The Sun.
London, England, 1864-11-28 00:00:00

spirit. If he has left the good Sovereign and wise
Minister of Russia to seek out other bright particu.
lar stars in the firmament of Germany he may suc-
ceed in his endeavour, but he will lose his prestige
at home if he court foreign despots and apply his
talents to gilding their acts with fair-sounding but
meretricious compliments. If there was one thing
more than another that was dinned into our ears
from the outset of the Dane German contest to its
close it was assuredly the perfect harmony and com-
plete understanding that existed between the two
great German Powers, and yet how many proofs
are around us to show that this unanimity rests on
sand. It is said that the King of Prussia has sent
a messenger to the Emperor of AUSTRIA conveying
a letter from his Majesty, to the effect that he hopes
a permanent understanding may be arrived at be.
tween the two Powers upon the basis of existing
relations. This may appear very much to the

purpose ; but when allied Powers are sure of each
other, they do not keep on reiterating their express
sions of security and hopes of concord and cordiality
prevailing. The friendship between Austria and
Prussia resembles the fall of those plants which are
constantly being pulled up to see if they are getting
on. This style of action certainly settles the doubt•
ful point decidedly, but not satisfactorily. There is
another cause of disquietude that has also mani-
fested itself—the Germans have presented a petition
to the Emperor cf AUSTRIA, that prays for the due
preservation of German rights in the settlement of
the position of the Duchies. This reveals a feeling
of distrust and a sense of suspicion wholly at vari.
ante Rith the implied reliance that existed on all
matters, and shows that candid friends will let out
unwelcome truths at awkward times. The address
of the Lower House of the Reichsrath does not tend
to reassure those who mistrust the present aspect of
affairs. A feeling of suspicion is prevalent through-
out its course, and hints are thrown out that con-
firm instead of contradicting the rumours already
so rife, as to want of sympathy and absence of good
feeling amid the diverse parties who have agreed
to arrange the complicated affairs now under
discussion. The wish expressed that many of
the Diets may be convened and assembled exhibits
a distrust of the summary mode now in process of
enactment by which the popular feelings are sup-
pressed to allow the authorities to give vent to
their own opinions unbridled and unchecked. Then,
whether in earnest or satire the address declares
that the Assembly trusts the Government in unison
with the Germanic Confederation " will assist the
Duchies in fully obtaining their rights in the settles
went question, and in effecting an independent set-
tlement of their own affairs." Small chance exists
of this latter aspiration being realised if King
WILLIAM and his sapient adviser, BISMARK, are al-
lowed any voice in the matter, or active part in the
fulfilment of the engagements. Nowhere is it dis-
cernible throughout this address that confidence is
reposed in the design, or certainty entertained as
to the execution of the plans proposed in the trans-
action of the Schleswig-Holstein affair. It may yet
be shown that retribution waits upon those who
have mixed themselves up in the detail 3 of the dire•
fat plot against the independence of Denmark under
the plea of assisting the Duchies. In some respects
it may be considered that the craft and cruelty so
conspicuous in the conduct of the allied German
Powers have speedily brought a judgment upon
them in the distrust of their own people, and the
evil opinion of surrounding nations.

As yet the news which reaches us across the
Atlantic is uneventful and uncertain. Affairs, both
civil and military, are in a transition state, and
although everything augurs the ewedy arrival of
some momentous crisis, the Persia brings us no in-
telligence of its odvent. President LINCOLN re-
joices in his re-election, and the Northern press
accept it as equivalent to a declaration of four years'
more war, taking it apparently for granted that
the continuance of hostilities depends on nothing
else than LINCOLN'S goodwill and pleasure.
M'CLELLAN, disgusted at his failure, has thrown
up his commission, which has been bestowed on
SHERIDAN. The Demoratic champion forfeited
whatever chance he might have had of the Presie
dential dignity by his imprudent manifesto, which
disappointed his friends, strengthened his enemies,
road alienated the large party who would gladly
see the end of the war. Little sympathy can there-
fore be felt for his disappointment, although in
office he might have acted more wisely, and could
hardly have made a worse President than LINCOLN,
In military quarters great preparations are being
made, and the aspect of the horizon foretells storm.
The uncertainty respecting SHERMAN'S movements
is producing considerable excitement. It was al.
ternately said that he was marching upon Charles-
ton, that he was proceeding to Alabama to destroy
HOOD'S communications, and that he had retreated
instead of advancing, and with nearly his whole
force was rapidly moving on Lynchburg, Virginia
No despatches from him have been received
in New York, and it is stated in expla-
nation that he is too far from Washington to keep
up communication. Whether this is actually the
case, or whether it is deemed more prudent to with.
hold his despatches, is matter for question, but the
popular curiosity, both North and South, is vividly
aroused. Southern papers warn their readers to
prepare for startling news, but can give no definite
information as to SHERMAN'S movements. It is
probable that the Lynchburg explanation is the
true one, and that by a bold and decisive movement
he hopes to grasp LEE'S stores, and to secure so
valuable a position. Such a movement, if success-
ful, would be of the greatest importance to GRANT,
while LEE would thus be placed between two fires.
A rumour to the effect that General EARLY had
quitted the Shenandoah, and was proceeding by
forced marches to Lynchburg, confirms this suppo-
sition. HOOD is said to be marching on Chatta.
nooga, and is reported to have been joined by Fon-
REST. Meanwhile GRANT and LEE face each other,
each apparently preparing for some decisive move.
ment. LEE'S army has of late been considerably
reinforced, and ho will consequently be better able
to meet the combined attack by land and water,
which it is thought GRANT contemplates making.
The result of it all will probably be another of those
appalling fields of slaughter to which Americans
seem apparently to have grown accustomed.
In the North peace rumours are being actively
circulated, and are encouraged by the Go-
vernment, though nobody believes in them.' Gen.
BUTLER, whom LINCOLN seems resolved to drag
into prominence, has been addressing 1,000 ladies
and gentlemen who have been giving the chivalrous
hero a public reception prior to his depa-ture from
New York. lie suggested making a final appeal
to the Seuth to return to their allegiance, and pro-
posed that the amnesty should include their civil
and military leaders, Should they fail to respond
to this magnanimous offer by the 3d of January
next they were to be driven into Mexico, the West
Indies, or elsewhere, and their lands divided
amongst the troops. General BUTLER has set him-
self and his compatriots no easy taskJ His political
sagacity and administrative wisdom, added to hie
achievements in the field, are, it is said, to be re-
warded by his appointment as War Secretary, in
the place of STANTON, who is to be removed to the
Cnief haticeship of the Supreme Cone. The placing