The Sun.
London, England, 1863-07-25 00:00:00

THERMOMETER.

This morning
This day at Two o'clock 7O
Barometer-29.80.
Wind—S.-W ; moderate, with cloudy weather.

HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.
Clue DAY.—Morning, Bh. Bm.—Afternoon, Bh. 40m,
To-moitr.ow.-Morning, 9h. 17m.—Afternoon, 9h. 52m,

tzitt
4,4z0001. .gi
jp4s
ort* 11111.
A g,
40•9; 5in.041,9

LONDON, SATURDAY, JULY 25, 1863.

The Bloodiest Battle of all in this dreadful Ame-
rican War would, almost for certain now, appear to
have been fought upon the very morrow of the great
national anniversary of independence. So far as we
can in any way judge at present from the particu-
lars which have at length reached us in a very frag-
mentary shape, indeed—on Sunday, the sth instant,
the Federals suffered the most terrible discomfiture
they have yet had to endure at the hands of the
Confederates. Supposing this announcement to be
even partially confirmed—as from the na-
ture cf the intelligence already received,
is but probable—the occurrence would serve
at once to account for some of the
most curious pieces of information brought to us
among the last budget of news from New York,
announcements otherwise in themselves utterly
inexplicable. Grant that a serious defeat had
really been suffered by the main body of General
MEADE'S armyon the sth inst.,and that of itself would
explain (what must else remain incomprehensible)
—the sudden reversal of all Mr. SEWARD'S opinions
in regard to the future policy incumbent upon the
PRESIDENT ! the enforcement so seriously
of the conscription, that the New Yorkers,
when the previous mail left, had risen
in formidable revolt against the au' hori-
ties !—the clap-trap proceedings reported in
regard to the chiefs of the Government, in one
amounting to the extreme of ridiculousness, in an-
other to the most heinous height of profanity !
According to the glimmering indications now
afforded us, of what would really seem to have ac-
tually then occurred, although hushed up,for awhile,
by the heads of the Federal Government, through
fear of yet more terrible consequences, from the
mere fact of the revelation of the results of
the prevous battle of the sth. MEADE'S army
would appear to have been drawn from their
works by the strategic (really and truly in
this instance the strategic !) retreat of the Confede-
rate division under HILL ! When—LONGSTREET
and EWELL suddenly advancing upon either flank
of the outwitted Federals (the New York Herald
of the 11th, remember, is the organ giving this
narrative of the belligerent movements !)-40,000
prisoners had been taken by the victorious Confe-
derates, the loss of the Federals amounting upon
the whole, in killed, wounded, and captured, to a
grand total of 60,000 men ! If these extraordinary
statements should, later on, prove to admit of cor-
roboration even to a moderate extent, the
possibility of a close being put to this hideous
civil war would certainly appear, in that case, to
have been brought nearer than it has ever been
brought before.

Examining more carefully into the sources, so
far as they can yet be ascertained, of the state-
ments as to the astonishing success thus said
to have been obtained by General LEE'S
army on
the sth, we find that
the conclusion arrived
at according to the
doleful record
contained in the New York Herald
of the 11th, is borne out by the unanimous testi-
mony of the Confederate newspapers ! The Rich
mond Dispatch of the 6th, 7th, and Bth,
Enquirer the Richmond of the
dates, that is
last
of those three
Wednesday immediately following this
confidently
announced announced victory of
Sunday the sth, contain
not merely the announcement that there had
been won this great victory by the Confederate Com-
mander-in-Chief, but they enter, both the one and
the other of them, into various minute particulars.
One despatch dated from Martinsburg, on the Mon-
day (6th) says "Reports to-day all concur that
there was a heavy fight yesterday, in which we de-
feated the enemy and drove him three milesli
Almost breathlessly, in short sentences, come there-
upon the following statements by way of addenda—
" A vast number of prisoners are reported by Gene-
ral LEE. The prisoners are on their way to Rich-
mond by way of this place. This has been the
bloodiest battle of the war. Our loss is very great."
The next dly's number of the Richmond paper
containing that first hurried announcement of the
Confederate success, was expressive of so profound
a confidence of the reality of that success that the
avowal of it was couched in no less positive lan-
guage than the following: "We feel as well as-
sured that General LEE, if he has met the
enemy in a pitched battle, has inflicted a ter-
rible defeat upon them, as we do that we are living,
breathing, sentient beings." Immediately follows
a telegraphic despatch announcing not only a great
battle as having been fought and won on the pre-
ceding Sunday, the sth July, by the Confederates,
but distinctly setting down the Federal loss at
60,000 killed, wounded and prisoners. Another
telegram soon after brings yet more

explicit information—summarising all above re-
lated, though doing so in different words--words,
hoc: ever, that read, " plain as pikestaff,' thus
under date 6th, that is the Monday, at Martinsburg
—" On Saturday night our centre fell back, drawing
the enemy from their works. Generals EWELL and
LONGSTREET flanked the enemy and gained the
heights. A general fight ensued yesterday,
in which the enemy were routed, and LEE
captured forty thousand prisoners." Further
accounts, dropping in later, and as usual piecemeal,
set down the Confederate loss at 10,000—the
Southern wounded numbering from 3,000 to 4,000
—four of their Generals being named as killed and
seven of them as wounded more or less seriously.
This, it should be stated of course, is obviously the
estimate put forth as the result not of the one
day's fighting, but of the four days' fighting,
off and on, fiercely and desperately, down to that
Sunday, the sth instant, now regarded—eagerly at
Richmond, doubtingly at New York—as the date of
the last great triumph of the Confederates. In any
case, the Great Battle, that was recently said to be
so very imminent, would appear to have been ac-
tually fought upon that Sunday- How fought, and
with what precise results, we must Nvait to learn
more accurately through our next advices.

The most sanguine political economist would
scarcely have conjectured some five years since that
the Indian Budget would in so short a time have
completely changed its character. At that period
India was still suffering from the terrible crisis of
1857, added to the effects of long years of misgo-
vernment; and her financial prospects were so bad
that many sensible and cautious men expressed a
doubt whether our great Eastern empire would
ever be productive of much advantage to ns in a
pecuniary point of view. All is now changed, and
Sir CHARLES W OOD was able to inform the House
that there would be from the last year a surplus
of more than a million and a quarter, and to con-
gratulate himself complacently on the good results
of the labours of Mr. WILSON and Mr. LAINO, It

is very easy and agreeable work to step in at the
end of the race and wear the laurels, but we appre-
hend that if the sole control of Indian finance had
been left in the hands of Sir CHARLES WOOD the
aspect would not have been equally satisfactory.
But our Indian Secretary does not inquire too
closely into the causes of this rapid development of
the fortunes of India. He has only the gratifying
task of laying a very prosperous state of things
before the House, and of informing them that a
surplus of £816,000 is anticipated for the ensuing
year. This, it is true, will be reduced by the re-
mission of taxes to the amount of £335,000, but
a considerable amount must still remain even at a
moderate computation. The elasticity of the revenue
has exceeded all expectations, and the stimulus given
to Indian trade, by the cultivation of tea and the
demand for cotton, has greatly assisted the progress
of the country. It is evident that the true policy
to pursue in India is the policy to be followed in
every great country—large expenditure and large
returns. So long as we hamper capital by absurd
restrictions, and trust to such resources as the land
tax for our revenue, we shall feel the conse-
quences. An adjudication of unequal or im-
politic laws and regulations, a prudent yet liberal
expenditure on public works, and the offer of every
encouragement to European settlers and capitalists
to invest means and labour in Indian soil, will render
the despised and proverbially empty Indian ex -
chequer the envy of many European States. It is
satisfactory to know that India has in Sir CHARLES
TREVELYAN a worthy successor to the two able
financiers, who have so greatly assisted her fortunes.
Having been for several years Governor of the
Madras Presidency, Sir C. TREVELYAN must have
been struck with the very small item contributed
to the surplus by that province. While the surplus
of the Bombay Presidency was over considerably
£2,000,000 sterling, and that of the larger district
of Bengal amounted to more than £7,000,000, the
available surplus from the revenues of the
Madras Presidency was only £19,331. This
singular contrast affords a striking proof
of the advantages to be derived from a
liberal and enlightened policy in India. In
no part of the country are the old doctrines more
rigidly adhered to, the land tax more scrupulously
cherished, and the old principles of legislation in
opposition to modern reforms and innovations more
generally observed. The result, as we see, is that
where the other Presidencies bring their millions
to the general account, Madras contributes but
thousands, and those in limited numbers. It is well
that the general finances of India are in the hands
of a man of far-seeing and comprehensive policy,
and we must hope that the prejudices of the Madras
clique will succumb to the force of public opinion,
and the evidence of indisputable facts. It has been
thought advisable on general grounds to do away
altogether with the Indian navy, bat this brings no
corresponding diminution of expenditure, owing to
the substitution of an European force for the protec-
tion of British interests. The sanitary condition of
the army, which has lately given rise to much un-
easiness from the startling revelations of the reports,
is shown by Sir CHARLES WOOD to be better than
it was thought to be, as the heavy mortality of the
years of war, mutiny, and sickness contri-
buted to swell the average of the years
of peace and ordinary health. Still that
he real average is very high is not to be

questioned, and we are glad to find that the Go-
vernment are not relaxing their efforts to bring
about a better state of things. The climate alone is
sufficiently trying to a European constitution, and
every possible safeguard in the way of private tem-
perance and public accommodation should be care•
fully attended to, The selection of healthy sites for
barracks is of prominent importance, and has not
hitherto been sufficiently regarded. With our im-
proved sanitary and scientific knowledge, and with
the means of communication now opening up through-

out India, it is time the existing evils should be re-
medied, and the health of our soldiers raised to the
highest possible standard.

The expenditure on public works which Sir
CHARLES TREVELYAN so readily proffers, is
not likely to find many objectors. The
railway system is being rapidly developed; 747
miles being opened in 1862, and 759 in the year
preceding—the whole amount otrailway lines now
open being 2,500 miles. The East Indian Railway
i") we are told, nearly completed; and the Great
Indian Peninsula Eailway—the chief line—is
making rapid progress. So far, then, all is satis-
pfalcateoeriyn.
whSiicrheitloAlitoLokEsfol
rV o
reforms oD s Budgetor
improvements.he
It is enough that he is willing to sanction the
his able financier, and to
ppurotceendoin
proceedings
surtof further check on the great national
undertakings of India. The rapid returns made
for the changes already effected ought surely to
them
stimulate still further the energies of
f o
ing powers by showing all thattr gern
can
hoped for, if we follow the path of progress, in-
stead of adopting a restrictive and retrogade
policy. We have cause for congratulation and
thankfulness when, so few years after the great
national convulsion of '57, we find the Secretary
for India affirming that "Throughout the length
and breadth of the land we hear of a progress and
prosperity which must be deeply gratifying to all

who have the interests of that country at heart,
and from all quarters are received assurances of the
ccntentment and loyalty of the people." This is
truly satisfactory testimony, and proves, as we have
always maintained, that the development of the
national resources will be the greatest boon to the
people of India, by securing to them the means of
'obtaining a regular and honest livelihood, and
thereby removing one of the greatest temptations
to their national crime—infanticide. It will for-
ward also the interests of Christianity and civilisa-
tion, which go hand in band, and will afford the
best protection against a recurrence of the tragedy
of 18b7. We congratulate the Indian Govern-
ment on being able to furnish so satisfactory a
statement, which, we trust, will only be the pre-
cursor of many Budgets even more comprehensive
and more profitable.

The Statute Law Revision Bill was read a third
time and passed yesterday at the morning sitting
of the House of Commons. This is in every way
to be rejoiced at, as there can be but one opinion,
at those who are acquainted with the subject,
concerning its utility. The Solicitor-General and
Sir HUGH CAIRNS agreed in its favour, and both
were at some pains to maintain into the importance
of the measure, and to explain the necessity that
existed for its enactment. The Solicitor-General
observed that this was an object on which the
House had spent a great deal of money. There have
been two commissions on the subject. The first
cost no less a sum than £39,000, the second
amounted to £21,000. The result of these
endeavours have been to form the foundation of
useful measures. The two learned gentlemen who
have now conducted the revision have only re-
ceived sums under £4,000. The hon, and learned
gentlemen truly observed that it would be
altogether idle to refer the measure to a select
committee. "No select committee," he said,
" unless composed of lawyers of great know-
ledge and ability, could undertake the task, and
it would take them years, even if they sat continu-
ously, to get through the Statute Book." Certainly
this could not be a very encouraging pro-
spect, and even the most industrious might well
shrink back appalled at such a proposal. Sir F.
KELLY also spoke in favour of the measure,
and said that he considered the House
might place confidence in the labours of
the gentlemen who had prepared the
bill. He is of opinion that by "judicious
consolidation" the statute law may be reduced to
some four or five volumes, whereas now it fills
forty-three closely printed folio volumes. Sir HUGH
CAIRNS ackn lwledges that he considers the measure
as one of great utility, and one which has already
been too long delayed. It is now proposed to pro
duce that, the want of which has been for years a
crying disgrace, an expurgated edition of the sta-
tutes, containing nothing but those acts which are
in force at the present time ! This is a very lucid
account of the affair, and conveys a just notion of
its meaning to those who 'are not sufficiently
learned in the law to understand its object for
themselves. Nothing can be more unnecessary

than to retain this innumerable list of statutes.
Nine feet of space are occupied by their vast extent.
While some are entirely use'ess for present exi-
gencies, others are crowded together, which,if sepa-
rated, might be considered at leisure. There will
still remain much to be done, as the bill just passed
only comes down to the reign of JAMES 11. The
revisers of the statutes have struck out all that
have become obsolete. But, in the revision, if a
doubt remained as to whether any particular enact-
ment was still required it was invariably retained. Sir
FITZROY KELLY d welt much on the necessity that
exists for consolidation as well as expurgation.
He said that much confusion arose in consequence
of " the way in which clauses were inserted in acts
with which they had no rational connection. There
was one statute, for example, which, imposing a
tax on windows, contained the important general
enactment that from the date of its passing all acts
relating to England should extend to Wales and
Berwick-on-Tweed." Of course this is worthy of
notice, and at some future time it will be highly
desirable if regard is paid to this point. But still as
this measure is in the right direction it would have

been a great pity not to have allowed it to pass.
The system of expunging, that has taken place, is a
most salutary one, and there will be ample oppor-
tunity on another occasion for emendation. As the
arrangements were, prior to this improvement, a
person eager to seek out some statute must have
waded through forty-three volumes, and now he
will only have to search through eight ! Again, when

any particular statute was found it was almost hope-
less to arrive at a satisfactory solution of the diffi-
culty, because there were so many other orders and
regulations all bearing upon the desired point
of information ! Hence often the unhappy
student would be tempted to give up the
case in despair. Now at least this annoyance
is obviated, and clearer space is afforded
for insight, while more comprehensive infor-
mation is given to the inquirer. 112 r. HEN-
NESSY, who was much against the bill, pro-
posed yesterday that it be read a third time that
day week, but he had the good sense to with-
draw the motien when he found that the
general opinion of the House was against it. The
hon. gentleman considered that the bill would prove
unavailing for the purposes for which it was de-
signed, and objected strongly to its being passed
hurriedly at the fag end of the session. It is all
very well to use this argument so constantly, but
there is an old adage " better late than never," and
it is certainly a pity to postpone to an indefinite
period what it is obviously necessary and highly
desirable should be done at once. Next session is
sure to bring its own cares and new interests of all
kinds. Those who are now well disposed to a mea-
sure may then change their minds, and under the
influence of new impressions suggest still further

delays, until new experiments have been tried, and
new ventures undertaken. It is always a great
thing gained to seize the golden opportunity, and
to profit by the passing moment. Besides, where
would have been theuse of waiting untill next session,
before allowing this measure to become law ? Dur-
ing double that time, the non-professional objectors

would not have understood all the technicalities of
the affair sufficiently to form a competent judgment
upon it. As it is, all those most qualified to give
an opinion, have pronounced in favour of this mea-
sure; they have recommended its adoption upon trust.
That this trust may not be deceived will be the
earnest wish of many who have long lamented the
complicated confusion of our statutes, and who
would eagerly welcome the first sign of improv-
ment. It is the promise of a better day to many
who are now hopelessly bewildered, and who have
gained a chance at last of 'meting with something
like perspicacity.

THE HEALTH OF LORD CLYDE.—The report re-
ceived from Chatham yesterday was of a more
favourable character, the noble lord having passed a good
night. He was well enough to converse freely with General
Eyre, at whose residence he is staying, on the subject of
the volunteer review on Thursday, on Chatham lines. Her
Majesty has sent several telegraphic messages inquiring
about the health of the noble lord.
The new church of St. Cloud is to be inaugurated
on the 15th
August. The Archbishop of Paris is to pro•
side, and the general opinion in the neighbourhood is, that
their Majesties will be present.