The Sun.
London, England, 1863-08-05 00:00:00

nee

LONDON, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 1863.

The Federals, after all, appear to think that they
have really not by any means, as yet, had enough
of it. Their Debt was calculated to amount, cn the
Ist ultimo, to no less an aggregate amount than
197,000,000 dollars ; that is to say, only 3,000,000
dollars less than around total of 200,000,000. Mean-
while, as the last phase of the sanguinary and costly
war upon which they have entered with such insen-
sate fury, this last bran new Commander-in-Chief of
their principal forces, the army especially appointed
to protect the capital from the hazard of the
daring attack recently threatened to it by
the main body of the Confederates under
General LEE—this boasted conqueror of
LEE, this vaunted victor over his Confederate
troops, this last great Discovery of President LIN-
COLN as a Strategist, General MEADE, has been
adroitly lured across the Potomac by General LEE,
under the mistaken idea that the latter with his
whole armament was in full retreat upon Culpepper.
Acting upon this erroneous impression, General.
MEADE, as we know, recently conveyed the whole
of his army across the River Potomac, close by
Harper's Ferry, thence moving confidently along
the south-east incline of the Blue Ridge
Mountain Range, bent upon intercepting
General LEE'S supposed flight down the
Shenandoah V. 11.7, and upon thus actually cuttin g
him off fromßichmond ! A " strategic movement "
admirably well thought of in itself. Only—that
in the very act of effecting it, in the most brilliant
manner imaginable, General MEADE awakens
to the recognition suddenly, at last, of the unwel-
come truth that his wily antagonist is in no way
disposed to retreat at all! That, in point of fact,
his recent delay since crossing the river boundary-
line from Maryland into Virginia, is at-
tributable simply to his fixed determination
to carry away not only the whole of
the vast amount of plunder gathered together by
him both in Maryland and Pennsylvania, but,
with that plunder, the whole of the new crops
reaped and collected in the Shenandoah Valley.
Nay, General MEADE not only has opened his ea es
at length to the discovery of this, as the actual
secret of his arch foe's recent and (until now) most
illusory course of proceedings, but, in common with
many of the best informed, both in the Governmental
capital and at his own headquarters, ha begins to
have serious doubts whether it may not really prove
to be ultimately the case, as it is now confidently
stated to be—viz., that General LEE, so far from
meditating any retreat, is seriously preparing for a
new and more audacious invasion of the North, for
a new raid into Maryland, for a bold descent upon
Washington! Tne statement that such is the in-
tention of the Confederate Commander-in-Chief,
moreover, is now being not thus merely and
vaguely generalised, but is resolving itself into the
specific announcement that LEE proposes forthwith
to cross the Blue Ridge in an advance upon his
intending pursuers (!) somewhere about either
Cheater or Thornton Gap.
However this may be in respect to the next
Possible transformation in the aspect of the cam-
Paige, the situation distiactly occasioned already
by the belligerents was, when our last advices left
the opposite shores of the Atlantic, per the Jura,
precisely such as we have described it I The biter
w" threatened with being bitten. The assailant was
gathering
up his resources with a view to act a little
more preamtly__ti
pon the defensive I And, mean-
while, on the othe
of that e r side of the Potomac, to the north-
eastriver, th draft was being resolutely
resisted by the chi
US of Maryland. Wher-
ever an enrolling officer had established his
quarters for the time
being, his tempo
rary habitat Lad been furiously
attacked by the
people, and in several instances had been actually
burnt to the ground by the assailants.
.yet, with all
this upon their hands, with revolt rife
them, with killing, at any rate the killing
amongst
negroes, come to be looked upon as of
no murder if
accomplished daring the progress of a Street riot,
with their debt approximating on the Ist tat. to
no less fearful an aggregate than 2 0
,000,000
dollars, with the Confederate army not Eying
in hot haste down the Shenandoah Valley,
but coolly biding its time in the Upper Potomac
for a fresh invasion of Maryland—the Federals,
in spite of all this, as we began by intimating, would
really and seriously appear to think that they have
not by any means as Set had enough of it. They
are striving
to have still more upon their hands, to
thrust additional irons into the fire, to light the old
metaphorical candle at both ends! The candle here
not inaptly typifying that late " shining light" the
Republic of the United States ! To light the candle
at both ends—besides continuing industriously to
melt it quite effectually in twain in the middle !
What in effect was still the persistent clamour
of the redoubtable New _York, Herald just prior
to the Jura leaving Quebec upon the 25th ultimo?
Why, nothing less than that President LIN-
COLN should at length be urged most strenu"
ously to secure the sympathetic cu-operation of
all the men, not only in the North but also even

in the now, for the time being, rebellious South, by
diclaring war simultaneously with France and with
England ! By announcing the determination of the
a upreme Government at Washington, at one and the
s ame time, to drive the British out of Canada, and
the French out of Mexico ! Such, seriously, is the
" little game" propounded by that most sage adviser
o f the Federal Government, as a diversion to the
war, as a most effectual means for putting an end
to this dreadful internecine strife ! Never, surely,
was the strictly literal meaning of the old axiom
about those quern Leus vult perdere more
flagrantly illustrated than in this instance.
One consideration, however, visible to everybody
else but themselves, would appear, even for one
instant to cross the imagination of these insensate
s.nd utterly infatuated Federals—to wit, the extreme
improbability, to speak of it in the very mildest
phrase, the exceeding improbability, that the South
could so very readily, after all that has hitherto
come to pass in this conflict, drop into this opor-
tune compromise with their Federal antagonists.
The one mood alone in which the South is now dis
posed to look onward into the Future, may be readily
enough recognised by the drift of the intelligence
just brought to hand. For that intelligence, if we can
discover anything whatever in it of absolute cer-
tainty as to the authenticity of the information, it
is most assuredly this—that the Confederates are,
at this crisis, now girding up their loins for the
continuance of the contest with a more fixed deter-
mination than ever. While the tactics of the North
change and fluctuate as fitfully as the winds that
blow, those of the South remain, throughout every
variation of events, true as the needle to the
pole, or,

(g . . . As the dial to the sun,
Although it be not shown upon."

—by ♦ictory I Whilst the Federals can
babble about this mad, idle, evil-dream of
a war proclaimed on the Canadian borders
against England, and on the Mexican borders
against France, the Confederates think alone, speak
or write alone, act alone, from first to last, in refe-
rence to the dreadful war already upon their hands
—war forced upon them by the North—as a war
a l'outrance !

, The official report of the loss of the Anglo-Saxon
is a subject that demands attention ; and it is one
whose importance cannot be overrated, alike from
the serious casaalty itself, and from the necessity
that exists of avoiding the possibility of such acci-
dents in future. In this instance especially should
the past serve as a warning to the future, since had
the fog-signal been erected on Cape Race this
lamentable disaster might have been avoided. This'
want of due precaution is the more reprehensible
because it is some time since recommendations on
the subject have been made. At one time the
Americans proposed to place one there, but this was
not allowed. The reasons that were alleged might
have been valid, but then the work should have been
done by ourselves. There was some talk about the
matter in the House this Session, but Mr. MILNER
GIBSON repudiated the idea of attaching blame to
the Government, and endeavoured to explain the
delay that had been made, in consequence of the
cost of the affair. The sum mentioned was not so
very considerable after all; and if it had been, to
what better purpose could money be applied than
in preserving human life ; and in q mercantile
point of view it was worth while to spend an enor-
mous sum in preserving property. The fact is,
that great blame attaches itself to the Board of
Trade, and no sophistry can make the worse appear
the better cause. It is always idle to make such
excuses, and to endeavour to shift the responsi-
bility to others, but the evil becomes more
serious when such vital issues are at stake.
Thousands are annually warted in various depart-
ments through negligence and mismanagement, end
for a paltry saving or absurd notion of economy,
vessels run the risk of being wrecked, and crew
and cargo lost. It is quite time that the mat-
ter should be taken up by some one determined to
carry it out to the full extent, and not lose valuable
time in delay and controversy. All who have had
any authority in the affair ought to be ashamed of
the part they have played, and the mistaken views
by which they have been hitherto guided. It is
quite certain that had they followed the advice of
those who were well-informed on the subject,
this deplorable calamity would not have occurred.
In the report it is stated that "the frightful magni-
tude of the disaster naturally excited an unusual
amount of interest." The details here given prove
the captain of the Anglo-Saxon was greatly in fault
for proceeding in the fog, and especially at so rapid
a pace. More care and caution would very pro-
bably have averted the danger, but that circum-
stance does not exonerate the laxity of energy and
want of consideration on the part of those who re-
fused to allow the signals to be p'aced on Cape
Race. Carelessness and mistakes are some of the
dangers that require especially to be guarded against,
and it is wrong to leave all to the discretion of one
man at a time of confusion that may prevent his
perceptions being so clear as usual, or his mind so
well fitted to act in an emergency. It was fortu-
nate that some boats were saved, but that was
merely a chance, and those who were rescued had a
very narrow escape. It is said that it is extremely
difficult to determine the circumstances attending
this catastrophe, but it appears that too much speed
was used. "Had the lead been occasionally used,
as without doubt in such weather, and approaching
land, it should have been, Captain BURGESS might
have had timely warning of his danger. Nor can
I omit to notice, although I feel most painfully the
necessity under which I am laid to comment upon
the acts of a man who, when the fatal accident
happened, nobly did his duty, and perished in its
performance, that the speed at which the vessel
was driven during a thick fog, and in the vicinity
of land, was highly imprudent." After this the
conclusion arrived at is stated in the following im-
pressive manner :—" I feel bound, therefore, acting
under the advice of my nautical assessors, to pro-
nounce that the Anglo-Saxon was lost owing to a
wrong estimate of the distance run ; that there was
a culpable omission to use the lead after 8 a.m.;
and that it was a mast reprehensible ect on
the part of the commander to continue his
course in a thick fog even at half speed, in such an
uncertain position." It is to be hoped that the sad
results of this mistake will impress upon other
captains the importance of more care being taken
n such perilous places. The real lesson to be
learned
is mentioned lower down in the report,
when it is
said that " considerable controversy"
had taken
place in reference to the expediency of
a fog signal 0,„ e
Race in consequence of this
my report without
disaster, have not thought it right to close
an allusion to this suggestion,"
are the words employed. This ought to be regarded
refuse to listen to those
pinretjhuedilciegdhtinodfivaidrueaPlrs who
"al
Of
those obstinate and
do
their own notions persist in keeping to
, and
who advise measures that they
adopt. Doubtless no one regrets the misfortune not care to
more than they do, but regret will not repair the
mischief, or call back to life those who have gone
down in the deep waters. surely after this report
no one can hesitate as to the necessity for
action ; and if they do, the indifference that be-
fore Was questionable conduct on the part of

men in high places will become wilful
negligence, and culpable adherence to prejudice.
It is always wrong to allow any preconceived
notions to interfere with the straight line of action
that duty demands, but to follow such ideas in a
matter where human life is at stake, and where
valuable property is to be sacrificed, becomes a line
of action almost incomprehensible to conceive. If
the authorities shelter themselves behind the blame
cast upon Captain BURGESS they will be acting a
very false part, and the country will not be slow to
see through their subterfuge, and give the blame
where it is due, to those whose tardy conduct has
has been the mainspring of the disaster.

The long-talked-of visit of the Prince of WALES
to the North has been attended with some disap-
pointment. The absence of the PRINCESS, who
has been for the last few months the " bright par-
ticular star" of all royal ceremonials, was a grievous
blank in the programme, and the loyal Yorkshire
folks, who had been preparing for many weeks to
give her a reception whose heartiness should assure
her of her popularity in the North, were forced to
content themselves with the sight of the PRINCE
alone. It was, of course, a great disappointment,
although, considering the number of ceremonials,
receptions, and entertainments which her Royal
Highness has been called upon to take part in since
March, it is only surprising that she has hitherto
been able to fulfil all her engagements. Royalty
wears no amulet against fatigue, and, although
there is certainly a i% royal road" for distinguished
travellers, the best arrangements will, not make
seven or eight hours' journey by rail anything but
tiring. Wben we add to this the receptions, the
taking part in the day's pageant, The sight-seeing,
and the necessity of being contiuually affable and
gracious, we shall admit that the expedition was a
fatiguing one. Still, very general sympathy will
be felt with the Yorkshire disappointment, and
it would have been well, if circumstances
would have permitted, had the ceremony been
postponed until the PRINCESS could take part in
it. Another unfavourable incident was the in-
opportune rain, which appears to regard the Prince
with especial favour. His Royal mother's pro-
verbial good luck is certainly not hereditary, a
circumstance much to be deplored by sight-seers,
as the difference between a sunshiny day and a
wet one in our treacherous climate is a matter of
serious moment on occasions like these. Never-
theless the PRINCE'S welcome was hearty enough
to do justice to the loyalty of the Ridings, and
there were several considerations that rendered
his visit especially interesting. The evidences
which met him everywhere in the busy York-
shire city of the wealth, the industry, and the
s sheids
hp
iumb i
sc t
rsopnir t
gv of
Soonthe
ar
ft
the r must
fihr as
tv e
arrival
Royal Highness visited some of the principal
manufactories of the town ; the carpet manufac-
tory of the well-known firm of Messrs. Crossley,
where 4,500 hands are busily at work ; the
worsted mills of Messrs. AKROYD, another name
well-known and honoured in Halifax ; and the
factory of Mr. WHITELEY, where the PRINCE in-
spected the triumphs of mechanical skill in the
process of wool combing. The vast substratum
of commercial capital and spirit which forms so
important an element in our national life was thus
fitly represented, and the Prince had very soon an
opportunity of seeing that the heads of the several
firms were no mere traders, whose thoughts never
soared above bargains and contracts, but men of
rare taste, liberality, and public spirit. The exqui-
site Gothic church, erected by Mr. AKROYD, near
his works, whose beauty induced the Prince to
linger in its interior beyond the mere formal visit
prescribed, gave him evidence of this; he could see
it too in the fine chapel built by Sir FRANCIS
CROSSLEY for the members of his denomination ; and
still more in the People's Park, the gift of the same
munificent donor to the town of Halifax ; and the
splendid pile of buildings which the firm of which
Sir FRANCIS is the head are now rearing on Shircoal
Moor as an orphanage. It is not every city that
can boast of such monuments of the generosity as
well as the taste of its leading men, and Halifax
is justly proud of them. The Town Hall just
opened by the Prince adds another to the list of
stately edifices. It is in the Italian style of archi-
tecture, and was especially designed for the posi-
tion it occupies. It does not contain any large
hall or assembly room, its destination being simply
business. The people of Halifax seem to pride them-
selves on conducting their business with a style ann
magnificence that reminds us of the Italian cities
of the middle ages. The immediate neighbourhood
of the Hall itself will bear considerable improvement,
the effect being marred, as is so often the case in the
metropolis, by the want of a suitable approach.
Halifax, growing so rapidly in wealth and impor-
tance, and led by men so well fitted to minister to
the architectural needs of the town, will probably
look to the condition of her quaint, narrow streets
before long, and supply her fine Town-hall with a
worthy approach and harmonious surroundings.
Curiously enough, by a melancholy coincidence, the
designer of the building, Sir CHARLES BARRY, and
the architectural sculptor who undertook the beauti-
ful and elaborate windows, Mr. THOMAS, both died
before their work was complete. We may observe,
in connection with the architecture of Halifax, that
the chancel and the Founder's Chapel In Air.
AKROYD'S Church are considered to be among the
most beautiful in England.

The PRINCE will have carried away with him
pleasant artistic recollections, as well as the Convic-
tion of the hearty affection of his northern subjects;
and he will have gained, we doubt not, a further
appreciation of the spirit and character of our great
commercial and manufacturing men, so ably repre-
sented by the public-spirited leaders of Halifax.

MA. BUCKLE'S LAST DELIRIUM.—On the divan
behind he was having brought to him what food
he could eat. Suddenly I heard a cry from him, and
springing up, saw him wild and delirious-looking; and
when I went up to him, he said—" Oh, I am going mad 1"
I half carried him upstairs to the little open gallery before
his room door, and there set him on a chair. In bringing
him upstairs I had ordered one of our servants to go iMMO-
dituely for the French doctor Mr. Buckler had seen in the
morning. His incoherent utterances were most painful to
listen to ; at one moment saying " How nice, very nice I"
was the iced orangeade I had brought him, and thanking
me, then telling me to go away ; in the midst of all ex-
claiming 0 " book, my book I I shall never finish my
book I " and after running on quite incoherently, crying
nonsense, but I cannot help it !"
and"l kbnwowstinlgaminttaolktigenara.
From his Fellow-2raveller's
Paper in the last number of Fraser' s Magazine.
MA. BISHOP AND Hie DoG.—A case was tried
yesterday at the Westminster County Court, in
which Mr. Bishop, of Bond-street, was the plaintiff, and
Miss Hicks the defendant. The action was brought to
recover the sum of £5 for merely nominal damages sustained
by the plaintiff from the loss of his favourite dog, which
was killed by the order of the defendant under the circum-
stances recently detailed in our police report. A verdict
for the full amount claimed, and costs, was returned.

We have reason to believe that there is every
prospect of a pacific solution of the Polish difficulty.
The Governments of England and Austria are completely
of accord as to the next representations to be made to Rus-
sia; and these are not of a nature to provoke a defiant or
unconciliatory answer. The intervening powers will de-
mand for Poland simply those treaty rights which Russia
has in substance acknowledged, and everything tends to
the belief that Russia is disposed to concede them within
the limits of the Treaty of 1815. The answer of the French
Government to the English proposals has probably by this
time been received. Whatever it may be, France is more
likely
to malte common cause with England and Austria
than to take any isolated action,—Herald.