AMERICAN AFFAIRS.

Otago Witness, Issue 537, 15 March 1862, Page 5

AMERICAN AFFAIRS.

The following is a translation of the letter of the special correspondent of the Commercial Gazette, dated Paris, 26th December : —

The contention arising out of the rencontre between the English m lil steamer " Trent," and the American ship "ban Jaeinto" is the principal fact of the month now drawing to a close. It ia the great event which has kept the pre^s of England as well as the press of France in breath during the month, and to which all other events give place. At the time of the departure of the pre&ont mail, this question of peace or ■war between England and America, between the mother and daughter, has not yet received its solution. Never was a problem tnor<s palpitating with interest put ; never was an answer waited for with more anxiety, above all by the commercial world. Immediately after the arrival of the news in England, there was an immense excitement, with cries of unanimous indignation. When the news of the monstrous act committed by Captain Wijkes was received in London, there was throughout the capital a universal commotion. The news was read at all the theatres during the representation, and the spectators thundered out with one common voice, " God «aye the Queen." The Law Officers of the Crown wore called together, and decided that the aggression of the " San Jaeinto" was a flagrant violation of the Code of Nations, and a direct insult to England. It was impossible, in fact, even by forcing the sense of the text in the moat extraordinary manner, tofnclude Messrs. Mason and Slidell among articles contraband qf war. None of the States of Europe had recognised the Confederation of the South as a separate State ; |t wiis therefore impossible to admit legally that the Oommisgioners of tlie slaveowners were anything else than simple passengers covered by the 13riti<h la*.

The American Law Officera, on their side, have ap- ! proved of the act of the " San Jaeinto." A meeting of the populace held at Washington, at which a «reat number of the members of Coiigresa assisted, frantiaally applauded the officers of the '• San Jaeinto" . there present. The Senate and the Congress of Washington, decided with unanimity that the Southern Commissioners were properly taken, and declarc-1 that they would accord no satisfaction to England. Messrs. l\Ia&on and iSJidell Were conducted to the fortress of Warren. A sword of honor has been awarded to Captain Wilkes of the " San Jaeinto." In the meantime, the British Government has forwarded the most precise instructions to Lord Lyons. He has been authorised to demand complete satisfaction — the immediate liberation of Me<«ra. Mason and Slide)], with apologies, ilf not accorded it will be his duty immediately (sur le champ) to demand his passports and retire with the whole of his staff. The reply of the Government of the United States to this ultimatum cannot arrive in London until the beginning of January. Awaiting that reply, England is making formidable preparations. They are working night nnd day in embarking ammunition. The solemnity of the Sabbath arrests not the labors of the dockyards. A proclamation by the Queen prohibits the exportation of gunpowder, saltpetre, arms lead and onier munitions of war. ' '