Latest European news.
Opinions of the press — Warlike preparations of great Britain.
We have the following items, through the Norfolk Day Book, from the Baltimore Sun, of the 25th. Our very full special dispatch from Norfolk, published yesterday morning, contained the most important news from this source, but the additional facts gleaned from the mails are of some interest:
‘ Pending the arrival of the Europa there was a feeling of great suspense in England, but the funds were but temporarily depressed. Some journals argue that a definite answer was not to be expected by the Europa, and think the cause of peace loses nothing by delay. Others construe the delay unfavorably. The Morning Post thinks it diminishes the hope of peace, and that the Washington Government will propose a compromise, but which will not for a moment be entertained.
The Times asks why the decision should be delayed if favorable for peace, and says that the immediate surrender of Mason and Slidell would have been a greater blow to the Confederates than a victory in the Potomac, and worth millions to the Federal exchequer.
The Daily News says nothing but peace.
All the journals publish the semi-official accounts from the American papers.
The Government had received an account of the proceedings of Lord Lyons up to the the 23d of December; when he presented the formal demand of the British Government.
An answer was looked for by the steamer America, due on the 13th inst., and the Cabinet had been summoned to meet in Council on the 14th inst.
Dr. Russell, in his correspondence to the London Times, predicts that the Cabinet at Washington will refuse to surrender up Messrs. Mason and Slidell. He also says that a victory over the Confederate army has become a political necessity, and that General McClellan is being pressed on all sides to make a forward movement.
The advices per the Europa has caused an upward tendency in the war risks at Lloyd's
The Paris Patrie and Pays say that the Government at Washington offered to restore Messrs Mason and Slidell on condition that England would not recognize the Southern Confederacy.
The Daily News says that any recognition of the Confederate States is too abhorrent to English principle to be really a subject for apprehension.
Additional batteries of artillery were under orders to embark.
The London Times shows that by the beginning of February the squadron of Admiral Milne will number seven line of battle ships, thirty-three frigates, twenty-five corvettes and sloops-of-war, and speculates on what he can do therewith.
The shipments of ammunition to the Atlantic squadron continues unabated.
The British Parliament is summoned to meet on the 6th of February, but it can be called earlier, if the exigencies of the case demand it.
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The latest from Europe.
‘ Liverpool, Jan. 9.--The steamship City of Washington, from New York, arrived out on the 8th, and the steamer Jura, from Portland, arrived the same day. They brought out the announcement of the adjustment of the Trent affair, which was received with the greatest satisfaction. Consols immediately advanced from 1a1¼ per cent.
The rendition of Mason and Slidell to the custody of Lord Lyons was received with the greatest satisfaction, but some journals complain of the ungracious manner in which the Washington Cabinet proceeded. Others accord due credit to the act, and the graceful manner with which the settlement was conducted. Console immediately assumed a buoyant tone, and advanced over one per cent.
The United States gun-boat Tuscarora had arrived an Southampton to watch the Nashville, which was there and ready for sea.
The vessels destroyed by the Sumter were the ship Vigilant, bark Eben Dodge, and schooner Arcade.
The Paris Bourse was firmer and higher, and Rentes being quoted at 7 20
’
Uprising of the Mexican people
The Mexican Minister, Senor Ertias Romeo, is quite cheerful over the news received from Mexico. The uprising of the Mexican people to repel the Spanish, French, and British invaders was expected. Private advices from Mexico show that the people have laid aside all their old political quarrels and agreed to unite in the present crisis. The opinion is expressed that a form of government will now be organized and will be supported by the whole people — adversity bringing to the nation what the people themselves, when they were at peace with all the world, could not produce.