The Sun. — 1863-02-03 (London, England)

BUTLER. It were well that some of the Northern Generals would learn moderation from Captain Semmes of the Alabama, and contrast his conduct to the troops and marines on board the Ariel, and the crews of other captured vessels, with that of General M'NEIL and murderers of his class, who not only committed crime themselves but drove their opponents to a like course in self-defence. We acquit neither party of the guilt, for it does not follow that because one side does wrong that the other side should fellow suit, but the temptation is nevertheless great. Yet, notwithstanding the vindictive declaration of the Government at Washington, that he should be hanged as a pirate when caught, Captain SEMMES has maintained the even tenor of his way, taking all that he can, but not acting with unnecessary harshness. In fact, what Stonewall JACKSON is on land, SEMMES is upon the sea—equally daring and equally considerate to prisoners. But what of all this. The navy of the North cannot catch him, or perhaps do not care to do so, for every capture that the Alabama makes, properly managed, augments the hatred of the Northern rabble against England. It is better that the Tuscarora should be lying off Gibraltar watching the Sumter, now the property of some private English firm, for the sake of giving annoyance to the authorities of that place, than run the risk of meeting the Alabama, and thus ruin the chance the Americans have of making peace with those whom they cannot conquer under pretext of a war with England. Such a war might perhaps be of service. Six months would probably see New York in our hands and Portland a permanent British port, and the State of Maine, which was obtained from England by fraud, restored to British rule, Thus the arrogance of the Yankees would receive a check, and communication with Canada would be open to our shipping all the year round. But this will not once show nobodyearnest, him. be. JONATHAN, with all his bounce, has common sense to back him. He will talk big and bluster so n elong a s that she answers is in " No offence meant uatndlettheey Englandr ois, ; I beg your pardon." The Trent affair is evidence enough of this fact. If America hates England, she likewise respects her, and will take very good care not to come to blows.  were taken prisoners. Accounts from the south-west report skirmishing in the vicinity of Port Hudson. Part of the Federal fleet is anchored three miles below the town. One of the Federal gunboats had been disabled by a Confederate battery. The Howe of Representatives has rejected all that portion of Mr. Chase's financial project which relates to the taxation of the banks and a uniform currency.  The trial of Gen. Fitz John Porter has, contrary to the general expectation, resulted in the conviction of that officer of shameful disobedience of the orders of Gen. Pope. The Court has sentenced Gen. Porter to be dismissed the service, and the President has approved the finding. General Hitchcock has publicly accused General M'Clellan of disobedience of the President's orders, and it is supposed to be the intention to try General M'Clellan by court-martial. Governor Seydour has declined to act upon the suggestion of the Senate to call out the militia in the difficulties existing at Albany on the question of the Speakership, asserting that it would be improper for him to interfere with the proceedings of any co-ordinate branch of the Government unless requested so to do by its members. No Speaker has yet been elected. Gold, 148, Middling uplands cotton, 16k.