The Sun.
London, England, 1865-02-16 00:00:00

LONDON, THURSDAY, FEB. 16, 1865.

created by the enormous demand for military stores
and similar commodities, and the immunity of the
Northern States from the horrori of invasion, have
combined to render their loud-voiced patriotism
hitherto very easy, notwithstanding the vast amount
of individual suffering occasioned by the losses in
the war. American pride would, in such case, be most
unwilling to admit that it was baffled in an effort
on which it had concentrated all its forces ; and
neither side has yet reached that degree of ex-
haustion which humane politicians in this country

look to as the most satisfactory conclusion. An-
other solution is indeed possible, and the conviction
that possibility is merging into probability had, as
we yesterday observed, some influence on the origin
of this peace mission. An opinion is gaining ground
in the North that French interference will not be
much longer withheld in deference to the peace-
loving inclinations of our Whig Cabinet and our
Manchester school, and the knowledge that deeds
and not words may be looked for from Paris has
stimulated the Federal leaders to endeavour to
patch up a peace before such intervention is possible.
The New York Daily News goes so far as to declare
that LTNCou has to answer the question, whether
the North shall fight France in alliance with or in
antagonism to the South, and thinks that upon his
answer depends the future of American Republi-
canism. The French tricolor, says the same journal,
can already be seen on the horizon, and LINCOLN
would never have hurried to meet the peace com-
missioners had he not known that an armed Euro-
pean intervention in favour of the South was im-
pending. The same rumours are afloat in the South,
where the Richmond Whig mentions a report that
bearers of despatches from England and France had
arrived in Richmond. We may accept all such news
cunt grano salis, but the foundation for it is sound
enough, and the connexion of France with Mexico
gives an opening which may be turned to account.
In the North there has been a slight change in the
tone of the Peace party. The Peace De-

mocrats in Congress hitherto refused to be-
lieve that the South would accept any terms short
of recognition, but they now consider that the diffi-
culty might be got over. The Radical Republicans
look on the conference with grave suspicion, and
LINCOLN'S secret journey has occasioned much un-
easiness, and a court of senators has been informally
taken to vote against any agreement with the South
that materially differs from the policy of re-union
and emancipation. All these precautions were, as
the event proved, needless, the Confederates having
been equal to the occasion, and having rested upon
that one imperative condition of peace, which we
trust they will never abandon. The hopes and fears
of the respective parties in both federations hung
with breathless eagerness upon those two steamers,
which, anchoring at Harapton Roads, bore the fate of
two great nations. The conference between LINCOLN
and SEWARD on the one hand, and the Confederate
Commissioners on the other, lasted four hours.
The steamers were lashed together during the inter-
view, but at dark the Conference broke up, the
boats separated, and the respective negotiators re-
turned to the Northern and Southern capitals. We
have not yet heard how the intelligence was received
in the two cities, but judging from the uneasiness
manifested in the Northern Congress, it will not be
unwelcome to the Federals, while we trust, in spite
of all cavils and dissensions, there are still enough
good men and true in the South to make the reso-
lute maintenance of the national honour a subject
of general rejoicing. The Sentinel, DAVIS'S organ,
writing before the break up of the Conference,
says, that, in the event of its failure, dis-
cordant councils will be reconciled, and stout
hearts and hands will then achieve what diplomacy

cannot secure.
It is probable that neither President hoped much
from the interview, though LINCOLN was un-
doubtedly very anxious for a successful issue.
JEFFERSON DAVIS could not have expected a very
different result when he knew his own ultimatum
was one to which the North will never agree until
compelled by the fofce of circumstances. Re was
willing on this occasion, as on every other, to
show his own desire for peace, and to. silence
the disaffected party among his own countrymen by
meeting the Northern endeavours half way. Pre-
sident LINCOLN also had no doubt an arriere pensee,
in the hope of securing the support of the Demo-
crats for the further prosecution of the war. The
conference has been the all - exciting topic both
North and South, and the various conjectures and
opinions offered upon it afford a curious insight into
the state of public feeling. General LEE'S view of
the matter might easily have been guessed, but the
Sentinel says he has expressed himself in the follow-
ing decisive terms :—" Any compromise of our
struggle would only prove a truce or an armistice,
and would be an unmanly shrinking from present
duty that would entail upon our children untold dis-
aster." This is in fact the just view of the
case, and if the Confederates had surrendered
their claim to independence they would have had
matter for lasting regret. Let them rest upon that
one point, making everything else secondary ; let
them call out their negroes with the promise of
emancipation, and let them patiently abide the
Their fortitude' and their endurance, which
'lave been so severely tried, and which have stood
;he test so valiantly, can surely abide the issue of
a few months.

We have not had long to wait for the satisfaction
of our curiosity respecting the peace negotiations in
America. The arrival of the Hibernian, closely
following by the Canada, has at once dispelled any
hopes that might have been formed by the friends
of the Union in this country. A. very little reflec-
tion, however, showed the reader from the first that
there was little to hope. Continuous as have been
the Southern disasters of late, and active though
the agents of the North have been in fosterint, dis-
affection and discord in the councils of the Con-
federacy, there is certainly no reason to anticipate
a wholesale surrender of the great principle for
which the Southern people have so long and
so
gallantly" been striving. With Richmond still
secure, Charleston proudly defiant, Wilmington as
yet untaken, and Mobile in their hands, the Con-

federates would be premature indeed in abandoning
the struggle in which they have sacrificed so much,

unless they did so on the offer of better terms than
any they are likely to have had at Fortress Monroe.
On the other hand, the Northern people are not
yet willing to abandon their dream of empire and
dominion. Though the war is drawing them with
velocity along the road to national ruin, they do not
feel prosperity
the inevitable collapse. The factious

issue.

In military spheres there is little immediate news,
though there are indications that we may, now the
peace is set aside, expect a heavy battle, The
Southern forces are concentrating, with the view of
meeting SHERMAN, who boasts that his course is
hitherto unopposed. Gen. LEE has now the great
works in hand, the drilling of the negroes, and the
discomfiture of SHERMAN. The confidence mani-
fested in him by the Richmond Senate will strengthen
his hands for the former work, which will exercise a
vital influence not only on the present welfare of the
Confederacy, but on its future fortunes. The great
Army of the Potomac is said to be moving, no one
knows whither. It is likely that GRANT is con-
templating an attack on Wilmington, or, at least,
the despatch of more forces. As yet the situation
at Wilmington is unchanged, and LEE will not
allow the Federals an easy victory. The Combahee
River has proved as formidable to FOSTER as to
SIIERMAN and all his attempts to pass it have been
repulsed. At present there isneron surrender.moreprospect of
Northern triumph than of Southern

The French EMPEROR'S Sp
he French Legislature is
his
Apart from his great ability, and
aelewcahyast
athne oipmeponinrtganotf
unquestionable
it so happens
Continent, power for carrying
is the ruling spirit of thehis
designstha that
he
execution, at the present time
and, to all
intents and p ses, the most
prominent actor in
the political drama of Europe. As some one truly
observed the other day, when any great crisis occurs
°trurbilth the
peatizneal convulsion is expected likely to dis-
turb
power,
eveorfy Eannreo pe
asks,an and
wt
ho
autnswe tint 1 e
the
ee balance French
EMPEROR do? and what line will he pursue
it.
sh 1
hs
ai
rnds
lt
ya ns coe ,sthrzinCVgeras, t
aSip
fl.e c
thh
eo f
etnhu
ne
cEia enunciation
EMPEROR
bold sentiments, or in the shadown g forth of
important plans for the future. It is rather
lengthier than usual, and in its elevated style
and fully weighed sentences forma a marked

occurrence.

contrast to the weak and wordy phrases which
our Ministers, the present ones in particular,
seem to think sufficient to express the opinions of
the Majesty of England, when convoking the Par-
liament of the session. Whatever the Emperor
NAPOLEON says, whether he wishes to enunciate a
theory or to gloss over a fact, is sure to be expressed
in the most terse form, and in the most graphic
manner. Perhaps the most important thing in this
eloquent discourse before us is, that it contains no
reference to America. This reticence is most
marked, and seems significant. It cannot be that
the EMPEROR fails to recognise the importance of a
struggle of such might and magnitude, or that he
does not recognise the crisis now impending. He
has doubtless wise reasons for his silence on this
topic, but not the less must the fact of his not com-
menting thereon occasion surprise. It may be all
for the best that such should be the case. Reserve
often indicates that much is kept in the back-ground
that it would not be prudent or politic to disclose in
a hurry ; and in the present instance we may augur
good from it, for the Emperor may be on the eve of
introducing some change that will contribute greatly
to settle that vexed question of strife which strikes
consternation into Europe, and is such a scourge and
desolation to the Continent of America. The igno-
rant and uninitiated, who have been looking for this
Speech to clear up doubts, may regard it as
" Hamlet," with the part of the hero omitted ; but
those who are familiar with the depth of the EM-
PEROR'S policy will think very differently, and regard
his non-mention of America as no sign that he over-
looks so vast a subject, or considers the interest of
France not to be involved in its speedy and satis-
factory settlement. The Speech adverts to the dis-
turbance of the peace of Europe which has taken
place since the period of the meeting of the Legisla-
ture last year. We can sympathise more with the
expressions of regret that are made on the other
side of the Channel than among ourselves, for there
is no doubt that if the views of the Emperor had
been carried out, there would not have been a war
between Prussia and Denmark. The Congress to
which he looked forward with hope did not take
place, and the comments passed by him on subse-
quent occurrences are as true as they are unsatisfac-
tory. "The sword often severs questions without
settling them," is a very appropriate remark on the
state of affairs between the allied Powers of Ger-
many and Denmark and the Duchies, and a settle-
ment has certainly not yet been reached.
The EMPEROR speaks confidently of the future
settlement of the Italian question. He says that
the " provisional and precarious state of affairs
which excited so much alarm will soon terminate."
The Convention is pronounced to be a work of
peace and reeonciliation, and not a weapon of war.
Doubtless many will rejoice to hear such a favour-
able construction put upon occurrences that have
caused so much apprehension, for the EMPEROR is
too wary to compromise himself by uttering opi-
nions not likely to be fulfilled by experience. The
general tone that pervades this Speech is that of
satisfaction regarding all matters with which France
is immediately or remotely concerned. The state
of Mexico is productive of congratulation, and cer-
tainly the solution of the difficult problem of how
to settle affairs in that part of the world reflects
great credit on the foresight and wisdom of the
ruler of French politics. He adverts to the suc-
cessful issue of nearly all their expeditions, and adds
that upon closing the Temple of War on their
return they may with pride inscribe upon a new
triumphal arch—" To the glory of the French
armies, for the victories achieved in Europe, Asia,
Africa, Spain, and America."
The labours of peace occupy a considerable por-
tion of this address, and it may cause many to
speculate upon the chance of our at last realising
the truth of the memorable and emphatic declara-
tion of long ago—" L'Ernpire c'est la paix." The
development of public instruction rightly engaged
the attention of the EMPEROR, and his liberal views
and comprehensive notions on this subject must
surely satisfy the most scrupulous, and content the
most eager. He says that "in a land of universal
suffrage every citizen ought to know how to read
and write." This is a sentiment that does honour
to the policy and credit to the taste of him who
utters it, and is sure to command the admiration,
and awaken the sympathies of the French people,
while it wins the respect of the other nations
who hear it. The desire expressed to diminish the
obstacles that have so long militated in France
against " individual enterprise," is a proof that the
EMPEROR recognises an important want in French
society. It is precisely in this that the great dif-
ference exists between English and continental life.
The projects in view to impart greater liberty to
commercial associations are sure to be favourably
regarded, and, if they can be carried out, will
bestow an incalculable benefit upon France, and in-
crease the influence of the people. The.removal of
the obstacles which interfere to prevent the forma-
tion of societies for the benefit of the working
classes is promised ; and here, again, we have the
prospect of a new and better era dawning upon
the people. The Communes and Departments
transacting their own affairs, will be a
successful and satisfactory attempt to
carry
out the principles of this reform. The Treaty
with England which inaugurated Free Trade has
been
sh withe nee
eostshi
teyr
Esmimpileraorraadrravnergtsemtoentt
nations; followed
and theby
that exists for extending the same principles to
maritime commerce. The reforms in French law
which were alluded to seem very satis-
factory ones. The EMPEROR concluded his able
and eloquent address by advocating the principles of
Peace, and trusting that the voice of France would
not be heard abroad "save for right and justice."
This final sentence is eminently characteristic of a
ruler who makes a study of his duties, and blends
philosophy with politics. " Progress is not the
realisation of a more or less ingenious theory, but
the application of the results of experience, hallowed
by time, and accepted by public opinion."

THAMES AND MERSEY MARINE INSURANCE COM-
PANY.--At the fifth ordinary general meeting of
the Thames and Mersey Marine Insurance Company, held
to-day, the report was read, which recommended a pay-
ment of 6s. per share, free of income tax, being 2s per
share dividend, or at the rate of 10 per cent. per annum
(the same as paid to 30th Juno last), and 4s. per share
bonus, making in all 20 per cent. per annum on the paid-up
capital of the company for the year 1864 ; and that the
board be empowered to pay a dividend at the rate of 10
per cent. per annum on account for the half-year ending
30th June next, should they then deem it expedient..

LORD CAMPBELL'S ACT : IS IT A DEAD LETTER?
—We have received to-day an infamous pamphlet,
jiutsselt hithertofno wia s re-
gardedaiitds asanam e arnespedaentiasbalsedi.md rrelslys,h,
stahsapltavrnewphehalhveav e
et
apparently sent to us for review. It has printed upon
it
contents, however,
of it in, one word—infamous ; it is a disgrace to huma-
nity. Having said this, we would here add that
but very recently, from a wholly different quarter
we received another most disgraceful pamphlet, the
mere title of which was wholly unfit for publication—the
sender of it, in transmitting it, holding out to us the
dirty little temptation (!) to notice it, of a proffered ad-
vertisement of the fact of its publication. We
are not purists. We abhor any mincing affectation of
morality. But we loathe still more these detestable out-
rages upon public decency. Again, therefore, we ask in
regard to Lord Campbell's Act—ls it a Dead Letter?
DEATH BY A FALL FROM A WINDOW.—EarIy
on Tuesday morning William Evans, an inmate of the
Liverpool workhouse, fell from one of the windows, a
height of 50 feet, on to the palings in front of the parish
offices at BrQwnlow-hill. Death was instantaneous.

THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 16, 1865.