The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1861-12-27
FOREIGN NEWS
Halifax. Dec. %.

35i troops for Halifax. The steamship
AustralaSian which left Liverpool with
l,265 troops, field battery, large guam
tittes OF ammunition, stores, sledges, 6c.,
FOR North America also arrived at Halifax
this morning.
The West Indian mail has taken to
England news of the escape of the Sum
ter from Martinique, also that on the 9th
OF November, the Sumter captured the
American ship Montmorenci, from New
port, England with coal for the ST. Law
renee, but released her On receipt of a
bond by the Captain, promising to pay
SIS, 300 three months atterpeace has been
proclaimed.
The British war vessel, Cadmus, has
arrived off st fh5mas, to protect vessels
against another Trent affair.
The attitude Of and preparations by
England show no change.
The London Times editorially reports
the following story: During the visit of
the Prince of Waesto America Mr.. Sew
ard took advantage of an entertainment
to the Prince. to tell the Duke oil New
castle he was likely TO occupy high Of
fec, that when tie did SO it would become
his duty to insult England aud he should
insult her Accordingly the Times ac-
cumulates evidence Of long cherished
intention on the part of Mr.. Seward to do
England an injury. tn another header On
international affairs the Times advises the
Federal Government to make peace in
time before 1t is committed to triple
war, viz: With the Cnnfederates, the
British, aud its own Abolitionists. A
telegram from Brussels, Of the 18th, to
the Times, says there is /. runor in d.
plonatic circles that mediation in the
American conflict will be offered by King
Leopold.
The morning Post say S there is no truth
IN the runner that Gen. Scott s sudden re-
turn home was the theme OF much specu-
latlon. 1t was generally reported that he
had some sort of mission from the French
government 10 tie Washington Cabinet.
The Herald Paris correspondent saws he
had long interview with NJ I'houvenel
before his departure The general Inn
preston in financial circles was, that Gen.
Scott carried out momentous communi-
cation from the French government.
1t is estimated that about / 200 troops
are TO be sent to Canada TO be ready 10
take the field Immediately on landing-
The British government continued 10
charter all available steamers Two bat
taions of the British Guards were ex-
pected TO sail on the 18th instant, in the
steamers Adriatic and Parana, under COM
nand of Lord i. Paulet. Orders have
been issued for the hasty Manufacture Of
1000 pack saddles, and proportionate
number OF ambulances, wagons and ears
for dispatch to Canada
The united prayer meeting at Exeter
Hall took place on the 18th inst. rs an
nounced Rev. Baptist NOEL and other
ministers participated in the proceedings
aud feryent prayers were offered up for
peace. Lord Shaltesbury declined to at
tend the meeting, stating ia his reply to
an invitation that il wouid be- interpreted
BY the bulk of the press aud by 1Ame RIGA
as cloaked rebuke of the British Gov
eminent and favor the opinion that the
country vas not united on this serious
question. lie commented the purpose
.Qi the meeting but thought it would be
better carried into effect by private and
congregational means, Al meeting of
the Congregational Board, resolutions
were adopted deprecatinn hustiiities and
calling Tor arbitration If diplomacy faiis
70 secure peace.
Il was asserted that Prince Napoleon
c0Alinled to argue against The recogni-
tiQn Of the Southern States, and tina. he
was instrumental Ia causing Gen. Scott
to 90 TO Washington.
The Paris correspondent of the Post
asserts that peaceful anticlpations prevail
ed amongthe Americans IN Paris. aud SAYS
that Minister Dayton and Consul Bigelow
used all their influence, combined with
that of Gen, Scott, to inspire eeneiiiatory
councils at Washington. He asserts that
the French Government desires peace be-
tween Englrnd and America The same
writer iIiso IN reference to Gen. SCOTS re-
turn, says il is moi impossible that France,
If asked, may become the mediator. and
at the same time the laws of neutrals may
be revised, provided England, according
to the wishes of other European Govern
mehts agrees to u modification of the ex-
listing code.
The Paris correspondent Of the London
Globe, says M. Thouyenals dispatch to
Mr.. MERCER at Washington, is known to
have confined the Federal executive to
the simple dilemma are the southerners
belligerents OF rebels They have been
fatty refused any rights in the first ca
paelty, and in the second the right of asy-
lum acquired by political refugees has
been set at nausht, and France must make
the ease Of the Trent substantially her
own. The Paris Press says Gen. SCOTS
mission appears to have been arranged 50