The Sun.
London, England, 1863-10-21 00:00:00

than repressed, and altogether through the length
and breadth of the land universal indignation was
expressed, and general astonishment prevailed re-
garding such an anomaly of justice and perversion
of discipline. Lord CARNAILVON is foremost among
those who essayed most strenuously to divest this
complicated case of some of its difficulties, and to
adjust in some measure the unevenness
and
irregu-
larity of the mode of carrying on
affairsatou;
penal institutions. His lordship has now presented
the report of the committee engaged in investigat-
ipnrgi
otnh the details
government.an So f it and inquiring
a r asintoit g
otehse workings
appears ot
of
be a very excellent proposal;busotmoef
ocbosutrasceleisnhtahvies
instance, as in all similar cases,
to be overcome, and some opposition must be ex-
pected. The remarks made relative to hard labour
appropriate, and furnish a striking argu-
mentarevery tto those who have been gradually decreasing
this necessary part of the prison programme, until
for all intents and purposes it might as well have
been discontinued altogether. Also due reference
is made to the importance of giving sufficient in-
dustrial work, a point which is now sadly neglected.
The amount of "trade instruction" is, it appears,
very limited. This is a great pity ; and, consider-
ing the immense sums that are being constantly
frittered away for expenses connected with the
prison ostensibly, but of which many prisoners do
not reap the benefit, it is aggravating to think that
means are being neglected whose adoption would
be potent to serve, and might prove puissant to save,
some of the unhappy class who are thus thrown
into prison without, perchance, the power or op-
portunity of gaining their livelihood. In a refor-
matory sense there is nothing more calculated, in a
worldly sense, to bring about the desired end than
to impart instruction in some trade. It stands to
reason that the prisoner who quits confinement
with some trade at his finger's end, some labour
that he is capable of performing handily, must be
in a better position, and have a fairer chance of
finally settling down into a steady, or, at all events, a
reputable member of society, than he who comes
into the world again to saunter in idleness and roam
listlessly about, until he proves surely and sadly in
his renewed offences and reiterated sentence that
idleness is the root of all evil. Too muoh attention
cannot be given to this branch of the subject.
Without going to far as to predict that due regard
to this necessity will reform or reclaim the majority
of those under restraint, it is certain that some must
benefit greatly by the attempt, and that many may
be improved by the incitement, and encouragement
thus held out to them. The recommendations here
made for arranging a progressive scale of labour
seem to answer very well the twofold purpose to
which all prison discipline should tend, of repression
and encouragement. The hard work stringently
enforced must prove of salutary effect, and the pros-
pect of amelioration will give that hope to stimulate
and encourage without which human beings will be
slow to exert themselves in any sphere. The objec•
tions urged by the committee as to reduction in the
hours set apart for rest seem most reasonable. The
notion of allowing ten hours is almost prepostercus.
It would be difficult to find many persons engaged
in any avocation, or even among those who pursue
a career of pleasure, who sacrifice so much time to
repose, and to sanction such a proceeding in cases
where rigorous and hard measures should be the
ruling principle, is very objectionable. Then more
strict rules are requisite as relates to the books pro-
vided for entertainment. That instruction be con-
veyed to their minds is very essential, and in some
cases a little relaxation is good, bat works that are

LONDON, WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21, 1863.

Another " little war" in Japan—and another
"little war" in New Z3aland ! The two localities
being as far removed from each other as they are
both of them from ourselves. England is certainly,
so tar, getting her hands full of those minor warlike
difficulties which were regarded with more repug-
nance by the Duke of WELLINGTON than the
grander contests, such as those in which he himself
had, during the earlier part of his life, been so
conspicuously engaged. These little wars aro
certainly more insidious in their evil influences than
the great wars. They frequently last much longer,
and are more often renewed. They eat away time
and money, as perniciously as gangrene exhausts the
vital energies. Or to speak with more exactitude,
though still by metaphor, the little wars are
like the opening of issues in various parts
of the body, as compared with a bold applica-
tion of the lancet. The only course in reason to
be pursued in regard to these little wars, we take it,
is to enter upon them, if they must needs be entered
upon at all, as promptly and vigorously as may be
in any way practicable. Instead of grumbling over
the evil necessity of another little war in Japan,
and another little war, just exactly at thesame time,
in New Z aland—what we have to dl now, in each
instance, in obedience to the dictates of sheer com-
mon sense, is to "go in" at both, determinedly and
with a will. It is interesting to note in reference
to this compulsory revival by the English of war-
Ilk' Proceedings against the Japanese—compulsory
Pie
lte "Y advisedly, for the English had really no
ruative whatever before them under the cir-

commonly styled " interesting" should be sparingly
doled out. The purpose of prison li e should be to
render existence within its confines irksome to the
best behaved of its inmates, and painful to such as
prove refractory. To provide to any extent what
is the worst enjoyable occupation of an intelligent
mind is a perversion of right and justice that cannot
be countenanced by those who are bringing these
prison details prominently forward, and whose duty
it is to apply the searching tests of truth to their
practices, and to let in the floodlight of publicity
where circumstances have too much impeded a
general knowledge. The high rate of diet most
justly calls for reduction in this department. The
allowance of meat is explained by some persons to
be necessary to compensate for the influences of
prison life, but the Committee very pro-
perly suggest that the same amount of nutri-
ment can be imparted by less palatable
means of nourishment. To increase the in-
consistency of this dietary arrangement it
is shown that those prisoners who are convicted

for trifling offences arc given a diet that is very
low, IN hile the men convicted for two years and
upwards are at once allowed a much better ration
of food than falls to the lot of the labouring
classes. It is highly requisit that the plan sub•
Bested for making a progressive scale of diet be
adopted at once, and carried out effectually. Of
course there will be many difficulties in the way
of putting these plans into practice, bat surely it
cannot be said by the most obtuse or obstinate
dissentient to the views of the Committee that
the subject under discussion is not worth the
time and the trouble that have been devoted to it.
The commission of crimes will never cease while
mankind walk the earth, but their frequency and
their universality does not diminish their fearful
effect on human nature, nor detract from their
hideousness in the sight of GOD. The more care
and caution that prevails in the institutions that
are set apart for criminals the greater chance
there must be that evil will be diminished, and
Vice, to a great extent, restrained. It is evident,
at any rate, that to afford prisoners the advantages
that are denied to those struggling under the
preßaure
of adversity, or breaking down beneath
the
'weight of poverty is a cruel perversion:of power
from its legitimate use, and cannot fail to be at-
tended by the
report itotshtegrace and grievous consequences.
If the excell
this
be much for the
tbsuggestionsy the
he that are embodied in
Committee are not received
with due attention
summarily the question
aasuthorities' there will
vill
beotakuswer for hereafter, when
and dealt with " up by the Legislature,
a national evil that
brooks no delay, and
its important issues. cannot stand trifling with

______ -------
cum4tanees—it is interesting at this_ moment to
recall to mind the fact that it is now upwards
of two hundred years since communications be-
tween England and Japan were first of all for-
mally negotiated and opened up by anything
like an interchange of commercial privileges. It
was, in point of fact, as far back as the 11th of
June, 1613, that this occurred. A letter from King
JAMES I. Of England, 111. of Scotland, was presented
at the Court of Jeddo b Captain SARIS, of the
y
Clone, in the following July, in the name of his
Britannic MAJESTY and as a token of amity. Up-
wards of two centuries after that incident, another
English sea-captain, the skipper of a small brig,
entering the bay of Jeddo in 1818, endeavoured,
but ineffectually, to obtain a cargo, As recently
as 1831 an American vessel Was then and there
actually fired upon, under similar circumstances.
V tit w
with the Americans that the Japanese
firste of all entered entered into the formalities of a regular
commercial treaty ....namely, on the Bth of
And
it was but a little more
than four years
March, 1854-
Aafterwards, that the com-
mercial treaty
between the English and the
Japanese was successfully negotiated on the 26th
of August, 1858,
at Jeddo, by Lord Elgin—the
treaty opening up the ports of Hakodadi, Kana-
gowa, and Nagasaki to British
I
from Ist July, 1859 ; the port of subjects on and
Nee-e-gata on and
from Ist January, 1860 ; and the
and from the Ist January, 1862, British subjects
being allowed, for the purpose of trade under this new
portß of Hiogo on
treaty, to reside after the Ist January,lB62, at Teddo,
and after the Ist January, 1863, at Osacca. It is for
the violation of more than the rights and
privileges
guaranteed by treaty, however, it is for the perpe-
tration of various outrages against the commonest
dictates of humanity upon inoffensive British sub-
jects, some of them invested with authority by the
English Government, that the Sword of England
has once more been drawn against Japan.
.......—___

- --

Some years ago there wee
matters affecting
Mr. NAPIER in the House of Commonsl3l°ti-- made by
mission to inquire into various ima.t fora com-
mission
of the Innsthe
Court, Which
Was
carried amidst a very general approval, This
motion was one for a commission to ~
inquire lato
the system pursued in the Inns of Court for pro.
moting the study of law and jurisprudence, the
revenues applicable, and the means most likely to
secure a systematic and sound education for
students, and a satisfactory test of fitness for admis-
sion to the bar." This commission emanated in a
report which, unhappilY and unfortunately, was
never carried into effect, and we suppose was lost
amidst the din of war, as it came out in the autumn
of 1855, towards the close of the Crimean war, for
nothing has now been beard of the report for many
years- The benchers of the Inns of Court are still
contented to go on calling men to he bar with
merely eating so many dinners and attending so
many lectures. The bar, as we pointed out on
several occasions in former leading grti,:les, stands

It is satisfactory to find that great questions
which have engaged attention and excited interest
during the Parliamentary session are not cast aside
nor forgotten when the turmoil of business is over
and the strife of discussion is
at an end. Perhaps
nothing of a domestic character possessed more im-
portance last session than the attempt made by
some energetic members to institute a re form into
the discipline and to amend the managemt;nt of Our
prisons and gaols. It had become a scandal among
us that these things were fast mergin g into a
mockery, and that so lax was the routine,, so ineffi-
cient the laws, and so mistaxen the mo tives that
guided and governed the establishments set apart
for criminals, that crime seemed encouraged rather

alone from all other professions and places of public
gar g an examination. What,
regards
sianllowing people to enter its
emolumentlists
withouats edeurn
we should be glad to know, can there be about
legal studies which distinguishes them from other
forms of human knowledge and intellectual acqui•
sition ? If clergymen are wanted, we examine
them. What would be thought of a proposition for
admitting all candidates to holy orders who had
partaken of twenty dinners per annum in a parti-
cular building especially devoted to so sacred a pur-
pose, and who had just attended one year's lectures,
they themselves having been asleep all the while ? As
a gastronomical test, the game might answer ; but as
any evidence of theological acquirement it would
certainly break down, So in medicine. Would the
public willingly dispense with the slender security
afforded us by the examinations at the Apothecaries,
Hall, at the College of Surgeons, and at the College
of Physicians ? In the Navy officers are examined,
if they wish to qualify for appointment in the
Steam Marine; in the Army, candidates for com-
missions, even in the line, must submit to certain
inquiries into their intellectual fitness for discharg-
ing the duties of their rank. To draw the analogy
still more strictly, attorneys are examined, and very
strictly examined, not only previously to their ad-
mission on the Rolls, but articled clerks are ex-
amined during their articles, by what are now
termed intermediate examinations, as well as being
subjected to a sound preliminary examination, pre-
viously to being articled, and without which no
young man can now become an articled clerk. I3ut
all the education a man requires for the purpose of
being entered for 'keeping terms for the Bar, is to
be able to write his own name. There can be no
foundation, in sound reason, for this exceptional
privilege of the Bar, and the sooner it is abolished
the better, not only in the interest of the public,
but of the barrister himself. It is said to be a great
hardship that a young man who has passed the
whole of his life, from his fourteenth to his
twenty-fourth year, in the process of examination,
should again be called on to submit to an exami-
nation. The answer is, that no blame
must
be imputed to the elder profession of law,
if candidates for admission into their mysteries may
have chosen to spend the earlier portion of their
lives in submitting themselves to tests of intellec-
tual qualifications in other pursuits. When the
question is as to mortgages and contingent re-
mainders, it is of very little avail that a man
should
have been examined many times at Oxford in the
Scholiacists upon ARISTOPIIANES, or at Cambridge
in the differential calculus. There is simply no
In the
kind of connection between the two cases.

interest of the young barrister himself,
of the man
who has no attorney connection, nothing, in short,
but his own merit and his own exertion upon which
he may rely, we can conceive no more fortunate
circumstance than that an opportunity
should be
given him for displaying his capacity and talent at
the very outset of his career. At present there is
nothing for it but a friendly attorney,
"or to write
a book.'' The friendly attorney must remain a
constant quantity, while Bar arrangements remain
as they are; but, surely, the notoriety obtained by
gaining the first place in an examination as to
general legal capacity, when the period of pupildom
has just expired, must be of far more value than
any reputation which can be gained as the author
of a legal treatise. Really good works on Law and
Jurisprudence are few, very few, in number; while
with regard to mere compilations, digests, and
reports, they are so numerous that authorship, as
far as they are concerned, has ceased to possess any
real value.

The highest place in a well organised examination,
conducted as university examinations are conducted
with honours for students who aim at high attain-
ment, and more ordinary degrees for those whose
purpose may be answered by a common pass, must
be of vast importance to a young man. The exa•
mination itself would give a totally different tone
to the profession, in the course of a few years, and
help to produce a race of learned jurists who should
regard law, not as a mere
question of bread and
cheese, but as an intellectual pursuit, to be entered
upon and adhered to with loftier views and more
worthy objects. There is one point which in former
articles on this subject has not been sufficiently in-
sisted upon; it is a great mistake to suppose that a
large proportion of those whose names are enrolled
upon the Bar List of England ever intended to
practice the law as a profession. Those persons,
therefore, who object to the introduction of legal
examinations, on the ground that they would not in
all probability produce a better crop of barristers
than the present voluntary
system, establish but
little, even if they succeed in establishing their
point. The English Bar has for a long time been a
nursery for aspirants in the various branches of the
civil service. The most usual clause in an act of
Parliament requiring certain appointments to be
made is that the appointments in question shall only
be given to barristers of a certain standing. Bo it
remembered that sincethe appointment of the commis-
sion to enqa:re into the arrangements'of the Inns of
Court and Chancery in the early part of theyearlBs4,
nearly 10 years ago, access to all the civil appoint-
ments in the country has been closed to all who
have not produced the certificate of having passed
an examination ; under the present arrangements
the qualification of giving divers public appoint-
ments to barristers of so many years' standing is a
mere mockery ; but it might be made something
very different if all candidates were required to give
proof of diligent study in various branches of Law
Jurisprudence, before they were admitted to the
honorary and honourable title of Barrister-at-Law.
Finally,
we would say to the Bar of England, that
the only way they can avoid the result which they
most seem to dread, namely, that the attorneys
should oust them from their honours, is by giving
plain proof of superior education and attainment.
If they are to be held as worthier than attorneys
they must show themselves to be so by raising their
own standard of education and intelligence.

The usual monthly meeting of the General Com•
mittee of the Central Relief Fund gave rise on
Monday last to a very interesting discussion. In
the first place, Mr. MACLURE'S Report confirmed
the gratifying intelligence which had previously
reached us of the gradual decrease of pauperism.
Up to the 26th ult. the returns show a considerable
increase of employment in the cotton mills and
manufactures of the district. The number of reci-
pients of relief during the nine months of the cur-
rent year show a gradual but decided diminution,
and although the Committee think it advisable to
wain the public that there is reason to anticipate
considerable fluctuations, we may accept the exist-
ing state of things as a source of thankfulness fo
they pererdestehnatt ad of ho
innsam some cases,
for the future.
es,w here the area I is con
of
t.relie
is
should re duebeed trva int shfienr narrowredto th
the
limits,Boa
The Central Committee, while
makditnhgoef this
whole
re 1 i
Guardians,e
sugges-
tion,
at the same time take the opportunity of ex-
pressing the creditable manner in which the local
committees have fulfilled their office. The task has
certainly been no easy
one, and if wo bear in mind
the thousand conflicting
influences, the difficulties
to be overcome, and the serious nature of their
duties, we shall readily admit that the gentlemen
who voluntarily undertook a teak of such labour

Three Golden Rules of Good Humour.

As PROPOUNDED DY THAT MODERN DEMOCRITUS or
OURS, DEAR, DELIGHTFUL TOM HOOD.
I. Never meet trouble half way, but let him have the
whole walk for his pains I
11. One of the pleasantest roads a true-born Cockney can
go is that leading ;row _Dullage to Griunage I
HI. The best fence against care is a Ha 1 Ha

The ship Sebastian Cabot, which was disabled in
the Channel, has arrived safely off Waterford. The pre-
mium ranged from 30 to GO guineas. On Friday several
risks were taken at 25 guineas only on her total loss. On
Saturday the prices dropped down to the nominal premium
of 20s,

and responsibility, and carried it out with such un LA ST INTELLI The irjury
NCE
-
flagging energy and disinterestedness, are entitled
[RETJTER'S TELEGRAMS.]
TEGE i
to a very high meed of praise. There can be no
doubt that the system of sub-division of labour,
which these local committees enabled to be put in
practice, assisted materially in the relief of the
distress. Indeed, it would have been almost im-
possible for any plan of centralised authority, or
superintendence, to have worked satisfactorily,
so as at once to guard: against all the frauds
and impostures of the undeserving, and to secure
the relief of every real sufferer. On the principle
of the postscript to a lady's letter, the appendix to
the
seeingreport
th a t waswe perhapshad gth
aered the main facts as to the most important part,
the decrease of population from the statistics given
at the weekly meetings. Mr. AsnwoßTH, who
has carefully compiled much valuable information
respecting the cotton trade, furnished a paper
On the Prospects of the Cotton Supply of 1864
over 1863," in which he arrived at the most satis-
factory conclusions. He anticipates a total increase
of 610,000 bales over the supply for '63—the sup-
posed addition raising the amount of labour required
from three days weekly to four days and a half,
thus increasing the working hours one-third. The
principle quarters to which he looks for the esti-
mated increase are India and Turkey—the former
being set down for 350,000, and the latter for
200,000. The Turkish correspondent upon whose
information one part of this calculation is based
went so far as to anticipate an increase of 250,000
bales from that part of the world ; but Mr. Ash--
WORTH has thought it more prudent, in considera-
tion of the recent damage done by locusts and
other casualties to reduce this amount, and has,
therefore, only allowed for the quantity above-
named. The Egyptian increase is allowed by the
least sanguine to be fairly placed at 100,000 bales,
notwithstanding the damage done in some quarters
by the unusual extent of the overflow of the Nile.
The stoppage of the railway traffic from the same
cause will retard the transmission of the Egyptian
cotton to this country, nevertheless it is there, and
may be safely reckoned on. In Italy the Govern-
ment, as in Turkey, has taken active steps in pro-
moting the growth of the staple with considerable
success—it being only in our own colonies that the
Government thinks proper to look coldly on the
movement. From Queensland and other parts of
Australia we are told it is premature to expect a
large supply. It would not have been quite so
premature had the authorities encouraged instead
of checking experiments some yeare since. Africa
is preparing to contribute a fair supply. In addi-
tion to the store looked for from Egypt, Natal, and
the West Coast, and the River Gambia are all
making efforts to supply our needs. South America
and the West Indies also form a prominent feature
in the reckoning—the Paraguay Government, as
we have previously heard, going so far as to pro-
mote a cotton company ; while the Argentine Con-
federation is also using every exertion to encourage
cotton
planting. Coming last, but not least, to India,
where from some unhappy prejudice the authorities
refuse to believe in the capacities of the country
for cotton growing, Mr. ASHWORTH'S estimate of
350,000 bales increase is by some regarded as too
low. "It is impossible," he admits himself, "to
estimate the effect which so large an accession as
£20,000,000 sterling in one year may have in stimu-
lating the production of cotton in so fertile a
country as India and with so industrious a popu-
lation?, Oa the other hand there unquestionably
exists, as was afterwards observed, considerable
uncertainty as to the actual state of affairs in India.
Mr. PLATT, of Oldham, who expressed his belief
that Mr. AsitwoßTH's estimated increase was
below rather than above the mark, at least so far
as regarded Egypt and Turkey, observed that it
was somewhat singular that while they could speak
with comparative confidence of Turkey and other
places, all parties were at sea with regard to India.
" Somehow or other," remarked this gentleman,
repeating what we have often said, " they had
never yet been able, unless within the last few
weeks, to impress upon the rulers of the country
that India could produce useable cotton. The con-
sequence had been that there had been no Govern-
ment efforts made in India, like those of other
countries, to grow cotton. The same speaker after-
wards mentioned as a well-known fact that magni-
ficent cotton had been grown in India from New
Orleans seed. The committee showed considerable
hesitation in adopting the appendix as a part of the
report, feeling that a good deal of weight was
attached to the expression of their opinion, and
being naturally reluctant to mislead the public
with delusive hopes and expectations. One gentle-
man in particular, Mr. MASON, subjected the
appendix to a most severe criticism, disputing
almost every one of its conclusions. Indeed, he was
disposed to view the matter so much en noir, that if
Mr. Asuwouri's estimate be considered too sanguine
Mr. MASON'S calculations may be taken as too
desponding. After all his depreciatory criticism,
however, he contented himself with striking off
100,000 bales from Mr. ASHWORTH'S sum total, and
the exaggerated expectations from Asia Minor, and
consequently, notwithstanding Indian deficiencies,
greatly increased exports, Mr. MASON allows us to
of 510 000
hope for an increase in the current year ,
bales. At the worst, therefore, our prospects are
rapidly mending,but although it is certainly wise to
hoar both sides, and to be moderate in our expecta-
tions, it is only fair to remember that Mr. ASH-
WORTH'S calculations are no visionary possibilities,
but are founded on the statements received from
communicated by Earl
our consuls in the several countries referred to, and
RUSSELL to the Cotton
Supply Association. His figures are therefore
based on the estimates of what has actually been
d Of course such .
done in those places, not what might by some happy
possibility be accomplishe
s are by no means infallible, and bearing in
mind their inevitable uncertainty, Mr. ASHWORTH
tells us that he has in every instance allowed for a
one stated. It is a notice-
smaller supply than the
able fact in connection with this question, that the
amount of American cotton received this year shows
an increase of 33 per cent.--a startling fact for the
blockaders. The Cotton Supply Association has
done good service in distributing seed and cleaning
machines in all countries supposed to be favourable
to the cotton growth, end their efforts have met
with most encouraging success. Cotton has been
received, we are told,
increase of the crop in some
from upwards of fifty new
places, while the rapid
of the old quarters
, who can help sWith such statistics before u has been already alluded to.
re-
gretting that such
e hour of need to
back, instead of waiting till th
efforts were not made ten years
begin looking out for fresh sources of supply ?

AMERICA.
(Per the Bohemia.)
NEW YORK, OCT. 10.
Gen. Johnston is reported to be at Santon, Mis-
souri, with 15,000 men, to intercept Roseneranz's
reinforcements.
Advices from Charleston to the 6th state that
Gen. Gilmore's preparations are nearly completed.
The Confederates are operating against Forts Smith
and Scott, in Kansas. Gen. Blunt's staff have been
captured in Kansas.
Uncertain reports have been received of a defeat
of the Federals above Port Hudson, with a loss of
1,500 prisoners.
Gen. Franklin has advanced 50 miles beyond
Brashear City without meeting resistance.
Gen. Banks has ordered the conscription in
Louisiana. Negroes on the plantations will be de-
tailed for service.

OCT. 10 (Evening).

The Confederates are advancing on Fort Scott
and Kansas city. It is reported the Kansas militia
will be called out.

Gen. Blunt will go to Texas, unless his forces
are weakened by the Confederate movements in
other quarters.
Governor Brown of Georgia, who is a secession
upholdor, is reported to be re-elected.
The Richnzond Enquirer expresses the gratifi-
cation of the Confederates at having the French
for their neighbours in Mexico, and says:—" The
South would willingly make an alliance with
France to protect French and Southern interests
in America."

The Richmond .Examiner deuouncos all peace

propositions.
The Evening .Post urges the Government to de-
mand from England an explanation of the conduct
of the Cape Town authorities respecting the Ala-
bama. If an explanation is not rendered, Govern-
ment would at once proceed to press its wrongs.
The Russian Admiral has accepted an invitation
to visit Boston with the squadron. Foreign Con-
suls and French and British officers are to be in-
vited to the municipal banquet to the Russians.
The steamer Jose has been seized at New York
upon suspicion of being a blockade runner.

NEW YORK, OCT, 10 (Evening),

The Federal Government has received advices
from Chattanooga, with all encouragement for the
Union cause. The Confederate cavalry had been
overtaken below Shelbyville and completely routed
with a loss of 100 killed. The Federals were in
pursuit.

Admiral Milne has visited the Secretary of the
Navy at Washington.

COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.

NEW YORK, OCT. 10 (Evening).

Money easy. The large export of gold has caused
an advance of 2 per cent. in its price, being now
quoted 481 per cent. premium. Exchange on Lon-
don—bankers bills, 164. Stocks dull. New York
Centrals, 1341 ; Illinois, 1261 ; Erie, 1081 ; G per
Cent. United States Bonds, 1071, Cotton steady.
Middling upland, 90c. Flour and corn advancing.
Wheat. large speculative sales. Provisions, very
firm. Coffee quiet. Sugar and molasses advanc-
ing. Petroleum very dull. Crude, 33:1c. Refined,
53c.

NEW YORK, OCT. 12 (Evening).

The Confederates are moving in Virginia, and a
strong Confederate force is concentrating in the
vicinity of Madison Courthouse.

lows :

creased,

despatch ;

A Federal cavalry brigade encountered Stuart's
cavalry, while reconnoitring the Confederate posi-
tion, near Robertson's River. An engagement
ensued. The Federals, being repulsed, retired to
Culpepper.
General Hill's corps has passed from the left to
the right of Meade's front, at Blue Ridge Moun-
tain, apparently to get on -Meade's right and cut
the railway communication, or else us a ruse to
cover an attack upon his front.

The communication between Nashville and
Chattanooga is uninterrupted.
A combined land and naval attack upon Charles-
ton was to take place on the 11th.
COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.

Money easy. The anxiety concerning the mili-
tary situation in Virginia, Tennessee, has caused
an advance in gold, which is now quoted 51:1,-, per
cent. per annum. Exchange on London, bankers'
bills, IG4 to 165 ; stocks dull. New York Cen-
trals, 135 ; Illinois, 1261; Erie, 1091; 6 per cent.
United States' Bonds, 1971. Cotton steady ; Mid-
dling Uphold, 90c.

Vim the Correspondent of the Times.)
NEW YORK, OCT. 9, 5 p.m.

A. telegram to the liehmond Enquirer from
General Bragg's army, announces that the Confede-
rates, on Missionary Ridge, shelled the position of
General Rosencranz for several hours on the Gth
inst.

Federal accounts, via Nashville, on the 7Lh and
Bth, state that skirmishing was of constant occur-
rence, and that another general engagement was
considered imminent.
Communication between General Rosencranz and
his base at Nashville is still interrupted, and reports
had been received at Nashville that Shelbyville,
with all the Federal troops there, had been captured
by the Confederates.

General Bragg is said to have been heavily rein-
forced from Richmond and elsewhere, and that his
forces now number at least 175,000 men. It is also
represented that 55,000 troops, under the command
of Gen. Joe Johnson, are held as reserves.

Confederate accounts from Charleston of the
6th report that on that day an attack was made
upon the Federal fleet, in which the frigate Iron-
sides was considerably damaged, and the other
vessels of the fleet great'y alarmed for their safety.
It is not stated what constituted the attacking
force ; but, from the fact that three of the crew of
the Confederate gunboat Chicora are reported
missing, it is presumed that it consisted of Confede-
rate iron-class.

Despatches from headquarters of the Army of the
Potomac of the Bth inst. state that during the pre-
vious 24 hours there had been many indications of
a steadily approaching collision with the enemy.

An expedition of land and naval forces sent out
by General Foster fora Fortress Monroe, on the
4th inst., to some point in North Carolina, had not
been heard from up to the 6th inst.
Serious apprehensions exist in Leavenworth of
a Confederate invasion of Kansas. On the Bth the
Confederates were reported to bo advancing on Fort
Scott and Kansas city. All the Government troops
in Leavenworth had been ordered forward, and the
state militia called out, to repel the invader.

THE AMERICAN MAILS.
ACCIDENT TO THE AFRICA.
(By Telegraph to Cape Race.)
ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLAND, 0cr.13.
The outward-going Royal Mail steamship Africa
struck, in a dense fog, near Cape Race, on Monday
night (the 12th). She was afihore above half an
hour, but got off, making much water, and bore up
for St. John's, where she arrived to•eay.
The ship has been beached, and must discharge.

is supposed to be extensive, and the

cargo is damaged.

MEXICO.

PARIS, OCT. 21.

The Paris papers of to-day publish a telegram
from Saint Nazaire with intelligence from
Vera Cruz to the 18th September, stating that
according to news received from the interior of
Mexico a numerous party exists favourable to the
annexation, pure and simple, of Mexico to France.

ST. NAZAIRE, Ocr. 21.
Advices received here from Vera Cruz to the
18th Sept. state that the Archbishop of Mexico had
arrived, and had met with a magnificent reception.
The national fête of the 16th was of a brilliant

character.
The blockade of all hostile Mexican ports has
been effective since the Bth of the month,

PRUSSIA.
BERLIN, OCT. 21.
The result of the preliminary elections is as fol-

In Berlin the old Liberal majority has been in-

In the provinces, is far as is known, the elections
are said to be also in favour of the former Liberal

majority.
The result of the election in the lowland districts

is not yet known.

NADAR'S BALLOON.
BREMEN, OCT. 21.

Nader's balloon descended near Cystrnp, in
Elanover. There were nine persons in it, of whom
Iree were seriously and two slightly injured.

FRANCE.
PARIS, OCT. 21.

M. Baroche has been nominated a senator.
A friend of M. Nadar has received the following

" We descended near Nienburg, in Hanover, at
noon on Monday. Our balloon was dragged for
several hours, the anchors having been broken—
St. Felia, my wife, and Jare, rather seriously hurt;
the others are better. We owe our lives to the
courage of Jules Godard. More detailed news to-
morrow."

BOURSE, Oct. 20.—The market has completely
changed its tone, and Stock having been freely
offered, prices have receded. Threes, for the Ac-
count, are now at 67f. 25c. Mobilier has declined
to 1,440 f. Railway Shares are also heavy, and in
some cases lower. The market continued heavy to
the close, and left off as follows :

4t per Cents. 96
Do. end month ---
3 per Cents
Do. end month 67 20
Credit Mobilier 1135
Do. end month 1136 25
Bank Shares 3350
Credit 1 oncier
Italian Loan 73 50
RAIL'

Do. end month 73 45
New ditto
Do. end month —
Russian
Austrian
Spanish Threes —
Home Debt
Deferred
Roman
PAY%

Cash. Account.
Orleans
Northern 997 50 ..
Lyons and Mediterranean 1018 75 ..
New ditto 9lB 75 .. 965
Geneva .. 497 50 ..
Southern 695 .. 691 25
Western
Eastern
Sardinian 4lB 75 .. 420
Austrian
Lcrrbard
North of Spain
Saragossa 635 .. 638 75
Ditto to Barcelona

A Graceful Tribute to Sir Wm. Atherton,
the late Attorney-General,

The country has, for a time, lost the services of
one of its most able public servants, in the resigna-
tion of Sir William Atherton, the late Attorney-
General. We regret deeply that Sir William has
been obliged, owing to continued and serious ill
health, to take the step of giving up the labours of
his important office, and the regret is increased by
the fact that his illness has been accelerated, if not
actually induced, by his unremitting and conscien-
tious discharge of his official duties. We make this
statement on the very best information, and for the
purpose of correcting a suggestion that has been
going the round of various papers (which know
nothing of the facts, by the way), to the effect that
his withdrawal from office is due either to a mis-
understanding between himself and the Cabinet, or
to an absence of confidence on the part of his col-
leagues. We know that so far from such being the
case, nothing can exceed the regret with which all
the members of the Government, from the Premier
downwards, have received the resignation. Like
Lord Herbert of Lea, Sir William Atherton has only
laboured too incessantly and too long, and the
statements that have been made suggesting other
causes are all as untrue as they are unworthy. The
taste for writing sensational and foolish paragraphs
on subjects comparatively trifling, is bad enough;
but, when it extends to the art of perverting the
judgment of the world in its estimfite of public men
whose sterling merits are beyond all dispute, and
whose efforts are beyond all praise, it becomes simply
an atrocity, which the better and wiser portions of
the press should promptly and resolutely condemn,
whenever and wherever they may meet with it.—
Social Science Review.

The Duke of Somerset and the Totnes

Electors,

A writer in the TVestern Morning News, signing
himself " One who delights in freedom," says
_

_____
I send you herewith copies of two letters and a
copy of a notice to quit, being one of the cases of
coercion by the Duke of Somerset which you so
ably and rightly exposed a few days since :

THE DUKE OF SOMERSET'S AGENT TO MR. TURPIN,
" Berry, Sept. 28, 1863.

cc Mr. Edward Turpin,-1 am told to-day that
yon do not intend to give up possession of the house
you occupy according to the notice served on you.
Now to prevent any fah() impression on your mind
that you can hold on, I think it friendly to tell you
that this will not be permitted, and that unless you
do give up possession I shall proceed to compel you
to do so; and as it is not my wish to put you to
expense, which I must do if you hold on in de-
fiance of the notice, I now again tell you that I
expect you to clear out to-morrow.---Yours truly,
" THOS. MICHELMORE. '

MR. TURPIN TO TIIE DUKE OF SOMERSET'S AGENT.
" Bridgetown, Sept. 29,1863.
" Thomas Micbelmore, Esq.—Sir, In reply to
your letter of yesterday Iv beg to state that I am
very sorry that I cannot gie you possession of the
house I now occupy. I was not aware you would
be so particular with me. You may depend, as soon
as I can suit myself I will leave. When I was at
your sister's funeral I asked you if it was your in-
tention to carry your notice into execution, when
you replied I should see you again on the subject,
but this you have not permitted ; and as you have
acted so unmercifully I would remind you of my
supporting the duke's interest ever since the
passing of the Reform Bill in 1832. I never hesi-
tated a moment in giving my voice for both mem-
bers to serve the interest of his grace, neither should
I at the last election had not your clerk (John Col-
lard) stated publicly at the Exeter Inn, that every
one could vote as they thought best for the country.
Believing Mr. Dent to be far the best of the two
candidates, I promised him ; and my promise, you
know, I always fulfil. It is not my practice to de-
ceive. I told your senior clerk (Mr. Cross) so when
first he called on me.—Your obedient servant,
" EDWARD H. TURPIN,"

THE AGE OF TUE PREMIER.—Lord Palmerston,
K.G., the venerable Premier of her Majesty's Government,
yesterday entered upon his 80th year. His lordship was
born on the 20th October, 1781, and consequently is 12
years younger than his late political opponent, Lord
Lyndhurst.