The Sun.
London, England, 1863-09-05 00:00:00

TEE SUN, LONDON, SANRDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 5, 1863.

maIs.IMr.EDWARDWILSoN has put himself in com-
munication with the French philosopher, and with
his assistance has made a computation of the quan-
tity of food eaten by these birds during each month
of the year. This has been done more especially
for the instruction of the young people in Australia,
that they may learn the harm they do by their in-
discriminate slaughter of the little creatures that
are being introduced among them with so much
trouble. Mr. WILSON truly says that the list is
worth studying at home, and its necessity
is certainly made manifest by the facts
laid before Parliament of the wholesale de-
struction of small birds by poison and other
means. The public have also been informed that
" whole tracts of forest land are laid waste, and
whole countries reduced to famine by the thought-
less removal of the only effective check upon the
ravages cf the insect tribe." MICIIELET has for-
cibly put the question in its true bearings in these
words :—" The bird can live without the man, but
the man cannot live without the bird." These several
experiences and various testimonies serve to esta-
blish the validity of the assertion here made that
the little bird is oar only safeguard against a pest
that would become overwhelming in its effects bat
for the agency of the diminutive tribes of the air.
" Were we all to resolve ourselves into one great
sparrow club we should all in a few years perish
from famine." It seems almost incredible at first
sight that for wanton mischief in most cases the
indiscriminate slaughter is so largely carried on
that provinces are wasted, and serious and irrepa-
rable losses are inflicted on many. Some act from
mistaken notions of preserving their property and
that of others from harm, but their ill-advised
caution and mischievous zeal in reality creates to a
fuller extent the imaginary ills that they dreaded.
Taking advantage of this delusive opinion of the
harm occasioned by the feathered tribe, a great
number signalise themselves by their destructive
feats, and the exterminating warfare is thus so per-
tinaciously pursued by augmenting auxiliaries that
no time must be lost in checking its ravages, or
pains spared to show its wrong and its evil. Mr.
WILSON has rendered good service in his long list
of the objects destroyed each month. It must be
truly amazing to all but those who are intimately
acquainted with the subject to note the extent and
variety contained in this summary. The wonders
of natural history may well engage the atten-
tion of all ranks and ages. There are
lessons to be learned, and marvels to be exhibited
in its researches, that may confound the wisdom of
the wise and show scholars their ignorance. Those
who cannot comprehend these things should at
least be humble and not self-sufficient. It is not
consistent with the scheme of creation that so many
creatures should be formed, and by stultifying their
careers and eutting short their brief tenure of exist-
ence, we virtually ignore the solemn fact that the
" Hand that made them is divine." It was to fulfil
a mission that they were sent upon this earth, not
only that its groves should hear sweet songs, and
its woods resound with melody, but that special
services should be rendered, and some good works
effected. Like all finite works of Providence, they
seek to perform their appointed tasks, and are then
ruthlessly cut off and cruelly destroyed. But the
laws of Nature cannot be perverted, nor the laws of
Nature's GOD violated without serious results en-
suing, and grievous disasters bearing witness to
the wrong. Wasted lands, blighted fields, and
ruined harvests, have attested the crime and its
consequences. Still, there are some who will not
learn, but, like the deaf adder, shut their cars to
the language of entreaty and the warnings of re-
monstrance. Sentiment touches them
et nyr learnoB
et
or
ins
sus-
it
ouhrsi
the
is useless to appeal to
terms,theirLstetnhfsree of
omm,
ttbu i
aheeeant,
sober
oe
bp
et ir b
ti
rl i
ut yt h t
into h a r nl o
p practicaly
mation Mr. WILSON has afforded. In presenting
the public with this very valuable
,information, he
has rendered an important service to society, and
enabled the advocates for the protection of small
birds to refer to the examples of scientific in-
quiry to plead their cause, and summon as their
auxiliaries the wise and learned of the profession,
that is intimately acquainted with the subject
under discussion. These words are from one who
speaks what he does know, and cannot there-
fore he set aside as idle vagaries of enthusiasm or
delusive notions of philanthropy. The real suf-
ferers in this cruel warfare are the men who do it.
When the little victims of their wanton propensities
are freed from suffering, mankind will be mourning
in cities and provinces the famine that has fallen on
fairy lands. Where once bloomed pastures green and
sunny vines, will be spots arid as the desert and waste
as the sandy shore. All this to satisfy the prejudices
of some and suit the destructive notions of others.
It is time that all who have the power should exer-
cise their influence and interpose their authority to
stay this mischievous course, and put a period to
those cruel and destructive pursuits. Truly has
Mr. Wilson called it " suicidal folly," and no pains
should be spared to prevent his words being ratified
to the fullest extent. The cause of science and the
claims of self-interest alike call for the adoption of
his suggestions, and the sooner his precepts are put
into practice the better for the utility and beauty of
the world. These feathered tribes that fill the air
with song, do good service to the vital interests of
the community, and their extermination is a serious
evil.

MARGATE AND RAMSGATE—contrasted by a cor-
respondent of The Queen ; or, Lady's Newspaper:—
Ramegate, in her heart, looks down upon Margate, and
Margate thinks that she is better looking than her sister ;
but as in all such cases there are distinct attractions in
each. Margate, I suppose, will be considered a little fast
as compared with her sister Ramsgate, and doubtless she
is so, which a little surprises me- j mean that I am rather
surprised that she is faster than Ramsgate. Margate has
a theatre—Ramsgate hasn't. Margate has an assembly-
room—there is no such thing
in Ramsgate, which again I
am surprised at. Then Margate considers that her jetty is
far superior to the pier at Ramsgate—which opinion I cer-
tainly share. It is scarcely necessary for me, perhaps, to
admit that t tun doing a little flirtation with these two at-
tractive sisters. I can hardly exclaim with Macheath—
Row happy could I be with either
Were t'other dear charmer away;
because undoubtedly a visit to the one 'makes me enjoy a
and et sojourn with the other, and so I run backwards and for-
earls the
whole joy the charms of both. I have spent
y
"t
of the past week in Margate, and she has,
wearr toe ac
I can assure you, been holding up her head quite loftily,
for she has had some distinguished visitors with her. She
h
too
—a princeherrinceinwhom
visitors list—one of sour tomantic
princes,ay'
young
ladies associate with
palaces on the Lake of Como, such as that which Claude
Melnottc, when ho loads Pauline up and down the stage,
so VIVI
• *dly depicts in words, and then looking lovingly into
shad
o
the eyes of the young lady w
ho plays the part, says—

Dost like the picture?
at which Pauline replica—

Dlv own sweet love !

oau6nigmlialadrylfuroemstitohne,
which shows that she was not born within the sound of
would exclaim, " Oh, don't I just I"—(The Italian prince
here referred to, as a recent visitor to Margate, being the
Prince Doris Pamphilii.) u w answer at
oy
rAppSaT,reUCtdthleN THE MUD I— it la Charivari,—ry
C]harivari publishes a woodcut which
BC:reataivilllitllhtECBnpflDerrotrhfprilesent state rr • iw"Ea a
ietezi,rtae
od
ritysConfederation.
o
;rifle centre - Lairoafirsa th.erloaatril strong'totbe
sada
distance, ]aunty
rtri engagedaoit rh re wbionai gnt ais quiteboljai amperceived,ith.s
partygreatree Po
tfr
ae
nPeeglaenlaaeetsde Leasure rni ewnd:
ttrhahaetpasisdhogiamtaly.;
Ring
elf t
rPirussia is making desperate, but in-
The Austrian boatman
ngdetdieueto des
to the other: —" Do as I do, follow
mud 1" Germany- at a dista
rgeegargeeepweriti
iuter:trtitLneeptshveleateirt., if you do not you will only
PlCvvtding4 of the two rirelli, nee
utgelßhofro
oeoweterneighbourhoodeddsct..unrraar,
,I bells, because
of i n all
Horton, probabilityin

. Ale

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

RUSSIA.
ST. PETERSBURG, SEPT. 5.
An Imperial Decree, dated Aug. 12, orders that
from the 13th inst. the peasants of the Ukraine
shall become proprietors of their land, and shall
pay a certain amount as purchase money to the
State.

PARIS, SEPT. 5.
The Courrier du Dimanche says :—" Baron de
Budberg will not return to Paris before Sunday or
Monday."

Tae same journal explains in what respect Art.
8 of the Federal Reform Project, regulating the de-
claration of war, has modified the former situation,
and that it will bring about negotiations between
Prussia and France.

No positive indication of the Russian Reforms
spoken of by tho journals has yet transpired,

SAXONY.

DRESDEN, SEPT. 4.
The King of Saxony has returned to this capital,
accompanied by King Ferdinand of Portugal. The
latter is about to visit the Duke of Coburg, at the
Castle of Rosenau, where Queen Victoria is at pre-
sent residing.

P RUSSIA.

BERLIN, SEPT. 4,

An aide de-camp of the Emperor of Austria has
arrived here with the protocol of the deliberations
of the Congress, signed by the Princes, and an
invitation to the King of Prussia to favour it with
his approval.

CHINA.
SHANGHAE, JULY 22.
Political affairs in China are generally quiet.
Cholera is raging at Shanghae.
A civil war has commenced in Japan.
The relations with foreigners are stated to be
pacific.

AUSTRALIA.
MELBOURNE, 'JULY 25.
The new tariff bill has passed the Assembly.
The natives of Waitara have declared war, and
5,000 of them have taken the field.
General Cameron has withdrawn his troops for
the defence of Auckland.

PRANCE.

PARIS, SEPT. 5.

BOURSE, Sept. 4.—The market showed a further
improvement at the opening, but afterwards re-
ceded from sales for realisation. Threes, for the
Account, which had touched 69f 20c, are now again
at 69f Oc. The
firm. The market closed as follows
:Railway Share 111arket quiet, but

ft per Cent 5....... 97 90 Italian Loan 74
Do. end month.... Do, end month --
3 per Cents ...... 68 60 blew ditto 73 75
Do. end month.... 68 90 Do. end month —
Credit Mobilier....l2oo
_.Russian
Do. end month.... Austrian
Bank Shares ...... 3385 spanieh Threes 53
Credit Fonder ....1390 Elmo Debt

RAIL'

'AYs•
Cash. Account.
.. 1040 --
Orleans ............... 1045
New ditto .. ._ .................
Northern .. ....... 998 75 .. L 997 50
Lyons and Mediterranean 1046 25 .•
Geneva.. .............. 495 • • .77::
Southern 747 50 .. ' .---
..............
Western .............. 537 50 • • 5
eastern
........... ~. 518 75 • • 1.5 --
425 Sardinian
427 50
Austrian - • •
567 50 .. 567 50
Lombard
666 25 .. 567 60
North of Spain
685 .. 682 50
Saragossa —— " 1045 --

Ditto to Barcelona .... 362 50 ..

SPAIN.
Information has reached Madrid by telegraph
that the garrison of Melilla, having gone out for its
usual military exercises and to carry on the different
earthworks near the town, was attacked by an un-
disciplined mob of the natives. A regular fight
took place, and the Moors were defeated. The
ground was covered with their dead, and 94 of them
were taken prisoners. The Spaniards had three
soldiers killed, and one officer and 42 privates
wounded. The Government is waiting for de-
tailed report to adopt the necessary measures.

DISSOLUTION OF THE PRUSSIAN
CHAMBERS.

BERLIN, SEPT. 4.
The following Royal decree has been published
to-day
of the Constitution, and on
05Allinistry of State, we decree
"Art. 1. The Chamber of Deputies is hereby
the "
pßrye
pvei
sr
ittui
ee
n ofe
fAtrht
as follows :
dissolved.
Art. 2.—The Ministry is entrusted with the exe-
cution of the present decree.

" WILLIAM I."
The Ministerial report to the Ring, which pre-
cedes the decree, says

There is no prospect that further negotiations
with the present Chamber of Deputies would lead
to any understanding. His Majesty the King,
before his departure, was pleased to express his
concurrence with these views of the Ministry,
but a definitive resolution was reserved until His
Majesty's return. The state of things in Prussia
since that time has not offered• any ground for a
change in the propositions of the Ministry, which
approved, His Majesty hadOn the other hand,
tendencies have manifested themselves within the

limits of the German federal Constitution, the evi-
dent aim of which is to reduce Prussia from that
position as a great Power in Germany and Europa
which is her well-earned inheritance from our fore-
fathers, and which the Prussian people has at all
times been determined not to relinquish. Under
these circumstances, it will ba incumbent on the
Prussian people to give expression upon the occa-
sion of the approaching new elections to the fact
that no difference of political opinion is so deeply
rooted in Prussia as to endanger the unity of the
people, and the immoveable fidelity with which
they are attached to the Royal House, when placed
in face of efforts tending to diminish the indepen-
dence and dignity of Prussia.

" The events of the last few days have only served
to confirm us in our proposals, and as the new elec-
tions will, require a period of two months, the mea•
sures approved by your Majesty in the sitting of
the Council of Ministers held on the 16th of July,
must be executed without delay, in order to render
it possible for the new Diet to be convoked to dis-
cuss the Budget with the current year."

THE CASE OF ATROCIOUS CRUELTY ON THE HIGH
SEAS.—In yesterday's Mercury we gave some ac-
count of the death by drowning, near Seaham harbour, of a
fisherman named Matthew Williamson, the alleged cause
oil ,
which
in3f e
mats,
and
e9.t a,
three
beingeaenordeo
Invvstyhweeee:ndrct:r:
ivarpeilseeat:ladryuat
tytsl
bhewarpegonooeufii
Hartlepool
hhhoyyfiti:tnsshbh:aeebtefecreoormlsrobeeunerentnghdoii
ewanef
Sunderland,
were
laFehtuoriddee
,onht
watchingrhtcz.
Williamson
nesi
4schooner,
lhiiipo3pmoa
gtt
sschooner,li.eeostrini:
Theyere apprehended, charged with the murder of the deceased.
trstes. At. • -
"
arged with being concerned in the wilful murcler
of Matthew9‘l7 Williamson, and with most cruel treatment to
Robert ItobSon and Andrew Iloagey. The evidence given
against the prisoners was similar in detail to the particulars
already published,
The prisoners denied using any violence
whatever, and said, after they picked the two men up they
did all they could for them to find their boat. The counte-
nances of the prisoners were not at all in their favorer, and
during the whole trial they hardly ever lifted up their
heads, The presiding magistrate told them the case had
tehv.ery
faytheaerracnocuelodf
boon ed
oonf
ewoihlfeuly
rmenurcdhera,abtuhto
rbietifbosr ewaonuyl
a-
ng
ucnoitiiilmaunnai cnas twc de r wwi tahs ,
raenc d
is
e i consequentlyved.Thenamtheeyofwtehlee
schooner
re e,
atdo, 11)de
Jantalina, which has for some time been trading
on ,stup north-east comti—iffts Mromry.

AMERICA.

(REUTER'S EXPRESS.)

QUEENSTOWN, SLIT. 4.

The Royal Mail steamer China, from New York
on the 26th ult., arrived here at 7 p.m. She brings
60 passengers and 219,241 in specie. She landed
the maile, consisting of 102 sacks, and proceeded at
7.20 p.m.; all well.

(Per the China.)

NEW YORK, AUG. 24 (Evening).

The advance guard of General Rosecrans's army
appeared before Chattanooga on the 21st inst., and
opened fire upon the city, where General Joseph
Johnstone is commanding, having superseded Gene-
ral Bragg, who had gone to Atlanta. The Confe-
derates opened fire from 19 guns, which did little
damage, and were disabled by the Federal fire.
The Federals disabled two steamers moored at the
wharf, but were unsuccessful in their attempt to
destroy the pontoon bridge opposite the city.
The Confederate works upon the river are very
strong, the parapets being 15ft. wide. There are
several water batteries on a level with the river.
Two Confederate divisions are at Chattanooga, and
there is a large Confederate force in the neighbour-
hood.

General Wilder crossed the Tennessee river on
the 22d inst. and destroyed a small railway bridge
which, it is said, severs the communication between
the right and the left of the Confederate army.
Immense numbers of deserters are reported to be
in the mountain, awaiting the Federal advance.

The military force now concentrated in New York
is estimated to number 30,000 men, infantry and
cavalry. The artillery occupy Madison, Tompkins,
and other public squares.

The draughting continues in this city. There in
more excitement, but there is no disturbance.

During the bombardment of Charleston, a shot
from Fort Wagner broke a piece of the interior
lining of the iron-clad Catskill, and struck the
heads of Commander Rogers and Paymaster Wood.
bury, killing them instantly.
Charleston harbour and Stone river are full of
torpedoes.

Quantrell has entirely destroyed Lawrert cc. Kan-
sas. The attack was made at midnight. Fifty
prominent citizens, including the Mayor, were
killed, it is said, in their houses, surrounded by
eieir families. Over 100 citizens were wounded, and
25 negro recruits shot. Senator Lane has escaped.

Lawrence is principally inhabited by New Eng-
land emigrants, between whom and their Missouri
neighbours there were strong antagonistic feelings.
It is supposed that the Lawrence massacre will lead
to sanguinary border warfare.

It is asserted that Lee, largely reinforced, is pre-
paring to invade Maryland.
The conscription of all men between 16 and 60
was rigidly enforced in Richmond.

Beauregard officially states that ail negroes cap-
tured are held in military custody, subject to orders
of the Governor of South Carolina, to be dealt with
according to the State law.

The Richmond Whig thinks there are but two
means of preventing a long continuance of the war ;
these are either foreign intervention, or successful
resistance by the Northern Conservatives to the
Abolition inaction (faction ?) in Washington.
The Whig says:—" We want French aid. We
are able to pay for it. Let us do it. We shall then
have peace, or power to wreak vengeance on our
foe."

The desertions of substitutes for draughted men
having become so frequent in the Federal army, it
is officially announced that in all such cases the
extreme penalty of martial law will be administered.

The report that General Grant had opened the
Mississippi trade to all loyal citizens was untrue.
The New York Herald says there are now 30,000
troops in New York, and that as the rebellion is
nearly crushed these troops should be sent to take
possession of Vera Cruz.

The Florida has captured and bonded the ship
Francis B. Cutting.

AUG. 25, EVENING.

The bombardment of Forts Sumter, Wagner, and
Gregg by the land and naval batteries commenced
on the 17th inst., and was kept up continuously till
the 23d. The Southern journals of the latter date
say :

" Fort Sumter is now a ruin; the north-west
wall, with its arches, has fallen in. The guns are
all dismounted. The east wall is cracked and
breached, and the enemy's shot sweep through the
fort. Colonel Whett, commanding at Fort Sum-
ter, is ordered to hold his outposts even as a for-
lorn hope until he is released or Fort Sumter cap-
tured."

lien. Gilmore demanded the surrender of Morris
Island and Fort Sumter on the 22d, threatening to
shell Charleston in four hours if they were not sur-
rendered.

Gen. Beauregard replied, charging Gen. Gilmore
with inhumanity and violation of the laws of war,
and affirming that if the offence were repeated he
would employ stringent measures of retaliation.
Upon the morning of the 23d Gen. Gilmore gave
notice that he would open fire upon Charleston on
the following day, and that in the meantime non.
combatants could leave the city.
Twenty-three Federal vessels, including the iron-
sides and Monitors, are inside the bar of Charles-
ton, and there are 13 more outside.
The Southern journals assert that Gen. Rosecrans
shelled Chattanooga on the 21st without giving
notice of his intention to do so.
_ _ _

AUG. 26, MORNING.

Fort Sumter is in ruins.
The city of Charleston was shelled on the 24th
:nst.
General Rosecrans has shelled Chattanooga.
The Southern press calls for French aid.
Southern (Charleston) despatches of the 25th

inst. say :
"At 12 o'clock last night the enemy opened fire
upon the city,
firing 15 8-inch Parrot shells. Non-
combatants are leaving the city in continuous
streams. 600 shots were fired at Fort Sumter on
the 22d, 419 taking effect."

- ,
The Richmond Examiner says :
If the Federals captured the whole of Morris
Island they might close Charleston as a port of
entry. Bat it would not enable them to take the
city, us General Beauregard cau maintain himself
against any force sent, or likely to be sent, against

him."
A Federal expedition has proceeded to Granada,
Mississippi, forcing the Confederates to destroy a
large amount of railroad stock,
general Army, estimated at 60,000 men, is
around ctilpepper Courthouse. General Long-
street holds Fredericksburg, and General Stuart is
guarding the fords of the .11,:ppahanneek.
The North Carolina troops have passed resolu-
tions denouncing the peace party it,. that State.
Quantrell's guerillas have been disbanded. The
Federals are still pursuing them.
Major Opdyke, of New York, has vetoed the mu_
nicipal appropriation for draughted men.
The Common Council of New York has resolvcd
to pass an appropriation over the Mayor's veto.
Thc: firemen and the city militia have sent A COM-

mittee to the mayor requesting an appropriation
for their exemption.

The blockading squadron has destroyed the
British steamer Hebe off New Inlet.
Vessels arriving here report a violent hurricane
along the American coast line from the 18th to the
22d inst.

The Federal brig Bainbridge has foundered ; one
man only was saved.

Noon.
The centre of General Bragg's army in Tennessee
is at Chattanooga, and the left wing at Bolton.
General Buckner has 10,000 men at Cleveland.
Bragg's army numbers 30,000 men.
An explosion has occurred on board a steamer at
Vicksburg, killing 150 men.
Gold, 23 per cent. prem.
(By Telegraph to Cape Race.)

NEW YORK, AUG. 28 (Morning).

News from Charleston to Aug. 24 (evening) states
that Fort Sumter bad been entirely destroyed, but
had not surrendered. The Federal fleet was prepar•
jog to move up the harbour. Great dissatisfaction
prevails at the slowness of the operations of the fleet.
Forts Moulton, Gregg, and Johnston, as well as
the batteries on Sullivan and James Islands, have
kept up a steady fire upon the Federals on Morris
Island, doing, however, little damage.

During the night of the 21st inst. Gen. Gilmore
threw 5 shells charged with Greek fire into Charles-
ton. Gen. Beauregard protested against the short
time allowed for the removal of women and chil-
dren. The British, French, and Spanish Consuls
demanded more time for the removal of their sub-
jects.

General Gilmore replied by again demanding the
surrender of the forts and public property. General
Beauregard then demanded a truce of 40 hours,
which was refused by General Gilmore, who recom-
menced shelling the city upon the night of the 22d.
The _Richmond _Examiner says:—
" The shelling of the city and the destruction of
empty houses are of minor importance if the forti-
fications and the harbour can be held."

Two blockade runners entered Charleston on the
23d.

The negotiations for an exchange of prisoners are
progressing.

The refusal of the Confederates to regard negroes
as prisoners of war causes some difficulty.
It is reported that the Confederates will now re-
gard Colonel Strengths as a prisoner of war. The
Federals will place Morgan on the same footing.
The Confederates have handed General Neale Dow
over to the civil authorities. The Federals, in conse-
quence, will place a Confederate brigadier-general in
close confinement.

An excited meeting of draughted Germans has
been held in New York, at which the conscription
was denounced as a cruel and inhuman measure,
and organizations were urged against its conse-
quences. A committee has been appointed to con-
fer with Governor Seymour and test the legality of
the Act.

The Confederate steamer Everglave has been
sunk near Tybee Island. A privateer crew in uni-
form were on board. Several of them were cap-
tured.

Twelve steamers entered Wilmington in five
days. One of them was of 1,500 tons, and pierced
for six guns.

(VERY LATEST.)
NEW YORK, Aug. 28, Noon.
A Federal gunboat arrived at Fortress Monroe,
from off Wilmington, reports that the steamer
Florida had arrived at the latter place with intelli-
gence that the Federais occupied Forts Sumter
and Wagner on the 24th.