England is still expecting an answer from the Federal Government.
The New Yorkers heard of the reception o the news in England on the 13th instant, but they wer unfortunately unable to comprehend English self-restraint, and fancied from the legal tone of the Times, and the arguments used in the Liverpool meeting, that the affair would pass off with only a newspaper protest. The Herald, of course, takes advantage of the occasion to taunt Great Britain with meanness, and, equally of course, the taunt stands at the head of the telegraphic summary. Nothing, however, has occurred to indicate the official view one way or the other, and the slight swerve of opinion to- wards war which has marked the close of the week seems the result rather of the protracted suspense than of the development of any new facts. On the other hand, the Government of France has distinctly thrown its weight into the scale on the side :of peace, by publishing a despatch which was sent to Washington on tile 3rd instant, and which declares the seizure of the Commissioners a breach of international law, and advises submission "in obedience to a just and elevated sentiment." The demand of the British Government was despatched in the Europa, which passed Cape Race on the 13th instant, and would reach New York on the 17th. The answer, unless it is an instant declaration of war, would be sent by the same steamer on the 25th, and may be expected in London before the 6th January. Long before that date, however, we shall be aware of the tone adopted by the people, and perhaps of a far more important point—the will of the army of the Potomac.
