The Sun.
London, England, 1865-02-07 00:00:00

StiiN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, FEBIWARY 7, 1805.

very effectual in lessening the spread of the evil, if
it do not altogether check its mischievous course, and
avert its fatal consequences. Thus, in the first place,
the slipperiness of the road-way might be obviated
by the sprinkling of fine gravel, which can be made
to fall out "of carts as sand from a pounce-box,
or as water from water-carts." This solution
of the difficulty seems simple and satisfactory, and
really when we consider the frequency of serious
accidents, it seems almost more important to adopt
this scheme than to provide water to allay the irri-
tation caused by the dust in summer. To prevent
the annoyance of the rough stones it is suggested
that during the night hours a traction engine be
employed, or else an immense roller drawn by seve-
ral horses. In Birmingham and other places these
rollers are in requisition, and it seems indeed ab-
surd that the metropolis should be behind provin-
cial towns in the use of such things. In Paris, in
many continental towns, and in Poland even, these
rollers are employed, and therefore it is well put
here, in illustration of the anomalous condition of
our streets, that the " well bred horses and elegant
carriages of London are employed to accomplish the
work which in other places is performed by road
rollers weighing many tons." The memorial
concluded by praying that the Board of
Works would endeavour to put a stop
to the evils enumerated, and do their utmost
to facilitate the introduction of the improve-
ments suggested. Mr. MoCATTA truly observed that
there was another point of consideration, and that
was the losses which accrued to the owners of the
horses who suffered so terribly from the bad state
of the roads. The chairman agreed that great
necessity existed for something being done of a
remedial character, but stated that unfortunately
the Board had no jurisdiction over the surface of the
roads. However, his concurrence is a great step
gained, and it is to be hoped that the vestries_ and
district boards Wtl pay proper attention to this
important matter. Mr. CARPMAEL made a very wise
suggestion, when he said that if no powers now
existed in any board to effect these important ends,
application be made to Parliament for the pur-
pose. It is to be hoped that this will be done, and
meanwhile that some good effects will follow on
the resolution carried to refer the memorial to a
committee of the board for thorough investiga-

The retirement of a gentleman who has for many
years filled a place in our House of Parliament is
always a matter of some interest, and it is especially
so when the constituency which he has represented
is one of unquestioned importance. The represen-
tation of Westminster is a position of sufficient
honour to be worthy of the most distinguished of
our statesmen. Its close association with the scene
of the Parliapentary strifes and victories qualifies
its electors to form a pretty accurate opinion of the
conduct of their representatives, and, therefore, the
fact of a politician having continued to hold that

responsible office through a long term of years,
affords of itself some ground for supposing that he

has performed his duties on the whole with satisfac-
tion to his constituents, and with credit to himself,
Unlike a remote rural borough, or even a busy pro-
vincial town, occupied mainly with its own interests,

the city of Westminster is in the very heart and
centre of the political combat, it breathes the atmos-

phere of the battle and the attack, defence, and
general skirmishing form its staple-object of interest
during the months of the session. A 'L-reat debate
is always a temporary excitement in Westminster, a
good speech on a factious movement is the topic of
the day, and if ever a member's course is closely
watched and narrowly scanned it is assuredly

within the precincts of that ancient borough
Sir DE LACY E` Ass has sat in Parlia.
ment, with brief exception, for the city a

'Westminster for thirty-two of the busiest years of
our Parliamentary history, and he is enabled, on

looking back over no insignificant period, to de-
clare with pride that his course has been consis-
tently liberal, and that he has fought in the ranks
of Liberalism when its success was less assured than

at present, when many of its triumphs remained to
be won, and when, therefore, the adherence of a
steady and consistent supporter was not a matter
of indifference. "On becoming a member of the
Legislature," says Sir DE LACY EVANS, in his brief
address, " I identified myself, heart and soul, with
the then Liberal party." This was not, as he

points out, very advantageous in a worldly aspect,
since the party At that time was not in much favour
in high quarters, but the Westminster electors have
shown their approval of his conduct by the unmis-
takable evidence of re-election. They will, there-
fore, learn with great regret that their respected
Member feels himself no longer competent, from
failing health, to represent their interests with due
efficiency. He has issued an address informing
them that at the next election, now impending,
however little wished-for in many quarters, he will
not offer himself for re-election.. Sir DE LACY
EVANS has endured not only the fatigues of a
lengthened Parliamentary career, but the greater
and more exhausting hardships of an active military
life. Like the great General with whose campaigns
he was associated, he devoted the first half of his life
to the field and the second to the senate. The
change from the stirring life of the camp to the
quiet atmosphere of St. Stephen's must have been
striking, even though in the earlier days of his
political life times were more eventful and changeful
than now. He was able, however, to offer himself
to the Westminster electors as no insignificant can-
date for their suffrages, bearing, as he did, the
tokens of honour from more than one kingdom, and
having attained marked distinction in the ranks of
his own countrymen. Since his entrance into Par-
liament he has added to his military fame, having
taken a forward part in the Crimean war, distin-
guishing himself honourably at the battle of the
Alma, and at the more eventful battle of Inkerman
repelling a formidable attack on his division on the
heights of the Tchernaya. For these services he was
warmly eulogised by the late Minister of War, and
received on hiS return the thanks of the Houses of
Parliament. He was also presented, as a token of
the approval of his countrymen, with a congratu-
latory address and a valuable sword. Prior to these
comparatively recent services, Sir DE LACY EVANS
had previously distinguished himself in the Penin-
sula, at Waterloo, in America, and in India, having
taken a share
a life in
in the
allt
field,struggles.
hoseevehnetfudleemsithis
After
so busy highest
privilege to serve in the
Parliamentary campaign ;
thus affording evidence how highly our representa-
tive institutions are valued, even by those who
might naturally be supposed to have the least sym-
pathy with their independent action. As a soldier
and as a politician DE LACY EVANS has deserved
well of his countrymen, who, in their turn, have
not been slow to express their sense of his merits.

It is difficult to say what. M. BISMARR will do
when the Schleswig-Holstein case is settled, if it
ever be so ; he will certainly be in the position of
OTHELLO with his occupation gone. When we con-
sider how he has gone on for months past lecturing,
retorting, and planning, it really seems surprising
that he should have found time to attend to any-
thiig else besides. Every one supposed that by this
time, or long before, Nome fuaality ruoyemeiat§ would

have taken place respecting these disputed territories;
but no such thing, the solution is as far off as ever,
and to all intents and purposes we have to wait a

considerable time yet before we reach that desired
end. The fact is that Prussia has a purpose in thus

putting off the day of reckoning, and in prolonging

he debates and discussions on this question. The

plans cannot be unfolded all at once, and it is
wiser and safer to dole them out gradually
rather than jump at conclusions which would,
perhaps, spoil the game, or, at all events, mar
the affair by incautious haste. M. von BISMARK'S
reply to the Austrian despatch is quite in keeping
with this double-dealing system—it professes so
much, but in reality does so little in the way of
a definitive arrangement. In this document the
Prussian Minister affirms that he is desirous of put-
ting an end to the " provisional" state of matters
in the Duchies ; but he couples this admission with
an important intimation, to the effect that Prussia
cannot permit any Pretender to assume the Govern-
ment of Schleswig-Holstein until the "future rela-
tions between Prussia and the new State have been
determined." This addenda is indeed a significant
thing, and perhaps contains more truth in its pas-
sage than many fine-sounding statements_ of Herr
BISMARK have done. Of course, the object
is to delay and gain time until the
pear is ripe, as the saying is, or, in
other words, until the Berlin Cabinet have deve-
loped their schemes and arranged their plans so
securely that there will be no doubt hereafter who
is the real power in the Duchies, and which in-
fluence predominates there. It is curious that Herr
BISMARK does not announce what conditions it will
be deemed necessary for Prussia to impose upon
the future Duke of SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN, and he
evidentlyexpects that such a statement may be looked
for from him, for he volunteers the information
that an understanding has not yet been arrived at
respecting the important matter between the Minis-
ter of Commerce and the heads of the Military and
Naval Departments. It is-stated in some quarters
that Earl RUSSELL has advised Herr VON BISMARK
not to "annex the Duchies," and if so he has cer-
tainly given good counsel, but whether followed or
not in the letter, it is certain that Pruisia will
henceforth be the virtual ruler in those disputed
territories, and that no dictator ever held
more power in a direct form than the Cabinet of
Berlin intend to exercise indirectly, if they find that,
for very shame, they cannot appear as the nominal
chiefs and rulers. It would be difficult to state at
present what Powers Prussia was anxious to keep
on good terms with ; for, in one way or another,
she is falling out with all and pursuing a veritable
Ishmaelite course of policy. England has
been openly defied ; France has been trifled
with ; the lesser States of Germany have been
alternately bullied or treated with supreme con-
tempt, and now Austria meets neither with the re-
spect due to her as an ally or an equal. We hear
of clap-trap assertions about a treaty affiance, but
all comes to nothing, if any practical advantage is
expected to accrue from congenial sentiments and
common interests. The commercial matters in
which the Government of Vienna expected to reap
some important benefits, do not seem likely to pro-
duce much after all, and it is pretty evident that a
cunning and selfish policy is the only motive that
actuates Prussian statesmen or propels their course.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

(REUTER'S TELEGRAM.)

AMERICA.

(Arrival of the Moravian, via Greencastle.)

NEW YORK, JAN. 27 (Evening).
Admiral Porter reports that the navy occupies
Fort Caswell, Bald Head, Fort Shaw, and the earth-
works on Smithville.
The Admiral says :—" In each fort an Armstrong
gun was found with the broad arrow upon it. The
British Government claiming the exclusive right to
use these guns, it would be interesting to know how
they came into rebel forts."
The report further states that a telegram was
found from Lee asserting that if Caswell and Fisher
were not held he would have to evacuate Rich.
mond.

Admiral Porter captured the blockade runners
Stag and Charlotte.
The total number of guns captured, including
those in Fort Fisher, is 168.
Wilmington papers of the 18th state that the
Federal gunboats are unable to advance, as the
Monitors cannot carry water enough to come up the
river. The Confederates hold Fort Andrews, and
have field artillery adequate to destroy the lighter
draft gunboats.
Reinforcements are arriving at Wilmington.
A message from Mr. Hall, a member of the
Legislature, has been read in the North Carolina
Senate, stating that Wilmington is not likely to
fall.

The Raleigh (North Carolina) Progress, however,
reviews the situation unfavourably, and says the
Confederates have fallen back within eight miles of
Wilmington.
General Jerry had demanded the surrender of the
city, giving Bragg until the 19th to decide. The
removal of public property is progressing, and
much confusion prevailed. The impression was that
Wilmington would surrender, the people remain-

ing in it.
President Davis is said to have arrived at WA

mington.
Northern accounts from Fort Fisher, dated the
20th inst., state that a reconnaisance was made on

the previous day.
The Confederates were found in force two miles
from the extreme line of the Federals. A skirmish
ensued, and 50 prisoners were captured. The
Federals afterwards withdrew.

NEW YORK, J. 28, Noon.
President Davis has signed the Congressional
resolutions creating the office of General-in-Chief.
He has also sent a letter to the Confederate Con-
gress stating that when General Lee took the command
of the army of Virginia, Lee was commanding all
the armies of the Confederate States. He was
relieved of the latter command at his own request.
Whenever General Lee finds it practical to assume
the chief command without withdrawing from the
direct command of the army of Virginia, Mr. Davis
will deem it conducive to the public interest to
place him in that position.
The Provost-Marshal has informed the Committee
of Supervisors that the quota of troops demanded
from New York city could not be reduced.

Gold, 215+.
It is reported from Hilton Head that the Federals
had captured 2,000 prisoners and three guns on the
Upper Broad River.

Charleston despatches state that Foster's troops,
15,000 strong, advanced on Pocataglio on the 14th,
and that the Confederates, after an obstinate re-
sistance, retreated across the Salkahatchil River.
The Charleston correspondent of the Richmond
Despatch reports considerable deopondency and dia.

satisfaction with President Davis as existing among
the people of Charleston.
Numbers of South Carolina refugees have arrived

at Augusta.
A Confederate fleet of three ironclads and five
gunboats, under the reported command of Semmes,

descended the James River on Tuesday to destroy
the Federal works at City Point. An engagement
ensued with the Federal batteries. One vessel was
blown up ; the remainder of the fleet withdrew
under cover of the guns of the Howlett-House bat-
tery. Fortress Monroe despatches state that if the
Confederate iron-clads had not grounded, Grant's
iron transport works at City Point would have been
destroyed. Preparations have been made at City
Point in anticipation of the renewal of the attack.
Simultaneously with the naval attack, the Con-
federates appeared on the Charles City Road, ap-
parently to attack the Federals on the north bank
of the James.

Large numbers of troops have left Nashville for
New Orleans, it is believed for an expedition against
Mobile, or up the Red River. An expedition is
organising at New Orleans for Pacagoula.
It is reported that Price has captured Fort
Smith, Arkansas, with a garrison of 2,000 men.
A resolution of both houses of the Confederate
Congress requires the President to nominate a com-
mander of all the Confederate armies—the Senate

to confirm the appointment, The Richmond papers
entertain no doubt of Lee's Appointment if Mr.
Davis does not veto the law.

The papers urge Congress to remember that Lee

favours the conscription of negroes. If appointed
General-in-Chief without permission to en)ist
negoes, it will be giving him stone when he asked
for bread. A Charleston letter in the Richmond
Dispatch urges the levy and emancipation of
300,000 slaves for the invasion of the Northern
States in March.
It is reported that Breckenridge has been assigned
to the command of the trans-Mississippi depart-
ment.

President Davis has not yet accepted Mr. Seddon's

resignation.
General Gordon has superseded Early.
The Northern press is confident of an early
success of the Union arms.
Mr. Blair has returned to Washington. Nothing
reliable is known as to the result of his mission to
Richmond.

The Sentinel says the Congress has not devoted
30 minutes during the session to peace discussions.
Mr. Leach, of North Carolina, has introduced a
resolution in the House of Representatives to offer
an armistice to the Federal authority, preparatory
to peace negotiations. The House refused to con-
sider the resolutions in secret session, and referred
them to their Committee upon Foreign Affairs.
It is reported that changes will shortly be made,
embracing more or less the whole of the Confede-
rate Cabinet.

It is reported that Mr. Benjamin has resigned.
The Illinois Legislature has abolished the black
laws, preventing the emigration of negroes into
Illinois.

D. H. Hill, the commander of the district of
Georgia, has ordered all cotton and machinery to
be burned at Augusta if exigency required.
A Federal force of cavalry . and infantry are
moving up the Chowan River in the direction of
Wilmington. Large Federal reinforcements for
Wilmington are reported to have arrived at Balti-

more

It is rumoured that the Tallahassee, alias Olustee,
has been captured at Wilmington.
Gold 112 k per cent. premium.

COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.

NEW YORK, Jan. 28 (Evening).

Gold, 113 per cent. prem. Exchange on London,
233 ; United States Five-Twenty Bonds, 1081 ;
Illinois Shares, 118 ; middling Upland cotton, 88.
Jan. 28, 6 p.m.
Money easy. Gold, 112 - per cent. premium.

NEW YORK, JAN. 28, 6 p.m.
The following are the heads of intelligence brought
by the Moravian :

Mr. Blair has returned to Washington ; his mis-
sion is understood to be an utter failure, President
Davis demanding that negociations should be con-
ducted between independent nationalities, with an
armistice pending negociations.

The New York journals publish extracts from the
San Francisco Democratic Press confirmatory of

the reported cession of Mexican provinces to

France.

President Davis has signed a Congressional reso-
lution creating the office of General-in-Chief. It
is rumoured that General Lee has been appointed to
this office, and General Johnston to the command
of the Army in Virginia.
Richmond papers of the 24th report no move-
ment of the Federals on either side of the Savannah

river.

Press accounts of the 25th inst. report a large
!orce of Sherman's troops to be moving in Augusta.

FRANCE.

BOURSE, Feb. 6.—The market has been very
firm to-day. Threes, for the Account, opened at
67f. 20c., and are now doing at 67f. 25c. Mobilier
have been in demand at 967 f. 50c. to 968 f. 75c.
In the Railway Share Market prices have been
well maintained The Market closed as follows :

41 per Cents 96
Do. end month —
3 per Cents. 67 5
Do. end month 67 25
Credit Mobilier
_ __

Italian Loan 65 50
Do. end month 65 65
Ditto Threes —
New Mexican
Russian

Do. end month 963 75
Bank Shares 3560
Credit Foncier 1285
Roman
73 50

Austrian
Spanish Threes
Home Debt —
Deferred

Cash. Acct.
Orleans -
Northern , lOll 25 ... 1015
Lyons and Mediterranean.: 9:55.44:1.8:07 77_555500
..::::...:. 93555.45;22; 255755:50
Southern
Western
Eastern
Sardinian

Austrian
___

LO-7-Aard 555 556 25
North of Spain 342 50 ••• 345

Saragossa 407 50 405
Ditto to Barcelona — ~. 175

THE WESTBOURNE OPERETTA SOCIETY. —Last
evening the members of this society gave a very
excellent performance in the pretty little theatre erected at
Victoria Hall, Archer-street, Bayswater. The members
acquitted themselves in an excellent manner, the ladies,
however, as usual, bearing away the palm. It is unusual
for us to make selections from amongst ladies and gentle-
men engaged in amateur performances for special praise,
yet on this occasion we must depart from the rule in order
to compliment Madame Elwood Andrea for the artistic
manner in which she sang the music allotted to her. She
displayed a fine voice, musical skill, combined with the
utmost taste and expression. The attendance was very
fashionable.

RECEPTION OF MR. BLAIR AT RICHMOND.—
The Washington correspondent of the Boston Journal writes
that Mr. Blair was warmly greeted at Richmond, and the
wife of President Davis actually " threw her arms around
the old gentleman and kissed him." •
ROYAL ALHAMBRA PALACE.—Mr. F. Strange
will give the whole proceeds of the entertainment to-night
at this large and popular place of amusement, to the
sufferers by the late unfortunate fire at the Surrey Theatre.
The whole company have also given their services.
A CONFEDERATE GENERAL.—PLYMOUTH, Feb, 6.
—General Wick, of the Confederate States service,
landed at Plymouth on Monday morning, by a Brixham
fishing-sloop, from the barque Hope, off Plymouth, from
New York for Bremen, out 21 days. The general was on
furlough at New York, but having some reason to believe
that the Federp.l euthorities designed some harsh measures
towards him he made his escape, He left by train for Lon-
don, and goers on to Paris•