New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-12-25
fogTIFIcATIoN OF THE LAKES
NEWS FROM RICHMOND.
THE EFFECT OF THE BLOCKADE
specs Dispatch to The N. 7. Tribune.
WASHINGTON. Tuesday. Dec. -, 1901. "a

WASHINGTON, tuesday, Dec -, iDoi u
THE STEAMER TRENT AFFAIR.
Up to this evening no official consideration
of the British question has been bad between
Lord Lyons and Mr.. Seward. The interviews
between them have been of an informal and
familiar nature.
The rumors which have gathered thick and
strong within day or two of growing ILL
feeling between these gentlemen are wholly
without foundation. The relations have never
been more cordial and throughly friendly than
Il the present time. Indeed, if the sentiment
of the English residents here can be accepted
as the Indication of the present condition of
this affair, it may be considered as finally
tween the agents. But in diplomatic circles
other than the British the danger OF q war Is
felt 10 be imminent.
Many of the members of Congress who went
home this afternoon spoke apprehensively OF
the future.
The Cabinet meeting to consider the Trent
affair. which was called for to-day, was
adjourned.
The report of the death of Prince Albert
made deep political impression in the society
of the English about the British Legation.
The opinion was general that it would wholly
'chsnge the policy which has SO perversely
menaced us with war; that it would lead to a
resignation of the Ministry, and that the abdi-
cation of the Queen would not be an improba-
be consequence of an event which must greatly
aepress the health of lady whose hereditary
tendencies require especial exemption from sor-
rows and care.
The GAINESVILLE FIGHT.
Of army news, we have the report of spy
attached to McCall's Division, who counted
to-day in Dranesyile the graves of 100 rebels
killed in the fight there on last Friday. They
we're buried by the people of the village. The
body Of W. II. Margof, Company b, Bucktail
Regiment, shot through the heart. was re-
covered and is in charge Of his comrades.
FORTIFYING THE LAKES.
The Special House Committee on Lake and
River Defenses will report in favor of fOrtify-
ing some commanding points on the lakes, and
providing means for ariniDg the merchant yes-
sells in the lake trade, ard establishing an
arnaOry at Chicago.
THE sAULT ST. MARIE LOCKS.
The safety Of the great locks on the Sault
st. Marie Canal was assured this morning by
Mr.. Cameron. Their Importance to the Lake
Superior trade led him to order 300 troops to
be sent up Immediately from Detroit, fully
equipped and prepared for Winters guard
over these works.
The REBELS ON THE ENGLISH QUESTIONABLE
EFFECT OF THE BLOCKADE.
Recent Richmond papers received here are
fall of exultation at tie attitude of England,
and already see the blockade broken, of which
the pressure is evidently growing even heavier.
Coffee, sugar, and salt command exorbitant
prices, and are hardly to be procured at all in
Richmond or Petersburg. A bill to prevent
e1tOrtions 10 SALT by which Jef's Government
empowered TO seize it, paying an eighth the
price now advertised, has passed the Virginia Leg
sataIe after hot debate, revealing facts con-
corning the army's want of salt which are not
pabhshed. for fear Of giving said and comfort
70 the LiucOlnites." The railroad presidents
OF Virginia are striving TO have q rolling mill
established.
The State Militia law has been amended so
as 70 subject to draft only those between q
and 81 years old. The Rebel War Depart
ment refuses to accept officers designations,
except in cases Of physical disability. The
A'csm0nd Examiner scolds JEFF. Davis for
sending specie, for which he gives forty per
~n' advance, into Maryland in payment of
army supplies. 1t says that millions of dollars
lave gone in this way. The Ezamiaer also
ErunDlesr at the withdrawal of Floyd from
western Virginia, and expresses apprehension
s'a' 10 the deienseless condition Of that section
communication with Tennessee may be cut off,
HAWKING MUsKET CONTRACTS.
"eil-authcnticated cases Of the hawking about
fm New-YOrk Of contracts to manufacture
na'ke's' obtained from the Government under
presentations and assurances that ought not to
.''o oeen made, have Jed to the adoption Of
'4's "aich will be risidly applied to cancel every