The Sun.
London, England, 1863-12-18 00:00:00

THERMOMETER.

This day at Two o'clock 4S

Barometer-29.8 i.
Wind—N.-W.; moderate, and fine.

4‘ 7,t1",,e

LONDON, FRIDAY, DEC. 18, 1863.

MEADE'S retreat again across the Rapidan is cer-
tainly a bit of an anti-climax. The more credulous
believers in Federal boastfulness were on the tiptoe
of expectation thatLEE and his lieutenants were upon
the eve of being signally if not finally worsted—
when lo! and behold, like the King of FRANCE with
his forty thousand men, General MEaDE,with thrice
that number, marches, if not up a hill, across the
Rapidan—only, with all the pride, pomp, and cir-
cumstance of glorious war, as creditably as he could
possibly perform the man oeuvre, to march back
again! Perhaps the next time that the
Northerners are channting premature pecans
of triumph, no matter how loudly—we would now
suggest t b at—perhaps the next time the more in-
fatuated among the still surviving hangers-on to
b. faint ghost of a belief in the possibility of Federal
truthfuln ass, will moderate their credence and delay,
for a little while longer at least, the expression of
their implicit confidence in the tidings bruited to
Europe
from New York—tidings often so auspi-
cious for
the North, and so disastrous for the
South! Yet somehow invariably coming forth in
the end jun
precisely vice versa! Seen through
the lens of Northern observation, the news from
the actual seat of
'war has rather more than once
come to us just exactly inverted. The most bril-
lian t SUCCOSS has turned out, almost always, to a dead
certainty, about the vretchedest failure well imagin-
able. The Commander-in-Chief, ,
who has gone forth
to conquer everything, has
come back, figuratively
speaking., with his spurs shorn ea' and his baton of
command ignominiously broken in
twai;enf.of the
And
while those successive Comtaanaorain-ch
Northern army have
contrived thus, ;
come like rapid succession, to shadows, so
to depart—the Southern Commander-in-Chief
has continued uninterruptedly in his peat
of
su-
preme responsibility, eudily
with his reputation
advancing, and enlarging—the prestige of \jet—
ever his, for hitherto LEE, in the field, has Hope:
upon one single occasion been defeated. .4
to the present period he has so played the terrible
game of war, though confronted from first to last by
immensely superior forces numerically, that, at his
own pleasure, he has advanced, or be has
retreated ! Often advancing at the pas (le
charge never retreating, as his foes have done,
quite undeniably more than once, in panic flight.
The heaviest blow, indeed, that has yet befallen
the cause of the Confederates—who does not know
it ? Not the discomfiture very recently of General
:BRAGG, a General that LEE, unaccustomed
to the bare notion of Southern discomfiture,
has, almost as a matter of course, at once
'superseded. No—that heaviest blow of all
yet dealt at the cause of the Confederates, was,
not the baulking
of
General .....P.RAGG'S ambition !
it
Wali that hit", dealt inadvertently by a
S u them tiara,
that fatal blow which struck
down, several
months back, the noblest, the
most chivalrous and enterprising among that
group of „Paladins the lieutenants of LEE.
But happy for
tue the cause of the South,
LEE is there still in the chief command
in the fail 'rigour of his great
as powers as a master of
the deadly art of
War,
perhaps altogether
the greatest soldier of the
age! And there
still around
h -1-,
film are men lik© ,
onsTnErr,
and SOHNSTON, and BEATatEGARD, and
others
in
many ways worthy of being brothers in
- arum of
brave, dead and gone STONEWALL JACKSON—
every
eVery
one of them, as unheeitatingly as JACKSON
was
throughout his brief but brilliant and memorable
career, as he was, in simple truth, uP to the moment

of his death, ready to obey implicitly the orders, the
slightest hint, of the great Confederate Commander-
in-Chief.

Another leviathan of the navy has just been
aunched. The Minotaur is the largest and best-
protected iron-plated frigate in the service. Her
tonnage exceeds that of the 'Warrior and Black
Prince by upwards of eight hundred tons. She is
encased with five and a-half inch iron plates from
below her water line to her bulwarks ; she lies low
in the water; and will be armed with some
fifty formidable guns. We do not sup-
pose that any maritime nation can produce
a vessel that could try conclusions with her on the
high seas with any prospect of success, but here the
prestige of invincibility ceases. A vessel of the
Minotaur cl ss may be invincible when she can get
at her foes, bat the great draught which her inor-
dinate size necessitates renders her powerless against
coast defences as an aggressive power, and likewise
useless for intercepting an invading force conveyed
in ships of light draught of water. It may be con-
tended that the Minotaur, and her two sisters nearly
ready for launching, will, by the great power of
their engines, command a speed which will enable
them to intercept any hostile fleet while yet in deep
water. Bat is England to rest contented to act on
the defensive only ? Hitherto it has been our boast
to carry the war into the enemy's country, and we
should like the Lords of the Admiralty tell ue why
they are building ships which will be useless for
purposes of aggression, excepting through the
agency of their boats or tenders. Why has the
Administration taken such a mania for defending
ships? The Armstrong guns and the 'Annie rifles
have not made the army less popular, and the youth
of England enlist and " march to death with mili-
tary glee," as freely and as confidently as in the
days of old "Brown Bess." Why are our seamen
to be taken such unwonted care of? Cutlass and
pistol have hitherto been the order of the day in
our navy, and the cry of " boarders away" has been
considered the conclusion of the action. Are we
now to relinquish the prestige which three centuries
of indomitable courage have given to the nation and
follow the example of the Americans by trying
conclusions with our enemies at five miles range,
with what happy results the siege of Charleston
may demonstrate. Again, for the sake of argument,
let us suppose that our leviathans are manageable
and handy, and that they can carry guns weighing
twenty or even thirty tons. Of what avail would
they be if exposed to the fire of the forts of Cron-
stadt armed with six or eight hundred pounder
Blakely guns such as that gentleman is at present
manufacturing for the Russian Government. Hav-
ing been neglected and rebuffed by the Government
of his own country, he has been compelled in self-
defence to seek that support from a foreign Power
which petty favouritism and underhand influence
prevented him from receiving in his own country.
Last week the first trial at long range with the
Armstrong six hundred pounder took place at Shoe-
buryness. One shell only struck the target, but
that one was sufficient virtually to demolish it; the
range was only 1,000 yards, but there can be no
doubt that the effect of the shot would have been
as destructive at 2,000 yards as it was at the
shorter distance. In fact a six hundred pound shell
would have passed through both sides of the Mino•
taur, scattering death and destruction on its way—
the heavy plates and backing only serving to aggra-
vate the evil. The question, therefore, resolves
itself into this—if armour plating cannot protect our
ships from the impact of heavy artillery, why should
they be encumbered with it Speed is of more
advantage to a cruiser than invulnerability, and by
dispensing with armour-plating she may carry
heavier guns and more powerful engines. We as
yet know but little to what extent artillery range
or calibre may be carried, but we do know how far
we may load our ships. Sir WILLIAM ARMSTRONG'S
600-pounder cannot be fired three, or at most four,
times in the hour, and then, even when the dis-
tance is known and the angle of elevation calculated,
two or three shots are thrown away before the
target is struck. When we consider that each Of
these shells costs the country some £45, economists
cannot be blamed if they advocate reserving such
monsters for coast defences, where by the adapta-
tion of hydraulic cranes or steam power these heavy
guns might be served as expeditiously and as truly
as 18-pounders on board a ship. There can be no
doubt that the Armstrong shells are unrivalled as
destructive missiles, but the complication of their
construction and the consequent expense naturally
lead us to question the expediency of their uni-
versal employment, especially when we find that
BLAKELY'S or WHITWORTH'S muzzle-loading guns
have the same accuracy and penetrating powers
without the same extravagant outlay in projectiles.
For field service or boat guns we believe that the
ARMSTRONG breech-loading guns are unequalled,but
for heavy ordnance wo would rather place reliance
on those of BLAKELY or WHITWORTH, and let
practical utility have precedence of theory. We
believe that our Davy is in as high a state of effi-
ciency as that of any other Power, but we have yet
to learn that the supremacy of Britain depends on
her ships rather than on her seamen.

Hitherto the chief demonstrations that have taken
place throughout the country seem to have been
held by the Conservatives. It is time then that the
Liberals should have their say, and hence the meet-
ing at Yorkshire is appropriate, as affording an op-
portunity for retort and reprisal. Audi alterana
partem is a well known adage, and a very good
one ; it expresses the sentiments that always actuate
the people of this country, and form the chief reason
why we carry on affairs so much more quietly than
our neighbours, and yet possess so much more in-
trinsic freedom than they whose excited demeanour
and vehement language might at first sight lead a
4Psaficial observer to think otherwise. Mr.
reat
:tire at some length, and appeared to give
g
faction to his auditors. In the first place,
he commenced his speech in a somewhat novel mode
for a Liberal
member, by sounding the praises of
the House of _
'''urtle•
posed and heThis was the toast he pro-
did,
ample justice to it, in hie earnest
harangue. Instead of
endeavouring toput class
0
against class, as is too
often p
to the
n practice among
notabledangerous, particularise might be
edging from re
cent experience, it is
alwaysngrous,
do a ee'
most satisfactory to notice public men doing
nit meet ae j .Reformers,
lee) and remove
prejudices.
their best to
Really
yth
we
ewasy il
so
ft
with such
tirades against grievances so
authorities, and other
fiercely expressed, that the originality of this dis
course is as welcome as its style. Mr. BAINE,
in
We
beginning adverted to the great advantages
derived from the mixed form of government—x.l4,
Lords, and Commons. This may seem a trite ob-
servance, but surely this is the very time of Which
to take cognisance of the benefits thereby deduced.
It is long since all who took large ViONVEJ On political
subjects concurred in the opinion that no liberties
could flourish under despotism, and that the exist-
ence of absolutism was incompatible with the growth
of any lasting prosperity in a land ; but recently
some other notions must have been subverted.
Many well meaning individuals entertained the idea
that repuYieanism was the most correct form of
government. The deplorable events that have
taken place beyond the Atlantic must have evi-

danced the fallacy of this opinion to all but those
whose obtuseness or obstinacy prevent them from
seeing clearly or being convinced against their will.
The character of the House of Lords was vindicated
in this address from any aspersions that may have
been cast upon it for inertness and inaptitude.
There was great truth in the remark, that " Many
a time and oft had the Peers of England prevented
the liberties of the people from being swallowed up
by the prerogatives of the Crown." From the barons
of Runnymede downwards there has been many a
warlike act and many a worthy deed that has lent
lustre to its annals, and illustrated gracefully the
motto, Noblesse oblige. Mr. BAINES was very
happy in his efforts to exemplify the
particular character of our aristocracy as
olntradistinguished to some others. In some coun-
tries there were ranks which were quite separated
from the rest of the community who could never
ascend to their elevation. In England all this was
very different, the sons of peers mingled with the
people and were their representatives, while many
Commoners were raised to the Peerage. A fitting
compliment may be paid to the " youngest member
of that assembly," Mr. MONCKTON MILNES. That
noble lord furnished a good instance of what Mr.
BAINES sought to convey, for he was essentially a
man of the people as it were, identifying himself
with institutions, and being connected with many
popular undertakings which perhaps tended more
to conduce to his reputation than his having a name
that was " inscribed upon bright pages in all litera-
ture, and honourably known in the House of Com-
mons." Without being of the highest order of those
who are admitted to " the first benches of the Upper
School," Lord HOUGHTON is a fair specimen of the
class who are constantly received into the high
places of the community, and these prove them-
selves of signal service to the ranks they have left
by inspiring fresh and new energy among those
they join. Thus the continual admixture
of classes that forms the best security end
affords the surest guarantee against the
overgrowth of prejudices and the danger of
corrupt innovations of power like those whose
enormity occasioned the great French Revo.
lution. After passing these enlogiums, Mr.
BAINES concluded by giving the upper branch
of the legislature a piece of good advice. He told
them not to impede the march of progress in the
Commons, and that as they cheerfully gave to them
their rights of many centuries, in their turn they
demanded their privilege of a fair representation,
It is to be hoped that this salutary warning will
not be disregarded when the time comes to test its
efficacy, and there seems some truth in the idea that
the extension of the franchise will not meet with
any very decided opposition in the Lords, for if the
subject be successful in its discussion in the Com-
mons the chief obstacle will be overcome, and in-
deed, judging from vast experience, it is most likely
that the most overwhelming obstacles will be en-
countered on Mr. BAINES'S side of the house,
whether it be in power or in the cold shade of
opposition. Lord HOUGHTON made some appro-
priate remarks on the occasion, and was very well
received, He observed that he would indeed regret
his change of position did he imagine he had entered
an assembly which precluded him from sympa-
thising with the popular cause. Lord HOUGHTON'S
gratulations as to the achievements of his party
were, however, more ingenious than founded on
fact, for it would be difficult to prove what the
chiefs of the Liberal ranks have done to create the
prosperity of the country. They have always been
active enough when their opponents were in power ;
but when they returned to office they emulated the
renown of those sovereigns of the Merovingie
dynasty who have been immortalised in history as
Ras Faineants. This meeting appears to have been
remarkable for more energy than is usually appa-
rent in the meetings of the Liberal party. Doubt
less, if Lord HOUGHTON and Mr. BAINES found
more kindred spirits and more congenial natures
among their friends, affairs would not be in the
tame, quiescent state which now distinguishes them,
and many a triumph that now graces their oppo-
runts might have been the pride and boast of their
own party.

Bombardment and Capture of Osaca by the

Daimios.

We (Manchester Examiner) have been favoured
by a Stcckport gentleman, whose brother is at
Yokohama, with the following " Extra" of the
Japan Commercial News, containing intelligence
which has not previously been published in this
country. The dispatch is headed—
" Kanagawa, Oct. 10, 1863, 3 p.m.
" Authentic information has just been received of
the bombardment and capture of the Imperial city
of Osaca (and some say of Kioto also) by the
Daimios. The loss to the Tycoon's party is consi-
derable, including the two governors of the city
and several commanding officers.
"The Daimios are said to be advancing an army
of 50,000 men for the capture of Yokohama. It is
certain that they have expressed their intention,
or, as others say, sworn to do so ; and that an
attack on this place may be expected or/ the Bth of
the next month—whether Japanese or foreign date
is meant we cannot tell.

"The Tycoon's government proposes to erect at
once three forts or batteries at Yokohama, for the
protection of the settlement.

" Her Britannic Majesty's steamer Racehorse
leaves at 1 p.m. to-morrow for Nagasaki, and the
Algerine for Shanghae at the same time."

FIRE AT WINDSOR CASTLE.—Yesterday morning
between 1 and 2 o'clock, policeman Money and Sil-
ver, who were on duty in Thames-street, observed extensive
flames of fire issuing from the Brunswick Tower and as-
cending high above the Castle. These men promptly gave
information to the police on duty at the Porter's Lodge of
the servant's entrance, also to the Hon. General Grey and
Capt. Ellis, the officer of the Castle guard. They imme-
diately turned out the soldiers, and ordered a party of them
to proceed to the infantry barracks for the barrack engine
In the meantime, Mr. Walker, inspector of the Castle
police, caused the engine at the Castle to be brought to
the Terrace, and Inspector Eager had the Windsor
parish engine also quickly brought to the spot. Mr. Turn-
bull, the architect, Mr. Averland, the head cook, Mr.
Frankling, engineer, and Mr. Seabrook, storekeeper, with
others, ascended the top of the tower, and as there was an
excellent supply of water laid on in all parts of the Castle,
which is brought from the reservoir at Cranbourne, they
had extinguished the fire by the time the engines arrived.
It will be remembered that the Brunswick Tower, which
adjoins the Prince of Wales's Tower, was on fire some time
since. The day before some plumbers and glaziers had been
working on the roof of the Brunswick Tower, and intended
to remove the shavings and rubbish. After the Queen had
left for Osborne they had piled it up against one of the chim-
neys, and it is conjectured that a spark from the chimney
must have fallen on the rubbish and caused it to ignite.
The damage is inconsiderable.

A TROLL OF THE JoKUL, (OR ICE MOUNTAIN)
—Two men who were out moss gathering camped
one night on the fells ; one of them lay awake, and saw
the other rise in his sleep and stalk out of the tent. He
went so fast that the making man could not overtake him,
and he bent up towards the Jiikul. The pursuer stopped
at the foot of the Jiikul, for on a peak of it sat a giant hag,
and now stretching her hands straight forwards, and now
drawing them back to her breast, she drew the sleeper into
h__er_atraa• The next year this man came down to some
'Lama-gatherers on the same spot; he was very moody, so
that they hardly got a word from him ; they asked whom
he believed in, and he said, in God. The second year he
came again—by this time he had grown so like a Troll
that
the
awe of him—yet they asked whom he
he y
believed in, stood
but he gave them no answer. The third year
and ha said, " Trnnt I Truitt and the Trolls
he came once more; he was now a downright Troll, and
exceeding grim; at last some one dared to ask whom he
in the fell," thereupon he disappeared. Ile was never
seen again; but they did not go to gather moss there. for
and
mbealineyveydeainre,
after,