The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-05-01

Inc English are the largest consumers oil
American cotton; and that circumstance, by.
the-bye, will be for long time the chief OBJ
stacie to rupture between the two countries
Manchester and Liverpool on this side of the
Atlantic, New York and New Orleans on the
other, are powerful enough to prevent the rash
ness or the i'll humor of CHAMPION, Marcy
or Gushing, plunging the two nations into the
horrors of war. Nevertheless, nothing can be
positively said on that score, and, at later
period, circumstances may arise-circumstan-
ces, In line, OF nature to interrupt that com
mercial intercourse which causes the circula-
ton OF hundreds of millions of francs between
England and the United States.
Were Manchester able to procure cotton in
Algeria on the same conditions, with reference
to price and abundance of supply, as in Amer
lea, a great step would be made towards the
peace of the world and stable balance OF
power
The annexation of Dude is completed, and
the Times, which does not disdain to accuse us
OF our hhbustering propensities, and perhaps
Justly, says very coolly, in an article upon the
subject, We cannot giUe India freedom, but
we can give her progress and material pros
perity."
The Crlmean investigation proceeds at Chel-
sea, and Lord Lucan, who had charge Of the
cavalry, is on his trial. He bears the exami-
nation with bold grace; flies angrily without
cause; protests against the severe comments
Of the Times newspaper; and, in short, bids fair
to come out of the investigation with a soiled
reputation.
A statistical abstract for 1856 has Just been
published here, and quote few facts, which,
| think, will possess interest for your readers.
The raw cotton imported into the country du-
ring the last year amounts to $50, 1882
pounds. The expenditures of the Government
were E84,505,788. In 1853, they were only
about G5l 900, 900, showing a great increase
on account of the war. The taxes last year
were increased nearly FIVE millions, and the
National Debt to the sum of eighteen million
pounds.
The imports were 1853 and odd Millions
reduction of over eight millions. The loss of
bullion in the Bank, the increased exports and
diminished imports, show the country to be
poorer by over twelve millions of pounds than
it was in 1854.
The number of marriages was l49, 1876, or
near fourteen thousand less than in 1853. The
number of paupers in England and Wales is
877,767, or an increase of fifty thousand and
more in two years. Emigration has fallen off
nearly one hundred and fifty thousand-so that
England has not prospered during the war.
The news regarding the peace is not import
ant this week. The army of Austria, occupy
ing the Principalities, is to be Immediately
withdrawn. The Russian blockade is termina-
ted, and merchant vessels, from England and
France, are free to enter there. The Peace
Congress, it is said, is discussing the future
condition of the Principalities. Turkey claims
that the old treaties are abrogated, but the other
Powers will hardly consent to such doctrine.
A commission is to proceed TO the spot and
ascertain the wishes of the people. Sardinia
wishes the Congress to consider the Italian
question, fearing that Russia may revenge it.
self upon her hereafter, through Austria.
The Russian Imperial Peace Manifesto has
just made its appearance here, and excites some
severe criticism. 1t, Of course, charges the
commencement OF the war upon the Allies, and
makes the best use of its facts, hui it is lame
defence.
The two steamers sent out by the Govern
ment to search for the Pacific have returned,
without hearing anything of her, and the con-
victon that she is lost is growing fixed.
Truly yours, AMERICAN.