The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-09-12
News by the Arago and 3he Afrlca.

The royal mail steamship Africa, with one
weeks later dates from Europe, arrived yester
day at Halifax. She brings no important in
telligence from the seat Of war, and as that is
the absorbing point Of political news, this
arrival may be said to be entirely barren of
interest. Our mails by the Arago are from
London to the 10th ult. The English press is
almost wholly occupied with the Queens late
visit to Paris. There is nothing decisive from
Sebastopol. Gen. Simpsons despatch Of the
l4th August intimates conviction that the
Russians are preparing vigorous effort to
raise the siege by an attack from without. 1t
is also stated that the Allies have placed be-
fore Sebastopol one hundred and fifty addi-
tional mortars, and that the Russians have
made large additions to the garrison.
There is something remarkable, and almost
alarming in the very stiffness Of the scene where
so much preparation has been made on either
side for fearful and deadly struggle. 1t is
manifest that all estimates Of the result of that
struggle are Of necessity visionary and unre-
liable. 1t is not possible, indeed to penetrate
the works Of either party SO as to form a ra-
tonal estimate of their comparative strength.
That they have employed the greatest skill and
energy to strengthen their respective positions
is certain; and it is not unlikely, sustained as
they are on either side by the whole power of
the combatants, and fortified by unconquerable
resolution and fortitude, the siege may be pro-
longed still for many months. If determined
courage and high and chiyalrous deeds could
t.lx. Oal. - . Il c,n
en- into the hands of the Allies. But they
arc met by equal bravery, skill and energy,
and it is not impossible that they are so equal
ly balanced as to compel drawn battle at
last
The Queens visit to Paris has, in orr judg-
ment, remarkable significance. Her Majesty
is the guest of the nephew Of the great Empe-
ror. Her visit to the tomb of Napoleon, the
thorough and cordial reception by the French
peoplc-the social and friendly cast of the
whole proceeding-indicates something more
than mere state exchange of ceremonials. 1t
is noteworthy political episode; it evinces the
union of France and England upon the basis
Of mutual beneits-upon the policy incaatious-
ly avowed by Lord Clarendon more than six
teen months ago. 1t is union effected ante
rior TO the present war. Its first fruit ripencd
in the United states, where il was intended first
TO execute its great controlling policy. The
late visit of the French Emperor to London
ard the present visit Of the Queen at Paris are
Of course nothing more than expressions con.
yeying, in the most unequivocal manner, the
cordial and friendly character of the two Cabi-
nets The policy cyinced by the two great
Powers towards the States of Western Europe,
the rapid and certain decay of the Spanish
monarchy, and the peculiar and amcable rela-
tons suhsisting between the government of
Gspartcro and the Emperor Napoleon indicate
something more than a mere accidental con-
currencc Of opinion. They look to the over
throw Of the existing msrule in Spain and
the final absorption of that country. either in
the Empire or rs distinct dependence.
It is impossible that the government of
either France or England can be Indifferent to
the condition Of the Spanish people and the
weakness and imbcciity Of their present dy-
nasty. There Is not sign which does not in
dictate the fall Of that monarchy, and it is equal
~ apparent that the French Emperor has de-
tcrmined that q republic shall not rise upon its
rims In this he is right seeing the necessities
ofhis position. The only qucstionlelt i how the
matter shall be disposed Of. Ii Is an easy task
10 interpret the wishes OF the Emperor, and /,
j not clear how those wishes can be checked
On cvsded. The present alliance with England
viii intcrpo7c no obstacle, certainly.
rho markets ovbibit M important feature
Corn i tribe lower. As our great crops ac-
cumuIaic and no corresponding demand Is
made Tor orr immense surplus, We shall wit
mesa reasonable decline in bread produce, aud
Inc general revival with i Of every branch Of
domestic Industry
!.