively secured by these admirable Pills, 0;1,0
act gently on the weakest frames, and cause no
shock to the most sensitive system. Holloway's rill°
with
proved themselves competent to deal constitutionally riagt
those infirmities which descend from parent to effsP"coo•
which often mar the brightest prospects, and throw t'liclo
scant gloom over youth. These Pills purify both the °;8514
and the fluids of the body, and, by that salutary 10°,00,
rouse every organ to perform naturally its proper Alec'
every nerve its proper duty,

Births. co,
BLAKISTON.-0n the 28th inst. .at Wood-end, Holliattca
'
St. Leonard's-on-Sea the wife of Canrnandir 1'
Blakiston, R.N., of a daughter. f 14'
HAMMOND.—On the 28th inst., at Dover, the wife °
Hammond, ivt liP
PETERS.—On the 28th inst., at Redhill, the wife of '
H. Peters, Esq., of a son.

Marriage&
I,lol'l
FinHuGH —On the 29th inst., at Saint o
Bryanstonssquare, William Henry Fitz Hugh, n:,tret
Lincoln's-inn, to Harriet, eldest daughter of .18°.
Esq., of 20, Gloucester-place, Portman-square. Rola
MACDONALD--..DORAN..—.Oa the 27th inst.. at d, EaG
Church, Castlebridge, John Bay Athol Macdonal doe'
of the Scottish Bar, to Adelaide Janet, youngest d late
ter of John Doran, Eq., of Ely Hone-, Yea
Major 18th Royal Irish.

Deaths. , of
.
ATTREE.—OLL the 27th inst., Mr. William Ortonilttre '
Cleveland-road, Islington, aged 61. AC10133
11
BERRINGTON.---At 52, North-end, Croydon, gr.
Berrington, a-ged 74. .
ore,
BRENNEIS.-04 the 26th iust , at 22 0, Cavendish-eg
baniel J. Brenneis, Esq., aged 53. care'
BURDER.—On the 29th inst., at Hatcham;House, we;
the Rev. Henry Forster Burder, D.D., of kliatt.- gil3
Shropshire, aged 82. Eso„,
tO
-. DRUCE..-•On the 28th inst., f
Thomas Charles Druc°, oh
of Holcombe House, Mill hill N.W., and Baker-
Portman-suar, aged 71. .. $1 it
TITYLL.—Onq thee 26th inst., at the Hague, General
William de Tayll.
_..-...--..___e-'

P.......••••••••••••••••.,•••••••••••••••••
London: Prbaud and Prbltt3hed by WILL EA3 AP.317,,„.
the v. 112
ot No. 112, Strand. Printer, at 111 E SSUNot
Strand, Au he Precinct ot the Sivny, .11 `—
iilleldisficx,—Friday, December 30, 1804.