LONDON.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 809, 25 July 1864, Page 6

LONDON.

(from our own correspondent.) May 26th, 1864.

The German Powers evidently joined the Conference with a predetermination to elude all terms and conditions ; every obstacle was thrown in the way of peaceful measures; and their derided refusal to discuss an armistice brought us to a deadlock at the departure of last mail. Fredericia was to be the scene of the next tragedy, and Copenhagen was agitated by the doubtful policy of the Government. Conference, however, was resumed on the 4th insfc., when Germany, more buinptuous than ever, Offered most degrading terms; bufc Denmark seemed an armistice on Prussia's humiliating conditions, which were that the Ausiro- Prussian troops should occupy the conquered territory, whilst Denmark was to retire from Alsen, raise the blockade of German ports, restore the captured ship 3 with indemnity to their owners, and pay all expenses of the war—meantime, slaughter and spoliation continued till the Dasies seeing the hopelessness of contending singlehanded against such fearlul r,d-Js. ana being de^ serted by Europe, retired from Fredericia, and the impoverished province of Jutland was overrun by military locusts. On the 9th inst., Conference met again, when a suspension of arms was agreed on for one month, commencing the 12th inst., both parties to retain their positions, Denmark to", raise the blockade, and not another gun to be fired till iurther notice. It i 3 not wise to expect too much from this cessation of hostilities, for Danish obstinacy and German rapacity are difficult things to deal wijh. Conference has since met but without pfLctiug anything further, and it now stands adjourned till the -28th inst., we are at all events relieved from the perils of the hour; European conflagration (if it must occur) is postponed; and thirty-one'days may work some radical change in ■continental Cabinets. Prussia may deem it pru- " dent to think less of her shabby glory at Duppel, and give thoughts to that universal opprobrium she has acquired by her barbarous policy of the last three months. Austria may reflect on her false position in participating in this great wrong in order to rival Prussia in Fatherland, and both Powers may find time to study the important question, what will be their own fate in the hour of danger, with "no friend or brother nigh"— whilst Denmark will look at her helpless position, make the best of a bad bargain, reform her institutions, do justice to all classes of her subjects, and. by avoiding any cause > of aggression from such oangerous customers justly lay claim to protection. At Copenhagen a strong feeling prevails for continuing the war. whilst the King and his Ministers, at the risk of their popularity can only suggest (in the abssnee of foreign aid) three alternatives, viz., annexation to Sweden, a Bussian protectorate, or union with the German Confederation—that they bitterly complain cf English desertion is only natural, for they had •evet? reason to expect good help from us. The King of Prussia is literally bewildered by his great success, five men to one; he dabs himself a mighty conqueror, struts about preceded by dancing flower girls, and indulges in all sorts of vain boasting and touv-foolery, quite blind to the inevitable consequences of apersistence in his marauding propensities; whilst Bisniarckjo\fuliy, seconds his master, hoping to divert the nation's thoughts from domestic grievances and his own disgrace ; bat, apart from ihis, the whole conduct of King William and his minister throughout the business has been .infamous, and it is no secret that annexation of the Duchies to Prussia was their object; they declare that the treaties of 1852 are destroyed by the events of the war, and they are even now. proposing a canal to connect the North Sea with the Baltic: whilst the thievish exploits, of their bold F. M. Yon Wrangel, and his inhuman treatment of the poor Jut-landers has been rewarded at Berlin by high promotion in the peerage; he is certainly old enough to know better, and yet descends to the worst excesses of war, for although, a suspension of arms is agreed on, the destruction of Danish works is continued by the Prussians, forced labor is exacted from 2000 of the peasantry, - heavy war contributions are levied under threats of sack and pillage, shops and warehouses are ransacked, towns and villages laid waste, and Danish citizens imprisoned for non-payment of that which is beyond their power ; in fact, all sense of chivalry has departed^ and we live to see European warfare'-a mere brigandage on the most'extensive.'scale; the extinction, of Denmark being apparently decreed under the willnlgchampionstiip of Prussia. THe-qugstioto^df peace or war is a difficult one, -and tfie prospect no way bright—the Danes get a suspension pi hostilities, which is a purely nega-' tive concession, and commits them to nothing. Pruseia, without the slightest legal footing in. Denmark, actually occupies the mainland, and seems prepared for selfish purposes to blot the little kingdom from the map without further warning, Germany divided against itself is full of jealousy,' fear, aggression, and anarchyEurope looks on, tenders advices, and expects daily to be asked for aetire interference. Italy and' other volcanic regions show smouldering ashes likely to blaze forth at any hour, whilst the Principalities are crowded with combustibles in -the shape of 60,000 Kussians at the Danube's mouth, and 30,000 Austrians on the Servian frori- • tier, together with 150,000 Turkish soldiers, form- ■ ing the army of Roaruelia; the fortresses on the Black &a and Dardanelles being at the same ' time .ifiost" carefully attended to. Surely all this is gloomy/enough, and nothing but a peaceful termination to the Conference can reassure us ; and yet what can we expect when next it meets 1 It is rumoured that Prussia will insist on tearing the Duchies from Denmark and endeavor to" appropriate them—that the Diet is determined on having them in the Bund, and will oppose Prussian interference—that Austria, witfi sceroly aToiceintheraatter, will agree to nothing till she can join the strongest party—that France will - yet play the waiting game, and whilst all are at loggerheads, propose a plebiscite, because universal suffrage being the Tuilleries motto the people of Schleswig-Holstein must be allowed to choose, for themselves—that Russia will let them all'do as they like so long as her reversionary interests are not compromised—that Denmark will be , anxious to get out of the scrape on the best terms obtainable, and that England will try to save the country of our Alexandra from extinctioa. Now, through this dense fog it is >Hot easy tp steer; but a recent cry'from Copenhagen says, "Denmark" for the Dane's,, aitd the Danes for Denmark!" They want what/never before existed, and thVabsehce of which has led to the present war; ylz,' a line of demarcation separating the one nation from the other, and beyond which Germany shaU'not step—they are reported now .to seer the "folly of craving after German territory or German 'subjects, for it has cost them dearly, and. they wish no further truck with, their treacherous neighbors; but without this frontier line they can never be safe. N. 111. istiient as the grave on the present momentous position of Europe, and yet one single word of Ms would make Germany pause; how • long he will remain passive is the question of the day ; what his secret thoughts, and ultimate intentions" are it would be useless to discuss—bold man ashgis, he scarcely dare allow the annihilation of Denmark 4, but" should he permit this, it may be only to inflict on Germany such a chastisement as the world may approve of, and at a time when no nation will venture or feel inclined to say a word on behalf of the blood-stained Bobbers of the Bhine. The ■ French eagle watches the game closely, no doubt, and at the proper moment will swoop on the prey; woe then unto Germany if King William's cheap glory, self-laudation, and imbecility, with Austrian connivance, induce a continuance of thia needless and aggressive war beyond even English patience; for the time must shortly come when France and England will stand before the world fully excused for opposing force, and much as Denmark now - suffers, she will be fearfully avenged. But there is plenty of room to hope for a peaceable solution; Germany has acquired glory and renown, and has indulged in vengeance and spoliation enough, one would think, to satisfy any stupid King and bucaneering FieldMaishal; and if the representative of ' the Diet will join us, as to the future of the Duchies all may be well. As yet England hesitates to strike, relying on remonstrance, and joining France in demanding this delay of a month; and should Prussia and Austria breakup the Conference and renew hostilities, there is little doubt that France will likewise join us in denouncing such conduct as a crime, and an outrage on the general feeling of Europe. A startling incident occurred in connection ■with this war. Austria being nettled at Prussia monopolising all the glory on terra firina, resolved to try luck on the ocean, and presently her squadron anchored in the Downs; our fleet was then signalled, and soon got alongside, when, on being questioned, the Aus rians said their only intention was, .to protect commerce. Suddenly they disappeared, and the* Aurora being sent after them, was just in time to witness Germany's first fight at sea. Off Heligoland two Danish frjgatfis and one corvette encountered two Austrian

frigates and three gunboats. The fight lasted four hours and victory declared for Denmark. This happened on the 9th inst., the very day that a suspension of arms was agreed to in Conference, and the electric wire soon brought the news; m the evening- it was alluded to in Parliament, and wnen Sir Geo. Grey announced that the Danish fleet had, again«t odds, beaten the Austrians in a fair stand-iip fight, it was as if another shannon and Chesapeake had come off, there was such shouting and cheering and clapping of hands as not only expressed the sentiments of the British House of Commons, but it was echoed throughout | England. The Austrians are admitted, in their essay tv ith an embryo German navy, to have handled their ships right gallantly.; but although we give them this praise, and in their trouble allowed them the shelter of British waters, they have not yet forgiven us our rejoicings at their defeat.

In America all is confusion worse confounded. Members brave the indignation of Congress by [expressing: entire dissent j-om continuance of the war, and by proposing Southern independence. Then a Bi'l is introduced for total abolition of slavery. The people fire threatened with i-nmediate taxation of 400 millions. Mr 1 Chase has exhausted all his Greenback dodgery. 50 per cent, is taxed on all goods imported- The Empire State is involved to the extent of twothirds of all the property contained in, it. Profuse and extravagant expenditure prevails amongst all the prosperous classes of the New i.ngland States, and Broadway stares in amazement at itself, and disregards the ruinous demand for gold. High prices and low wages cause fearful destitution, and 15,000 artizans are on ■ strike 'in New York, asking very awkward questions. Gold oscillates between 70 and 80 per cent premium. Soldiers are worth their weight in the precious metal—blacks and whites being paid alike, and rewarded wir.h confiscated rebel property. Corruption fl -urishes, whilst honest trade is languishing- there is failure and dishonesty in al! the chief offices of War, Navy, Treasury, and State. Grant obtains "ninety days" for the capture of Richmond by a threefold attack, whilst warriors are so scarce that even L9O bounty can scarcely buy sufficient "food for powder" to.satisfy, the demand, and anjthing like a compulsory draft would cause revolution in New York. In the field, the Federal losses have lately been very great; and they have suffered severe reverses in Tennessee', North Carolina, and Louisiana. No quarter seems to be the order of the day, for on the capture of Fort Pillow by Confederate General Forrest, out. of a garrison of 600 but few escaped with life; prisoners were not wanted, the' victims were shot in cold blood, hospitals burnt with their wounded, and several poor creatures actually buried alive. But all attention is now riveted on Grant and .the Potomac army, for truly there are difficulties of appalling magnitude surrounding Lincoln's administration; there is failure in the field—panic on the Exchange—confusion in the cabinet—it is all- break down and collapse.- The Union seems fast falling to pieces and scarcely needs the shock of arms to break it up. The last hopes of the North are on Grant and his troops; nothing but decisive victory can retard the hour of ruin. It almost appears as if both North and South are about to try their last throw, for never was a campaign undertaken on more gigantic proportions. Tnat Grant is full of energy, talent, bravery, and resolution, is. generally admitted. He has unlimited and unfettered control of every movement connected with his all important and responsible command. He says he will march to Richmond, and his friends believe him and trust in him. But there is another tale to be told - the late villainous attempt of Kirkpatrick and Dahlgren on the doomed city cannot be forgotton. . There is a wholesome objection to the Washington programme of sack and pillage, and thatinhuman carnival of lust and crime which is to follow Northern succ&s; consequently we must expect that old Gen. Lee is well prepared for this invasion—indeed, it is reported that Richmond is unapproachable; that it is guarded by such formidable lines as rival those of Torres Vedras ; and that the invading host will be so cut up long before reaching the fatal trap—that.th«y will be surrounded far away from reinforcements or succour of any kind;" such are the different versions of North and South respecting this death struggle. Should the Confederates succeed, it will win their independence, for no future army of the Potomac will ever be tolerated; and should Ulysses Grant reach the coveted goal with anything like an effective army, fc.e will achieve a miracle, and save his patrons from an ignominious fate; But that the fall of Richmond will end the war is by no means certain.

The allied fleets of England, France and Italy are being strengthened to protect the Bey of Tunis and give security to foreigners. We don't quite understand this iasurrection, for simultaneously with it we read of the Province of Oran in French Algeria being in flames and revolt, rand 50,000 dusky sons of the Desert in this improved age are found in arms against their " civilizers;" but large reinforcements were dispatched, and as Pelissier is with them, a few more cave bonfires will probably suffice to smother the rebellion. Without better particulars it might be rash to call this a "revolt of Islam," but the Tribes which have risen in Tunis and Algeria are of the same Desert-breed, and should this reaLy be an Islamite movement, another great battle of races may yet be fought for the tenets of the prophet, and once more the Cross and the Crescent may have to contend* for supremacy.

Thiers and Berryer have again been giving the Emperor a bib ot their minds; they recammend peace as French salvation, and 250,000 men as the maximum standing army. Now as times go this is but a small force for the " Arbiter of Europe;" and as it. is the pleasure .of Mr Bonaparte to keep us in the dark respecting the mission of France according to Imperial notions), we can only truss that the sagacious gentleman is alive to the danger of an expenditure growing year by year, deficit following deficit, a debt inCreasing at compound interest, and expedients j after expedients resorted to till nearly all are I exhausted—these are facts which may well make jhim pause in his present career ani lead to . wholesome reflections.

Captain Speke, after encountering the "cojd shoulder" at home, has taken to lecturing in France; he has had more than one audience at the Tuileries, and is said to have so far captivated the Emperor and wife with glowing accounts of sunny travel and future prospects that Bonaparte declared his readiness to join with England in developing the resources of Equatorial Africa.

Pio Nono still lingers, but was strong enough on the 3rd instant to fulminate Papal wrath against Russian barbarity in Catholic Poland : it may be that Mouravieft and De Berg are indifferent to hard words from the Vatican, however much the Czar should disapprove of being bullied. The Kingdom of Italy was at the same time excommunicated for laying sacreligions hands on one Cardinal Moriphini who put aside his holy guise and dabbled in treason at Turin; but the reverend gentleman has since been acquitted and Italy is saved from perdition. His Holiness is also yet alive to the bonowing fashion, and another two million sterling is added to the State debt. Peter's pence is a fluctuating income yielding about £300,000 annually, and there are hundreds of brigands to be maintained who cost a heap of money; on this infamy the outcry is louder than ever, and the question is what to do with them. While the old Pope lives they are safe enough, but tliat security removed their fate is certain; the idea is to remove them from Italy at once, the difficulty is to find an asylum — failing all other schemes why not ship them off to America %— an Italian brigade anight be usefully employed, and if they fell gloriously on either Bide the Potomac what loss would it be to society ? But good old Pio is game to the backbone; up to the latest hour we shall hear his eloquent maledictions against heresy; his saving benediction for erring humanity, and his earnest appeal to all good Catholics for the loan of a few million scadi at fair interest.

An intelligent traveller from Poland writes— "the overwhelming Russian force tells fearfully on the revolutionary bands; the 'foir land of Poland' is a desert, her people in exile, prison, or the grave: yet the flame flickers and fully occupies two merciless Russian commanders," who at length quarrel with each other on the different "modes of torture and oppression—strong forces of well armed insurgents are still to the front, protected by hills and forests, and the movement ' may be kept up for months—the unhappy Poles jno longer expect aid, and they preierto die in I arms the soldier's death to wasting away painfully in chains; annihilation before submission." Such is the melancholy statement of one who would only be too happy to draw a brighter picture; the end of the dismal tragedy is approaching, and Poland will soon be no more.

Circassia likewise falls at last into the hug of Petersburg; and after many yea*s of heroism 300,000 mountaineers are driven from their homes, and fly as one man from their hated oppressors to seek refuge at the Ottoman. Porte. The sufferings attendant on this hurried exodus are described as something awful, reviving the notorious horrors of the Middle Passage; and in their frenzied flight men, women, and children, are dying by thousands, but those who survive are most hospitably received by orders of the Sultan ;

and thus, whilst Russia acquires a fine military position both for attack and defence, Turkey secures a large increase of population, which by an infusion of new blood may arrest her decline; at all events her vast fertile plains have a chance ot cultivation, and her army will be recruited by those valiant mountain warriors who will play no mean part in the next attempts from Petersburg on the coveted " Sick man's" possessions. The Cape de Verde Islands are suffering.fearfully from famine ; by last accounts the Islands were reported to be destitute alike of provisions and money, and without some speedy relief it was feared two thirds of the inhabitants must perish. India seem* tolerably free from excitement The Persian Gulph telegraph has been completed. Some month* ago Mr Eden and three other gentlemen with 200 attendants started on an exploration from Calcutta acros3 the wild Himalayan range to Bhootan, a dependency of Thibet, with the view to discover a N.E. passage to China, although (as in the case of the Polar Seas) a passage, if existing, would be commercially useless ; but these are tasks which suit our ad^ venturous spirits, and can always find a hero. Instead of perishing in the enow, as the vhole party expected, Mr E Jen actually reached his destination, but only to be insulted by the Chiefs, imprisoned, and compelled to sign a treaty ceding British Assam to Bhootan. Now, whatever be the worth of this nefarious treaty, we shall never ba foolhardy enough to march an army across that stupendous chum of desolation to chastise the presumptuous chieftains who dictated such insolent terms to a British Envoy; and with the terrible fate of Sir John Franklin before us, we must hear no more of such mad cap wanderings. In China horrors reign supreme; Europeans fight as mercenaries on either side, and participate, consequently, in revolting barbarism which no argument on commercial policy can justify. The rebels recently captured the steam boat Fire Fly, during the night as she rode atandhor in the harbor ; on board were four European officers who were overpowered, bound hand and foot, and actually burnt alive, Major Gordon has again taken service and is slaughtering the Taepings most handsomely ; he describes the destitution as really frightful in districts through which he passed,*and states that dried human flesh was being publicly offered for sale. Later accounts s»y that Gordon has been seriously wounded, and the Imperialistsdefeated. Lord Palmerston says, it is the intention of Government to discourage for the future any interference in Chinese affairs, except where it is necessary for protecting the treaty ports. # . In Japan the position of Foreigners is still a serious question ; the system of personal molestation appears to be abandoned, but intimidation respecting commerce is openly practised. Colonel Neale is hard at work on this grievance, and an abatement is expected. At all events, our efforts at regeneration are not entirely useless, for, although the Tycoon and nobles have removed from Teddo to a safe distance from foreign contact, we learn that when two British ships were lately wrecked on the coast, their crews were kindly treated by the natives, which is a great improvement on former transactions in similar cases, and of itself speaks volumes for humanity. We are embroiled in an unwholesome business on the Gold Coast; the cruel As&antees having some time since declared war against the friendly tribes around our settlement, and we unfortunately interfered. For many months we fought against the climate only (for an Ashantee warrior has never yet been seen), and now fresh troops are required; but such sickening accounts of disease and death have lately reached us from that pestilential region as to bring forth parliamentary inquiry. Ifc now turns out that for 18 months have we been engaged in this horrid war, with the intention of storming the capital called Coomassie, 150 miles from Cape Coast Castle ; and as yet have only got halfway, where we are encamped in the Bush-a dismal swamp, which our officers only reach to die. But the tale is too •shocking to be told, the expedition too detestable to be endured, and Mr Card well has wisely promised its discontinuanse. . We likewise hear from the same quarter, that his savage Majesty of Dahomey has ju«t been playing at soldiers ; at the head of 10,000 troops he valiantly led the way to the gates of the enemy. But the Egbas gave him such a warm reception as induced the royal resolve "to live, and fight another day," in preference to the glory of being there and then in the battle slain ; and even as he was the first to march so was he the first to "turn and flee," content that two or three thousand of his devote I Amazons should spill their plebeian blood in the noble but vain effort to uphold Dahomian supremacy. A black bishopric has been created—Samuel Crowther nee Adjai, Bishop of the Niger, was , formerly a slave and native of Dahomey. . After many vicissitudes, he was lucky enough to be captured by a British man-of-war, and landed at Sierra Leone in 1522. There he fell in love, and studied theology, married a native, andmade himself famous. He completed his classic* in England, was ordained by the Bishop of London, introduced to the Queen, and is now a man of lawn and learning. Surely, this is a step in the right direction; and the benevolent missionary, I society will thus receive vast help in their praise- ' worthy exertions to promot? Christianity, !It is cheering in this sea-girt isle to know that we have a Channel fleet which still rivets the attention, and commands the decent respect of all nations. Our " old Salts" will no longer shake their venerable nobs, nor turn their disconsolate quids on the supposed decline of OM England on the ocean; for, whilst they renvraber I how Nelson, with his wooden walls at Trafalgar, sav6d the country from fierce Boney's promised ! visitation, they will have seen lately how the eyes |of Europe were fixed on the slightest movement !of Admiral Dacres, when " all in the Downs ! the fleet lay moored." Even as- the " Saucy I Arethusa" flaunted the Union Jack in the face of every foe, so did our more terrible new fangled iron giants ride at anchor, held like sea-hounds in the leash, a warning to Germany and other big bullies that there is a limit to the proverbial patience of gentle John Bull, and more than one rod in pickle for evil doers. The voice of England being so loudly proclaimed in favor of little Denmark, without material aid being afforded, has placed the Ministry in a very hazardous position. '1 he Tories were ready to storm the Treasury bench and fight the Germans, and had not a suspension of hostilities been procured, the Opposition would have availed themselves of public indignation ; the reassembling of Conference is therefore looked forward to most anxiously. Poor little J >hnny has had to beir the brunt of the people's wrath, although it might be easily seen that he and Pam are anxious to stop Teutonia'3 mad career, and would long ago have done so had they been permitted. The Continental gentlemen believe that whilst the Queen can prevent it we shall not resort to arms, but they may yet presume too far ; and should the threateningclouds which now hover o'er devoted Europe culminate in a storm, England will be found ready and able to take her own part, without much doubt as to the result. Isut how it may be with our distant friends, and relations is a very grave question, that is our vulnerable point and the only cause we have to fear; for were we at war with any great power, it wou'd be utterly impossible* to protect the Colonies from the serious danger of hostile cruisers; and unless shore batteries are ready to guard Colonial ports and harbors, the worst that could happen is to be apprehended. On the 2nd inst. the Bank of England raised the rate of discount from 7to 8 per cent. On the sth it was 9 per cent, and consols dropped to 90; and although this led to no alteration in the rate of interest on deposits with Joint Stock banks, it looked very much like war and caused no slight alarm. But it may have the effect of checking the present wild rage for speculation at home, and indace pugnacious Continentals, to pause; and as nearly all nations are on the borrowing tack, a seasonable hint from Threadneedle street may not perhaps be entirely thrown away. The Mersey steam rams will soon engage trie attention of the Court of Exchequer: " The Queen against Laird and Othsre" is fixed for June 7, to allow time for the reputed French contractor to appear, and also for the return to a Commission which has been sent to Egypt to examine the Viceroy touching a bond fide purchase for his Highness; and we shall soon know something more as to the respectability, the ownership, and destination of those very troublesome ladies, "El Toussin," and " El Modou." The Garibaldi fever at length has passed away; and perhaps, after all, it was kind of Bonaparte and our Ministers to put a stopper on it, tor Mozzini and Co. were' buzzing about the hero, and gthings looked awkward; but then it was done so abruptly—we were so suddenly cheeked in the midst of our sport, that the people " didn t seem to like it," so we spluttered out our grumbling-, had a round or two with the police, bullied the Government and Louis Napoleon, aud then resumedour neglected Shakspeare. The General s last few hours on British soil were passed with his old friend Colonel Peard, better known as •« Garibaldi's Englishman,'' in Cornwall; but. in reaching that asylum, another series of enthusiastic greeting was in store, and throughout tne

guest. The dreadlul shaking of hands was revived in full force; and had it not been one of a thousand, that "good right arm* must have been wrenched from the socket. Eventually, however, he was snugly berthed in Sutherland's yucht, and on the 9th instant, safely arrived at his island home. Subscriptions were coming in apace: and, had he been so minded, the poor Italian would have become an English millionaire; bathe "would none of it."—He positively declined to accept any money gifis, so the funds are returned to the donors, and some other means will be adopted to bestow on him a substantial proof of our Esteem. The ovation he received here was beyond all precedent, and the perturbation of despotism was extreme; to judge from the foreign pres3, a sensation of relief was experienced on hearing that the General had left us. Suspicion then followed the steamer, and cruizers were on the watch, for it was booked as a certainty that Garibaldi, tfie Duke of Sutherland, and Earl Sef'ton, were to land in Naples with all the appliances of revolution, and Italy was again to be in flames. Wo doubt Napoleon has done wonders for that land, and may do more yet if the Italians will but wait a little longer; for, in his generous moments, the Emperor proposes to give some Danubian filching to Austria in exchange for Venetia; also to release the Pope from temporal cares, and thus make Rome the capital. ■ Anyway, Garibaldi goes back to his farm and his goats a much greater man than he ever was before; and, if the " party of action " will refrain awhile from urging the bright patriot into ill-timed adventures, the hour will surely come when the good red shirt shall be Italy's guide to freedom and greatness. Alarming disturbances are reported at Edinburgh iin connection with what is termed " Minister's money." The people object to pay the tax, seizures are made, and rioters assemble by thousands. Hitherto, the police and military have prevented anytLirig serious, but there is. sufficient danger in such assemblages to call for a speedy and satisfactory adjustment of the obnoxious impost. The 73rd Anniversary of the Royal Literary Fund was held at St. James's Hall on the 18th inst,, the Prince of Wales presiding, and, as this was his first appearance in the character of chairman, much interest was excited. It was a perfectsuccess; he gave forth toa9ts, and responded to others; he, drank everybody's health, and did short speeches in such a business-like manner as must make him famous in that line, and procure his Royal Highness more engagements than may be quite agreeable with his other public duties. The fair Alexandra has had to do the Queen's duty at St. James's—poor thing! Diplomacy was there in strong force, and we dare not ask what may have been the Princess's feelings when the representatives of cruel Germany were presented to kiss hands—the Prince ot Wales was by her side, and as a Field Marshal of England, must have had his thoughts on the outraged country of his bride, and the perpetrators of those outrages—truly the cares of pomp and state are no joke under such trying circumstances. Her Msjesty sufficiently recovered from her severe attack of neuralgia to hold a Royal Court at Buckingham Palace, on the 10th inst., and then retired toßalmoral. Prince Alfred, while on his travels called to see his sister at Berlin, and war decorated with the Order of the Black Eagle, and our press don't approve of th's; it is considered a very questionable honor just now; and old Punch says that if it were not for offending Royal Mamma, the" sailor Prince would have been justified in reciprocating with the order of the Black eye—anyhow this visit was ill judged, and taken in conjunction with the exclusive reception of the German Plenipotentiaries at Osborne and Windsor/calls forth observations in the papers on the Queen's decided sympathy with Germany against Denmark, as opposed to the general feeling of the English nation. Her Majesty's 46th birth day was celebrated on the 24th iust. The royal family are all well; the young Prince Albert Victor of Wales being reported firstclass. Shakespeare's festival is ended, and everybody is glad of it; trom the beginning it was badly managed, and showed no redeeming feature throughout its continuance; at Stratford, in spite of the blare of penny trumpets and the bkze of fizzing fireworks, the eommitteemen barely cleared expenses; and the profession have themselves alone to thank for such a deplorable failure—but time works wonders, arid some hundred years hence history may tell the sad tale of 1864, and show how easily success might have been achieved. One good thing, however, is likely to result, and that is the Dramatic College; it is to be named after the Bard, and if patronised as we expect, it will afford superior education at a reasonable figure for the children of actors and tradesmen. Giacomo Meyerbeer died on the 2nd instant, at Paris, aged 70, and leaves behind him'a name second to none on the lyric stage. One of a numerous family celebrated in literature, science, and art, Giacomo's public career has been lengthy; at 7 years old a public pianist; at ten an author; afterwards a fellow pupil with Weber under the Abbe Vogler. Although so aged the composer's powers showed no symptoms of decay, for he had just completed his last opera, " L'Africane," the performance of which only awaited the arrival of a fitting soprano. It is remarkable that previous to his death Meyerbeer's last visitor was the veteran Rossini; also, that the departed genius died worth half a million sterling* Frank Smedley, the author, died on the Ist instant, aged 50. . . Hercules fiobmson, a middy ia the Euryalus, at Trafalgar, died a British Admiral, aged 75, on the 15th instant, a prime specimen of an Old Salt—kind as brave, he won all hearts, and thrashed the enemy; he couH spin a yarn too, and write a book—lew men die more regretted.

Abraham Cann, of Devonshire, the champion English wrestler, has just died at 70. Forty years ago he defeated Polkinghorn, the Coruishman, ia a match which excited national interest. . . I had but time last mail to announce that the Two Thousand was won by Lord Glasgow's General Peel, an event which raised him to the premiership for the Derby. The Chester Cup came off 4th instant, when all the favourites were beaten," and the prize was captured by Mr Hughes' Fiash-in-the-Pan, a six year old rank outsider, which astonished alike the owner, the jockey.andthe public. Ths Great Northern Handicap at York was won by Mr Rich's East Lancashire, and the talent were s gain in the basket— 17 to 1 against the winner. We are now in the midst of that glorious carnival the Epsom week. Conference suspends its sittings; Parliament takes holiday; crafty statesmen ca» do their best and their worst; Dynasties may rise or fall; the political state of nations and peoples is disregarded; the Courts are closed, and anxious suitors must wait the run 'of ■horseflesh! all besides is as nothing to us just now—the heart and snnl of Cockney land is in Epsom JRaces ; and I have only room to say that the great Derby was fought out yesterday, the 25th, and was won by Mr I'Anson's Blair Athol, General Peel was second, and Scottish Chief third—time2min. 44sec.:—betting at starting 9to 2 against Scottish Chief and General Peel, 13 to 1 against Blair Athol. The weather w?s glorious, and the multitude immense; plethoric hampers and huge stone bottles conveyed the indispensable creature comforts. The Prince of Wales was one of the earliest arrivals on the Towns; and something like 150,000 visitors at Epsom yesterday" will remember.the Derby of 1864 as " Blair Athol's year." To-morrow is the ladies' day, and it is expected that Fille de lAir will win the Oakß easily, the odds are only 3 to 1 against her. She won the French Oaks on Sunday, 15th inst.; and on Sunday last the French Derby was won by Bois Bou^sel. The All-England Eleven and the United Eleven commenced their annual match on WhitMonday at Lord's Ground for the benefit of the Cricketers' Fund; it lasted three days, and was won by the United Eleven by two wickets—score at finish, All-England, 384 ; the United, 387. Simultaneously with the above a cricket match was played in France between the Paris Club and our Nottingham men, when the gallant Frenchmen were signally defeated in this novel passage of arms and legs; next year they propose coming to England and try a bout with our famous Sussex batsmen. Having thus inoculated our neighbors with a fever for field sports, we see the --018 de Boulogne prepared to rival our Surrey downs, the Emperor himself taking the lead in the race for supremacy; already may it be said " they manage things better in France." N. 111., pre-eminent in most matters, has taueht his people to show us how easy it is to have races without ruffianism, crowds without mobs, and. bookmakers who are to be found after,,the race. The Karl JRussell left Plymouth 23rJ April, with.36s emigrants; for Brisbane. The Wonato left the Mersey 6th inst, with 405, for Sydney. The Young Australia left Plymouth 14th inst, with 258, for Queensland. The Art Union left Plymouth 16th inst, with 326, for Adelaide. , . - The Dover Castle, from Melbourne February 4, and the Duncan Dunbar, from Sydney, February 14, arrived the 4th inst. The Agincourt, from Melbourne 10th. January, arrived on 10th inst. The Lincolnshire, 88 days from Melbourne,

! arrived 16th inst. The Star of -.Tasmania, from New Zealand February 8 arrived 7ch mst, all well. She rounded Cape Horn March 4, and passed the equator April 6. The New Zealand mail tells us, as v?s expected, of gallant deeds performed by Britain s sons; and whilst we regret such valuable life tot without bringing: the Maoris to book, it is melancholy to reflect on the probable long continuance of hostilities, a war of races, of extermination , and as a natural consequence the retarding of progress and prosperity. If it is necessary for our troops to go into winter quarters, and if the war is to be resumed in the spring, of course General Cameron will provide himself with ampls means for a short and decisive campaign ; but in the mean time the enemy, as it appears to U3, will V>e subject to such fearful privations that common sense must convince him of the hopelessness of further contention; and' we sincerely trust good counsel will prevail. Your affairs have bean subjected to public discussson and parliamentary debatss. New Zealand policy never has been, is not now, and perhaps never will be understsod in England; and whilst our rulers are not unmindful of the previous "meddle and muddle" of the Home Government in the concerns of your colony, it is in sisted that the war once over we_ must henceforth enjoy entire freedom from colonial complications ; it is objected that this ■ rebellion should cost mother country a million sterling or more; your Confiscation Acts likewiss are rouehly handled. Mr Card well's niiidsn speech as Colonial Secretary elicited applause from all parties; there is to be a limit placed by the Home Government on the operation of those Confiscation Acts, and your Governor be instructed accordingly; the rebelliou is to be suppressed at any cost in men and money; and every reasonable inducement will be offered the native race to live with us on friendly terms hereafter—but peace must be effectually secured and future outbreaks rendered impossible or of easy repression ; for it is broadly and plainly stated at home that the next Maori war shall not be fought with British troops, nor paid for out of British taxes. Thursday, 26 h May. The American struggle has-again commence!— after five days' real hard fighting and immense slaughter nothing decisive was obtained—the Southern loss is unknown but it was doubtless very great—the Northern army acknowledge to a loss of 40,000 men. This is really awful; and we must go back to the days of Borodina and Leipsic to realise such horrors. Grant was allowed to cross the Rapidan without opposition ; and on the sth inst. Lee accepted battle at Chancellorsville and Wildernes3; it was resumed on the 6th, and Lee then retired a few miles nearer to Richmond. On the Bth Lee and Grant again crossed swords at t=pottsylvania Court House, and the battle raged throughout the day, and again on the 9th and 10th with the greatest fury; but neither side gainei much advantage, each retaining his position - and up to the last telegram {Sew York, 12th May) nothing further was known, excpt that great as had been the carnage no other result was arrived at; that neither Grant nor Lee had been defeated; that the battle was to \a resumed on the 11th; that prayers and thanksgiving were offered up to.the Most High for this great victory so far over the rebels; and that in another little week Grant and his victorious legions would be smoking pipes iv Richmond—Lee and Jeff Davies nowhere. The dreaded Alabama is reported on the Californian coast and causing great excitement-the Federal merchantmen all going armed for resistance. Fresh victories have been announced over the blacks in San Domingo —but more recent accounts give such serious reverses to the Spanish arras as to cause the instant embarkation of reinforcements at Cadiz.

Dr Normandy has just died aged 54; he was an eminent analytical f ;chemist, and was patentee of the invaluable apparatus fov the distillation of aerated fresh water from the ocean. European atmospherics are again changing; we have had one of the hottest Mays on record, but now the almost suffocating heat has vanished, and we are suddenly thrust from the temperature of a July into that of aa October. The Pope is alternately telegraphed as better and worse; but the last accounts which are said to come from the poor old gentleman's bed chamber speak very dolefully, stating also that his successor was being elected. The Duke of Newcastle stilt continues dangerously ill; an occasional rally quickly followed by a relapse. . „ ■• ■, c Lord Palmerston has partially recovered from his long and obstinate attack of gout, again attends to business, and yesterday went to the Derby. Fresh disturbances are reported at Athens. French and EDglish war ships continue in the neighborhood, and are landing foreas for the protection of lifft and property. The last accounts from Algeria give fierce battling, and state that the French Generals have put a cordon of troops round the disaffected districts. France has suffered severely both in men and officers, whilst the losses of the wild tribe 3 are enormous. The death of Pelissier Due de Malakoffisalso announced—a fiac fat little soldier and a skilful commander, beyond doubt but merciless, cruel and bloodthirsty, as any gallant Frenchman, who ever Eported epaulets or the grand cross of the Legion of Honor. This warrior started in life as " but a simple plough boy,' and died a Mareshal of France at the age of 70, "on the field of his fame," but he fell by no caitiff's hand; he had been ill some time, and with gentle nursing in Paris, would probably have recovered—but even at three score and ten a French soldier knows his duty—"the trumpet sounds,smy soul's in arms and eager for ihe fray," these were Pelissier's sentiments; and death on the battle field had more charm for him than the downy couch of a sick spinster. France and the Emperor lose a good soldier in one who literally carried the proverbial "baton in his knapsack," although it to k him 40 years to find it. All the foreign members of our Conference, German as well as Dane, are in turn waiting on Bonaparte, previous to the next meeting in London : and there's every probability that Europe will know its fate on the 28th instant. Austria, Prussia, and the Diet appear determined on despoiling Denmark of the Dnchies; but the determination ot England and France is not so clearly defined; your readers will therefore have to wait another mail for the serious intelligence, whether it is to.be peace or war in the old world. New York, I4th May.

' Telegrams thus headed have just arrived : — Fighting was resumed on the 12th instant—continued furiously all day with awful destruction of life. In the night Lee retired across the river Po to occupy, it was supposed, some stronger position on the North and South Anna rivers, and on the 13th Grant was in pursuit. Gold, 72J per cent, premium. Poor Grant! it really looks as if you are following some icill o' the 'toisp, and are beiDg lured to perdition.