The Sun.
London, England, 1861-05-01 00:00:00

THE AMERICAN STAIES.

A writer in a =temporary says :—As an Ameri-
can, I earnestly feel, in common with many of my
fellow-countrymen in Europe, how important it is
at this critical stage of affairs in America that there
should be a just Inderstanding here of the relation
which the United States Government bears toward
the seceding States, and of the policy of Mr. Lincoln
since his inauguration. Your leader of last Satur-
day discusses this question in a generous,
apprecia-
tive, and kindly sprit, and the English press, with
few exceptions, it this hour of our trouble has
treated us with r brotherly consideration which
will not be forgotten; yet there is an evident mis-
understanding of tie question at issue between the
North and the South. It is a fact which is sustained
take
by the record, eat since the formation of the
Constitution of the United States, legislation has
been in favour of tie institution of slavery rather
than against it, Ind although the election of
Mr. Lincoln was the success of an anti-slavery
ne no
seerna-1
tim sen-
timent,
r, yett their of
neither
platformtlie
principlesof the
any
Republi-
can y nor
more ultra position than that of non-extension.
The Secessionists klyvv this very well, and in their
nspeeveciDa
leech] aaragfeioangaoi
nf
oepNeonrdtehn, cbeuttdaheeyl
imk en
g
and ambiguous phrases. To the overtures of con-
ciliation offered by the Border Slave States, they
contemptuously repy " We will not come back
into the Union on ary terms. We hate the North,
and will have nothing to do with them," and it is
from this response you may be sure that the coun-
try has been saved the shame of another compromise.
In reply to this statement I am asked "Why not
let them go ? Carry out your doctrine of popular
sovereignty ; get rid)f the incubus." I answer we
should rejoice to be fee from the curse of slavery,
but among a multiplicity of objections to a recogni-
tion of the Secession movement is, first, there is a
large Union party at the South which is overawed,
and which it would be unmanly to desert. Again,
we have acquired Tens, Louisiana, and Florida by
the expenditure of mony millions of money. If one
of the pet schemes o! the South had been accom-
plished, we might have paid £25,000,000 for Cuba,
and she would have voted herself out in the same
way with the funds of the Federal Government.
That Government, again, has expended many mil-
lions more in the erection of costly fortifications
within their borders. The objection of their in-
debtedness might be removed if they were in a con-
dition to pay, but with a year's debt in advance
for the whole cotton crop, and a revenue insufficient
to pay one,dollar in five ot'their expenses, they are
not likely to meet any obligations of that sort ; and,
lastly, the passage of a free-trade tariff law by the
Montgomery Convention, although it was merely a
tub thrown out with which to catch the European
whale of trade, rendered the enforcement of the
revenue laws an absolute necessity. These and
many other considerations have dictated the policy
of Mr. Lincoln, which was clearly and consistently
set forth in his reply to the resolution of the Vir-
ginia Convention. He says,—" Not having seen
any occasion to change, it is now my purpose to
pursue the course marked out in the inaugural
Address." He then proceeds to define clearly what
that course is, viz., the retention of the property of
the Government, and the enforcement of the revenue

laws.
I speak from personal knowledge of Mr. Lincoln
and members of his Cabinet in saying that, from
the moment of taking office, they have carefully
avoided any action whieh might inflame the mania
of Secession,.or defeat the efforts of the large Union
party at the South, which party, with Sam Hous-
ton at its head, will yet make itself heard, although
just now silenced by these significant arguments of
their opponents, the bo -knife and revolver. When
the new Administration came into power they found
the whole machinery of Government paralysed and
rotten to the core. The officials, with some hon-
ourable exceptions, from the traitor Floyd to the
meanest subordinate, in anticipation of a dissolution,
had been playing into the hands of the rebels.
Large quantities of war materiel were concentrated
in the Southern cities ; the army and navy, chiefly
officered by Southerners, were distributed in
foreign countries or in unavailable places ; the
Treasury was bankrupt, and panic was king at the
fireside, in the countinghouse, and workshop.
In the history of government did any man ever
undertake a task mere difficult than that of Mr.
Lincoln ? No impartial judgment can deny that
he has acted wisely, discreetly, and energetically.
If his inaction up to the present moment be deemed
tardy or vacillating,
it is sufficient to reply that
two months is a very short time in which to restore
order to this chaos, and that the President has

waited for some overt act of hostility, such as the
reduction of Fort Sumter. And you may be sure
that he has the nerve and determination to sustain
the law, even to the bitter end.

In closing, permit me to say one word of the
Morrill Tariff, which justly Incas with so much
opposition in Europe. It is very nearly as unpopular
in America to-day, and will most certainly be
repealed or essentially modified by the Congress
which Mr. Lincoln has recently convened.

ROYAL COMMISSION ON THE EX- 741E1Ni
BAAKIILEN2' OF THE THiLIVES.

Yesterday the Commissioners appointed to con-
sider and determine upon the best plans for the em-
bankment of the river Thames within the limits of
the metropolis met at the offices of the commission

in Victoria-street, Westminster, to receive evidence
from the projectors as to the merits of the plans sent
in, which number upwards of fifty. The Commis-
sioners present were—the Right Hon. the Lord
Mayor (in the chair), Sir Joshua Jebb, G.C.8.,
Captain Galton, Captain Burstal, John Thwaites,
Esq., A. Hunt, Esq., and J. A. Maclean, Esq.
_ _

The first plan brought under the notice of the
Commissioners was one projected by the Thames
Embankment and Railway Company. The plan
was to construct an embankment from Westmin-
ster-bridge to Blackfriars-bridge, by a carriage road
eighty feet in width, joining the intended extension
of Canon-street to Bridge-street, Blackfriars, and
joining the central station of the Chatham and Do-
ver Railway. This would place the connection with
all the metropolitan railways at the central stations
in Farringdon-street and Finsbury-circus. There
would be forty or fifty acres reclaimed for docks
within the embankment, and the low-level sewer
would be formed in the embankment, by which
means all the expense and annoyance of construct-
ing the sewer in the Strand, Fleet-street. and Lud-
gate-hill would be avoided. The estimated expense
would be £700,000, exclusive of compensation. It
was proposed that the Metropolitan Board of Works
should contribute £150,000, and it was believed
that the coal dues would be found sufficient for the
purpose of compensation, amounting to £250,000.
Mr. Sheele's plan was the next one received. He
proposed to form a face wall next the river, and to
fill in the space included between the wall and the
present shore. It would begin at Westminster-
bridge in a straight line with Whitehall-stairs,
thence continue to the Temple-gardens and Black-
friars-bridge, touching Hungerford and Waterloo-
bridges. The space between the river wall would
be filled up fbr the purpose of the embankment re-
claimed for the shores of the river to the low water

. _
line. On the centre road, 80 feet in width, would
be a railway terminating at the east side of Black-
friars-bridge. The cost of the embankment and face
wall would be £194,757 ; low level sewer, £lB,OOO ;
purchase of Waterloo-bridge approach, £7,000; new
roads, £10,000; making a total cost of £230,000,
or, including contingencies, £250,000.
Mr. Sich's plan was next gone into. He said that
it consisted of a series of small decks divided by
walls, so that the craft might be reached at all
times, which would be an advantage over one large
dock in the centre of the stream, which could not
at all times be accessible to the craft in the river.
He proposed to form a road 50 feet broad, with clear
entrances for waggons. The embankment could be
constructed in sections, so that the sewer, wall, and
docks, could be carried on at the same time. Each
wall would form a cofferdam, and might be used as
a means of transit afterwards. His plan would
allow the barges to come into the docks at any state
of the tide. He advocated the system of open docks,
for if the river was dredged the mud would pass
down the river, and would not be liable to be silted
up. He proposed to terminate the embankment at
Southwark-bridge, crossing Queenhithe-dock. A
sewer would pass through the embankment. The
road would be lifted up on girders. The entrances
to the docks would run from 50 to 180 feet, with
flood-gates, so as always to keep the barges afloat.
There would be a fall between Westminster and
Hungerford-bridges, of 16 feet. The roadway oppo-
site Somerset House would be raised above the
lower story. Hailed not formed an estimate of the
expense, as time had not permitted him to do so.
Mr. H. R. Newton's plan was not produced. He
said his plan was a simple viaduct on both sides of
the river, 'with a causeway in the centre of it. He
proposed to make the river of a uniform width of
700 feet, as by so doing an embankment would not
interfere with commercial interests. At the present
moment the Government paid £30,000 per annum
for rentals of premises, between Whitehall and
Charing-cross, for different departments, and a large
sum was required to purchase sites for new law
courts, but if the public offices were erected on this
embankment, an increased accommodation would be
provided at the present expense, and effect a saving
to the country in respect to the erection of new law
courts of not less than £750,000. It would also re-
lieve the coal tax, which would be absorbed for 10
years to pay for the embankment, leaving that tax
available for other improvements. His plan would
advance the ground 150 feet in front of Somerset
House, giving the Government an opportunity of
enlarging the wings of that estalishment.
The Lord Mayor, having consulted his colleagues,
said it appeared that this plan hardly came within
the limits of their instructions, which were to pro-
vide with the greatest efficiency and economy for
the relief of the most crowded streets by the esta-
-blibliment or new two spacious thoroughfares, anct
for embanking and improving the river so as to
give an opportunity of making a low level sewer
without disturbing the Strand or Fleet-street, and
also to report on the means of carrying the same
into execution. If the plan did not come within
those requirements it would only be a waste of
valuable time to go further into it.
Mr. Newton said if that were the decision of the
commissioners he would at once withdraw.l
Mr. A. M. Rendel's plan was next considered,
which was a river wall, docks, and low level sewer.
He proposed an embankment from Westminster-
bridge to Blackfriars-bridge, with openings for
barges to enter. The line of road afterwards to
be continued to New Earl-street, He proposed to
make the river wall by large blocks of brickwork
brought to the place, and then set by lowering
stages by means of divers, in the same way as
adopted by the late Mr. Rendel in the works at
Portland harbour. The foundations of the wall
would be 32 feet below Trinity high-water mark.
The cost of the works would not exceed £650,000.
That would not include compensation, as he was not
aware what compensation could be required. His
opinion was that in a few years first-class ware-
houses would spring up along the line.
The Lord Mayor said the commissioners would
first receive all the plans, and then they would in-
vite the wharfingers and others interested to ask
their opinion as to the plan which they might con-
sider the best, or offer any suggestions upon it.
The commissioners adjourned at four o'clock.

G OF FORT SUMTER.

(From Punch.)

We have reason to believe that the following
were the actual telegrams which passed between
General Beauregard, Major Anderson, and L. P.
Walker, the Secessionist Secretary of War :

(No. 1.)
" To L. P. WALKER, SECRETARY OP WAR.

. ..
" An authorised messenger from President Lincoln has
just informed General Pickens and myself that several
hampers of canvass-back ducks, wild turkeys, corn cakes,
and materials fur brandy-smashes and cock-tails will be
sent to Fort Sumter, peaceably or otherwise.
"Charleston, April 8." "G. F. BEAUREGARD.
(No. 2.)
_. _

. ,
" GENERAL G. F. BEATIREGARD, CHARLESTON.
" Stop 'em I Keep what you like, and send the rest to
me. Give Major Anderson notice to quit. If that won't
do, put your man in possession.

"L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War.
Montgomery, April 10."

(No. 3.)
"L. P. WALKER, SECRETARY OP WAR.

" Luncheon is ordered at 12 o'clock.
"Charleston, April 10. "G. F. BEAUREGARD."

(No. 4.)
"L. P. WALKER, SECRETARY OF WAR.

"Demand sent at 12—Allowed till 6 o'clock for dinner.
"Charleston, April 11. "G. F. BEAUREGARD."
(No. 5.)
" GENERAL BEAUREGARD, CHARLESTON.
" Telegraph whet Major Anderson says to that.
" L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War.
" Montgomery, April 11."

(No. 6.)
" L. P. WALKER, SEORETARY OF WAR.
"Major Anderson replies :—' I have the honour to ac-
knowledge the receipt of your communication, demanding
me to evacuate this fort, and to dine before 6, without
waiting to receive supplies. I regret that my obligations
to my Government and my own digestive organs prevent
my compliance.' He adds, ' I will await the first shot, and
then drink your good health in a brandy-smash.'
"Charleston, April 11. "G. F. BEATJREGA.RD."
(No. 7.)
" GENERAL BEAUREGARD, CHARLESTON.

" Fire away (but don't hurt anybody), unless Major An•
derson will send you the latch-key of the fort..
" L. P. WALKER, Secretary of War."
(No. 8.)
" L. P. WALKER, SECRETARY OF WAR.

"Ho won't consent. He's not such a fool as you think.
"Charleston, Aprill2. " G. F. BEAUREGARD."
The bombardment then commenced, and after 40 hours'
gallant resistance, Major Anderson, having nothing but his
umbrella left to cover him, hoisted a flag of truce.
(No. 9 )

" MAJOR ANDERSON, GINGHAM UMBRELLA, FORT

SUMTER.

" I see your condition through my telescope. We have
intercepted your supplies. Give in, like a good fellow, and
bring your garrison to dinner, and beds afterwards. No-
body injured, I hope ? " G. F. BEAUREGARD."
(No. 10.)
" GENERAL BEAUREGARD, CHARLESTON.

" Major Anderson presents his compliments to General
G. F. Beauregard, and has much pleasure in accepting his
kind invitation to dinner and beds. As no one is hurt,
Major Anderson fears he shall put General G. F. Beaure-
gard to some inconvenience, the party being a large one.
" ANDERSON, Major."
And so ended the first (and we trust the last) engage•
ment of the American Civil War.

COUNTRY MARKETS.

LIVERPOOL-Arum 30.

There was only a small attendance of town and country
buyers at this morning's market, and we had but a limited
business doing in both wheat and flour at receding rates.
Barley, beaus, and peas were rather more plentiful, and
the turn lower. Oats and oatmeal in moderate request,
but without change in value. Indian corn neglected, and
difficult to move, although 6d per qr lower. -

LEEDS—Arum 30.: ----"a
Our market to-day was fairly attended by millers, but
the trade in wheat was of a limited character, at about last
week's rates, Beans rather dearer. Oats and other articles
unaltered.

SLEAFORD--APRIL 29.

The attendance was moderate to-day, with a very poor
supply of wheat. Trade slew, at the rates of the previous
week. White wheat ruled at 57s to 61s, red 50s to 55s
per qr. Barley in rather inactive demand, 30s to 36s ; oats
a ready demand, at former prices, 22s to 308; beans front
44s to 58s ; peas, —ste —5.