The Sun.
London, England, 1863-11-28 00:00:00

1,--zr PA I N ,0 • DON, SA°l A. V lAEA IN 0, NOV ti E_ 2S 1863,

which presents itself is the combination of light-
ness with strength. It would be easy enough to
I
fairit,reovildnestaitutin p
o \V C artoh:
whatlifeb noacta,anbde tldieonveesswelhs
when
h
strength is the first consideration, but the union
of the two is not easy. The addition of another
quarter of a hundredweight will enable the expe-
rimentalists to provide a thoroughly handy and
efficient boat, ready for all weathers and all
catastrophes. The trial was made in the
Regent's Canal Docks, and several of ,the
Lords of the Admiralty, besides many other gentle-
men interested in the question, wore present to
witness the experiments. One of the boats tried
was capable of accommodating no less than 70 per-
sons on an emergency, and proved itself a good
serviceable boat, for when turned over by means of
the hydraulic crane, it nearly righted itself in the
still water of the docks, and would probably have
completely accomplished the summersault had it
been situated in buoyant sea water. The draw-
back to this craft was its weight, for it nearly
doubled the required maximum, weighing 37 cwt.,
or nearly two tons. Another lifeboat was tried,
which only exceeded the standard by 2 cwt., and
would accommodate 50 persons at a crush. We
should mention that the first vessel, when righted,
emptied itself of water in half a minute by means
of its relief pipes. A strong instance of the per-
fection which has been reached in the construction
of these boats was afforded by the exhibition of one
belonging to the Institution, which, when turned
over by the hydraulic crane, righted itself, and freed
itself of water in 20 seconds. With such an example
before us we cannot doubt that skill and science
will accomplish the desired end in the case of life-
boats for the navy, and we hope the day is not far
distant when no large and heavily manned vessel
shall leave our shores without so useful an equiva-
lent.

It is somewhat curious to notice the confident
tone adopted by the Americans at their grand ban-
quet on Thursday. Certainly, if overweening self-
satisfaction and extraordinary expectations could
combine to assist the triumph of an attempt and
further the success of a cause, then the goal to
which the hopes of the Federals aspire would be
soon reached ; as it is, however, all disinterested
observers must be amazed at the assurance dis-
played at the assembly, and wonder if such people
can ever own themselves vanquished. Thursday
was especially set apart as " the day devoted to
thanking GOD for their victories in the cause of
Liberty and Union.' Mr. ADAMS'S speech was,
of course, the chief feature of the, evening, and was
characterised by ingenuity of argument and energy
of expression, but for any convincing statements or
emphatic explanation it cannot be said to be very
remarkable in any way. His Excellency com-
menced by stating his reasons for opposing the ob-
jection that iu some quarters had been urged against
having a Thanksgiving Day just at this period,
which was marked by calamity and affliction. The
chief reason which he deduced was that the PRESI-
DENT had succeeded in eliminating treason from all
departments of the body. Now it was done effec-
tually, and all the ramifications of the Government
were free from treachery. It seems a strange thing
to realise so much ado about this, and it does not
appear either that all this common consent to the
war, this concord and sympathy, has produced
any very great results, or been fruitful in fortuitous
occurrences. Through the length and breadth of
the States which represent the cause of
Union there is nothing but rivalry, con-
tention, and jealousy. The very unwilling-
ness to join the ranks of the recruits ,for the
army attests that there is a lamentable absence of
that esprit de corps without which no very compli-
cated war can be brought to anything like a satis-
factory conclusion. Mr. ADAMS saw another cause
of thankfulness in the state of the national credit
There is not much to be said on this count, because
it is evident that the Government of Washington
are preparing a great monetary deficit for their
successors, and the losses in the business of the
country have been enormoas. Another source of
gratitude was the condition of the army, and for
this Mr. ADAMS claimed especial credit for the PRE-
SIDENT. " Never," he said, "in the history of the
world, was a greater undertaking assumed." The
army may be greatly improved from the commence-
ment, but still there is not much to boast of, and
probably never in the records of any war has there
been exhibited such want of cohesion, bad discip-
line, and inconsequent campaigns as those of the
Federal army. The very frequent change of Gene-
rals in itself attests the scanty confidence that exists
at head-quarters, and the tameness with which the
alterations are made, exhibits the lack of sympathy
between the commanders and their troops, Still
more strange is the vaunted supremacy of the navy.
In nothing have the emissaries of the PRESIDENT
been more unsuccessful than in the arrangements in
this quarter. We have all heard of the intentions
of the United States to sweep English commerce
from the seas, but have meanwhile watched their
futile efforts to overcome our vessels that sailed
from our ports, or even to parry its attacks
at all successfully. While the Alabama
rides triumphantly on every sea, it appears rather
premature and a little inconsistent with the condi-
tion of the navy as one of the chief causes for re-
joicing and special calls for thanksgiving. However,
some people would never get on in the world if
they did not assume a virtue if they had it not, and
the Americans all indeed excel in this style of action,
and the Federals have outdone all previous efforts
of their nation in this capacity. The mission of the
PRESIDENT, we are told, has been to " reorganise, re-
build, and restore," and that with such signal suc-
cess in every department that he merits the thanks
of his people, and desires that his efforts should
receive the seal of triumph in this grand national
day of gratitude. The crowning act of President
LINCOLN has yet, however, to be enumerated,
namely, the emancipation of the slaves. That is to
say, that he has introduced two measures which
prepare the way for practical results. The procla-
mation is a dead letter, as every one knows, and it
is well that so it should be, for if at all productive
of events it would have been those of the most
startling and sanguinary description.. With respect
to the plan of negro enlistment, that has not effected
much, for it is well known that nowhere in the
South does so much rancorous feeling and extensive
prejudice prevail towards the blacks as in those
States where the principles of liberty and equality
are professed, and the blessings of a benign Govern-
ment are so especially vaunted. Doubtless there is
great reason for the tribute paid to the PRESIDENT'S
ability and capacity, but w hen Mr. ADAMS goes on to
claim as the secret of his success that he has exhi-
bited his honesty and fidelity for one great purpose,
it may be asked what does this great purpose consist
i" To spread abroad misery and devastation
thrall.%
s a vast continent—to prosecute, with vigour,
one fthe
most cruel wars that the world has ever
seen, and to Continue the fatal course of a struggle
which causes
sorrow, and creates suffering une-
anjunapraenviitoyucealoz
coifyitihe
war. manyjt fearfulcannot
quelled by
scourges of
be forgottenwhenmrdiPedee i
.11pAMS claims sympathy
tforhe
itrhe navyCourse
in
nf the
the
War
by Sass thati they commenced
avant an outrage,
and as deliberate an insult to this country, AS ever

was offered in times past or present. They then

had the mortification of surrendering their ill-gotten
prises, but, with the usual inconsistency exhibited
by the smartest nation, did not dismiss from their
service the man who had committed the offence.
This apparent conviction, and yet determined reti-
cence, proved that they were influenced by fear
and policy to do what they did not really consider
the true and right thing, and either inducement is
totally unworthy and utterly unsuitable to a great
country. Also, the praise awarded to the success-
ful organisation of the army is shorn of its lustre,
when it is remembered that in the annals of history
there never has been a body of men under arms
who have so signalised themselves by acts which
disgrace and degenerate Christian and civilised
troops. On the other side of the Atlantic, the
words uttered by Mr. ADAMS may be wafted by
the wings of fame, and call forth approval and
acclamations of the most unbounded character, but
here they will fail to do so, excepting among Mr.
l co country
andy
it
COBDEN'S and Mr. BRIGHT'S friends and followers.
England isthe
where civil war was
ca
is not likely that
acts and deeds so very different from all that are
associated with the spirit of moderation, should
rried on with toleration, only
u
receive support, or be met with encouragement even
of a tacit nature.

LITERATURE.

Winter Weavings. Poems. By Isabella Law. One
_ _

vol., pp. 179. Smith, Elder, and Co.
It will be remembered, possibly, by some of our
readers that we had occasion not long since to com-
ment very favourably upon the contents of the
charming little volume of verse, the title of which we
have just now repeated above. " Winter Weavings"
—as especially remarked by us at the time in our
criticism upon the book, appeared before the public
as the work of an unknown authoress, who inscribed
her maiden performance to one who, though young,
has already achieved for herself a high and widely,
extended reputation. The dedication of " Winter
Weavings" to Miss Procter, to Adelaide Anne
Procter, graced one of the very first pages
of the little volume. Not so certain "Prefatory"
verses which should have appeared then and
there, also, but were, for some accidental reason,
omitted from the publication• Those Prefatory verses
have since then, however—only thi§ very morning
in fact—been forwarded to us by the publishers.
They are from the veteran hand of the famous
father of the poetess to whom Miss Law's " Winter
Weavings" are inscribed. As one of the latest effu-
sions of Barry Cornwall they have their claim upon
our attentio❑ ; but they have a twofold interest for
us all, as will be recognised, instantly, upon their
perusal—by reason of the pathetic circumstance to
which they relate. What that circumstance really
is we will, however, let Barry Cornwall himself
reveal, as follows

PitEPArronV;
Learn, Reader—that this task was dens,
This broidery wrought, this garland won,
Beyond the regions of the Sun. ,
A little Maiden brings her store
Of blossoms, bright and running o'er
With sweetness--pansies, violets, pinks,
And vestal roses, from the brinks
Of Darkness ;--Ay, from out the gloom,
With all their clear unsullied bloom,
Their reverential grave perfume,
The true heart-nourished buds are brought,
Laden with serenest thought.
Alas I—The Inner Light of Truth
Alone has dawned upon her youth--
The gentles
een
Whom all the loving Muses bless.
Neverhe
h youngath and
this poet
The first fresh vivid vernal green,
The wealthy August's crown of corn,
Or Plenty with her wreathtld horn.

Hereafter—when our steps shall climb
Past the shadowy bounds of Time,
Where neither Day nor cloudy Night
Shall make or mar our clearer sight,
When Verse and Prose, and Scorn and Fame
Shall all be (if they be) the same—
Then these small blossoms from the Dark
May somewhere leave their dewy murk,
Starred by a saddening lustre brief,
Like tears upon the rose's leaf.
After reading which most touchingly and tenderly
graceful revelation of the blindness of the young
songster whose afflicted hands have achieved thus
in Darkness these " Winter -Weavings," who will
not turn with troubled interest to listen to the
utterance of the gentle young voice that comes to us
out of that Darkness ?

George Stanley ; or 1?)e in the Woods. A Boy's
Narrative of the Adventures of a Settler's Family
in Canada. Edited by C. Geikie. With Illus.

trations. One Vol. Pp. 408. Routledge.
This is a very delightful and very instructive
book for boys. It renders them familiar, in an easy
and pleasant way, with the various vicissitudes of
the back-woodsman's life, and with the different pe-
culiarities of those far-off regions. George Stanley,
the supposed narrator of the history, with his four
brothers and his three sisters, leaves England, at the
commencement of the story, and settles down in an
impromptu farm in the woods of Canada. We fol-
low the fortunes of the youthful emigrants in all
their difficulties of land-clearing, log-building, &c.
Various mishaps befall them, but these are encoun-
tered with true British courage, and overcome by
steady perseverance. A great deal of incidental
information about the animal and vegetable world,
the flight of birds, and the growth of plants, &c.,
is pleasantly and ingeniously intermingled with the
narrative. Among the illustrations is a capital
sketch of " Our Home in the Woods," a glimpse of
"Fish Spearing by Torchlight," "Indian Duck
Shooting," together with a great variety of other
very clever embellishments.

The Na'ure and Treatment of Gout and Bheunzatie
Gout. By Alfred B. Garrod, M.D. Walton and

Maberly.

This eminently practical work ought to be read by
all who take any interest in the subject of gout, as
it contains much original matter, meriting attentive
consideration, while it is unquestionably philo-
sophical in its conclusions. Considering the number
of works already existing upon this distressing
malady, some may be inclined to think that the
subject must have been entirely exhausted by pre-
vious authors. Dr. Garrod proves, however, that
this is by no means the case, and both in respect to
the nature and treatment of the disease in question,
supplies the reader with much valuable information.
In his exposition of the causes of gout, he is pecu-
liarly happy. By a series of chemical researches
and a careful investigation of the 3hanges that take
place in the affected parts, he arrives at the conclu-
sion that an excess of lithic acid in the blood, and
its deposition in the tissues, are the true causes of
an attack of gout. He proves to demonstration the
fact that gout and rheumatism are totally distinct
diseases, both in their nature and in the manner in
which they are influenced by medicines. In the
treatment of chronic gout, Dr. Garrod introduces
a new remedy in the various preparations of lithia,
which he has employed in many obstinate cases
with much success. There is an interesting
chapter on the use of mineral waters in some forms
of the affection, and much attention is bestowed on
the nature and treatment of that intractable disease
commonly known as rheumatic gout. The book
is illustrated with several coloured lithographs and
numerous wood engravings, and is likely to be for
many years the standard work upon the subject
of gout.

REFINEMENT is not quick to impute evil, says
one of the plain-speaking Saturday Reviewers;
it interprets what it sees on the principles of charity. A
man is not more refined than another for suspecting the
loaf he eats because human hands have kneaded it, and
assuming, therefore, that the kneader was a dirty fellow.
In truth, refinement, being clean itself, supposes that others
are clean also, until forcibly undeceived—indeed, resolutely
prefers to trust, rather than have the imagination polluted
by the repulsive details of overcurious investigators, and
would roomier swallow one spider, whether moral or phy-
sical, in ignorance, than have the gorgo perpetually rising
at possible spiders.
AUGER AND MEYERBEER are amongst the Em-
peror's guests at Compeigue.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

-

THE PAPAL STATES.
The Pope's Reply to the Emperor Napoleon,

ROME, Nov. 26 (Evening).

On Sunday last the Pope addressed a letter re-
plying to Emperor Napoleon's invitation by accept-
ing the Congress. His Holiness at the same time
expressed his conviction that the Congress will be
regulated by justice, and will respect his rights to
the Pontifical provinces occupied by Piedmont.

AMERICA.
(Per tho Adriatic.)

NEW YORK, Nov. 16 (Evening).

General Banks' expedition landed on the 2d inst.
at Bragos de Santiagen, on the Texas coast, nine
miles from the Texan coast, nine miles from the
mouth of the Rio Grande.
Adv ices from Brazos to the 4th inst. state that
Banks was marching on Brownsville.
It is reported that on the arrival of the expedition
the Confederate authorities burnt Fort Brown and
the greater portion of Brownsville, notwithatanding
strong resistance on the part of the inhabitants.