The Sun.
London, England, 1854-05-18 00:00:00

INDIA AND CIIINA

The balance is already turning against Russia. The
Russian soldiers in the Dobrudacha (as we foretold
some time ago) are dying off like rotten sheep. The
inhabitants of Fokschany have risen in their rear, and
burned their military stores. The accounts we published
some days ago of victories gained over them at several
points on the Danube are confirmed. The military de-
fences and military stores at the Russian Liverpool on
the Euxine—Odessa —have been destroyed. The Russian
Black Sea fleet is cooped up in Sebastopol. The Cir-
cassians have, without losing a moment, occupied and
begun to repair the forts on their coast dismantled and
deserted by their invaders. The French have already
sent arras to these gallant mountaineers, and the English
are about to send an accredited agent to Sclranyl. These
multiplying disasters of Russia in the South, if earnestly
and promptly turned to account by the allies, will soon
disabuse the Russian people of any misconceptions in-
stilled into them by official reports of their Government
representing defeats as victories. In the North, too,
affairs look louring on the Autocrat. He has declared
St. Petersburg in a state of siege, and the suffering and
discontent of the nobles and merchants there grow daily
more alarming ; a state of mini not likely to be paci-
fied by any event reported to us from St. Petersburg—
that on the 9th instant the British fleet had been seen
within thirty miles of Cronstadt, and that a number of
Russian gun-boats bad been captured.
In this dawn of promise for the good cause, every in-
dication of increased alacrity and improved organisation
at head-quarters, is hailed with joy. Nor are such in-
dications wanting on this side of the Channel. Under
the new Post-office management measures have already
been adopted for redressing the complaints from the
Baltic fleet of the postage charges and tardy and irre-
gular delivery of letters. A reinforcement of gun-boats
will immediately be sent off to the fleet. In short, care
is evidently being taken to increase the efficiency of our
armaments, and to keep our gallant crews in good spirits
and temper. On the part of France, too, some not un-
important movements have to be chronicled. Prince
Napoleon has arrived at Constantinople, where he ap-
pears to be winning golden opinions ; Marshal St.
Arnaud was at Smyrna on the 6th inst., and was ex-
pected to reach Gallipoli on the morning of the 7th ;
and the arrival of M. Bourke, " Minister Plenipoten-
tiary en mission to Constantinople," at Marseilles, is an-
nounced. We have no desire to press hard on a brave
and skilful soldier, but it is re-assuring to learn that
Gen. Baraguay d'Hilliers has been called back to his
professional duties, where he is qualified to be of eminent
service, instead of being allowed to remain at Constanti-
nople, where he has shown himself destitute alike of the
tact and temper required in a diplomatist. " Let bygones
be bygones" has been our maxim throughout these trans-
actions, whenever errors have been put in the way of
amendment, and therefore we will not too critically
scrutinise the palliation,: alleged for the strangely frac-
tious conduct of the General ; though—with the informa-
tion contained in a letter from Constantinople which we
publish to-day, respecting the vexatious part acted by
him in frustrating the transmission of 5,000 British
troops to Varna and Kustendje—we cannot but rejoice
heartily that others of his countrymen, endowed with
more happy tempers, are about to supersede him in his
present mission. This would be welcome news, were it
only that it shows that the General's eccentricities are
strictly personal, and have given quite as much annoy-
ance to his own Government as to its allies. But more
important immediate results may be looked for. Forces
under the control of one will have an immense advan-
tage over antagonists whose instructions emanate from
more centres of authority th:in one ; and the utmost
mutual concession and temper are required on the part
of co-operating allies to neutralise the inequality apt to
arise from this source.
But while we do justice to the indications of aug-
mented energy and improved management, visible in
some more recent operations of our homy Government,
it would be a dereliction of duty not to continue to press
upon them the reparation of errors where no amend-
ment is yet apparent. When arguing the ques-
tion of the comparative eligiblity of steamers and
sailing vessels, as transports for the horses of the
cavalry and artillery, we urged the danger of the animals
being landed in a bad condition (even such of them as
survived), after being subjected to the tedious ordeal of
a tardy and uncertain passage in a sailing transport. If
the information conveyed to our Constantinople corres-
pondent be correct, our worst fears in this respect have
been more than realised. He states that he is informed
that the mortality among the horses, on board of one
transport only, had risen, by the time it reached Malta,
to an average of no less than from 10 to 12 daily. We
would fain nourish the hope that there is exaggeration
here, or that the case will prove exceptional ; but there
is a fact stated in the letter referred to—respecting
which our correspondent cannot have been misinformed,
inasmuch as it has fallen under his own personal appre-
hension—calculated to awaken lively uneasiness in con-
nexion with such a report. The horse markets in Con-
stantinople and the surrounding districts it is well
known can at no time supply cattle of power and blood
equal to the average of the horses required for our cav-
alry and artillery ; and our correspondent a ids that these
markets have already been drained of the most available
animals to an extent that will render rermsnets costly
and difficult in the event of his news from Malta
proving strictly accurate. These are considerations
which ought to have the effect of inducing Govern-
ment to revise its judgment as to the class of transports
that ought to be employed for the conveyance of horses
to the East. It will be seen that the French know what
they are about in such matters, for they have bought
three huge English steamers for use as transports.
Another point that cannot be too often or too strongly
insisted upon is the urgent necessity that whatever is to
be done in Greece and the Greek waters should be un-
dertaken without delay. Piracy, with all its old atro-
cities, is making giant strides there. The blood of
peaceful English traders has already been shed, and if
stringent measures of repression are not immediately
adopted, who can tell how much more will be poured
out ! It is enough that the blood of our soldiers and
sailors is freely drained in just and inevitable warfare ;
it is not to be tolerated that the blood of our unoffending
and industrious non-combatants should be added to
the crimson stream. No weight can be attached to
allegations that the reports of piracies in the Archipe-
lago may be exaggerated. We know by sad experience
of old that its creeks and narrow and intricate channels
swarm with ruffians as 'Unscrupulous as ever haunted
the pirate resorts of Cuba. And the mere belief that
Greek piracy is again rearing its head in the Levant
may paralyse the operations of our merchants there to a
far greater extent than any war with Russia. It will
never do to repeat the blunder of 1830, and attempt to
buy off the Greek pirates by adding to the territories of
their race. The measures which effectually put an end
to Spanish piracies in the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of
Mexico, and the adjoining waters, are the only measures
worthy of England, and calculated to afford real protec-
tion to our trade, that can be adopted in the Grecian
Archipelago.
The puny guerilla marauders and accomplices of
Russia in Greece require only to be earnestly grappled
with in order to their being crushed. And the indica-
tions enumerated in the outset of these remarks prove
that their great instigator may be effectually and spee-
dily crushed in the saute manner. The hear is the typi-
cal animal for Russia as the lion is for England. When
Norwegian huntsmen see the bear advancing to attack
them, they hold the handle of a long sharp knife to their
breast, and commit themselves to his bug. This is a
lesson for us how to deal with the Russian Bruin. Brutes
are no match for men, if men have the courage, self-pos-
session, and alacrity which alone can render them
worthy of the name. Close with the Russian and he
will soon be conquered.—Daily News.

ADDITIONAL PARTICULARS.
THE ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH IN A Cor-
respondent of the LVlorning Chronicle writes :
—lt is only eleven mouths since the first rail-
way in India was opened for traffic, and I have
now the pleasure of reporting the opening of the
first long line of electric telegraph, which took place
on the 24th instant, between Agra and Calcutta, a
distance of 800 miles. The last yard of the wires
was fixed late on the afternoon of that day at Agra,
and immediately after the superintendent sent a
message to Lord Dalhousie at Calcutta, which
reached Government-house in one hour and fifty
minutes from the time it was signalled at Agra.
As yet the line of wire is but single, and words
have to be telegraphed on from station to station.
But still the improvement in the means of commu-
nication is most wonderful, and in case of a war
would be invaluable. I have only been ten years
in India, but yet I remember when a letter took
nine days in the fine season, and twelve in the
rains, between Calcutta and Agra. A few days
after the receipt of the message, the following ap-
peared in the Government Gazette:—
MARCH 27.—The Most Noble the Governor-General in
Council having, on the evening of the 24th March, received
from the city of Agra a message by electric telegraph, con-
veyed in one hour and fifty minutes, is pleased to direct
that the fact shall be published in the Government Gazette
for general information.
The construction of the electric telegraph was only com-
menced after the end of the last monsoon. That a message
should have been transmitted along BCO miles of continuous
line in this month of March, is very honourable to the su-
perintendent, and mast creditable to those who under his
orders have ace mplisbed: the work.
Such energy and industry deserve reward. His lordship
in council is therefore pleased to direct, that double pay
shall be given to the whole establishment which has been_a
-
employed on the electiic telegraph between Agra and
C. 1
cutta, for the month of March. during which their exer-
tions have accomplished the opening of the first great sec-
tion of the India Electric Telegraph.
By order of the Governor General of India in Council,
C. ALLEN, Officiating Secretary to the
Government of India.

HONG KONG, March 27. The nia;rof the 24th of
January from London arrived on the 13th inst. ; that of
the Bth of February is due.
The news of the past fortnight is not of great moment.
From Shanghai our dates are to the 15th inst. In
the city matters remained without change, and there had
been less fighting going on. The Imperialists had re-
ceived further reinforcements, but heavy rains caused a
cessation of attempts to retake the place. The party in

the city were expecting assistance.
There appears to be some movement of the rebel force
from the westward towards the seaboard provinces, and
we may hear shortly of their further progress in the
green tea districts.
Pekin Gazettes are to the 30th of January.
The accounts of the success of the rebels north are
conflicting.
The Imperialists were reported having been successful
at Tuhleu, which has been contradicted, and the rebel
army is said to maintain firmly its position at Tuhleu
and Tsinghai. It appears beyond doubt that the city of
Laoucheu, in the Ghanwuy province, has fallen to the
rebels.
We regret to find his Excellency the Superintendent
of Trade, when at Shanghai, did not settle the duty
question. It appears unfair to the merchants to be kept
in suspense, and we cannot but conclude the consular
authorities at Shanghsi have much to answer for by
their vacillating conduct.
Our dates from Foo-thou-fow are of the 3d inst. All
was quiet. We have to report the total loss in the
river Min, on the 25th ult., of the American clipper
Oriental, bound to New York with a full cargo of tea.
From Amoy we have advices to the 20th inst. Trade
slowly improving, and numbers of pirates again appear-
ing on the coast and interfering with the junk trade to
Formosa. _ _

The Dutch ship Commercial Compagnie had sailed
from Swartaw for Havannah on the 10th inst., with 500
coolies.

The accounts received at Canton from the tea di
tricts of disturbances are very unfavourable, and there
appears some good foundation for their causing alarm
at Canton, and interfering with the departure of the tea
merchants with their treasure for the interior. The
movement whether of rebels or banditti, seems more
extended than last year ; and we are apprehensive of
constant interruption to trade this season. There was
lately some excitement at Canton, but all is quiet. The
executions during the past week have been numerous.
The import trade is again affected by the unsettled
state of the country ; and there has been but little dis-
position among dealers to take goods. Tax is well sup-
ported in price. Shipments are kept back from the
difficulty of procuring tonnage.
The increase of export on that of last year to the
same time shows a great falling off ; the last month
being estimated at 5,800.0001 b. In February the in-
crease was stated at 14,000,000ib.
Freights to England, 71. Bullion—Sycee silver, 2t.
7m. prom. ; gold, $2l 25c. ; Carolus dollars 17 per
cent. prem. Exchange on England, ss. to ss. Id. per
dollar ; on India, 244 rupees per dollars. A t Shan;:hai,
ss. 9d. per dollar on England ; and 270 rupees per
$lOO on India. Imports at Shanghai were in little or
no demand. The prices of tea and silk were firm. The
export of silk from China is estimated at 48,800 bales.
We have to notice the departure of the Russian ship
Cesarewitch to St. Petersburg with teas from Shanghai.
This is unusual.
His Excellency Admiral Pellew struck his flag from
on board the Winchester on the 16th, under the usual
salute, and left for Trincomalee in her Majesty's
steamer Barracouta.
The United States' Commissioner, his Excellency
Rebel t M'Lane, arrived in the mail-steamer on the 12th
instant.
The Spani-h steamer Jorge Juan arrived from Manilla
on the 25th inst., with dates to the 21st inst.
The Russian squadron from Japan arrived at Manilla
on the Ist, and sailed again on the llth inst. ; destina-
tion not known. Nothing said of the Japan treaty.
Exchange on London was 4s. 9d. to 4s. 90.
In H•ubour.—Her Majesty's ships Winchester, Spar-
tan, and brig Lily ; United States' sloops Porpoise and
Vincennes ; the Spanish steamer Jorge Juan.
At Canton—Her Majesty's ship Comus and United
States' steamer Queen.
At Macao —His Imperial French Majesty's steamer
Colbert.

At Amoy—Her Majesty's steamer Styx.
At Foochow—Her Majesty's brig Bittern.
At Ningpa—His Imperial French Majesty's frigate
Constantine.
At Shanghai—Her Majesty's steamer Encounter and
Rattler, and United State' ship Plymouth.
Our latest dates are—from England, January 24 ;
Calcutta, February 21 ; Bombay, February 16 ; Singa-
pore, March 5 ; Manilla, March 21 ; Melbourne, Jan.
29 ; Shanghai, March 15.
P.S.—Tne mail steamer Ganges, with dates from
London to the Bth of February, has just arrived.

CANTON MARKET REPORT.
HONG KoNG, March 27
Since our report of the 11th instant, there has been
little demand for manufactured goods. Reported dis-
turbances in the interior continue to affect our import
market, and, although we have no decline to notice in
prices for goods, the tendency is downward.
Cotton.—An advance in quotations has taken place.
Stocks moderate. Bombay, quoted, 6ts. to Its. 1 ; Ben-
gal, 6ts. to Its. 1 ; Madras, 6ts. 4 to Its. 4.
Cotton yarn.—Only 270 bales sold. Nos. 16-24,
$22 to $24 ; Nos. 28.32, $26 to $29 ; Nos. 38-42, $26
to $321.
Longcloths.—There has been little disposition to pur-
chase, and the value has somewhat declined. Greys
quoted $1 70c. to $2 50c.; white, $1 95c. to $2 90c.
Woollens have been in more inquiry, and prices have
improved. Spanish stripes assorted, 90c. to $1 04
long ells, $6 66c. to $7 ; mallets, English, $l6 to $l9 ;
Dutch, $22 to $26.
Metals—lron.—The stock is sallbar square, $2 20c.
, and prices are
supported ; nail rod, $3 to $3 15c. m;
to $2 50c. ; round, $2 20c. to $4 80c. Lead—s 7 50c. to
$7 60c. Tin Plates—s 6 30c. to. $6
80c.
small.
Turkey Opium—s4lo to $420. Stock
Cochineal—sBs to $l2O.
Tea—Transactions since the 11th inst. have been mo-
derate. Congous, common quality, are firmly supported,
and the better descriptions are from five mace to one
tael dearer. Green tea—hyson skin, gunpowder, and
imperial are without change. Other kinds have ad-
vanced two to three taels. About 10,000 packages re-
inain, and from 5,000 to 6,000 packages more are ex-
pected :
Export from Canton from July 1, 1853, to lb.
March 22, 1854 37,000,000
Do. from Shanghai, from July 1, 1853, to
March 14, I'sl
23,300,000
Do. from Foochow, from July 1, 1853, to
March 1, 1854

65,900,000

Export from Canton, from July 1, 1852, to lb.
March 22, 1853 29,000,000
Do. from Shanghai, from July 1, 1852, to
March 22, 1853 31,100,000

60,100,000

Exchange on London, far six months' sight bills, ss.
to ss. ld. On India.—Company's accepted paper,
243 r. to 244 r.
Bullion.—Sycee silver, 2 taels 7 mace premium ; gold
$2l 25c. per tael ; Carolus dollars, 17 per cent.
premium.
Freights.—The vessels loading for England are
getting 71. Tonnage much required for produce waiting
shipment, and to take emigrants to California and the
colonies.
From Shanghai our dates tire to the 15th instant.
Imports continued in little request. For 65 catty
$1 50c. offered, but holders declined to sell at such a
low figure.
Silk— g )received more freely, and
Supplies were being;
prices at Shanghai had a4d. ranced. No. 1 and •L