The Sun.
London, England, 1863-10-12 00:00:00

STEAM RAMS ON THE MERSEY.

A considerable amount of gossip and remarks have
of late been prevalent in Liverpool and elsewhere
relative to two steam rams which have been con-
structed at the Birkentead Ironworks by Messrs.
Laird Brothers. One account stated that the ships
in question were being built for the Emperor of
China, which averment gave rise to some incredu-
lous remarks. Another statement was to the effect
that the vessels in question were built on French
account, and one of them,which was launched a:few
weeks ago, named El Tousin, was taken into the
Great Float flying the French ensign. Since then
she has been moored at the Victoria wharf, in that
immense basin, and operations have been steadily
prosecuted forthe purpose of fitting her for sea. In
consequence of these operations intimation was re.
ceived from the Foreign-office—at least, so much is
said, and has been acknowledged in high quarters
—to the effect that, suspicious of the vessels being
intended for the Confederate States of America,
they would not be permitted to depart unless satis-
factory evidence was given that their destination
would not form an infringement of the Foreign
Enlistment Act. La this state the affair remained
till Thursday last, when a ro enue cutter conveyed
a Custom-house officer into the Great Float, and
put him on board the El Tousin. On Friday this
proceeding was followed by the appearance of a
second Custom-house officer, who, it is said, put the
•' broad arrow" on the vessel, and, it is said, re-
mained in charge of the ship. About 11 o'clock
on Thursday night the Goshawk, under the
command of Lieutenant Cheek, acting tan-
der to her Majesty's ship Majestic, went
into the low-water basin, which is not yet cpen
for vessels, and remained there on Friday and
Saturday. On Saturday morning her Majesty's
ship Liverpool dropped from herprevious moorings,
and took a position in front of the entrance to the
Morpeth dock, with her fires banked, and her
steam obviously up. In this condition she lay all
day, and general opinion connected with her being
in this position a belief that she, as well as the Gos-
hawk, was in readiness to prevent the apprehended
departure of the El Tousin. So far, however, as
present appearances warrant the conjecture, this
precaution was unnecesary. The suspected vessel
remains moored alongside the Victoria wharf, and
up to Saturday afternoon did not appear in a condi-
tion fit for sea. During the whole of the early part
of Saturday workmen were busily employed in pro-
secuting the different processes which would fit her
for use. So far as could be observed from the quay
—no admission was allowed on board—there was no
Government officer in charge of the craft, and every-
thing appeared to make progress in the usual way.
The ship is evidently a powerful vessel. She has,
or rather preparations are being made for her to
have, two cupola turrets, which are far advanced
in construction. Her bulwarks are made to fall
down outwardly, and she has two port-holes in the
stern, disagreeably suggestive of heavy " stern-
chasers." Her sides are evidently strong, and ar-
mour-plated; but by far her most formidable-look-
ing character is derived from her sullenly projecting
prow. As a whole, this formidable-looking craft,
which every one professes to regard with something
like mystery, and which no one about will admit
knowing anything of, is a capital specimen of the
shipbuilder's art, and if let loose with a hostile in-
tent would no doubt prove an ugly customer.

COUNTRY MARKETS.

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NORWICH-SATURDAY.

There was a fair supply of wheat to-day, and for the
best samples full prices were maintained ; other sorts can-
not be called lower. There was a moderate show of bar-
ley, and, more money being demanded, business was slow,
but sales were at late rates.

White wheat. 46s to 47s i Red wheat 43s to 44s
Malting barley ...36s to 38s 1 Chevalier barley 36s to 37s
Distilling do 33s to 35s i Oats..
Flour, 31s Od to —s Od per sack from the miller.