The Sun.
London, England, 1862-02-14 00:00:00

INDIA.

We take the following from the Calcutta English-
man of the 9th January : .

" We have little or no change to report in our
markets. Imports are no more active than they
were a week ago, English houses still continuing
to hold under instructions from home, and bazaar
dealers showing an evident disinclination to come
to the terms required. It is, moreover, argued by
the native mercantile community that, in the
event of a rupture between England and the Federal
Government of America, the blockade of the
Southern ports will at once be raised, and that, under
protection of British men-of-war, the entire of the
cotton stored in those ports and on the Southern
plantations will find its way to England, and tend
greatly to reduce the value of manufactured
goods. Under these circumstances there is little
prospect of any activity shown in the piece goods
market, unless holders are prepared to give way,
and to accept prices somewhat below the rates they

now ask.
"The rumour of war with the Northern States
of America has had a marked effect on the export
market, which may be said to be well nigh stagnant.
Shippers have stopped all transactions, and those
who have chartered and are loading in American
bottom, have of course brought their operations to
a standstill in anticipation of their charters becom-
ing null and void. As this state of uncertainty
must continue, at any rate, for another fortnight, if
not longer, we may anticipate a continuance of the
present inactivity for that time. What may then
eventuate must depend on the prospect of war or
otherwise, as well as upon the effect the same will
have on the home markets.

" We have nothing of general military importance

to record beyond the fact of the Viceroy having
sanctioned the first distribution of the Lucknow
prize money at 17 rupees a share."

CHINA.

(From the Overland China Mail of 31st December.)

Matters are quiet in Japan. As mentioned in
our last issue, Mr. Alcock has made use of the
power given to Consuls to establish rules and regu-
lations for the better enforcement of treaties.

From Peking we gather that everything goes on
smoothly, and, as matters have recently proceeded,
this was to be expected. By advices dated Dec. 2
we learn that Lee-poo, an adherent of the late
Council of Regency, has been banished to Sin-keang.
The new Government are busy redeeming the cash
notes issued by Sushun, but never paid, a circum-
stance which caused much distress. This is felt to
be a righteous measure, and is affording much
satisfaction.

The Yang-tsze river is fast becoming a seat of
commercial prosperity. The traffic up and down i■
a perfect marvel, considering the short time the
river has been opened.

AUSTRALIA.
THE COLONY OF VICTORIA.

We take the following from the Melbourne Argus
of the 24th of December :

" Last mail carried home the news of a change of
Ministry, and the substitution of Mr. O'Shanassy
for Mr. Heales, as Chief Secretary. Since then the
new Ministers have all successfully undergone their
re-election. The Chief Secretary himself, Mr.
Wood, Mr. Johnston, and Mr. Anderson were
severally opposed by candidates in the Heales
interest, but the decisive majorities in their favour,
especially at St. Kilda, one of the largest, and cer-
tainly the most influential and respectable con-
stituency in Victoria, were a pretty good evidence
that the country fully shared in the verdict pro-
nounced by the Assembly against Mr. Heales and
his policy.
"Parliament re-assembled on the 17th inst., for
a short sitting previous to the Christmas recess,
when it was evident, from the appearance of the
house, that the new Government was even stronger
in force than was expected."