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Hawke's Bay Times, Volume III, Issue 163, 26 February 1864, Page 1 (Supplement)

[from a coehespokdent.] December, 1863. At the departure of the last mail Europe was a little excited by the proposal of Louis Napoleon to hold a Congress to resettle the map of Europe. The snubbing he had endured from Russia was to be resented by an invitation to discuss, among other questions, that betwixt Russia and Poland, as if Alexander would submit to an adverse decision from an assembly of Ministers, after so decidedly spurning tbe advice of the three Greatest Powers in Europe. The French Emperor had, before engaging Britain and Austria to join him in a friendly remonstrance with the Czar, endeavored to bind them to be prepared for united action in case of certain eventualities ; in plain terms, to coerce the Czar if he proved obstinate. They, however, declined to engage in what would have been an offensive and defensive alliance against Russia, and if, as is probable, England’s determination not to war for Poland was known to Russia, there need be no wonder at the reply the Czar sent to his advisers, “ to mind their own business/’ The Congress scheme of course failed, and it remains to be seen what other steps the Emperor will take to recover his prestige, so seriously damaged in this transaction, k j If he bad not that confounded Mexican business on his hands, be might undertake a crusade on behalf of the Poles, and once more strengthen his somewhat shaky throne by glory and victory, so potent with his subjects. 5 Meanwhile tbe Russians hang, torture, (by the knout), and deport the Poles, who retaliate by killing obnoxious officers, and doing all the material damage in their power to their oppressors. Extermination is the apparent doom of the Polish nation, unless they should be able to achieve their independence. Schleswig-Holstein is now tbe most prominent question m Europe ; England is endeavoring to mediate between Denmark and Germany, and probably will be successful, seeing it has been announced, if not officially, nearly so,-that “ if Get-

many attacks Denmark, England will not leave Denmark alone in the struggle.” Such an announcement ought to influence the rulers of Austria and Prussia considerably, as they must know that they each have a neighbor ready to try a pass with them the first convenient opportunity, and what opportunity so convenient between either or both and England ? It is noticeable that the first German Power that acknowledged the Augustenberg who claims Schleswig-Holstein was Saxe Cobourg Gotha! Yes, the uncle of our Prince of Wales, the head of a family who owe so much of their great fortnne to English money and English influence, was the first to countepance and support the pretender who seeks to dispossess the father of the Princess of Wales of his inheritance. Verily, English in-' fluence has been used to some purpose in advancing the fortunes of the house of Cobourg, to deserve such a return. The father of the claimant actually “ sold his claims,” not only his own but on behalf of his heirs for ever, and received a large monetary compensation ; engaging that neither himself nor any of his family should in any way oppose the succession of the present King of Denmark. Yet such a claimant is recognised as “ rightful successor” by the Dube of Cobourg ! The French press have been very wroth with England for declining the Congress j but that was to be expected.

In American affairs there is little alteration ; the South are of course in difficulties, men and money being scarce ; but as yet they are far from beaten in the field. If the North overcome them it will be by starving and exhausting, • not by fighting. President Lincoln is said to be seriously

On local matters it may be observed that Cobden and Bright having spoken at Rochdale in their usual way, proving that Englishmen were worse off than the lower classes of any other country, especially in being debarred the ownership of land, and Mr. Bright having suggested the suffrage as the first step towards acquiring the land, leaving himself “ open to the inference” that ho meant the voter to acquire the land bv legislation, or in plainer terms, by sharing it out a fresh. The Times has denounced such doctrines, Mr. Cobden, taking np the cudgels for Mr. Bright, has had a tc go in ’at the Times, and has’met with a reply from a Mr. Delane (of the Times ) that would have crushed a less experienced bruiser than Mr. Cobden. He has of course returned to the charge, but his style is that of a man who has lost his temper and his game together. Mr. Sergeant Shee is appointed Judge in the room of Justice Wightman, who died somewhat suddenly at York during the Assizes. Tlie East Riding has been startled by a number of fires, all evidently wilful, commencing several weeks ago with three in one night and one neighbourhood, and continued at intervals up to the present time ; the tenth occured on the 16th inst. The damage r <|one is very great, and the alarm considerable, -iho Yorkshire Wolds will have a bad name for some time to come, even supposing no more fires should occur. It is feared that the criminals will escape detection.

Towneley was found guilty of murdering Miss Goodwin, (at W igwell llall, Derbyshire), and sentenced to death. Some people are going to petition the Government for a reprieve, but it is.to be hoped they will not succeed ; for it would be a disgrace to our nation if any other criminal was hung after the cool-blooded murderer of an innocent maiden had escaped the gallows. ihe first week in December was marked by some very severe gales, and numerous wrecks and fearful loss of life was the result. Even ashore, some casualties occurred, chimneys, slates, and even houses being blown down in some places. Since then the weather has been remarkably mild .for the time of year; whether “ a green Yule will make a fat kirkyard” as says the old story, remains to be proved.

The contest “ Guns versus Armor” still continues ; an “ Armstrong GOOlber” has smashed a “ Warrior target” at 1,000 yards distance. The Great JSastern is to be sold, and a lottery is projected to raise the wind necessary to send her to sea. The Court Martial on Col. Crawley closed yesterday, the 18th ; the decision will probably not be published for several days. Tbe disclosures attending the case are, (to use a mild term) descreditable to many of the officers concerned. Col. Crawley read his address to the Court on the 17th inst. It was an elaborate production, and occupied three hours in its delivery. The Official Prosecutor replied on the 18tb, in a two hours speech ; the court then closed, having sat 21 days. No word -of re-opening Parliament. A dissolution is likely to occur shortly. The latest appointments have somewhat strengthened the Government. The elevation of Doan French to be Archbishop Dublin, of Dr. Stanley to be Dean of Westminister, of Sir J. Lawrence to tbe Viceroyalty of India, and of Sergeant Shee to the Bench, are aladmitted to be judicious selections. Still the position of the Government is far from secure. The quickest instance of justice overtaking a criminal lately is the case of Wright, who murdered his paramour on the morning of the 13th, was committed, pleaded guilty, and was under sentence of death on the 17th. Tom King and J. C. Heenan met '’lately ; Heenan was completely vanquished ; in fact the life nearly knocked out of him, although it is said that he did not receive nearly so much “punishment” as in the affair with Sayers,jwho was one of his backers on this occasion. iving is said to navo oeen u scarcely markedj but he had suffered some tremendous falls early in the combat.