The Sun.
London, England, 1863-03-12 00:00:00

ANOTHER LARGE ISSUE OF

THE WEDDING SUN

Is now Publishing.

Notwithstanding that we had anticipated and
prepared for an immense circulation, the demand
on Tuesday was at once so rapid that the whole of
our first impression was exhausted within a few

hours after we went to press. Owing to the time
required for printing the plates, we crave the in-
dulgence of the public for a short time, and promise
to supply all demands for copies of this Extraordi-
nary Edition as early as possible.

THIS DAY.—Morning,.. ...6h. 21m. —Afternoon,.. 6h. 45m.
TO-MORROW.—Morning, ..7h. 14m.—Afternoon..7b. 45m.

The Weather---Smi Office, March 12, 1863.

THERMOMETER.
Highest since Noon yesterday. l9
Lowest during the night
This day at N00n.....
Barometer-29.10.
Wind—Southerly ; fresh and gusty, with dull weather,

42'1 rA .
"
g
, .

LONDON, THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 1863.

The news by the City of Washington, although
containing no matter of special interest or impor-
tance, exposes more and more the weakness of the
Federal armies, and the discord and threatened dis-
union of the Central and Western States. The
latter demand that the navigation of the Mississippi
be opened, and to accomplish this end a formidable
army has been sent against Vicksburg. What will
be the result of this attempt ? It is simply a chal-
lenge to try conclusions on another spot which the
Confederates, elated by the victories on the Rap-
pahannock, before Richmond and Fredericksburg,
and at Murfreesburg, will not be backward in
accepting. The trial of skill must, in all
probability, result in their favour. The defences of
Vicksburg are as strong, if not stronger, than those
thrown up at Fredericksburg; while, on the other
hand, the Federal army, encamped on the opposite
side of a broad river, cannot find a spot on the
enemy's side on which to land with any prospect of
success. It is most probable that no actack will be
made at all ; or, if drawn on by popular precipi-
tancy, the General will only lead his troops to
slaughter and, destruction. Regarding Charleston,
which,when the war is terminated, and the Southern
States honourably acknowledged, looks forward to
become the New York of the Southern Confe-
deracy, the capture seems to be as remote as
that of Vicksburg. There seems to be a fatality
against the Federal arms. Since their ludicrous
exhibition at Bull's Run at the opening of hostilities
the Northern troops have vindicated their character
as soldiers. The daring and desperate charge at
Fredericksburg against practically impregnable
defences will be remembered hereafter in American
history as equal in daring if not in result with the
storming of the heights of Abraham. Yet bravery
did not avail, they were met with equal courage and
determination by men who are fighting as it were
for existence. Should the North relinquish the
contest it would be but foregoing a useless enter-
prise. For the South to give in would be acknow-
ledging the supremacy of the North and in reality
owning their own inability to carry on the contest,
thus for ever forfeiting the ascendency which for
so many years they held in the Senate and Congress
of Washington. ILA defeat, disaster, and impend-
ing ruin avail not with the Cabinet of Washington.
Mr. LINCOLN is by this time a free agent; for a
time he has got rid of national representatives; he
has yet to deal with popular opinion, when the de-
mocratic influence comes into the ascendant. Can he
raise his forced conscription without general revolt
The Senate are bound to obey the order of the PRE-
SIDENT ; but although he can override a verbal or
written protest, his power is of no avail against an
armed resistance. Let him reduce Vicksburg, now
the centre of interest in the war, and capture
Charleston, the main port of the South—
" Brief strife, but fierce—his efforts raise
A bright but momentary blaze."
The spirits of the Federals would rise, and the war
party rejoice, and the votaries of war remain quiet ;
but the conquest of the South would be no nearer
realisation, and a few more months of bloodshed
and desolation would be vouchsafed to the
already suffering continent. If he fail will
he confess his fault, and boldly ask a
nation already tired of the war, to follow the
example of England, and give up with a good grace
what justice and reason required. Or will he
rashly plunge into an European war, with a view
to reunite the State for mutual protection. This
were simply madness. England does not want
to go to war unless driven to it by insult such
as the Trent affair, which the American
Government were only too glad to compromise.
France is able to hold her own, and with
her powerful fleet and numerous army,
would prove an awkward customer to the
Yankees. No, the war must end by exhaus-
tion. No last effort like NAPOLEON'S Hun-
dred hays, closed by a glorious though overwhelm-
ing defeat. Internal discord, such as one State
acting against another—one General quarrelling
with his colleague—the white troops firing upon
their black auxiliaries, and the blacks returning
the fire—the depreciation of the value of paper,
and the general discontent of the troopsat their
non-payment, which is even now resulting in conti-
nual desertion, will, before long, bring the people
to their senses, and, seeing the hopelessness of this
struggle, make them call upon a Government
which cannot make war to make peace.

We published the other day the Report of the
Royal Commissioners appointed to consider plans
for making a communication between the Thames
Embankment at Blackfriars-bridgo and the Man-
sion House, with other matters referred to them,