The Sun.
London, England, 1863-04-23 00:00:00

MENT BILL.

Mr. COLLINS moved the second reading. It appeared
that the mode of measurement adopted in England, Scot-
land, Wales, and Ireland differed. The object of this bill
was to corn ct that. anomaly.
Mr. PIGOTT moved that the bill be read a second time
that day six months, on the ground that the bill would not
destroy the anomalous state of things complained of.
Mr. KEIGHLEY opposed the bill.
Mr. BRUCE also opposei the bill, and pointed out that
the rule proposed to be laid down would clash with the
municipal plan of measurement, and act prejudicially to
freemen in boroughs.
Mr. BOUVERIE opposed the bill, because it would
admit of non-resident voters. He was, and always had
been, a great advocate for the extension of the franchise.
but this bill would admit outside freemen to vote, and it
was well known that they were the most corrupt voters in
the kingdom.
Mr. BENTINCK denied that there was more corruption
among freemen than among the poorer inhabitants of
boroughs.
Mr. LOCKE defended the working classes in large con-
stituencies from the charge of being open to corruption ; it
was only in small constituencies that freemen and others
were found constantly open to bribery. He objected to
this bill because it would let in an enormous number of
out voters, who had no interest in the locality; he should,
therefore, oppose the bid.
Mr. WHI ['ESIDE replied to some of the arguments of
the hon. member for Kilmarnock (Mr. Bouverie), saying
that the freemen who he stated were so corrupt were the
result of that matchless political performance, the Reform
Bill.
Mr. C. BUTT opposed the bill because it would mate-
rially interfere with the Reform Bill, and admit a number
of outsiders.
After a few words from Lord LOVAINE, who opposed
the bill because it would create a number of ineligible elec-
tors, the house divided, when there appeare
For the second reading
Against it 135
Majority
The announcement of the numbers was received with
loud cheers by the Opp sition.
MARRIAGES, &c., (IRELAND) BILL.

The house went into committee on this bill.
On clause 2,
Mr. BU TT explained that it was a mistake to say that
the law of marriage in Ireland was the same as in England.
The only provision ..gainst clandestine marriages was that
persons presenting themselves to be married before the re-
gistrar should state the denomination t . which they be-
longed, and that the registrar should despatch per post au
intimation to that effect to their pastor. This was not the
case in England, for a notlce of the proposed marriage was
hung up in the registrar's office for 21 days. He advised
the hon. baronet (Sir E. Grogan) to adopt the English
clause Here any ten persons calling themselves a relig,ous
body, though they might be an Agapemone, could under
this get a license and celebrate marriage among their
members.

Sir H. CAIRNS defended the clauses, saying that they
were not susceptible of the interpretation put upon them
by the hon, and learned member.
After some discussion, in which Mr. Dawson, Mr.
M'Donogh, Mr. Longfield, and Mr. Butt took part,
Sir E. GROGAN elpressed his desire to amend the
bill to any reasonable extent that might be required.
After a few words from Sir R. Peel, Sir H. Cairns, and
Mr. Whiteside, some verbal amendments were added in
claims up to 6, on the motion of Sir E. GRooAx.
Sir E GROGAN proposed in clause 7, line 30, to leave
out from the commencement to "registrar," in line 35, in-
clusive, and insert, " the presence of the registrar shall not
be necessary at any marriage celebrated under the provi-
sions of this act, in any house of worship registered or cer-
tified under the said recited act."
Mr, BUTT opposed the alteration, and suggested that
this
the words "ordained minister" ought to be omitted;
would lead to much confusion.
Sir E. GROGAN explained that the use thoefwpoired.
" ordained" had been urged upon him by ministers
senting bodies in Ireland.
Mr. BUTT objected to the validity of marriages
n who were anxious, no
to meetand thethe
legitimacy of children being leftopene to
jealousies of Dissenting clergymen,
doubt, to have their ordination according
and which might sub-
sequently to their own ideas
recognised in an Act of Parliament,
turn out to be,, no proper ordination
of
atiotnheactlaalul.se.
The word " ordained was struck out
Clauses 11 and 12 were omitted.
The other clauses, with some verbal amendments, were
agreed to,
The house resumed.
RECORD OFFICE.
On the motion of C lone! WRITE, an address fo
of a letter from the Master of the Rolls to the Secretrarcyopoyf
State for the Home Department, with reference to t
he
alleged abstraction from the Record Office of certain State
papers, was agreed to,
the h
Thouse e oth
aerdjournerders
dof the day were then, disposed of, and

AMERICA.
(RE'UTER'S TELEGRAM.)

.ievekCet,
bardment of Fort Sumter had commenced.
The Federal land forces would not, it was said,
on-operate in the attack until after the effect of the
bombardment by the fleet was known.
The Confederates under Generals Hill and Petti-
grew, 10,000 strong, have surrounded Washir gton,
North Carotins, which is occupied by the Federal
force under Gen. Foster variously estimated at from
two to four thousand strong. The Confederates
have erected a battery five miles below Washing-
ton, cammanding the channel between that place
and Newbern, thus cutting off the Federal com-
munication with Newbern. General Foster sent to
Newbern for reinforcements, and several gun boats
started, but none have yet passed the Confederate
batteries below Washington. General Hill has
notified General Foster to remove the women and
children, as he was going to shell the city.
It is supposed the attack has taken place. Foster
is strongly entrenched, and reported to be able to
hold his position until the gunboats can get to his
assistance.
News has been received from New Orleans of
the capture by the Confederates of the Federal
steamer Diana in the Atchafalaya River. The Diana
left Brashead on a reconnoitring expedition, but
encountered some Confederate masked batteries at
Patersonville, and after a sharp engagement, in
which Captain Peterson and several gunners were
killed, the Diana surrendered.
A Federal expedition has reached a point on the
west side of the Mississippi half way between Port
Hudson and Point Coupe, and after destroying a
Confederate steamer loaded with molasses and
bureing Confederate stores, returned to Baton
Rouge.
The Federal expedition to Pontchatoula and Pass
Mancha° is reported to be successful. The Federals
had occupied both places.
The Confederates are building batteries on the
Yazoo Pass, three miles from Greenwood.
A Federal gunboat expedition started for Yazoo
River on the Ist. The Confederates are construct-
ing a fleet of cotton-protected gunboats at Shreve-
port, Louisiana.
The Federal ram Switzerland is reported to have
repaired the injuries she received in passing the
Vicksburg batteries, and to have started up Red
River.

Admiral Porter's official report of his attempt to
reach Yazoo by way of the Sunflower River is pub
lished. During eight days be worked his way up
with his gunboats only 70 mites and back again.
The channels were exceedingly narrow and filled
with obstructions. The expedition was finally
checked when within 80) yards )f the pc int Admiral
Porter desired to reach. He estimates that the
Confederates burned 20,(:0t► bales of cotton along his
-oute, besides what h' himself burned. Many plan-
ters manifested affection for the Federal flag,and
the negroes ware an inimoua in devotion to it.
The Con federates; have burnt two Federal steamers
on the Tennessee River.
General Curti3 officially announces from Missouri
that General Hicks's band of guerillas, who robbed
the steamer Samsaky, have been destroyed-17
killed and two hung.
The Confederates have crossed the Rio Grande
into Mexico, and captured two Federal officers and
three privates. The Mexican authorities, however,
having demanded the surrender of the prisoners,
they were all released, except one, who was reported
to have been hung by the Confederates.
The Richmond Sentinel, referring to the recent
riot in Richmond, says it was an attempt to rob
under the excuse of a scarcity of food, as the dry
goods suffered us much as others. There has also
been a bread riot at Petersburg.

Symptoms of insubordination have manifested
themselves among a Massachusetts cavalry regiment
at Boston. One of the mutineers was killed by the
Colonel.

The naßjority of the Pennsylvania Senatorial In
vestigating Committee i❑ their report declare Gen.
Cameron guilty of the charges of bribery preferred
against bum.
The prize steamer Dolphin, captured by the Fede-
ral steamer Wachnsset, has arrived at Havanneh.
The steamer Julia has also arrived at Havannab,
from Mobils, with cotton,

The New York Legislature has passed the Bill
prohibiting the banks from loaning money on gold.
APRIL 10, Morning.
President Lincoln has reviewed the Army of the
Potomac by brigades.
Confederate despatches state that the Federals,
15,000 strong, are advancing on Columbia, Ten-
nessee, and that a battle is imminent.

A new canal eight miles long has been com-
menced across the peninsula near Vicksburg, be-
yond the range of the Confederate batteries.
Admiral Farragut holds the Mississippi from
Port Hudson to Vicksburg.
Gen. Grant and Admiral Porter have gone up
the Yazoo River on a reconnais.ance.
Confederate despatches from Fort Pemberton,
dated the sth inst., state that the Federals had
embarked on their steamers, and were in frill
retreat.

Gen. Forster is still hemmed in at Washing:.
ton, North Carolina.
A &earner left Beaufort for Washington, but
was fired at by Confederate batteries on the
shore, and compelled to return.
Southern journals state thht Gen. Banks, with
10,000 men, has left New Orleans and gone down
Bayou Plague mine to reinforce Weitzel, and attack
the Bayou Teche country.

The New York Tribune continues to assert that
the relations of the Federal Government with
England is the topic of anxious interest in official
and unofficial circles at Washington.

The following are the latest despatches received
'rom Charleston :

WASHINGTON, April 10.

It is reported here that one land battery had been
reduced by our forces at Charleston. This, lam
told, is admitted by the rebel pickets on the Rap-
pahannock.

April 10 (Midnight).
Nothing official has been received in reference to
affairs at Charleston, the despatches from the Rich-
mond papers of yesterday being the latest intelli-
gence that has reached here from any source. It
but this
is believed that these telegrams are mutilations of
the calmest
official despatches.
news
thhearse superseded
The anxiety for further
everything else here. Some of the G
officers are confident of success, °Verlllnent
is not shared by some of confidence
have access to all the informationthinkers who
subject. upon the

REPORTS FROM GENERAL HOOKER'S HEAD-
QUARTERS,
HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF Tin POTOMAC,
April 10.
The intelligence from Charleston is still meagre.
Nothing has been received as yet concerning the
success of our fleet.
file Richmond TVliig of Thursday, the 9th inst.,
has the following highly exciting intelligence:—

CHARLESTON, April 7.
The attack on Charleston commenced to-day.•
Four iron-clads out of toven in the Yankee fleet are
engaged.

The firing from the fleet and from Fort Sumter
and Moultrie and Morris Island was very heavy.

The Ironsides was hit, and ehe ran ashore, but
subsequently get off, and was taken out of range.
At two o'clock in the afternoon eight Monitor')

and the Ironsides opened a fire at a distanceof three
thousand yards—one mile and three-quarters.
At half past two o'clock the firing on both sides
COMMENCEMENT OF THE ATTACK b,L inc; t, Ljiti *ll, kept op uptil
UPON CHARLESTON. t when ii gimluilly diminished.
(Per City of Cork.) The fire of the fleet was concentrated on Fort
Sumter.
NEW YORK, APRIL 9, EVENING. The Ironsidea and the Keokuk withdrew from
It is reported that the bombardment of Fort the engagement at four o'clock, apparently dis-
Sumter by the Federal fleet commenced on I abled.
Monday last. Intense excitement prevails in this city.
and Our 11Ionitors (the rebel iron-clads Palmetto State
The Southern journals of the Bth inst. state
that the Federal unboats and transports had
Ciaioora) have just gone out to take part in the
g fight.
crossed Charleston Bir, and were at anchor. Our casualties are one boy killed and five nun
The Confederate iron-clads lay between the badly wounded in Fort Sumter.
forts, waiting the attack. R ports from the other batteries have not yet
I come to hand.
It was also bell Lmond that the bom-

CHARLESTON, April 8.
Seven turreted iron-clads and the New Ironsides
are inside thia bar.
Twenty-two blockading vessels arc off the bar.
The Keokuk is sunk on the beach off Morris

The is no disposition on the part of the Federals
to renew the conflict.
The Petersburg (Va ) Express, of April 8, says :
Since Saturday afternoon last the city has abounded
in rumours of an attack on Charleston. These
rumours were as diversified as numerous, but as
they could not be traced to any source bearing
even the semblance of plausibility they were not
credited. Yesterday early more rumours commenced
to circulate, and as the day wore on they gained con-
siderable credence. During the afternoon it was
stated that a private telegram had been received
by an officer of high position, stating that the attack
on Charleston commenced yesterday forenoon, by
the approach of the enemy's fleet, and that up to
three o'clock the Confederates had blown up one
vessel with a torpedo, and sunk three others with
our shore batteries. This, we have good reasons
for stating, is wholly without foundation. We
hear, however, from a source entitled to the fullest
credit, that three of the enemy's vessels—the Iron-
sides, the Montauk, and another Monitor built iron-
clad, name unknown—did attempt an assault upon
Fort Sumter yesterday afternoon. The bombardment
commenced at three o'clock, and up to five o'clock
not a shot had struck the fort or fallen anywhere
near it. As Fort Sumter comprises four acres of
ground, and is surrounded by walls of 50 or 60
feet high, we must conclude that the Yankee crafts
either took position at a great distance off, or else
that they are supplied with very inexperienced
gunners. It is not stated that the fort replied. We
presume, however, that the affair is only an attempt
to get the range of the guns of the fort and shore
batteries, or else a mere feint to divert the attention
of cur forces, which the real point of attack will be
elsewhere. Of course, General Bsauregard is fully
aware of the craftiness and cunning of the foe, and
will be enabled to penetrate all of his subterfuges
And counteract all his contrivances. The Yankees
will never give a fair fight if it be possible to gain
undue advantage, it matters not what means they
may employ.
The following is the' situation" from the New
York Herald of April 11 :
" The long expected attack upon Charleston commenced
on Tuesday last. In the early part of the day only four of
our iron-clads were engaged—probably three fitted with
submarine devils and one other. According to the rebels
the firing from both parties was very heavy, and during the
action the Ircnsides grounded, but got off and dropped out

of range.
" About two o'clock in the afternoon seven Monitor batte-
ries, the Keokuk and Ironsides again renewed the contest
at about one mile and three-quarters distant, as in
in all probability no obstructions were found, and for three
hours the firing was rapid and heavy. Fort Sumter seems
to have been the object and aim of the operations at that
time. At four o'ciock the Ironsides and Keokuk withdrew,
leaving the whet vessels to continue the work for an hour.
longer. It is probable that the signals from the flagship were
not really seen on account of the dense smoke from the guns,
and it was notuntil sometime afterwards they noticed she had
lett. This may account for their remaining an hour later.
It is apparent that the rebels have but little confidence in
their iron-clads, as they did not attempt to engage until our
vessels withdrew. The casualties in Fort Sumter were one
killed and five badly wounded, showing that some good
gunnery was exhibited either at their barbette or through
the embrasures. No reports had been received from the
other rebel batteries at the time of sending the despatch to
Richmond, and it is fair to presume that our wooden vessels
with their long range rifles, had been engaging sAne of the
rebel earth works.

"On Wednesday there seemed to have been no signs of
a renewal of the attack; but of course the rebels had no
means of knowing the intentions of Admiral Dupont, and
therefore they are not justified in feeling very joyous over the
fact that no signs were visible of a movement. Twenty-two
Unic n veesels were reported off the bar. Those comprise
the wooden gunboats, the ordnance vessels and storeships.
The Keokuk was evidently injured—she is reported sunk
off Morris Island—as only eight iron-clads are reported in-
side the bar on Wednesday. It is possible that she may
have Leen penetrated by a shot, and was beached, in hopes
to repair the damage by plugging up the hole, and got her off.
Such must have been out of the range of the rebel guns, or
they would have made an effort to keep up such a hot fire
upon her as to prevent us from extricating her from her
position.

"It is possible, therefore, that our fleet went up to draw
the fire of the forts, to feel for the rebel obstructions and
prepare for a dash by the forts; and that as soon as they.
are in readiness another move in greater force would be
made on Thursday or yesterday, for certainly the wooden
vessels, with the number of heavy guns they carry, can do
something to draw some of the fire from the forts, which
would otherwise be directed at the iron-clads.
" We learn from the Richmond papers of Thursday con-
cerning the state of affairs at Vicksburg, that the Union
forces are being withdrawn from the peninsula ; that
four transports have gone up the river filled with our
troops, and that the levee has been cut through by our
forces and the wa'er turned into our old camping ground'
A despatch from Jackson, Miss., says that Admiral Farra-
gut is still above Port Hudson with three vessels, and that
Vicksburg will be attacked positively this week. The
stores of the rebels at Bayou Sara were destroyed on Tuesday
by the flagship Hartford. The same authority says that
the " low. r fleet"—part of Banks' expedition we presume—
has opened fire upon the batteries, but that they were out
of range. The Petersburg Express of the Bth indicates
that some terrible preparations are being made by the
rebels to destroy Farragut's ships, the Hartford and
Albatross.

The news from North Carolina represents Gene-
ral Foster is in a very critical condition near Wash-
ington, where he was pretty clo.ely hemmed in by
the enemy. Reinforcements were sent to him on vessels
from Newbern, but had not been able to reach him. once
o
by land ware also pushing along to his assistance, but at
last advises had not arrived at Washington.Despatches
from Richmond yesterday say that two of our batteries were
captured on Sunday below the town, thattivo of our gun-
boats were badly damaged, and the Louisiana was sank
while attempting to run by the rebel batteries. General
Foster refuses to surrender, and it was thought General
Hill would shell the town. It is believed, however, that
Foster can hold out against all disadvantages,
for several

I da3 8 yet.
last sensation story comes from a sensation jour-
-1 nal "The
e_phia.
It relates to a mare's nest discovered
nal is P d I
htilUte United States detective in a barn near
by an, astute
coun:y, Penn., who, according to his own
Reading, “piped" for information concerning some grand
test/wenn
plot to abduct—or " abdicate," as his notes had it—the Pre-
sident, to resist the Conscription Act, and bring the war to a
speedy termination. The detective hid away under the straw
in a certain barn, and heard a conversation tending to the
above purpose. Oaths were administered, he says, but he
could not see the Bible upon which they were sworn. On
cross-examination, he admitted that an obligation to sup-
port the constitution of the United States was taken by the
" conspirators." Three of the parties were arrested upon
this information, and carried to Philadelphia, where, after
examination by the United States Commissioner, they were
admitted to bail."
COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.
NEW YORK, April 9, Evening.
bush:lF:as being much affected by
fluc-
tuations iu the price of gold.
The markets are irregular andthgeecnoeurtailnlyueldower
Gold 471 per cent. premium.
162.
Money easy.
quiet. New York e
Stocks
.
United States
per Cent.
nois, Mt; Erie, 761 ; Six
Exchange on London
Bonds, IC4. -Bankers'

Gold, 461.

APRIL 10, Morning.

-----
SOUTHAMPTON, April 23.
The North German Lloyds steamship neIDS2,
from New York on the 11th inst., has arrived hero
,940 dole. for London, and
with 208 passengers,
102
26,000, and 400 tons of cargo.
The Bavaria arrived at Now York on the evening
! of the 10th,
and on the same day the Bremen fillip,
No. 194.
The Hansa spoke on the 17th inst.
bark 3 1), pendant 83,47, and on the "sEiatt
R
Asielioan ship Isaac Webb. the loth the