The Sun.
London, England, 1862-04-28 00:00:00

CHINA.

The following is from the summary of the Over.
and China Mail of March 15 :

The London mail of January 27 arrived here on
the 12th instant. The internal state of the Chinese
empire, and the attitude of foreign nations with re-
gard to the belligerents in the domestic war which
has continued for so many years to desolate the cen-
tral provinces of this country, will, it is now evident,
be the chief subjects of interest here for many months
to come. The step deliberately taken by the allied
naval and military commanders, of protecting
Shanghae, is gradually leading us on to actual hos-
tilit:es with the Taeping rebels, and it is now pretty
well ascertained that there exists among these
people a party strongly in favour of turning their
arms against foreigners. From all we can learn,
however, such a step has not exactly been deter-
mined upon by the higher loaders of this movement.
The necessity for mere subsistence has a good deal
to do with the movements of the Taeping soldiers,
that having hitherto, as far as we can judge, formed
their only motives of action. It is true, that flashy
promulgations have been issued by the rebel leaders,
setting forth their own greatness and their preten-
sions to divinity ; but these pretensions have not
been at all supported by a display either of military
or administrative genius. The English admiral has
been keeping down his restless spirit during the
past fortnight by short excursions up and down the
Wongpoo river (on which Shanghae is situated)
in search of rebel forces. These were discovered
and driven off on two occasions—the first, about tip
16thuttimo, 40wri tAo river, Wterc--COT.
Ward, with 500 disciplined Chinese, routed a rebel
force, while the admiral attended with "moral sup-
port ;" the next, about a week afterwards, fifteen
miles up the river, when a force, consisting of 400
English, 300 French, and 700 " disciplined" Chinese,
drove a force of 5,000 rebels out of a village in
which they had fortified themselves ; the achieve-
ment was mainly owing to good artillery practice.
By these facts it will be seen that the country about
Shanghae is being taken under foreign protection,
and the probability is that the rebels will eventu-
ally regard this protection while it continues effi-
cient, retailiating in their own way as they happen
to have opportunity. Recent rumours speak of
them as about to cast their eyes on Fuhchau, and,
in the absence of an imperial force, the capture of
that city would follow close upon its investment.
At Peking, by the last accounts, some activity
was being manifested in the promotion or degrada-
tion of civil and military officers according to their
conduct. The Emperor has also decreed that the
provinces now distressed by the presence of the re-
bels shall be exempt from payment of this year's
taxes to the Government ; this measure is affirmed
to proceed from pity for the suffering of the people
in the provinces specified. Altogether there has
nothing occurred during the past fortnight that
points to a way out of the present unsatisfactory
condition into which Chinese affairs have fallen.

From Tien-tsin, we hear that the ice is likely to
break up a little earlier than usual this year ; the
troops and iesidents had been amusing themselves
by skating, sledging, &c. Some amateur theatri-
cals had also helped to vary the monotony of a
northern winter.

From Neuchwang (in Manchuria), we learn that
the foreign residents have been in imminent danger
from the populace, many signs of hostility having
been shown by the latter, almost amounting to vio-
lence.
At Hankow all is quiet by last advices.

At Kiurkiang (our port at the mouth of Poyang
lake) the imperial troops have lately been threaten-
ing and suspicious in their conduct to foreigners.
The principal residents have transmitted to Shang-
hae a statement of their position. For some reason
which does not appear the gunboat originally sta-
tioned there has been withdrawn, and the imperial
troops, not knowing how much we are befriending
them elsewhere, have taken the opportunity of an-
noying foreigners ; beyond this, no harm is likely
to ensue.

From the other ports there is no news of im•
tance.

At Manilla there has been an earthquake with-
out serious results. Our correspondent, writing on
the sth instant, says :—" I am afraid we are going
to have another earthquake, unless the rain, which
has just commenced falling, continues to pour
down in good earnest. Happily for us,
these shocks are generally of short duration. From
the records of the last two centuries, it would ap-
pear that every 28 years, a heavy shock of earth-
quake and a hurricane are experienced at Manilla;
slight shocks are annually felt, and I have no doubt
that very many pass unperceived.
_ _

The times seems to have fallen into error with
regard to the treaty of Pekin, as we find in an
article on Russian encroachments in the East, re-
ceived by last mail, a supposition that " in negotia-
ting the recent treaties, we thought only of China
and forgot Tartary"—to such an extent, that Mr.
Bruce, the Times believes, has declared his inability
to make application for passports from Pekin for an
expedition to Yarkand. This, we think, must be
a mistake, 'as we know that, on the conclusion of
the treaty in 1860, imperial orders were issued from
Pekin for its publication throughout Manchuria and
Mongolia, and that Yarkand was actually specified
in the rescript. It is not likely, therefore, that Mr
Bruce can have made any such statement as the
7inzes alludes to.

The news from Japan has reference only to the
chronic state of dissatisfaction with their consuls
in which the mercantile community have always

existed since the country was opened. The old
complaint that the rules for residents are not fol-
lowed by those who made them has broken out
more virulently than before. There is evidently a
lack of consular integrity in the country ; by next
mail we shall know the grievances in detail.

COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.
(From the Overland China Wui, March 15.)
The London mails of Jan. 27 arrived here by the Behar
on the 12th, but had been anticipated by the Thunder,
which left Singapore the night before the mail steamer, and
reached this on the 10th.

As was the case last overland, we have very little to re.
port on business matters. The northern ports in the Gulf of
Pet•chee-lee are still shut in by ice, and those in tho Yang-
tsze-kiang are scarcely opened forthe season, though a brisk
trade is expected when they are. Shanghae trade is stopped
by the rebels, and the only business at Ningpo is in rice and
other articles of food. In the south, importers of manufac-
tures are more disposed to meet the views of native dealers,
but no extensive transactions have yet taken place.

At Tientsin, Chefoo, Hankow, &c., we have therefore
nothing to report.
Shanghae, March G.— Sales of imports, 7,500 pieces groy
shirtings, and a few whites, 1,000 pieces T cloths, and as
many chintzes, with 600 spotted shirtings and 200 brocades,
are all that are reported. In exports 450 chests black (Ning-
chows) and 1,300 half chests green (Moyuno and Fychow),
are the only transactions. Of silk, 3,500 bales had found
buyers. Exchange, 6s lid for bank, Gs 2id for credit.
Freights, £5 to £5 lOs for tea, £6 to £6los for silk. Ships
loading—for London, Cambala, Damio, Gabalva, Hadassah
James Paton, Saturnus, and Spray of the Ocean.

Fuhchau, March 10.—In imports, litt4le doing. The sales
tiVulv slam," D- tiligB3—autr moutt.w.‘,
and a fow hundred pieces of other goods. The transactions
in teas since our last are 16,000 chests and 11,000 half-chests
congou, 350 chests flowery Pekoe, 1,000 half-chests Oolong
and 900 boxes scented. The market is now pretty well
cleared of stocks. Freights to London £5 10s. Ships load-
ing for London, Alarac and Harkaway,
Amoy, March 10.-600 bales Bombay cotton, 250 yarn,
4,400 pieces grey shirtings, 1,500 T cloths, 400 American
drills, 450 fancy goods, and 300 pieces chintz are the sales
reported. In exports some purchases of sugar have taken
place.

Canton—Of imports, sales, 4,500 bales cotton, 5,000 pieces
grey shirtings, 1,500 American drills, 1,400 piculs hoop and
bar iron, 24,000 piculs rice, and 6,000 piculs sugar. Of teas
the settlements are, 15 chops congou, and 1,000 half-chests
Canton picked, 5,000 boxes scented orange pekoe and 9,000
caper, 7,000 boxes gunpowder, and 3,600 half• chests, 1,500
boxes young hyson. Nothing done in silk. Freights to
London, £4los.

THE DEFENCES OF THE MISSISSIPPI FROM
TENNESSEE TO .2VEW ORLEANS.

A writer in a contemporary says :—The surren-
der of No. 10 Island could surprise no one, for the
wonder is that it held out so long. These islands
are all composed of the river silt deposited during
freshets, and raised by the vegetation that forms
upon them. They rise but little above the level of
the water, contain no stone, and the scrub that
grows upon them cannot be regarded as timber.
Hence their material capabilities for defence are
miserable, and render remarkable the tenacious hold
of the place against such a force as that bombard-
ing it. It has served the intended purpose, for the
loss of a month's time to the Federals has not only
enabled Beauregard to organise an army from the
previously scattered detachments, but has entirely
ruined the prospects of the present campaign on
the Mississippi. There were but three months at
command, and half that time is gone, while the
flotilla has only overcome the first and one of the
smallest obstacles to its progress.

There are those who think that this event opens
the Mississippi to Memphis_; but this is not the
case. The next position to be challenged is Fort Ran-
dolph, a strong defence on one of the Chickasaw
bluffs, unlikely to be much affected by shells or to
be captured, except by attack from the land side, to
which, like Columbus, it is exposed. Before an at-
tack of that kind can be made West Tennessee mubt
be occupied—a district intensely Southern in senti-
ment, and not as yet invaded. Assuming Fort
Randolph to fall, there remains, before reaching
Memphis, a4ormiclable obaaele in an island much
13;itor adapted for defence than No. 10. This island
is surrounded by smaller ones, forming a group by
which the channel is narrowed greatly and the cur-
rent proportionally increased in rapidity. Here the
Southerners, who hold both banks of the river, have
established batteries upon them, which, with those
on the head of the island, will bring a triple fire to
converge upon any approaching object. It is stated
by those connected with the district that this island
has been fortified with the utmost care, and opera-
tions such as those against No. 10 afford littlo pros-
pect of success against defences of much greater
strength, and surrounded by circumstances which
enhance so greatly the difficulties of naval attack.

After this has been overcome Memphis may be
approached. This city was fortified at the com-
mencement of the war, and the year which has since
elapsed has afforded ample time to stregthen it.
The river front of the bluff is crowned with a ram-
part of cotton in bales eight deep, packed with
sand and secured with heavy timber. Tile old
Navy-yard is converted into a battery, and another
commands the mouth of Wolf River, while heavy
guns are planted at intervals along the ridge of the
bluff. On the land side a deep ravine or bayou
runs south from Wolf River, and encircles the
town at a favourable distance from it. This strong
natural defence is said to be continuously lined with
redoubts. Hence no operation has yet been at-
tempted by the North which approaches in difficulty
the capture of Memphis ; and if we suppose it to
be taken by the Federals will then be 780 miles from
New Orleans, with Natchez, Vicksburg, and Baton
Rouge to pass, and with the country on both sides of
the river in possession of the enemy. There are
many points of difficult navigation for the ordinary
steamers ; how much more so for gunboats, mortar-
vessels, and a crowded fleet of transports !
One difficulty usually unnoticed may be men-
tioned. The only fuel on the Mississippi is wood,
which is always stacked dry and ready for the steam-
boats. This will be burnt as the flotilla comes down,
and it will be impossible to land, cut down timber,
and burn it green. For this, provision has been
made by constructing the gunboats so as to burn
coal; but every vessel must be of light draught of
water and small carrying capacity—a point of little
importance, so far, within reach of friends and
depots. In proceeding, however, to a distance of
1,000 miles from Cairo—and there is no coal obtain-
able down the river,—the consumption of a great
fleet of steamers, and its supply, will become matters
of extreme difficulty ; for a steamer once out of coal
must make fast to a bank in the hands of the enemy,
or be swept by the current into their arms. This is
but one of the minor difficulties of this enterprise,
but practical men who consider it, who weigh the
operations required to reduce the first island, and
the number and strength of the positions to be en-
countered without failure at any one of them, will

take a less hopeful view of this matter than those
who have imagined it to be in the nature of an ex
cursion with just danger enough to give a zest to it.
And the end of this unpromising voyage would be
New Orleans—a city of 160,000 inhabitants, fire-
eaters to a man, spurred by a Vigilance Committee,
with large resources, inspiriting traditions of sue
cessful defence, and a large French element in its
population—a race little likely to hold back from a
barricade or any other kind of fighting. Here, in
addition to its own resources, would be accumulated
all the steamers and combatants driven down the
river by the Federal advance. It is not improbable
that the fleet of gunboats, iron-roofed batteries, and
steam rams, under the command of such men as
Maury and other of the best officers of the former
navy, will exceed in number and power the force
coming to attack them. On land, fortifications,
prepared long since, will be defended by numbers
equal to those of the assailants. What the proba-
bility of success in such an enterprise is the reader
may judge for himself. Great stress is, indeed,
laid on the effect of the mortar-boats; but shells, a
powerful auxiliary in an attack, cannot decide a
contest. There has been ample time to provide for
them, and wherever earth, bagging, and timber can

be found, shelter may be provided ; the supply also
will be limited, as it proved to be at Sweaborg, and
there will be no means to replenish the magazines.
The expedition under General Butler was probably
intended tO await the arrival of the flotilla from the
North, and to co-operate with it, so as to place the
city between two fires. But all experience of war-
fare has proved that combined mos'ements, where
the points of departure are remote and the progress
of either force is exposed to accident, break down
in practice, however brilliant their promise in de-
sign. General Butler must either now face the
YellowTever or make his attack alone. The latter
event was expected at New York, and of course
with triumphant success. A much more probable
result is a disastrous repulse or a repetition of Gen.
Sherman's operations before Savannah.
In addition to the difficulties of descending the
Mississippi, it is absoiutely essential that there
should be continued success on the part of the land
forces. Without them, to plunge 800 miles into a
hostile country would be madness. In this point
of view the recent battle of the Tennessee is of criti-
cal importance. Whoever looks at the map will
see that, so long as a powerful army occupies Co-
rinth, no advance can be made upon Memphis by
its opponents. It is imperative that the Federals
should dislodge that force, and drive it out of the
field of their operations against Memphis. The re-
sult of the recent battle affords little prospect that
this can be done. That battle was unquestionably
ttac Ch.. as. 21,., nob wooons-
plish what was nearly within its reach, but after
fighting a severe engagement, bravely contested on
both sides, it returned of its own accord to its own
position, with some thousands of prisoners, includ-
ing a General and, as one account states, the new
Northern Governor of the State, and with several
batteries of artillery taken from the enemy. By the
latest accounts the Federals admit a loss of 2,000
as prisoners and 35 guns, the Southern statements
claim 6,000 and 48 guns. At whatever point be-
tween these the truth may be found, the result must
unquestionably rank as a victory. Its ulterior effect
will be greater than the immediate one in abating
the confidence of the one side and stimulating the
energies of the other.