FOREIGN NEWS

HALIFAX, April 16. – The Canada from Liverpool on the evening of the 5th, and Queenstown both arrived at this port this forenoon.

The French Continental, as well as the English press, discuss the great importance of the experience gained by the engagement between the Merrimac and Monitor. It is generally ad [sic] admitted that maritime warfare has undergone a change, and that the Monitor is a solution of the question between wooden vessels and iron ones.

MADRID, April 6 – It is officially declared that the Spanish Government has most resolutely determined not to attempt to infringe on the sovereignty and independence of the Mexicans.

The Great Eastern is advertised to leave Milford for Ney York on the 6th of May.

In the House of Commons, on the 3d inst., Mr. Fitzgerald gave notice that he would soon call attention to our relations with Mexico.

Mr. Gladstone had made his financial report, and, in the course of his speech, adverted to the great drawbacks from the American crisis, which had turned out worse than was anticipated. The cotton crisis was a most serious feature to England. A blockade had of course been expected, but it proved more injurious and extended over a greater line of coast than had been anticipated, and its effect had been nearly to double the price of cotton. The loss in American trade was great; the exports having from nearly twenty-two million pounds in 1860 decreased to only five million in 1861. Trade with America, according to recent returns, was, however improving.

Mr. Layard said that the Government had received official information that a convention had been entered into between commissioners of the Allied Powers and the Government of Mexico, and it was time that the British forces had been withdrawn from Mexico, except a small force of men; that it was not the intention of the Government that they should take any part in the expedition into the interior, and they would all be brought home except about 100 who would be left there for the performance of ordinary duties. Her Majesty’s Government did not approve of all the articles of the Convention. The approved of it generally.

Mr. Osborn moved a resolution that it is expedient to suspend the construction of the proposed forts and Ship Head till the value of iron rolled gunboats for defence shall have been fully considered. He referred to the exploits of the Merrimac and Monitor, and claimed that the invention of the principle of the Monitor belonged to Capt. Coles, whose plans were long since submitted to the Admiralty and reported favorably on and then shelved.

Lord Palmerston advocated the great importance of the invention and rejoiced that it was not formed in party spirit. The question had occupied the earnest attention of the Government. He did not deny that the action between the Monitor and Merrimac had taught the lesson. But since it had done that in one direction, it had also given a warning in another, as showing what they could not do as well as what they could do. He pointed out the drawbacks of the Monitor, and what England was doing with iron ships, and said that tenders had been sent out for the construction of a ship of Capt. Cole’s principle. He questioned the expediency of entirely neglecting fortifications, and favored both forts and floating batteries.

Preparations had commenced for cutting down the Royal Sovereign, on of the finest ships in the English Navy, from a 131 screw three-decker to a 12 gun ship on Capt. Cole’s plan. The Bulwark, 9 guns, was also to be converted into an iron plated ship.

The Army and Navy Gazette observes that there is more than the usual element of uncertainty about the issue of the civil war in America, owing to the ignorance of the real capacity of the South to resist and the North to move. The Federals will have to prove, by getting to Richmond, that they have a quartermaster General’s Department, a good Commissariat and military trains.

FRANCE. – Gen Genin’s return from Rome was regarded as almost certain.

THE VERY LATEST

The Paris correspondent of the London Daily News says the difference between England and France in Mexican affairs is very ticklish. The ship Yorktown, regular packet from London to New York, has been captured on her voyage as a Confederate privateer.

COMMERCIAL

Breadstuff’s Market generally quiet and steady, except for Flour, which is still declining. Various circulars report downward and decline of 6d@1s. Range 24s@29s. Wheat quiet and steady. Read Southern 11s 4d@11s 6d; White Western 11s; Whit Southern 12s@12s 6d. – Corn Quiet. Mixed 27s 6d@28s; White 33s@34s 6d.

Provisions generally quiet and steady.

Wakefield & Co, and others, report Beef steady; Pork firm; Bacon easier; Lard heavy and declined 2d.

{Latest via Queenstown}

Breadstuffs – Flour steady. Wheat quiet and easier. Corn inactive. Provisions closing quiet and steady.

London, Saturday Evening. – Consols closed at 93 7/8@94 for money.

American Securities – the latest sales were, L. C. 43½@43¾ discount; Erie 34@34½.

Paris, Saturday Evening. The Bourse closed firm. Rentes 70f.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 19, 1862