The Sun.
London, England, 1863-04-29 00:00:00

EA T " -F,° Ali upon] urges the Federal Government to make no
THIS EVENINLesG, see
STILL WATERS M
BucHkst
RUN DEEP. ne. ARK ET.
further remonstrance, but to let the British rulers
Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Wigan, Mr. W. Farren, Mr. Chippen- take their course while America will bide her
dale, and Miss Louisa Angei.
After which, an apropos Dramatic Sketch, introducing a time." Does that mean, by the way, that she will
Panorama of the Tour o the Prince of W ales in the East.
simply wech f h how. -
To conclude with BORROWING A HUSBAND. Pamela or er opportunity ? Not so,
Miss Maria Harris. Commence at 7. ever, as we have seen, thinks and decides its still
more bellicose contemporary, the New York Even
mg Post aforesaid. That warlike journal having
become apparently quite prepared for a course of
action on the part of Mr. SEWARD a great deal more
short, sharp, and decisive. The Federal Government
is not to make any apology, much less is it to offer
any sort of reparation. Mr. ADAMS is to receive no
kind of reprimand from his own Government.
Admiral WILKES IS seemingly still to go on his
way rejoicing—acting without let or hindrance, at
his own free will and pleasure, whether he chances
at the moment to be in Amerian or in British
waters. Mr. SEWARD, it is true, may consent at
last to wink at the surrender of the Peterhoff.
But—beyond that one just possible conces-
sion the apologies, the reparations, the
guarantees for better behaviour are to come
from the British to the Federal Government.
Under these amazing circumstances, breathless with
the resent perusal of these last refreshing telegrams,
all we Englishers can possibly have left us to da—
is just meekly to wait and see whether or not Mr.
SEWARD can, by the barest possibility, have written
any such insane communication. And if so Mr.
COBDEN himself would be able, this time, to answer
his own inquiry as to What next, and next ?

TFIEATRE-ROYAL LYCEUM OPEN, under
the Sole Management of Mr. FECHTER.

THIS EVENING, at 7, to commence with an Orl'lnal
Sketch, entitled A SUDDEN ATTACK. Messrs. Shore,
Garden, lti. Widdicomb, Miss Henrade, and Mrs. Lee.
After which, at a Quarter to Eight, a New Romantic
Drama, In Three Acts, and Priiogue, entitled THE
DUKE'S MOTTO, by Paul Feval and John Brougham.
The principal character will be sustained by Mr. Fechter,
guTported by_ Messrs. J. G. Shore, G. Jordan, J. BrongT am,
H. ,viddi omrse, F. Charles, Garden, Raymond, Dawson;
Misses Carlotta Leolercq, Kate Terry, E, Lavenue, and
Elsworti.y.
Acting-Manager, Mr. H. Barnett.

ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE.
Leitaef S. Kegs: s. Linda; and Vining.

THIS EVENING the drama of AURORA FLOYD. Miss
Amy Sedpvick. 11 iss Hencltnlou, and Mrs. Simpson ; Messrs.
ki. Roxby, G. Melville, G. Belninre, C. Seyton, Wallace, and
Cathcart.

After which, KILLING TIME. Mr. Gel, Vining, Mr. C.
Seyton, and Miss Amy Sedgwick.
To conclude with a new ,;himsical Extravaganza, entitled
BEAUTIFUL HAIDE ; or The Sea Nymph and the Sallee
Rovers. Misses M. Oliver, Helen Howard, Hudspeth, Hen-
derson, and Murray ; Messrs. C. Seyton, G. Belmore, Fitz-
:Mies, Moreland, and Cockerlll

NEW THEATRE-ROYAL, ADELPHI.-•
Foie Proprietor and Manager. Mr. 13. Webster.
THIS EVENING, JANET PRIDE. Messrs. B.Webster,
J. L. Toole, Paul Bedford, Stephenson. Stuart, F.burne,
Sefton, C. J. Smith, Romer • Miss Avonia Jones, Miss A.
seaman, and Mrs. Stoker.
To conclude with DOMESTIC ECONOMY. Mr. J. L,
Toole, Miss Kate Kelly, Miss A. Seaman. and Miss Stoker.

Commence at 7.

TIME THIRD EDITION OF " THE SUN,"
1 Containing the Latest SPORTING INTELLIGENCE,
can be had Every Evening of
G. R. GLENIE, NEWS AGENT,
No. 4, Connaught-terrace, Hyde-park.

We have to thank the American war for directing
public attention more strongly than usual to the
question of our naval efficiency—a question of vital
importance to the nation, which is but feebly repre-
sented by the administration of Admiralty affairs.
The construction of iron-plated vessels has entirely
revolutionised modern navies; and in surprise and
gratification at the astonishing power of these ships,
men have been inclined to rush into the opposite
extreme, and to denounce our whole fleet as useless,
and to urge the authorities to construct an unlimited
number of ironclads. Our Admiralty, however
dilatory in some of its movements, and how-
ever unwilling to accept suggestions out
of the privileged clique, are always ready
enough to expend the public money in
changes and alterations. The notion of our old
wooden ships being rendered worthless by the in-
novation of iron-clads is therefore only too likely
to find favour in their sight. The system pursued
in our dockyards has long since excited the indig-
nation of those who know anythingof naval matters.
In the words of Lord ROBERT MONTAGU last night,
"Money is completely frittered away in dockyards ;
ships are constantly altered while in course of con-
struction, and after they have been constructed at
vast expense they ere never sent to sea, but are ul-
timately sold as old stores !" This is scarcely the
way to procure an efficient navy, to excite the emu-
lation of competent men, or to satisfy the public.
Ot course there aro occasions when modern improve-
ments may be adapted to old ships, thereby saving ,
expense and rendering the vessels doubly efficient,
but these are seldom taken advantage of by our
naval lords. For instance, why should not the Ad-
miralty turn to account some of the wooden vessels
now lying idle in its dockyards by armour-plating
them ? The conversion of a three decker into a
two decker would neutralise the additional weight
of the iron, and we should thus have iron-plated
ships ready for service in a short space of time,
while public money would be saved and good obi
vessels turned to account. That our wooden
vessels are worth using is sufficiently proved
by the case of the Sanspareil, mentioned
in the House last night. This vessel received
24 shells and nine round shot in the action
at Fort Constantine, yet continued the action for
several hours, was repaired, returned to England,
and is now in the service. It is idle to depend
entirely on theory in matters of this kind. Scientific
men may lay do am the law very ably and unan- j
swerably, but it often proves that practical service)
puts their infallibility to a very severe test. The
Northern States of America relied on the invul-
nerability of their Monitors, but experience has
proved that the turret ships are easily disordered in
a severe action. The perfect fit of a turret in its
groove is indispensable to its proper working, and
it is manifest that a Whitworth shot can disable
the best appointed " Monitor." In the late
deadly engagement at Charleston, for instance,
a shot struck the turret of the Passaic and fractured
some portions of the interior casing which fell into
the groove upon which the turret revolved, so that
it could not be turned in consequence of the obstruc-
tion. Again, the Nantucket received shots which
indented her turret so deeply as to prevent the
pendulum which closes the ports from working, her
guns became unserviceable, and the turret itself was
twice stopped by shot. Lord C. PAGET, in oppos-
ing the motion for a commission on the best mode
of constructing iron ships lest evening, referred to
the Charleston affair as a proof of the inexpedience
of granting a commission. The fact is, the commis-
sion was asked for as much from the general want
of confidence in the administration of our naval
affairs as from any great faith in its utility.
If the public could see a really able man
placed at the head of the Admiralty, the
Board constructed without reference to party
favour, or " taking care of DOWB ;" if the offices
were independent of Government changes, and it
men of experience and proved ability oat of official
circles were consulted on special occasions, they
would have some confidence in entrusting the ex-
penditure of their money and the protection of their
naval interests to the hands of the appointed
authorities. At present they have no such grounds
for satisfaction. Every scheme, suggestion, or re-
form not of their own originating is condemned by
the Board. The construction, destruction, and
alteration of ships is carried on very much after
which are said "to
the fashion of children's toys,
be made to be broken"—so our Admiralty seems to
think that a ship is put together in order to be
pulled to pieces. Sir J. ELPECIN STONE'S suggestion
of assembling a council of the ablest engineers and
men of practical experience to consider the best form
of construction for iron and iron plated ships appears
to us to be just and sensible. Why not avail our-
selves of the experience of men whose interest it
has been to build good and efficient ships. A
theorist may
be very eager for the enccess of his
theory ; but if a large shipbuilder does not turn out
good ships he will soon forfeit his reputation and
his property. A council of inquiry should include
both classes--men of scientific knowledge and men
who have acquired their Wisdom from testing it
afloat. Sir J. ELPHINSTONE reminded the 11.-,use
that when Sir I. PAKTNGTON remodelled the navy
end did good service to the country by his exer-
tions, he held a council of the ablest engineers,
who determined on the form of the Warrior and
the Black Prince, two of the finest ships in our
navy. Even these vessels, however, are capable of
improvement. In the anxiety to secure strength
and size, other advantages are frequently lest sight
of, and it is not an uncommon thing to find ships of
sueh great size somewhat unmanageable. The in-
vention of the double screw, which extorted the
reluctant approval of Sir C. PAGET, however,
comes in to assist in the management

The Weather--Sun Office, April 29, 1863.

THERMOMETER.
_Highest since Noon yesterday, 56
Lowest during the night
This day at N00n.....
- --

Wind--Northerly; fresh and squally.

HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE

TEIIII DAY.—Morning, 10h. 44m.—Afternomi, 11h. 20m.
To-moußow.-Morning, 11h. 49m.—Afterucon, h. m.

ing and turning quickly round will be incalculable
for ships of war. A large ship is too often like a
large army, unwieldy from its size, while an active
►
manageable vessel resembles a small body of well-
of the unwieldy of the Sir J.
ELPHINSTOE observed that he had been very
recently present at a trial of the Ilehe, which was
fitted with two engines and two screws working
entirely
iodtpendent. With one screw she steamed
at three-fourths of the force attained by the two,
And with one screw going ahead and the other re-
versed, she was able to turn on her axis in twenty
seconds. The advantage of this power of mar
waver-
trained men, who can often harrass, or even disable
their cumbrous adversary. The knights of old were
well protected, it is true, by their heavy armour,
but in battle it was often as great a drawback as a
protection—for woe betide him that fell. In like
manner, in modern history, the Santissima Trini-
dada but ill-fulfilled the expectations formed of
her; and we apprehend that NELSON, were be now
alive, would cite her as an example of size being
outwitted by agility. Speed is power, the ability
to avoid attack and to come to close quarters with
the enemy is the sure road to victory. Let our ves-
sels have speed, and iron-plated turrets, and
all new-fangled notions will give way to cutlasses
and boarding-pikes. At all eventp, the whole
question of our naval improvements requires care-
ful consideration, and demands a fair and candid
spirit on the part of the authorities. Unless they
show this they will not give satisfaction to thepub
lie, who are too deeply interested to tolerate officia
prejudice in a matter of national importance,

(REUTER'S EXPRESS.)

Last night General LINDSAY moved that an
address be presented to Her MAJESTY, praying
that she will appoint a Royal Commission " to in-
quire into the claims of 21 officers of the army who
were promoted to the rank of colonel in 1855 and
1836 as aides-de-camp to the QUEEN and for dis-
tinguished services in the Crimea, who, by a re-
commendation of the Royal Commission of 1858,
which had reference to another class of officers, had
been deprived to an undue extent of the position they
attained by the promotion conferred upon them, and
to report to her MAJESTY whether they were entitled
to any redress, and if so to rocommend in what
form should redress be accorded them. General
LINDSAY explained that he did not want to take
the opinion of the house on the question, but he
wished that the subject should be thoroughly in-
vestigated by proper authorities. The late Lord
HERBERT had admitted the justice of the claims of
these officers, and the late Sir G. LEWIS had re-
commended the payment of £ll,OOO for meeting the
exigences of the case. Both these Secretaries for War
had coincided in opinion that these officers had
just ground for complaint, and were entitled to a
remedial measure, Sir G. LEWIS stating that they
ought to be promoted to the first vacancies. He
(General LINDSAY) could not see how the position
of these officers ought to have been effected by a
commission of 1858, He would take this opportu-
nity of telling the House what a distinguished man
had said of their case. Sir WILLIAM NAPIER, one
of the veterans of the Peninsular War, showed them
what a noble soldier thought of their position.
In writing to ono of the officers referred
to, he said" " that he had never heard
of such flagrant injustice or shameful treat-
ment, and he recommended his correspondent
to address an earnest and respectful memorial to
the authorities, stating all the particulars of the
case." General LINDSAY concluded his simple bat
impressive address by trusting that he bad then
addueed sufficient reasons for the inquiry, and he
hoped the House would sanction his request. The
Marquis of HARTINGTON said that it was impos-
sible to assent to this proposition, and he did not
see what grounds for complaint could exist. These
are generally the arguments adopted by officials when
the rights or wrongs of any individuals are called in
question, and therefore there was no great weight
attacbed to the speech of the noble marquis. Sir
J. PAKINGTON said that as General PEEL was not
present he would briefly state some facts. His
right hon. friend the Secretary for War would tell
them that he was quite unconscious of the effect of
the report on these officers. One of the officers
referred to was Sir THOMAS TROWBRIDGE, who was
wheeled past her MAJESTY at the distribution of
honours, both his feet having been shot from under
him. The fact was that three successive Secre-
taries of State had borne testimony to the claims
of these officers. General PEEL had said that he
would never have submitted the warrant to the
QUEEN had he known its effect,:the late Lord HER-
BERT, and the late Sir G. C, LEWIS. But now the
Under-Secretary for War informed them that it was
not suitable to disturb the Army List. He did not
think that there were a dozen men in the army who
would not much rather have the Army List dis-
turbed than that injustice should be done to a
body of distinguished officers. Lord PALMERSTON
was rather ambiguous in his statement, he said that
he did not wish the House to interfere with the
detailed management of the army, and also he pro-
mised that if the honouable and gallant
member withdrew his motion he would
engage, on the part of the Government, that
the commission should be appointed. It was no
wonder that this announcement was received with
laughter. The fact was that the noble lord saw with
his usual perspicuity that the decision of the Under.
Secretary could not be adhered to, and, not willing
to contradict his subordinate, he adeptecl a medium
course, which, if carried out, would be virtually the
same. Mr. DISRAELI commented ors the inconsist
encies of the speech of the noble lord, and
said that he had forgotten that there was
a mode of interfering with the army which was not
unconstitutional, and that was the form proposed
by his hen, and gallant friend, namely, to petition
her MAJESTY to exercise her prerogative and take
those steps which might bring about the results that
the house desired. The right hon. gentleman truly
declared that it was unconstitutional to adopt the
course that Lord PALMERSTON had done, for the
house to agree that there was a wrong, and yet
that they must be silent, and let the Govern-
ment take come secret step to accomplish its
redress. There was great force in this argument 01
Mr. DISRAELI'S, and Lord PALMERSION lost in dig-
fitnLh
hoii
steeNys
Dejwsna
notAshg eyae
atnateffi
agreed
reucet rst
he
deth
hpetherooomrnwpeaooaiyustl
ihr t
di
os
oars
fnvua
.wtee h g nf ede i
un
rstrategy
General
heh
oiGswomevvoei
non,aa
that *di
Is
eThahoviwes
long it is to be permitted for Ministers to play at
power If these officers were not wronged, why do the
Government promise to attend to their request. If
d d they not 9: to it earlier, and not
stuhffeyerare,
Iy
opprobriumvh to fall on their reputation by
leaving gallant defenders of their country unpro-
tected. The fact is that no reformation is so much
needed as that which is required in the official
departments where merit is unnoticed and worth
passed over unless they are accompanied by patro •
nage or introduced by the agency of favouritew.

The Governor of New York has sent a message
to the Legislature recommending it to pass an
amendment to the Constitution, giving the Legisla-
ture power to pass a law to enable absent soldiers
to vote, which, if concurred in by the next Legisla-
ture, could then be submitted to the vote of the
people, and if their decision was favourable the next
Legislature could take the necessary action. He
recommends this course in preference to the passage

of an unconstitutional law or one of questionable
validity. Ile says—"-The conduct of the high
officials have caused great distrust in relation to
freedom from restraints and coercion in voting
which could be accorded to absentees. It would be
worse than mockery to allow soldiers and sailors
to vote if they are not allowed to receive letters
and papers from their friends, or if they
have no fre:dom in reading public journals.
If officers are to be subject to dismissal
and soldiers to increased hardships for the expres-
sion of opinion by votes or by customary political
action, the flimes of civil war will be kindled at the
North. The Governor notices with regret the
attempts of some officers of the Federal Govern-
ment to interfere with the free enjoyment of poli-
tical opinion by persons in the army- These
inexcusable acts of official tyranny are rendered
more objectionable by the language used in their
execution, which is at once opprobrious in terms and
a wanton and unjust attack upon half the people
of the loyal States. While subordinate officers are
punished for doing their duty as citizens at home,
officers of high rank have been employed to inter-
fere in elections of the States of which they are not
residents. The people will not permit the army to
be used for electioneering purposes by those seeking
an additional term of power.

The Governor hopes the wisdom of the Adminis-
tration will admonish it in season of the dangers
of acts marked by these features of wrong and
oppression. The Governor, however, has confidence
that the wisdom of the people, and the Legislature
of New York, will be sufficient to secure to absent
soldiers and seamen the freedom of
political opinion.
The New York press, generally, with the excep-
tion of the World, are assuming a highly belli-

SOMETUING.—There is a man down east, a rather
facetious fellow, whose name is New. He named his first
child Something—it was Something New. The next child
was Nothing—it being Nothing New. And on being asked
" Why is the rudder of a steamboat like a public hang-
man P" he answered the question thus, ', Because it has a
stern duty to perforoa."—.4tnerican .Paper.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

AMERICA.
NEW YORK, APRIL 17 (Morning).
(Per City of New York.)
Information has reached Fortress Monroe that a

steamer with one regiment and supplies had sue
ceeded in reaching General Fester at Washington
(N.C.) on the 14th inst.

The Confederates under Longstreet, to the re-

ported number of 30,000 strong, continue to inves
Suffolk, where the Federals are fortifying them

selves. Heavy skirmishing daily occurs. The Con-
federates have attempted to get round Suffolk, and
cut off the Federal communication with Norfolk.
It is supposed that in case of the capture of Suffolk
by the Confederates, the Federals would burn
Norfolk.
Southern despatches from Vicksburg to the 10th
inst. state that two more Federal transports, filled
with troops, had gone up the Mississippi, and
others were preparing to follow.
Fifty-three Federal gunboats had proceeded up
the Coldwater River.
A Federal ironclad was abandoned and des-
troyed at the mouth of the Amile River.
Refugees from Vicksburg state that there are
sufficient supplies there to last the garrison for
two years. Vicksburg is fortified by 225 cannon.
At present it is held by not more than 5,000 troops,
but in case of attack reinforcements can be had.
The Confederates are constructing three gun-
boats up the Red River. The steamer Indianola is
lying at Plaisance, on the Red River, ready for
action.

At Jackson, Mississippi, the Confederates are
said to have an extensive foundry and powder
manufactory. There are reported to be 800,000 bales
of cotton in and around Jackson. Sixty thousand
bales are hid away in swamps and woods.
The Federals have closed the Memphis lines for
60 days, neither contrabands nor cotton would be
admitted.
Thirty Federal boats and twelve gunboats had
left Memphis to operate on the Cumberland River.
The _Richmond Tl7hig says :—A fight took place
at Williamsburg, Va., on the fourth (fourteenth P).
The Confederates under Gen. Wise drove in the
Federal pickets, and occupied the town. The Fe-
derals retired to Fort Magrada, from which point
they shelled Williamsburg. General Wise has en-
trenched one side of Williamsburg, and is going to
attack Fort Magrada.
In compliance with a request of Congress, Presi-
dent Davis has issued an address to the people of
the Southern States. After recapitulating the
different events of the war, and declaring that the
present position of the South was well calculated
to inspire confidence in the success of the Southern
cause, he says—" There is but one danger which the
Government regards with aeprehension, and to
avert this I appeal to the spirit and patriotism of
the people. The harvest of last year was far below
the average yield, especially in the northern part
of the confederacy, where supplies are most needed
for the army. If, through confidence in early peace,
people now plant cotton and tobacco instead of
grain and articles necessary for the subsistence of the
people and the army, the consequences may prove
serious, if not disastrous, especially if the present
season proves as the last. The wheat in more
Southern States promises an abundant yield, but
the difficulties of transportation will embarrass mili-
tery operations and cause suffering among the
people if the crops in the middle and northern por-
tions of the Confederacy prove deficient. No un-
easiness is felt for the mere supply of bread for the
men. It is for corn and forage to raise live stock
and supplies for animals used in military operations
that the deficiency of last harvest was mostly felt.
He urges the people to raise exclusively corn, oats,
beans, peas, potatoes, and other food for man and
beast, and to sow corn broadcast for fodder in the
immediate proximity of railroads and canals. The
supply of meat is deficient. The deficiency is, how-
ever, only temporary, as measures have been adopted
which, it is believed, will soon restore full rations.
The ration is now reduced sometimes to one-half
the usual quantity in some of the Southern armies.
The supply of meat in the country is sufficient for
the support of all, but transportation is so difficult,
and speculators having caused the surplus in the
hands of producers to be withdrawn from sale,
Gevernment has been unable to gather full supplies.
The Secretary of War has prepared a plan by which
people will be enabled to a•=sist Government offi-
cers to purchase bacon, corn, pork, and beef, known
to exist in large quantities in different parts of the
Confederacy. The address concluded as follows :
Entertaining no fear that the people will miscon-
strue the motives of this address, or fail to respond
to the call of patriotism, I place the facts fully and
frankly before the people. There is little doubt
that if the people unite in doing their duty the
sovereignty
and independence of the Confederate
States will be maintained.