The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1863-07-21
BY TELEGRAPH
TOTHE
Portland Daily Press.
FOUR DAYS
LATER FROM EUROPE.
Arrival of the Steamship Africa.

HALIFAX, July 20.
The Steamship Africa, from Liverpool 18th,
via Queenstown 18th, has arrived.
London journals criticise the Scotia's news.
The Times says we may expect in week to
hear that Prest. Davis is at Washington, and
in review Of the present military situation
finds grounds for conclusion, and says all have
some regard for the loss Of Washington as a
great and critical contingency, which is al
most decision of the war itself, compelling
overtures of peace from its unsuccessful de-
tenders.
The Post remarks that Gen. Hooker finding
himself out generated, endeavars to pass the
odium on another, condemns the army of the
Potomac for its inactivity, while the invaders
were pouring continuous streams into the land
which patriotism, if not military duty, ought
to have melted it to defend.
The Army and Navy Gazette says, the bold
ness and determination of the Confederates
surprise us. They mustrextort praise from
every soldier. 1t is scarcely possible to exag-
gerate the audacity of Lees enterprise, nor TO
conceive of anything more contemplate than
the resistance encountered in its execution.
While Philadelphia trembles Baltimore is hope
full. 1t would seem as Is the Confederate
leader did not care much for either, satisfied
that he can occupy one and liberate the other
when his great blow shall have been success
fully struck. But failure will be ruin. Failure
in what? 1t is nothing more nor less than an
attempt TO dictate terms of peace from the
Capital Of the United States.
The same journal says, in view OF the posi-
bity of JEFF. Davis overthrowing Lincoln,
should another government address us from
the City of Washington, it may be difficult,
indeed impossible to refuse to acknowledge it.
On the 10th Sir j. Furgerson urged that,
considering the change which had recently
taken place in the character of the American
war, it would be impossible to resume any dis
cussion upon the subject.
Lord Palmerston requested Mr.. Roebuck to
drop further discussion, as it was not dcsira-
Bile TO resume it, or TO bind the government to
pledge themselves as to future action.
Mr.. Roebuck postponed his answer to the
18th, but thought a better answer than his
would be heard before that day.
The Daily News, referring to the question
Of postponing Mr.. Roebuck's mutton, attacks
Lord Palmerston, who, In supporting the post
ponement, manages 10 convey to the House
the impression that he too was anxiously ex-
pecting news from Washington, which might
affect the action of the British government.
The Herald says 1t would be misfortune
II the votes of the House of Commons should
make it appear hostile 10 the Independence Of
the Southern Confederacy, when the Confed-
crate army was at the gates of Washington,
Philadelphia and Baltimore.
Dronyn de L'Huys asked Dayton whether
an offer of mediation would be well received
at Washington. Mr.. Dayton gave negative
answer.
st. Petersburg letters assert that the gov
eminent will be very pacific, and viii make
some reserves relative to the time and place
of conference.
Encounters In Poland continue to be daily
reported. At two of them near kouin. the
Russians were driven to Russian territory,
and were reconducted to the frontier with
military honor by the Prussian authorities.
Order has been restored at Athens. The
Bank is saved. The Garrison has been sent
to the Provinces.