The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1861-12-20
ENGLAND THREATENS WAR.
Mason and SIidell Demanded.
GREAT EXCITEMENT IN ENGLAND AND FRANCl

and has sent special courier on tne EUROPA,
which arrived at Halifax on Saturday, with
to Lord Lyons, the British min
lister at Washington, to demand the return
Of Mason and Slidell to the British authori-
ties, and in case of refusal to demand his
and return home.
The following dispatches in relation to this
important matter are brought by the Europa,
which left Liverpool on the lst instant, and
the City Of Washington, which brought news
to the 9TH.
Under the influence of the Persa's advices
from this side, the British cabinet modified
its instructions to Lord Lyons-to what ex-
tent does not appear-and the Europa was
detained twelve hours at Queenstown, to re-
ceive these latest Instructions. At Liverpool
on the lst, American matters were eagerly
discussed, and the general deduction was that
there was less cause to fear rupture between
the two countries.
The London Observer, ministerial journal,
asserts that the demand for an apology from
from the federal government, insists also up
on the restitution to the protection of the
British flag of those who were violently and
illegally torn from that sacred asylum. The
Observer says there is no reason why Mason
and Slidel should not be restored to the
quarter deck of the British admiral, before
New Years, at " ashington, in face of twelve
British men OF. war. Nearly ali the London
weekly papers treat the question Of the San
Jacinto in the same energetic spirit as the
daily papers.
The London Times says Of the promptitude
Of the British cabinet in this matter: On
Friday the cabinet directed Lord Russell to
prepare his dispatches for Lord Lyons. On
Saturday, the ministers met again to revise
and finally settle its terms, and it was sent
off the same evening. The Times understood
that this communication, though couched in
the tirmest language, presumes that the fede-
raj government will not refuse to make hon
orab!e PREPARATION for an illegal act. The
Times has but small hope for such dsavowal
as, at the date of the last American dispatch
the act of the captain of the San Jacinto had
been accepted by the northern public. The
New York journals were urging his promo
ton. That naval officer had the spirit to
board British vessel and carry off rebels is
enough to ensure storm Of popularity. BY
the time Earl RusseIl's dispatches arrive in
America the multitude may have already de-
clared to the government the treatment which
Capt Wilkes is to receive. 1t becomes US TO be
prepared for an unfortunate issue in Canada
in case of war with the northern states
The Times adverts to Mr. Stewards recent
instructions 70 the people nea: the Canadian
frontier. the only inference from which was
that he was about to force quarrel with
England The Times says the wi>est cours,
for Canada will be to prepare let her at once
discipline her militia and emulate the mother
country by improvisiny volunteer army
Montreal only wants stout hearts and jealous
hands to be safe until the sprin. returns, wher
we can make it secure. Canada should no
rely too much on US and too little upon her
self.
As to the state Of naval preparations A
Portsmouth. the Times says. the three class
Is of reserve comprise : line of battle ships
& trigattS. corvttteS and L. >loopS. mount
ing a grand total OF 1861 guns, the steam
cunboats attached not included. which are ,
IN number with f. guns. This. however
'ttt NV S.''''d anu MOI III SIT.
laid up. The list is confined entirely 10 et
tectve vessels at present or that could b
rendered With very little delay The ship
in commission for service at Portsmouth
mount 3i2 gus The total number of gun
in the ships enumerated is 42J, while A,mi,
at Mines fleet in The North american static
amounts to 81 guns.
VARIOUS AND CONFLICTING STATEMENTS.
The London Morning Star declares III
statement Of instructions having been sent I
Lord Lyons to obtain the restitution of III
confederate commissioners. or TO take hi
leave of Washington. was premature and 5
exaggerated as to be virtually untrue
An extra of tn" Liverpool Courier sa,
I'VE have been informed that private tcl,
gram has been received in this town tn
morning, stating that the Warrior is for,E
with to proceed to Annapolis with the BIRTHS
cabinetS ultimat lm-the delivery of prison
ers and full rep ml,iou.
The London Morning Post saws: at III
been decided by the law officers of the crow
that the action of Capt Wilkes. OF the Sa
Jacinto, was unjdsttilbIe. lie had no rsi
10 arrest peaceful passengers. sailing und,
the British iiag, and the deed he has con
mtted amounts to fragrant violation OF II
code of nations and a direct insult to tn
country. UnGer these circumstances we nee
T hardly point out that the government wi
lose 20 time in seeking for prompt and con
pletc reparation, which it is its duty to r
quire In this case it will assuretly rece:,
the unanimous appreciation of public opinio
We are unwilling to place the worst constru
:ion on the outrage committed BY Capita
Wilkes, and to look on it as an intentions
aiIront on the part Of the government Of tt
, United States. We hope that governmt,
will at once disapprove the act of their Off
, er, make suitable apologies, and restore Il
persons of the gentlemen arrested, and
f fact make every compensation in their 20,
er. Wild as are the words written and sp
: ken by Seward. and reckless as America
: policy not untreqcntly is, we can hardly su
: pose that the northern states are serious
t disposed to accept war with England. "
: have III Am 'rican waters, including the Me
! lean expedition and ships already there, for
S amounting to rot far short of thousar
: guns, which We could largely increase wi
; the greatest ease and rapidity. In one mon
|, we could sweep all the San Jacntos from t
J. seas, blockade the northern ports, and tn
a TO speedy issue the tide Of war now ragin
n This is so obvious that we find it almost i,
s possible to suppose that the cabinet at Was
: ington can commit an act SO mady saicid
S as to reject our earnest and positive q
= mands."
n The London Times says: "The depositio
?, of the officers of the Trent have been subm
o ted to the law officers of the crown, and tn,
It opinion has been given, that the proceedin
J. of the American frigate are not justitiable
the law of nations. 1t is, We understand, t