The Lancaster Ledger

The steamship Africa brings a report that the people of Australia had rebelled against the British Government and issued a Declaration of Independence. As it purported to have been received by the overland route from Ceylon, it was thought by some to be merely an exaggerated account of trivial Colonial difficulties, invented for the purpose of operating upon the public sentiment of Europe, to weaken confidence in England. While the statement, therefore, should be received with caution, there may be some truth in it, as a very large portion of the people of Australia have for some time past shown a strong disposition to emerge from the chrysalis condition of Colonial vassalage, and to establish a "free and independent" Government a la Americaine.

We should regard this as one of the most glorious results that could possibly result from the present war. Since England and France, by their intrigues and diplomatism, have combined with the Austrian and Italian despots, to fetter the spirit of freedom on the continent, it would be but a fitting rebuke if she should pluck the richest colonial jewel from the proud British crown.