The Sun.
London, England, 1865-02-04 00:00:00

rHE SUN, LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 4, 18e5.

" negotiating for the appointment of negotiators,
who are to meet Without power to do anything but
make proposals." It is surely better to enter into
direct negotiation as to the terms of peace, both
parties having professed their desire for it. So long
as there is the one plain difficulty of the determina-
tion of the South to have a separate and indepen-
dent existence, and the refusal of the North to ad-
mit that existence, there is not much use in multi-
plying negotiators and negotiations. The real ob-
stacle, as JEFFERSON DAVIS shows in his letter, is
not in the absence of efficient agencies for conclud-
ing peace, but in the refusal of the North to enter-
tain any proposal from the South excepting unqua-
lified submission.

The Volunteer demonstration at Stamford the
other night was a very interesting one, and exhi-
bited great spirit in its style. It is long since so
animated an affair did honour to the cause, and
credit to those connected with it—the members of
the Stamford and Fifth Lincolnshire appearing in
their new uniforms. Lord BURGHLEY, who took the
chair, ably acquitted himself of his duties, and began
his remarks in a proper style, by observing that he
regretted a " so-called political necessity " had pre-
vented us from giving any assistance to the country-
men of the Princess of WALES, hence Austria and
Prussia had been allowed to commit " one of the
greatest political crimes of modern times." It is
quite refreshing to find anyone thus discoursing so
sensibly and properly upon the iniquitous occur-
rences of last year. Lord R. CECIL'S speech was
very warmly applauded, and the noble lord did
ample justice to his theme, evidently entering into
the spirit of it con amore, and believing in the vast
importance and great significance of the Volunteer
movement in principle and practice. The noble
lord very truly observed, that if by any unlucky
chance the Volunteer movement came to an end,
the influence would be felt in every Court of Europe,
and it would exercise a great effect upon every Eu-
ropeari transaction. This is strictly correct, and
no one who is any judge of such matters will gain-
say it for a moment. It is almost incalculable to
estimate the good service which this institution has
rendered to the country, and lasting honour belongs
to those who organised it, and those who
carried it by skill and devotion to so great
a point of success. The noble lord concluded
his interesting speech by observing that, if he had
ever had cause to be doubtful of the foreign policy
of the land, such a meeting as that would reassure
him. He would feel that the honour of the country
" was not in the hands of Ministers who might
falter, or a Parliament who might be influenced, but
in the hands of the people. There is every reason
to trust that the conviction that the noble lord had
expressed concerning the spirit of the country being
as true as ever is a sound one, and that future ge-
nerations will receive it in trust to hand down to
their remote posterity. Si' STAFFORD NORTHCOTE'S
observations were also well timed, and admirably
adapted to the scene before him and the character
of the assembly which he addressed. The right
hon. baronet very honestly put the case of the ad-
vantages of the Volunteer movement, by saying
'that, in times of emergency, there might be many
young men found to defend their country, but they
could be of comparatively little use without orga-
nisation. This must strike all who hear it with its
sense and reason, for the greatest zeal and enthu-
siasm will not meet the advances of regular, disci-
plined troops, without the requisite concomitants of
practice and order. It is in their steady adherence
to the tiresome and. continuous drilling that the real
merit of the Volunteers consists. Many may rush
wildly into a scheme, but often get dismayed and
disheartened at the labour requisite to carry
it to a successful conclusion. No reproaches
of this sort can 'be cast upon the Vo-
lunteers, for they have toiled on through
good and evil days, and endured many annoyances
before they reached their present proud position, an
acknowledged portion of the defences of the country
that their own people look upon them with gratitude,
and other nations with the respect that springs from
fear. it is very satisfactory to meet with so enthu-
siastic a demonstration as that which took place in
Stamford, and it is doubly interesting in consequence
of the genuine feeling which accompanied its
character and the excellent discourses that were
delivered there.

LATEST INTELLIGEIi'OE.

(REUTER'S TELEGR A.M.)

AMERICA.
ARRIVAL OF THE CHINA.
(Via Crookhaven.)

The Royal Mail steamship China, from New York
on the 25th ult., arrived at Queenstown at 6 30 a.m.
to-day (Feb. 4). She brings 78 passengers and
$708,340 in specie. She landed 69 sacks of mails,
and proceeded for Liverpool at 7 a.m. All well.
The following are the heads of the news brought
by the China :

NEW YORK, JAN. 25 (Noon).
The Confederates have blown up Forts Caswell
and Campbell.
Admiral Porter's fleet is in Cape Fear River.
He thinks he will shortly be in Wilmington.
Sherman is still said to be moving on Charleston
or Branchville.

The Federal expedition has moved within fifteen
miles in the rear of Mobile.

It is rumoured that Mr. Seward will be appointed
Minister to London.

The peace negotiations still remain without
result.

Gold, 2051.

General Grant reports that despatches from
General Terry announce that the Confederates
have blown up and abandoned Forts Caswell and
Campbell and the works on Smith's Island, Smith-
vine, and Reeves' Point. The marines have occu-
pied those places. The total number of guns cap-
tured is 162.

A despatch from Admiral Porter, dated the 17th
inst., states that the gunboats had some difficulty in
crossing the bar into the Cape Fear River.
The Confederates blew up two steamers believed
to be the Chickamauga and the Tallahassee.

Admiral Porter thinks the Confederates are burn-
ing everything in Wilmington, and getting away as
fast as possible. A large force of gunboats occupied
the river between Fort Caswell and Wilmington.
The greater portion of the large vessels have re-
turned to Hampton Roads. Admiral Porter states
that he will move carefully along, and believes he
will be in Wilmington before long. He announces
that the remainder of the rifled guns in the fleet
have burst, and that the reputation of these guns is
ruined.

Two blockade runners were captured on the 18th
in Old Inlet, Wilmington. Their names are un-
known.

A proclamation has been issued by the Comman-
der of Wilmington requesting absent citizens not to
return. He says, if governed by his own inclination
and judgment, he will sooner burn Wilmington
than let Butler's countrymen occupy it.
The Richmond Inquirer, of the 20th, announces
that, notwithstanding the rumours of the capture of
Wilmington, communication between that city and
Richmond is intact.
The latest advices from Sherman state that the
Confederates, after retreating from Pocataglio,
crossed and took up a position on the Combakee
River.

General Sherman is concentrating his forces at
Macphersonville, a few miles from the Combakee
River.

The Richmond Despatch of the 20th asserts that
Sherman has been checked, and will probably be
delayed a long time at that river.
According to Southern accounts, two monitors
had been sunk off Charleston.

At a meeting of citizens held at Columbia, reso-
lutions were passed urging the citizens to rally in
their defence, and declaring that the evacuation of
Charleston would be disastrous to the Confederacy.
The Government is also urged to send an adequate
force to prevent so great a calamity.
Thomas is erecting. winter quarters on the Ten-
nessee River. The indications are that he will not
move from his present position.
The Richmond Sentinel asserts that Hood's army
is in good spirits, and that recruits are compensat-
ing for the losses in the late campaign.
A formidable expedition has left Fort Gaines.
Morgan has proceeded up the East Pascagoula
River, to within 15 miles in the rear of Mobile.
General Forest is concentrating at Houston for
an attack on Memphis.

Grant has visited Washington to testify to But-
ler's failure at Wilmington.

Theprisoners has
been placed question
i
in General
an
Grant's hands.
of
ands
. It is believed
that a general exchange will shortly be effected.
The Confederate Senate has passed resolutions
creating the rank of Commander-in-Chief of the
Confederate Armies, and recommending that Gen.
Johnston be reinstated. The House of Representa-
tives confirmed the resolutions in secret session,
and Gen. Johnston has been reappointed to the
command of the Army of the West.
The Richmond Examiner states that these resolu-
tions make Lee Commander-in-Chief.

No further reliable information has transpired as
to the result of Mr. Blair's mission to Richmond.
The New York Times places no confidence in the
success of Mr. Blair's efforts.

The Richmond press deprecate idle peace discus-
sions, and- recommend undivided attention to the

war.
The Richmond Sentinel has assumed a warlike

tone.

Resolutions have been introduced in the Wash-
ington Senate to the effect that no negotiation,
concession, or compromise can be entered into with
rebels until they manifest unconditional submission
to Federal authority. War must continue until
submission is secured and the constitution estab-
lished over the whole of the United. States territory.
The Confederate llouse of Representatives has
unanimously confirmed the resolution to issue an
address to the Southern people announcing the
determination of Congress to continue the war.

Senator Foote has resumed his seat in the Confe-
derate Congress, and announced that when arrested
he was proceeding to Washington to see if pacifica-
tion could not be effected consistently with. the
Southern claim to independence. A motion to
expel him was referred to the committee on elections.
General Butler has written a letter to Mr. James
Brookes, a member of Congress, demanding an ex-
planation of a speech made by the latter, asserting
that a gold robber, in the person of aMajor-General,
had been sent to New York to control the elections.
Mr. Brookes read General Butler's letter to the
House of Representatives, re-affirming that Butler
was a gold robber, and asserting that his letter was
an infringement of the privileges of a member of
Congress.

The Speaker decided that it was not an infringe-
ment of privilege.
General Butler has addressed a letter to the
Speaker, asking a committee to investigate his
official acts.

The Richmond Examiner says that if the South is
conquered she would find consolation in assisting to
vindicate the Monroe doctrine and build up a
colossal power on the American continent. This
object might be obtained if the North recognised
Southern independence, with an offensive and de
fensive treaty, customs, union of free trade, unin-
terrupted travel between the States, and the free
navigation of the Yissisappi. The would give the

people the advantages of the old Union without its
evils. The policy of both nations would be the
Monroe doctrine.

The New York Tribune asserts that the impression
prevails in diplomatic circles that Mr. Seward has
committed the Government to the Mexican policy
of the Emperor Napoleon.

A resolution has been introduced into the Wash-
ington louse of Representatives declaring that the
Spanish seizure of the Chincha Islands was part of
a Franco-Austrian scheme to subvert the Spanish
American Republics.

The House has passed a bill reducing the duty on
printing paper to 3 per cent. ad valorem.

The Canada has arrived out.
COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.

NEW YORK, JAN. 25 (Noon).

Money easy. Gold has fluctuated since Monday
between 197 and 206, it is now quoted 2053-. Ex-
change on London, 2261 ; on Paris, 2.10 to 2.131 ;
Stocks declining ; New York Centrals, 105 ; Illinois,
113; Erie, 691 ; 5.20 U.S. Bonds, 1071. Cotton
declining. Middling Upland, 82c. to 85c. Flour
very deal. Wheat declining. Corn heavy. Pro-
visions declining. Coffee, sugar, and molasses
quiet. Petroleum heavy. Crude, 45c. Refined,
63c.

PER TELEGRAPIIIC NEWS ASSOCIATION.
(Per China via Crookhaven.)
NEW YORK, Jan. 25.

Grant telegraphs the destruction and evacuation
of forts Caswell and Campbell; and the works on
Smith's Island, Smithville, and Reeves Point, also
the capture of 162 guns. It is rumoured that the
Confederates have destroyed all the blockade
runners inside the bar, also the Tallahassee and
Chickamauga, and set fire to thirty millions of
cotton ; the two latter rumours are not credited.

An Alabama paper reports Hood's army in excel-
lent spirits, and larger than when it entered Middle
Tennessee. General Joe Johnston has been re-
instated in command. The Whig says Hood was
relieved at his own request. Beauregard is at
'rupel.

The Richmond papers are very warlike. The
Whig says there is no thought of yielding or fail-
ing, but it demands that Congress pass the neces-
sary army bills without delay. The Inquirer says
let peace slide, but should the South be finally con-
qured Europe will be responsible. It then
thmatens:to march with the North on Canada, cap-
ture Cuba, and drive the Emperor Maximilian from
Mexico. The article is highly sensational.
The Examiner severely condemns all peace pro-
jects, and says war not peace is the business of the
Confederacy, and all talk about peace is irrelevant
and senseless. The South is able, at this hour, to
put half a million fighting men in the field, and
still leave enough for agriculture and manufactures.
If Congress cannot do its duty and drop its peace
imposture, it should be superseded by a Convention
of States. The same paper asserts positively that
Secretary Seddon has resigned.
The House authorised, by a vote of 43 to 31, the
introduction of a bill impressing all cotton and
tobacco in the Confederacy on Government account.
It has also, in secret session, endorsed by a vote of
62 to 14, the Senate resolutions making Lee Com-
mander-in-Chief. Mr. Foote reappeared in the
House, defined his position and withdrew. He said
he endeavoured to go to Washington to make peace.
The latest advices from Richmond report an
address from Congress, assuring the people of its
unalterable determination to continue with all its
energy the struggle for independence, and of the
final triumph which must crown its efforts.

Captain Semmes has reached Richmond after a
tour through the South. At a speech in Charlotte
he said that despite the reverses Confederate pro-
spects were still bright.

General Thomas with most of his army will re-
main in the West to watch Confederate movements.

The Golden City from San Francisco of the 23d,
took 665,000 dollars iii gold to Panama for Eng-
land.

The sugar crop of Honduras is enormous.

The Richmond Enquirer argues that blockade
running has vast ed the resources of the South to
benefit speculators in England and the United
States. The port of Galveston, it says, should be
closed to blockade running at once, and not another
bale of cotton be permitted to leave the South.
The Macon Telegraph advocates the abandonment
of all the sea ports of the Confederacy, and concen-
tration of all forces in the interior.

It is doubtful whether Lee will accept the pro-
posed appointment of Commander-in-Chief.
72 lives were lost by the blowing up of the iron-
clad Patapsco, off Charleston.

2,500 bales of Government cotton were recently
burnt at Augusta and Hamburg.
A correspondent reports 40,000 " contrabands"
in Washington, many without food or fuel, and in
a perishing condition.
Gen. Terry demanded the surrender of Wilming-
ton on the 19th.

Gen. Sherman writes that every point in South
Carolina lies at his mercy.
One thousand bales of cotton from Mobile, in
exchange for clothing, reached New York yester-
day. The Savannah cotton is expected daily.
Commodore Sohnes, commanding the squadron
off Mobile, has returned to New Orleans.
Gen. Granger made a reconnaisance of East Pas-
cagoula river, but, finding too many torpedoes,
returned.

A heavily armed floating battery and ironclad lies
off Mobile.

CANADA.
QUEBEC, JAN. 24.

The conduct of the Southern refugees in Canada
has been denounced in the Canadian Parliament,
and a determination has been expressed to stop the
abuse of asylum. A commission has been appointed
to inquire into the release of the St. Alban's raiders,
and the conduct of Judge Coursel, who has been
suspended by the Government. The Finance
Minister has presented estimates, including a sum
of $50,000 to make good the money returned to the
St. Alban's raiders, which has been claimed by the
United States.
The Toronto Leader asserts that the British Go-
vernment has ordered 30 gunboats from England
to the Lakes, as soon as navigation is opened.
The Toronto Globe, however, denies the truth of
this statement.

Burleigh's counsel has moved for a writ of
Habeas Corpus at Toronto.

MEXICO.
NEW YORK, JAN. 25.
Unreliable reports received here via San Fran-
cisco state that the Mexican Government has ceded
Sonora, Sinaloa, Chihuahua, Dorango, and Lower
California to the Emperor Napoleon.
Ex-Senator Givin, of California, has been ap-
pointed. Viceroy, with the title of Duke.

The steamer Golden City sailed from San Fran-
cisco on the 23d with $600,000 in specie for Eng-
land and $260,000 for New York.

ARRIVAL OF THE KING OF ITALY
AT FLORENCE.
FLORENCE, FEB. 3, 11 40 P.M.
Ring Victor Emmanuel arrived here at 10 o'clock

this evening.
The city is illuminated and decorated with flags.
A very large number of persons thronged the
King's line of route to the Palace, and enthusiasti-
cally cheered his Majesty. The National Guards
are under arms. Shouts were raised of " Viva it
Re Galantuomo." On reaching. the Palace the
King came out on the balcony in response to the
acclamations of the people.

FRANCE.
BOURSE, Feb, 3.—The market has assumed a

firmer character to-day, and prices have slightly
improved. Threes, for the Account, opened at
67f. 5c., and are now doing at 67f. 15c. Mobilier
have also been in demand at rather higher quota-
tions. The same may be said of Railway Shares.
The Market closed as foil
4-} per Cents 95 50
Do. end month
3 per Cents. 67 10
Do. end month 67 15
Credit Mobili.•r
Do. end month
Bank Shares 3550
Credit Foncier 1280
Roman

,WS : -

Italian Loan 65 10
Do. end month 65 15
Ditto Threes
New Mexican
Russian 9O
Austrian
Spanish Threes 43
Home Debt —
Deferred

RAILWAYS.

Cash. Acct.
Orleans
Northern lOO5 ... 1010
Lyons and Mediterranean-- 940 ... 945
Southern 575 ... 580
Western 540 ... 537 50
• Eastern
Sardinian 307 50 _ 306 25
Austrian
Lombard 550 ... 550
North of Spain 332 •50 ... 332 50
Saragossa 398 75 ... 395
Ditto to Barcelona — —. ... 175