THE NEWS BY THE 'HIMALAYA,'

New Zealand Herald, Issue 4, 21 November 1863, Page 4

THE NEWS BY THE 'HIMALAYA,'

So far as regards tlie- rcceipt of nev.-3pa.per3 and general intelligence we hare this month had the ad*vantage of a fortnightly instead of a monthly niaik The ' Himalaya' steam transport ship, which arrived 011 Monday last, with troops en route for the New Zealand war, placcd ua ill possession of fifteen days later intelligence from Europe, and news from America to the 28tli August. The latterliad to some extent been anticipated by the information received via California j which, iu this instance, appears to have been correct, as all the principal items have been confirmed. The affairs of the South, according to our latest dates, were in a desperate condition. The Federals were progressing with tho scige of Charleston, and there appeared little doubt tlwt the city would cither be surrendered, or would, like Fort Sumter, be reduced to a heap of ruins. The bombardment of Charleston is described as being terrific, and some new projectiles were being used, but which Beauregard describes as being the " most destructive missies ever used in modem warfare." General Gilmore was also pouring " torrents of Greek fire" upon the devoted city. This conduct has been generally eondemned, as ail civilised nations have refrained from the use of an agent so tremendously destructive. The main reliance of the Confederates was upon (lie army under Lee. Every endeavour was being made to reinforce it, and it was supposed that that General would very shortly assume the offensive. Whatever may be the ultimate issue of the struggle, it appears almost beyond iv doubt that the days of slavery as an

American institution are numbered, and fast hastening to a close. As a dernier ressort, Jefferson Davis has resolved to call out and arm a force of 500,000 negroes, who are promised their liberty and a gift of fifty acres of land each at. the close of the war. It is impossible to forsee what inlluencc this step will lulvc upon the prospects of the two parties, and opinions the most opposite are hazarded as to the result. By some it is contended that as soon as the negroes are armed they will desert en masse to the Federals, thereby deciding the war at a single blow. On the other hand it is argued that the slaves have 110 friendly feeling towards the North, since it is well known that the emancipated blacks in the Northern States are generally regarded with suspicion and dislike ; and, that, consequently, with the prospect of liberty and a home before them, they will fight to the last on the side of their owners. Should this be the ease, therd is no question but that the difficulties of the Federals will be immensely increased, even if the further prosecution of tho war be not rendered altogether hopeless. Rumours were very prevalent that the Southern Slates would not only bo recognised by the Emperor of tho French as a belligerent power, but. that 110 would also afl'ord them material help ; and some of tho New York journals were earnestly endeavouring to impress upon President Lincoln's Administration the necessity of preparing for a war with France. As regards England, Earl Russell had announced, in reply to an address from the people of Dundee, that Great Britain would continue to maintain a strict neutrality.

Tui-niiH- to the continent of Europe, political affairs generally wear a gloomy aspect. The conference of crow ned heads a.t Frankfort had concluded; and, as wo feared, but little practical good appears likely to result from tlnur deliberations—six states voting j against the Austrian pronssals for reform. In Prussia there was 110 approach to a better understanding between the King and his people. The Chamber of Deputies had been dissolved; and flic ministerial report, proceeding the royal decree to that effect, insinuated that the representatives did not enjoy the confidence of the people, and that their recent action in maintaining their constitutional rights was not approved of by the nation at large. This, of course, is known to be ridiculously false. The insurrection in Poland was still spreading. Several victories had been gained over detachments of the Russian forces. The influence of the national government was felt in every direction, and its decrees almost universally respected and enforced ; and there appeared every probability that, if some more effectual aid than mere worthless diplomatic notes were afforded by the allied powers,, tin? gallant people would soon succeed in establishing tlieir independence. The intelligence Irom Great Britain is of a cheering character. A magnificent harvest had been secured, which is reported to be by far " the most splendid on record, both in quantity and quality." The cotton trade is fast recovering itself, and the distress in the manutaeturing districts wjis considerably reduced. Since the month of February last the number of additional hands taken oil by the mills at full work was, in round numbers, 100,000. The central relief committee state that, if tilings go on as they have done lor two year", more, sufficient cotton will be received from the various parts of the world, independent of America, to place the whole of the mills on full work. As it is, a very considerable improvement upon the present state of things is anticipated ill ISGi..—Melbourne Leader, November 7.