ARRIVAL OF THE LORD ASHLEY. LATEST EUROPEAN AND AMERICAN NEWS.

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 392, 26 July 1861, Page 2

ARRIVAL OF THE LORD ASHLEY. LATEST EUROPEAN AND AMERICAN NEWS.

AMERICAN CIVIL WAR' TERRIBLE TRAGEDY IN AMERICA/ EARTHQUAKE IN SOUTH AME-RICA-15,000 LIVES LOST!!! QREAT INUNDATION AT MONTREAL, CANADA.

(From the Sydney Herald's City Correspondent.)

London, Saturday, May 4 1861. Civil war has commenced in America in real downright earnest, —a more unchris-tian-like, inhuman, and horrible war is not on record,, there is so little to fight about. It is a disgrace to humanity and civilisation in this nineteenth century that the differences between the Northern and Southern States cannot be arranged without bloodshed.

The English Government intend to keep out of the quarrel. Lord Wodehouse, on Monday, announced that * her Majesty's Government had decided that it was not desirable to intrude their advice or counsel unasked on the United States (joverament, or on the Seceded States.'

On Thursday, in the Commons, Lord John Russell said that her Majesty's Government had directed an adequate naval} force to proceed to the coast of America for the protection of British shipping and pro^ perty. That the;question of , privateers sailing under the flag of ah unrecognised , power had been referred to the law advisers of the Crown, in order to guide the Government in their instructions to her Majesty's ■ ministers in America, and commander of the ; British squadron, and finally, amidßt the cheering of the House, said; *We have not involved ourselves in this" contest either by offering advice, or hy any other act, and, ■ beiug free, for God's \sake, let us, if possible, keep out of it. A commercial treaty has been signed between France and Belgium.

The Emperor of Austria. seems bent on constitutional reforms in the administration of the affairs of his dominions^ Both houses of the council of the empire have been opened, when his Majesty, in his speech from the throne, briefly expressed His hope that Austria and Europe at large will enjoy undisturbed the blessings, of peace. That free institutions and a conscientious protection of the equal rights of all the nationalities, and the equality of all citizens, will lead to the safe re-organisation of the whole monarchy. This is a remarkable speech, and most portentous for the future welfare of the Austrian Empire. He is resolved on a liberal policy 'i throughout the but will not be driven into conceding inything. His Majesty's speech is too important to be overlooked ; I therefore subjoin it, merely * remarking that the allusions to the unity of the empire and liberal institutions, &c., were received with vociferous cheering—■

It affords me the greatest satisfaction to.greet to-day in this assembly the Imperial Princes, the -J high dignitaries ot the Church, and the heads of the noble families of the country. 1 also welcome the deputies. I have been deeply moved by the : many addresses of thanks which I have received from the Provincial Diets. I consider them as a token for the future, which is rich in hope. lam convinced that free institutions, accompanied by a conscientious protection of the equal rights of all the nationalities and the equality of all citizens, will lead to a "safe re-organisation df'the Whole monarchy. With this aim in view I sanctioned the introduction of tried constitutional forms. A liberal policy shall be equally developed in all parts of the empire, with special-regard for: the" historical traditions of the provinces. I desire to learn positively, through the mouthfi of the reEresentatives of the people, what they consider est for the welfare of the country. It is necessary to show the world that political, national, and religious differences do not form an insurmountable obstacle to a national understanding. Austria is powerful enough safely to carry out the develop* ment of. her internal interests. She will inspire no fear abroad, because we shall avoid all passionate ' excitement. - Relying on the justice of my policy and on the intelligence of the peoples, I expect a satisfactory solution of the question of the representation of Hungary, Transylvania, Croatia, and Slavonia. As soon as they shall understand the real state of things they will be inspired with the necessity for and the advantage of the institutions I have granted, and will then justify my confidence by their actions, and I shall see around me with the greatest satisfaction the representatives of the whole monarchy. I hope to tnjoy. undisturbed the blessings of peace. Europe feels the . same want, as she wishes to repose from the agitation of recent times, and to recover her equilibrium « This universal feeling imposes upon, the Powers the duty of not exposing the precious treasure of peace to any danger.. .Austria acknowledges this . duty, which has also been admitted by other the powers, in order to give herself up to work for the general welfare. Estimates. will be-submitted to you for establishing an equilibrium between the income and expenditure, and also proposals for. the introduction of desirable modifications in some - branches ot the revenue, and for the settlement of r the relations between the National Bank and, the State. I acknowledge the duty which, as a Sovereign, I have assumed before all nations, to protect with all my power the Constitution of the whole Empire in the sense of the diploma of October and February last, as the inviolable foundation of the unity and indivisability of the whole monarchy; and it is my firm intention to repel any violation of the same as an attack o%4he existence of the monarchy, and on the rights ofall the provinces and nationalities. •

The aflfeira of Italy proceed quietly. The Kings of Greece and Portugal, the Imperor of Morocco, the Bey of Tunis, and Prince Conzu of the Danubian principalities have recognised the new kingdom, of;ltaly, in addition to this Government and that,pf France, who were the 6rst to close. The Bnancial affairs of Italy are far from flourishing. There is a deficiency of £12,500,000 and a loan of £20,000,000 is to be raised, inconsequence. ..'.;..'. It deserves to be mentioned that just prior to the reconciliation of Garibaldi and Count Cavour, the King commanded them to wait opon him in his study, where were also present, Generals Fanto, Durando,

Cosenz, Bexio, and Lamarmora, with M* Rataazi. The result of that important conclave was the immediate reconciliation of the two most important men in Italy, an event which has pleased every one in and out of Italy.

Some slight reactionary movements have been attempted at Naples and some of the provinces, but the Boarbon cause is now entirely lost.

Poland is once more quiet. An announcement has been made in both Houses of Parliament ol the approaching marriage of the Princess Alice to the Prince Louis of Hesse.

"With some opposition, the Budget is steadily passing through committee of the House.

The Great Eastern left Milford Haven on Wednesday evening for New York with 100 passengers. The" Indian Famine Relief Fund now reaches about £80,000.

Saturday, May 11

Her Majesty's Government have decided to recognise the belligerent rig}its of the Southern States of America. The Government will next week issue a proclamation cautioning British subjects from in any manner interfering in the hostilities between the Northern and Southern States of America, but if they do so, it will be at their own risk, as they will forfeit all claim to the protection of British subjects. The state of affairs in America is very serious, both giving tokens of an intense feeling of hatred and bloodthirstiness, and the gigantic preparations being made on both sides have removed all hopes of a peaceful solution. Washington has been strongly reinforced, but an attack on it was expected. Its possession by the Southern Confederation would, of course, give to that Government a great moral weight and force, while for the North to lose it, would, indeed, be disheartening in the extreme. The route between Annapolis and Washington is kept open by Federal troops as a matter of course, a necessity since Baltimore is closed against them, at the same time a reaction has taken place in the Maryland feeling. In other words, the higher classes have recovered from their fright, have exerted themselves, taken action, and have checked the mob, rough, or rowdy section. So much has the Union feeling revived, that some places have threatened to hang their representatives if they vote for secession. Maryborough is coming to her senses. Anyone looking at a map of the States will see at once that secession would be her ruin. Unfortunately the educated, or enlightened, or respectable classes will not vote in America.

Just at this critical state of affairs in America, Spain opens her designs on St. Domingo, General Santana surrendered the independence to Spain on the 18th March. Against this the Federal Government of the United States has protested, likewise General Giffrard, the President of Hayti— the latter urging most justly that Spain has no more claim to St. Domingo than England or France, and that she might as well claim Mexico, Peru, or any other Republic of Spanish origin. In France the publishers and printers of the pamphlet of the Due d'Aumale have been condemned to fine and imprisonment.

The health of the Empress of Austria is restored, and she arrived at Gibralter the 6th instant, on her return en route to Trieste.

Count Teleki, one of the leaders of the extreme party in Hungary, has been found dead in his bed—it is supposed from murder—and great agitation ensued at Pesth in consequence when the fact became known. The scene in the Lower House, when the announcement was made, is described as most fearful and impressive.

Austria has come to the resolution to enforce the payment of taxes in Hungary, and troops have been sent to the non-pay-ing districts to assist the collectors. This has revived the general excitement.

The inhabitants of Rome have drawn up an address to the Emperor Napoleon, requesting him to withdraw the French garison.

England, in concert with other Powers, will make a proposition about the Schles-wig-Holstein affair, with the view of settling the differences between Denmark and Prussia.

The duty of' excise on paper is proposed to be repealed from the Ist October next.

The Princess Alice is to have a dowry of £30,000 and an annuity ot £6000 per annum.

H.R.H. the Commander-in-Chief will hold a review on Wimbledon Common in July of the volunteer corps of the metropolis. The Indian Famine Relief Fund has now reached £85,000, of which £80,000 has been sent to India.

Saturday, May 18. The Emperor of Austria on Tuesday received the members of the Lower House of the Reichsrath, and their Address in reply to the Speech from the Throne, which, like the former one irom the Upper House, expresses a wish for the maintenance of the constitution and the indivisibility of the empire. The Emperor in reply, said it was bis intention to maintain not only the unity of the empire, but also as much as possible the autonomy of the Provinces.

Mr. Deak, in the Chamber of Deputies of Hungary, has moved that the wishes of the country be submitted to the Emperor in the form of an address to his Majesty demanding the independence of Hungary, the Constitution of 1848, and a Responsible Ministry. The debate is not yet concluded.

The gentlemen elected in Venetia to the Council of the Empire, have refused to take their seats, on the ground that a lew communes do not represent the will of the country.

The Passenger's ' Australian Colonies ' Bill has passed through committee.

All the great Powers of Europe have agreed to the union of the Danubian Principalities.

An eye witness of the late horrible ' Grand Custom,' at Dahomey, says that upwards of 2000 males and about as many women and young children were slaughtered. Surely some civilised power ought to forcibly put a stop to these horrible practices, even il it be necessary, in order to do so, to take possession of the" kingdom of Dahomey.

The advices from China are very satisfactory, showing that for the future our intercourse with the Government will be on a vastly different footing to that hitherto, and that our commercial relations with the Chinese will be greatly enlarged. Spain has notified to England that she does not intend to introduce slavery into St. Domingo, lately annexed to her.

The Emperor of the French will withdraw his troops from Syria on the expiration of the period fixed upon, viz., the sth June, and transports.have been sent to bring them back.

The Prince of Wales and Captain Grey were upset in a boat on the Cam last week, but as the river is not deep they soon got on shore again.

The demand for money has increased, and there being a revived demand for gold for export to America, the Bank of England has put up its rate to 6 per cent.

The Indian famine relief fund here has now reached £93,000.

The guarantee fund for the International Exhibition for 1862 has now reached upwards of £400,000.

A young man committed suicide last week on Primrose Hill, from some love affair, and the jury returned a verdict of 4 Feb de se.'

Saturday, May 25.

The Toulon fleet have sailed to bring back the French troops from Syria. The Russian Government has protested against their departure, and declines to share in the responsibility of their withdrawal.

The petition of the people of Rome to the Emperor Napoleon requesting the evacuation of Rome by the French troops, has been.despatched to Paris. It has 10,000 signatures.

The Queen of Spain has signed the decree for the annexation of San Domingo.

The Emperor's biennial prize of 20,000 francs is to be given to M. Thiers for tbe last volume of his ' History of the Consulate and the Empire.'

The Suez Canal scheme has once more become a question of comment in and out of Parliament: while the Ministers here de^ clare it to be a complete failure. M. de Lesseps declares the works to be progressing most satisfactorily. The number of workmen employed is 8000. The whole of the fresh water canal and about half of the salt water canal will be finished this year, and that by next year the two seas will be joined.

The American residents in Paris have subscribed to purchase rifled cannon for the Government at Washington.

Sweden has joined England, France, and Russia, as mediatois to prevent a conflict between Denmark and Germany.

An address signed by 71,006 electors has been presented to the President of the Council of Ministers of Denmark, who in reply dwelt chiefly on the necessity of granting to Holstein an independent position in the monarchy.

The Empress of Austria has returned, and was joined at Trieste by his Majesty. Denmark has acknowledged the new kingdom of Italy.

In the Italian Chamber the situation of affairs in Venetia has been pointedly alluded to.

The receipt of the Famine Relief Fund has been acknowledged in India with grateful feelings, while it has alleviated the deep distress of the North West Provinces.

The King of the Belgians and the Count of Flanders have arrived at Osborne, on a visit to her Majesty. The Volunteer Grand Annual Prize meeting begins July next, when a cap of £50, and one of £25 will be contested for.

Monday, May 27. There are later advices from America: the New York date being the 14th May, Boston 15th, and Halifax 17th May. The Federal Government has notified to foreign powers that it will cease to hold intercourse with any foreign power which recognises any Commissioners from the rebel states. This is certainly somewhat of a threat to the European Powers, or defiance of them; but as the Southern States' Confederation have not yet established themselves as a distinct republic, no European power will, until that be accomplished, be probably disposed to accept any Commissioner in a diplomatic character. France has replied to Mr. Seward's despatch, that she will not hastily recognise any new power, and also that she considers the stability of the Union necessary. Russia and Spain will, probably, in fact, no doubt, side with the Federal Government, while England will probably remain quite neutral, and not receive'^ the Southern Confederation Commissioner until the civil war has completed what Jeffeison David has begun. Western Virginia is true to ihe Union. A Convention has been held at Wheeling with the view of separating from the eastern part of the State, and will be protected by the forces of Ohio and Pennsylvania, should the secessionists attempt interference. 2000 Western Virginians have been swotn into the service of" the United States.

It is declared—but upon what authority is not stated—that 'the Governors of all the Free States Westward have united and obtained a pledge from the President, that no compromise or cessation of war shall

take place until the national flag floats over all the national property.' Private letters give a deplorable view of the state of affairs in the tfouth^rn States, terrorism prevailing <-ver\;wheru, yet the majority are in i'avcj- of 'death to th« j knife,' rather than give in. We must, hewever, look lor some x^nicm when the' war is at its height, There- aro many Unionists now, and there will b=3 many then, who will make some movement in favour of the North, by which means the South will be weakened. But at present the common talk is of tomahawking, scalping, and such like. Scenes of brutal violence will be enacted, of which, at present, history hat no record. A private letter from Maryland in our possesion says that they look for a repetition of the Cawnpore massacre, and for Maryland to become one gigantic burying ground. Private property is no longer respected by either side.

Obituary.—Duke of Bedford, Sir H. Williamson, Sir George Jackson, Sir Henry Durrant, Professor Henslow.