EUROPE AND AMERICA.

Press, Volume V, Issue 588, 17 September 1864, Page 3

EUROPE AND AMERICA.

[FBOM OtJK OWS CORBESPOXDEXT.] The last mail will have brought you news to June 26th. You will hare received full accounts of the " great navalduel" (aathe papers delight in calling the engagement between the Keareage and the Alabama), and of the last sitting of the Dano-German Conference, which broke up without bringing about any result on the 20th. As soon as this failure of the Conference to effect its object was known, it became certain that the Opposition would use all their strength to overthrow the Government. Eager was the expectation with which all looked forward to the Ministerial explanations which were to accompany the laying of the papers before the House. On the Monday morning, the 27th, the Times announced that the Government had decided, owing to the refusal of France and Russia to take part in a war, to abstain from interference single-handed. Singularly enough, the Morning Post, of the same day, which, as you are aware, ie generally supposed to be Lord special organ, and to derive its inspiration from him, contained a fire-breathing article announcing war a* inevitable. The Times proved the truer prophet. On the same evening both Houses of Parliament were informed that the Government had decided to adhere to a policy of peace. To a crowded house Lord Palmerston recapitulated the history of Danish affairs from the Treaty of 1852 to the close of the Conference. This masterly resume of the case would have been a nearly perfect display of Parliamentary oratory, had it not been for the concluding remark* of his speech —remarks in which he once more gave expression to another series of those empty threats which he knew would be the point against which the fierceat attacks of the Opposition would be directed. Hβ concluded by saying, " I think it right to put in this reservation—that if the war should assumeadifferent character: if the existence of Denmark as an independent power in Europe should be at •take—if we had reason to expect to see at Copenhagen the horrow of a to*n taken by assault-the destruction of property—the sacrifice of the li eS not only of its defenders, but of its principal inhabitants—

the confiscations which would ensue—the capture of the Sovereign as a prisoner of war, and other humiliations of that kind. I do not mean to say that if any of those events were likely to happen the position of this country might not be the subject for reconsideration." Che general feeling was that this flourish was entirely unnecessary. Does it not seem as if Lord Palmerston was (in the words of the Saturday Secieic) fully prepared to stake the existence of his Ministry upoa the right he claimed for it to utter impotent menaces ? ft was a great mistake, and though it was of course understood that there would be no debate then, Mr. Disraeli instantly rose to throw out the challenge (a challenge Lord Palmerston was by no means loth to accept,) to take advantage of the effect produced on j his adherents by the Premier's words. Mr. Disraeli said he could only regard them as " a continuation of those senseless and spiritless menaces which have impaired the just influence of this country in the councils of Europe, and by impairing that influence, have diminished the most effectual means of maintaining peace." He then informed the House that he should, on the following night, give notice of the motion he meant to bring forward. In the Lords, Earl Russell made a similar statement to that of the Premier, to which Lord Derby replied in a few words. The next day was employed by the Conservatives in holding a great review of their forces at the Marquis of Salisbury's, where Mr. Disraeli informed his supporters what were to be the words of his motion. This was rather a difficult question. The Conservatives dared not pledge themselves to a motion that would require them, in case they obtained power, to go to w<\r, and so they were obliged merely to blame the policy of the present Government in that " they had diminished the influence of England in Europe, and so lessened the securities for peace." To this motion of Mr. Disraeli two amendments were proposed—the first by Mr. Newdigate, advocating a war policy; the second by Mr. Kinglake, " to express the satisfaction felt that at this conjuncture her Majesty has been advised to abstain from armed interference in the war now going on between Denmark and the German powers." It has been said that both members were requested to withdraw their amendments, especially Mr. lu'nglake, in order that the Government might be able to pass a decided negative to the motion of Mr. Disraeli. This j may, or may not be the case; but as Mr. Kinglake refused to withdraw his amendment, the Government were compelled to do battle on the ground that lie had chosen for them. The ensuing week was an extremely busy one for the -whips, though it was generally thought that the Government would obtain a majority, yet from the expected closeness of the division, immense interest was felt in the coming debate. Such a scene has hardly ever been witnessed in the House of Commons as took place on Monday evening, July 4. From an early hour crowds had assembled in Westminster Hall, and every approach to the House was crammed by many in the vain expectation of obtaining places to hear the debate. About 5 o'clock Mr. Disraeli drove up, and was greeted with immense cheering from the crowd, but his exception was eclipsed by that of the Premier, who received quite an ovation from the same crowd. Mr. Gladstone, on the contrary, passed almost entirely unnoticed. You will not expect from mc a summary of the opflUflliQi tJiatuffliQ lkonod to low ofjftooajlial -ni Fμ*- >•♦♦•- ■]•-" ♦ r ~- £ ]>--V •> debate ; tHafc -will be tear better clone tHan. I can clo it in the London press; suffice it to remark that the most striking point in the whole discussion -was the unanimity of the Opposition and the Independent Liberals, as regards the foreign policy of Lord 3?almerston's Gorcrnment. All agreed in condemning it, but here their unanimity came td an end, lor while the Conservatives thought that they could carry on our foreign policy better, tbe independent members refused to beliore that any good would be gained by the change of Earl Eussell for Lord Malmesbury or Mr. Disraeli. By the way, these independent members made by far the most striking speeches in the course of the debate. I doubt if there was anything to be compared to the sarcasm of Mr. Cobden, th c bitter railing of Mr. Horsman, or the brilliant sallies 1 of Mr. Osborne. I Of course the success of the various speeches has been very much canvassed, but it seems to be allowed on all sides that the opening attack of Mr. Disraeli was not one of his happiest efforts. It was too carefully prepared for him, and consequently was rather heavy and ineffective. His concluding speech was more like himself. Getting on his legs the instant Lord Palmcrstota had done speaking —the opportunity he loves so well —he made a lively, telling reply, in bringing to a conclusion a debate that had certainly on the last night worn itself rather threadbare. The Chancellor of the Exchequer's reply to Disraeli's opening speech was a great success. The personal rivalry that exists between these two great debaters carried him on (even too £*r, as ha afterwards gracefully and honorably acknoivleJgji), anc: it cannot be doubted that his masterly peroration hud far more effect than any wjrds of the Conservative leader. The division gave a majority for the Government of 18. This was not more than at the beginning of the week had been expected, but during the debate it appeared that the Irish Roman Catholic Liberals were going to desert the Government, so that the numbers on that aide were somewhat larger than had been looked for. The division has been analized thus: — Members of the House of Commons, GSC. L. C- Total Voted for Government 310 ... 5 — 315 Voted against Government 18 ... 271) — 297 Absent 0... 15- 24 Pairs 9 ... 9— IS Speaker, 1; vacant, 1 —... 2 656 The 18 Liberals who voted against Government are all Irish members, and with one exception, Roman Catholics. On the whole the country is satisfied with the result of thU debate. It wa3 felt that no greater strength could be gained for England in the Councils of Europe by a change of Ministry, and on all points, except their foreign policy, the present administration may fairly challenge comparison with their would-be successors. In the Lords an interesting discussion on the same question, which was, however, robbed of the brilliant oratory of Lords Derby and Ellenborougb, resulted in a majority against Government of 9; though of

Lords present there was a majority in their favor of 4; the numbers being 123 to 119, but the proxies were for Government 45. Total, 168 ; against, 5S [ Total, 177. So much for the debates in the Houses of Parliament. The fueling of the country and of botf Houses seems to be that England would have held h prouder position if the policy of the Governmen' had been more clearly defined throughout, and les-> dependent on the concurrence of France and Russia It is tolerably clear, despite the protests and pleadings of Mr. Gladstone and Mr. Layard, that a< soon as this country saw that France and Russia did not mean to actively assist Denmark a change of tone was visible in all Earl Russell's despatches ; but there would have been no need for thi:if the English Government had plainly intimated to the Danes from the beginning that, unless with the concurrence of France and Russia, they must expect no help from us. That the Danes are disappointed there can be no doubt: and it is equally certain that we could have done her little good had we taken an active part in her defence. We might have attacked Austria's southern ports, but we should have suffered frightfully ourselves, and the few thousand men we could have thrown into Jutland would have beeD little use in keeping at bay the hundred thousands of Austria and Prussia. Since the armistice expired, the Germans have taken possession of the whole of Jutland, but have taken no steps to attack the Islands. They have treated the inhabitants with severity and rigor, bu* have not used actual cruelty. The change of ministrj in Denmark is the first step towards peace. The newadministration of the moderate conservative party is very much opposed to the war party who have just vacated office. Negotiations have already commenced. Prince John, the brother of the King of Denmark, has paid a visit to Carlsbad, where the King of Prussia now is, taking Berlin on his way. An armistice to the end of this month has been agreed to, and by that time it is to be hoped that the conditions of peace will have been settled by direct negotiations between the belligerents. The plenipotentiaries will meet at Vienna. From America we have the usual fluctuating accounts, —one day a great victory, the next, a repuhe. During the earlier part of the month the Federals appear to have had the advantage. Hunter won a decided victory at Staunton on the sth of June, taking 1500 prisoners, 3000 stand of arms, and three pieces of artillery. This is only 100 miles from Richmond, to the south of which town Grant led his forces after the repulse of his attempted passage of the Chickauominy, on June 3rd. The Confederates were also defeated by General Forrest at Guntown, Tennessee, with considerable loss. Since thifj the tide of war has again turned. Grant failed in his attack on Petersburg. By a rapid march he came before the town and carried the formidable field works which were then the chief line of defence. General Hancock, however, did not arrive to support him till a day later than expected, and this gave Beauregard time to get up to defend the place. He constructed a temporary line of works, which Grant carried in two days by storm, only to discover a most formidable inner line which had meanwhile been thrown up. From this the Federals were repulsed with frightful lose. Since this failure Grant has not taken any active steps. He still holds his position before Petersburg> oJ.T3aost; -*vxtliaxx signc or Jbcxcrixnoxa.cL, JLteo watcLmg •1 J 0 I X <] XXX ' •> o< .1 • • •• < the defensive. In the West the South has held its own. Sherman Las been defeated with considerable loffl, though not sufficient to (litre liim fcacK. The latest intelligence brings us news still more favorable to tlie Confederate arms. They bad made a formidatile, and so fiir euccessful, invasion, of "Maryland. Their force is said to consist of 30,000 men, under the command of General Ewell, They defeated the Federals under General Sigel, at arartinstmrg, and drove him back to Harper's Ferry- Sigel then crossoj the Potomac, and was doselj followed by the Con. federates. Here the two armies have taken up positions. Sigel lias been removed from his command, and Hunter will succeed to his place. The greatest panic, it is said, is felt in New York, and serious apprehensions are eutertained for the safety of Washington and Baltimore. But in spite of the interest felt in the war, nothing has startled .America and this country go much as Mr. Chase's resignation on June 30, of his office as Secretary of the Treasury. This s'ep is probably due to the absence of friendly feeling between Mr. Lincoln and himself, and not to n wish to avoid charges brought against him by General Blair. His friends indeed assert that he would have sent in his resignation long ago, had it not been for these charges, which he felt it his duty to meet, lest liis withdrawal from office should be niiscontrued. His place was offered to Governor Tod, an intimate friend of the President. New Yorkwasdumbfounded,but almost immediately relieved by hearing that he had refused tlifi offer. Gold had risen from 250 to 280. As soon however, as the nomination of Sir. Tessenden to the vacaut office, and its confirmation by the Senate became known, gold again began to decline. Tiiis gentleman, we are told, enjoys the confidence of Congress and is much respected by tha leading financiers of New York. Whether he will be able to make any head agamst the difficulties of his position is another question, which we must leave to time to answer. After the great debate on the Vote of Censure, nothing has excited the mind of the public so much as a most frightful murder oommitted on Saturday evening, July 10th, on the North London Railway. Oα a train aniviug at Hackney Station, about a quarter-past ten, a gentleman opened a first-class carriage, and put his hand in a pool of blood. An alarm was instantly given, and a search made. Near Tictoria Park Station was found the body of the unfortunate man frightfully mutilated, but not dead. It proved to ba a gentleman of the name of Briggs, the chief cashier in a bank in the city, who was returning after dinner to his home at Hackney. I Though the unfortunate man lived for twenty-four hours, he never spoke again with sufficient distinctness to give any clue to his murderer or murderers. His watch and chain were gone, but hu money, eye-glass, and bank-book were found in the carriage. It is supposed that the murderer attempted to rob hie victim while asleep, that a struggle ensued, which ended in the unfortunate man being thrown ont on the rails. - The most astounding feature of the casa was the fief that the deed musthare bean committed in the incredibly short time of five minutes, the time tlrifc cUpses between the de. parture of the train from Bow and itearriralat Victoria

Park. How the murderer escaped, too, is another extraordinary thing. How he managed, blood-stained as he must have been after the frightful struggle that evidently took place, to pass unnoticed is a puzzle to everybody. But iv his hurry he left an important clue behind him. He by accident changed hats with the murdered man, leaving his own in the railway carriage. In Epite of this clue, and the fact that Mr. Brigg's chain was changed at a jeweller's shop, the police were completely at fault, and the merest chance has, ten days after the murder, put them on the track of the murderer. A little girl showed her father, a cabman, a pasteboard box given her by a man named Mueller. On this box the cabman saw the name of the jeweller where the chain had been changed. It was a foreigner who had changed the chain ; it was a foreigner who had given the child the box. A photograph is produced ; the jeweller recognises the man. The police produce the hat; the cabman remembers buying it for this same Mueller. Minor evidence is at hand to complete the chain. It is discovered that the man left in a sailing ship four days before for America. A steamship follows, which will probably arrive four days before the sailing ship at New York. By the next mail I hope to tell you that the murderer has been apprehended and brought back to England in custody. During tlio past fortnight the great annual carnival of tho Volunteers has been held at Wimbledon, and has been a great success, partly owing to the glorious weather. The average shooting has been hardly equal to that of last year, but this may bo in some measure accounted for by the extreme hoat and the glare of the sun, which caused distance to prove very deceptive, even to the most experienced marksmen. The Queen's prize was won by a mm called Wyatfc, a member of the City of London Rifles. Amongst the most interesting contests I may mention that between the Lords and Commons, which was won hy the former ; the defeat of England for the first time by Scotland ; and for the benefit of Public School men in New Zealand, I may add that Harrow won the school competition; 2nd, Cheltenham ; 3rd, Rugby; 4th, Eton; sth, Winchester; 6th, Marlborough.