THE YANKEE FILIBUSTERING EXPEDITION FOR AUSTRALIA.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 166, 13 April 1871, Page 7

THE YANKEE FILIBUSTERING EXPEDITION FOR AUSTRALIA.

The Melbourne correspondent of the " Daily Tiroes " says : " .A. good deal of speculation, although not much imeasines, has been excited by the publication of a circular telegraphic despatch sent by the Secretary of State to the different Governors of Australia, in reference to an expected visit from a filibustering expedition fitted out from America, the native home of filibustering. I suppose you have seen the despatch, but if not, this is its text — ' London, February 16th.— The British Government have received a statement — which they do not credit, but think it right to send — that a filibustering expedition is to leave the United States this month for Melbourne, Sydney, and Otago. Otago, you see : this touches you nearly. It is right to say that here there is not the slightest credence attached to the report on. which the despatch was founded. At the date of latest news the relations between England and America presented a reassuring aspect. The Alabama claims were indeed to be again brought under discussion; but judging from the tenor , of the press comments in both countries,

a pacific and speedy solution w;is ex pectpd as well in America as in England. Should the expedition, instead of being a filibustering one, be directed against our gold ships, it would then become one of unqualified piracy, and it is in the highest degree improbable that any shipowners and capitalists are desirous of embarking their property in an enterprise of maritime bushranging. So that, looked at in any point of view, the statement is one of extreme improbability, and we shall be curious to learn, as I suppose we shall some i day, how much or how little foundation the English Government had for sending this singular despatch. One effect of it has been a good one. It has to some degree served, although it was not believed, to keep the subject of defence before the minds of the different colonies. In Sydney we learn that they are putting their guns in position with all celerity ; our preparations, also, are not allowed to slacken, and Sir James Ferguson, who was absent on a visit to Tasmania, made a hurried return to his government at Adelaide, to see what can be done there in the way of getting into readiness. As connected with the matter of defence, I may state that our turret ship the Cerberus left Galle on February sth for Batavia, where she would finally coal before making the run down to King George's Sound. The crew, in their close confined quarters, had suffered terribly from the beat, but all uneasiness as to the safe arrival of the vessel seems to be at an end. In all probability, within a month from this date, we shall have within our harbour the strongest war ship for defence purposes south of the line. The Government intend to promote her gallant commander, Lieut. Panter, to the rank of captain in the colonial service.