The Sun. — London, England, 1865-10-05 00:00:00

The Social Science Association. SHEFFIELD, OCt. 4. At the meeting of the Social Science Association, held this evening, Lord Brougham delivered the opening address. There were present a large ga thering of members and associates. The place of ra Music-hall, which was meeting was the Alexandra tillrecently a theatre, and the new decorations for the occasion had just been completed. Lord BROUGHAM, who is in excellent health, read the following address with clearness and emphasis, and was warmly applauded : " Once more I have the satisfaction of meeting my old Yorkshire constituents, and of reflecting on the most prized distinction of my life—the represen tation of this great county the last time it chose its members undivided and entire. This is now our ninth Congress, and we have, as is our usual lot, to lament the losses which we, the country, and the world at large have sustained since we met at York. First to be named is Richard Cobden, of whose great service not England only, but France also, has been witness and felt justly grateful. We may also dwell on the removal of one far less famous, but to whom the promoters of social science felt their gratitude especially due as among the greatest helps to the diffusion of know ledge on all subjects, secular and religious—John Cassell, whose circulation of useful works at the lowest price, to which he devoted his life, was pro digious. Of the Illustrated Bible 60,000,000 were sold in weekly numbers, making the poor man's cottage, as he b oas t e d, a school of instruction. But, happily, his surviving partners, Petter and Galpin, pursue the same course in which they were his able and zealous advocates. Nor is it possible in this country to forget the heavy loss which at our last Congress we had hoped to escape, but which soon after befell us, of Lord Carlisle, than whom a more virtuous person, or in all his positions one more use ful, did not exist. On these losses we may use the touching words in which the Royal Psalmist poured out his sorrow—" We shall go to them, although they shall not return to us." (2 Samuel, xii., 25.) There is, however, much upon which to congratulate the association since our last Congress, both on our labours and on the course of events. And as we then expressed satisfaction at the calming down of party, both in Parliament and in the country, we can now still more fully give vent to the same feel ings, not only from the stillness in high quarters, but because the general election has taken place, and certainly has evinced a more entire absence of party and personal animosity than marks our his tory since the period of the Revolution. By this calm the pursuits that are dear to us are greatly benefited, and are likely further to profit by its continuance. Even where the public tranquillity has been slightly ruffled, the great cause of social progress has made considerable gain. The loss of some valuable members to Parliament, of which the greatest are those of Mr. George Denman and Mr. Adam Black, has been compensated by the elec tion of men only known for their able treatment of philosophical questions, like our colleagues Profes sor Fawcett and Mr. Stuart Mill, or our distin guished vice-president of the Jurisprudence Depart ment, Mr. Forsyth, who unites to his forensic talents a foremost place among the most accomplished scholars of the age. In reckoning our gains at the late elections, it is highly satisfactory to reflect on the considerable diminution of bribery and corrup tion. Of this there can be little doubt ; but still there remained enough to justify all friends of public morals, and indeed of our national character, in de siring more effectual means to be taken for the ex tinction of practices so disgraceful. Last year the measures which would have proved effectual for this purpose, sending those convicted to the tread mill, and requiring a solemn declaration from every member on taking his seat that he had no know ledge or suspicion of any such practices having been pursued at his expense, were stopped on the ground that the dissolution had been postponed, and this year on the eve of an immediate general election, those measures were again withheld, while Sir Fitz roy Kelly's bill enabling parties charged with any offence to tender their evidence, undergoing cross examination, met with such treatment in the Com mons that he could not press it to a division. It is not to be told what censure falls upon the English people in foreign countries when the enormous sums spent at our elections are mentioned, and that ex penditure is truly disgraceful which may still be in curred without any corruption. The cost of return ing Mr. Stuart Mill for Westminster exceeded £1,500 for ten days. The expenses of candidates in some cases amounted to £3OO or £4OO a day while the dissolution was impending, and as much as £17,000 was positively stated to have been paid by a candidate for Yorkshire some years ago in pre paring for a contest which never took place. Sir F. Kelly's act, appointing election auditors, had not then passed. It is far from sufficient to prevent all expense, yet if adequately carried out it would stop much of the absurd practices which in too many cases are a mere cloak for bribery. The late elections and the aspect of the returns as regards the Liberal party lead us naturally to think of the prospect held out of a further extension of the franchise to the working classes. The alarm felt or affected of their overwhelming the rest of the community is probably groundless, although all our friends must desire any change to be effected gradually, and under the guidance of experience. The expediency of giving votes to one class really can admit of no doubt—the class of skilled workmen, who are, in fact, more independent of their employers than these are of them. Why should not all who receive at any time a certain amount of wages be registered as voters once and for ever ? The certificate of the employer would be a test of the workman's respec tability, and that would continue, whatever might be his subsequent employment. The expediency of giving non-electors some share in the elections was considered in York, and there seemed no sufficient objection to allow the show of hands some weight, by requirin g whoever had it not to exceed those who had it by a certain proportion at the poll. The proposal of Professor Leoni Levi well deserves the attention of those who are still for the ballot—that the votes should be given in writing, signed by the voter in his own hand, so as to secure a certain amount of education. Those who treat of Reform prospects and projects are but imperfectly acquainted with the history of the great Reform of 1832 in its earlier stages, and would find there had been much more extensive changes then, not only contemplated, but which met with acceptance. Of the proverbial inaccuracy of contemporary history there is a re markable instance, where it could be least expected, in Lord Russell's late preface to his new edition of : the Essay on the Constitution. The subject is the mention is supp ressed of Reform of 1832, and all the great meeting of the Opposition at Lord Al_ thorpes chambers, to consider the plan of whichlhad given notice, and which was to have been brought forward two days after, had not the change of Ad ministration occurred to prevent it. There were present at the meeting, either owners of close boroughs or their connexions, as Lord Milton, Mr. Baring, afterward s Lord Ashburton ; and, my statement of th e most important of the besides Reform afterwards propou n ded parts by the new Ministry, there was household suffrage propounded in ex press terms, and thou g h only half the seats for close boroughs were to be taken aw ay, yet a larger number of the great towns were to be enfranchised than the Government Bill afterwards provided f or . It must be observed that the late times have shown, even during the heats of the election, no disposition on the part of the people for a reform in their re presentation. It would be difficult to point out ' any period since 1832 in which the subject so lit t l e engaged the public attention. But that would be no reason against well-considered and moderate rs of social science will changes, and the promote regard any proposed measure with a view to its effects upon the different classes of the community, an d upon the representative part of the Legislature, whether that meas ur e is called for by the popular voice or not. above SU To those changes which have been ggesterinay possibly be added a new con struction of the electoral districts, so as to remove in some degree the extreme irregularity now exist ing. But this is a matter of great di ffi culty, and certainly a general equalizati on may be pronounced on every account altogether unadvisable. In re- THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 5, IE€E. ferring to Reform of Parliament, it is impossible to tion which they require after work. In all my pass over the great expediency, indeed it may be addresses , as president of the Institute, what has been termed the absolute necessity, of some change in dwelt - upon is relaxation and amusement as the pri the conduct of what is called private business or Bills, ma':y objects. This has been the fundamental doe those Acts not onlyaffectingproperty of vast amount, trine, admitting the necessity of harmless amuse but conferring what Lord Longdale used justly to meat to men after their day's work. It is most term transcendental powers. This branch of the satisfactory to find that our colleague, Lord Stan proceedings is that by which Parliament is chiefly ley, has lately inculcated this at the Birkenhead known to the community, and no doubt considerable co-operative meeting, and it is only to be regretted improvement has of late years been made in the that he had net attended at York, where the same conducting it. But the greatest of all the evils felt subject was more than once under the consideration has been left una.ssailed, the necessity of every one of the Congress, and a paper read upon the subject particular in each bill undergoing the same inquiry by the secretary of the Institute. In our Congress in both houses, so as almost to double the expenses at York the subject which had occupied us the year of all parties. With that great man, whose irrepar- before at Edinburgh, of female education as con able loss we daily deplore on all questions, whether netted with the University examinations, was of foreign or of domestic policy, whether of peace resumed. Some difference of opinion was or of war (it is superfluous to name the Duke of occasioned by the mistake that the pro- Wellington), it was my lot to co-operate:on this posal concerned degrees for females ; whereas it subject, having with him brought forward those was certainthat this could not bethe case, the exami standing orders which now regulate the private busi- nation conferring no degrees at all, as had been ness before both houses, and which were introduced fully stated by Mr. Hastings at a preliminary meet in a committee of the Lords. When they were to be ing. But, fortunately, the University of Cambridge propounded there my illustrious friend said, "Why received most favourably the memorial, signed by a not bring forward our great plan ?" My answer thousand persons connected with education, as well was, " Because it would be certainly refused by the as many others, including some of the most promi committee." "Never mind," he said, "we can but nent and active members of our own Association. be beaten, and then we fall back upon the lesser The memorial was presented towards the end of last and ineffectual plan." The great measure was offered year, and the question was referred to a special Syn and refused under the influence of professional men, dicate, who, after a careful consideration, made a who saw that it would cut off nearly half of their report recommending the proposed extension. In services. It consisted in the appointment of a joint accordance with this a grace of the Senate was committee--seven commoners andfour peers, acting passed, giving effect to the recommendation of the with the assistance of a professional judge or asses- Syndicate. The scheme is to keep in force as a ten sor, to help them on questions of law respecting tative measure for three years, at the expiration evidence ; and the report to be in each house de- of which there is every reason to believe that it will cisive on all matters of fact, but leaving to the house be made permanent. In the meantime ladies' cora its full discretion upon-the whole bill and all its pro- mittees are arranged for the superintendence of the visions. This is not the first time that the plan has examinations at several of the local centres, and the been mentioned before our Association, and in con- promise of candidates is already very considerable. flexion with the great man's name who took such an Of the complete success of the movement it is interest in it, and who, indeed, mainly contributed scarcely possible to entertain a doubt. The direct to its preparation. But it is a sacred duty to his result of examination cannot fail to be most bene memory that so important a portion of his history ficial, and the moral value of such a recognition by should be preserved and continually held up to the one of our old Universities of the importance of admiration of his grateful countrymen. He unfor- female education is likely to be still more widely tunately took an erroneous view of Reform in and deeply felt. The success of the new system of the representation, and he maintained his opinion education in Ireland is a just subject for congratu strongly, being deeply impressed with the belief lation, and the rather because an attempt was made that the proposed change in the constitution of the by clerical and other bigotry to represent it as a Lower House would dangerously interfere with the failure. The principle at all times urged by our Executive Government—that it was too large a Association of combined secular and separate re measure to be adopted at once. His joining, there- ligious teaching has been applied, and the result fore, in so radical an alteration of the legislative is given in the papers before Parliament. In the procedure was the more important, and is one, year 1849-50, when the Queen's Colleges were though among the least, of the many proofs that he established in Belfast, Cork, and Galway, the num is to be named among the foremost of our statesmen ber of pupils was 395, and last year they were 837. as he is at the head of all our warriors. But in Cork and Galway the increase has been " Statesmen and warrior, he lived and died, much greater than in Belfast, because there educa " Where duty placed him, a t his coun t ry ' s s id e; tion had begun sooner. Notwithstandi ng th e popu " Trod with firm foot the line which justice draws, of lation Gal way has fallen one-half in the ti me , th e 1 • "Fixed to prevail, or perish in her cause:'—Cowper. number of pupils has nearly doubled. The number It was highly satisfactory at our last Congress to mark the success of th e grea t co - o p era ti ve movement belonging to the Establish e d Ch urc h i s on l y one in the increase of th e num b e r o f th e soc i e ti es and fourth of the whole in the three co ll eges . It mus t be added that Mr. Whiteside, the rep resen t a ti ve o f though not at the rate of former years ; an d as thi s their resources, That progress has conti nu ed, al- be University (Trinity C o ll ege ), w ith distin guished candour and con summa t e a bilit y , oppose d diminution has partly arisen from the i ncrease d rigour of the rules establi s hed, an d th e arrangements those who argued that the measure h a d b een a enforced with the view to profit, a n a d van t age h as failure. Mention has been made of the grea t s t e p taken been gained ; except, perhaps, that too great burghparsi in favour of female education. What has mony has been shown in the payment of those em been done by certain benevolent persons belongs ployed. It was, however, impossible that the same rather to the head of charity than education. Yet rate of increase should continue which had been ex is it very important. A hall has been set up for hibited in 1860 and 1861, when no less than 250 poor sempstresses, who may wo r k th ere i ns t ea d o f new societies had been formed. In 1863 there we r e in all 454, whose sale s i n th e year amounte d to in those wretched garrets to w hi c h th e y are gene £2,626,000, and thei r p r ofit di v id e d was £213 ,000. rally confined, and the additi on o f a coo ki ng appa - Mr. Pratt's return for the last year (1864) i s 505 ratus is a great i m p rovemen t. Th ere i s no more societies, their sales £2,742,000, and profit £225,000. praiseworthy e m pl o y men t o f th e f un d s w hi c h c h ar i - The counties of York and Lancaster continu e t o table individuals allot to that unhappy c l ass o f th e i r take the lead, as the number of 505 Lancaster fellow-citizens, and the su gges ti on o f M rs. W ay i s has no less than 130 and this county 104. very important—that tea c hi ng th e sew i ng mach i ne One cannot a v oid recollectingis greatly wanted for the clas s o f sem p s t resses . B ut the of saying the greatest benefit rendered to the se p oor women a Rochdale tradesma n , w h en a f ew wor k men advanced a little money t o es t a bli s h a s t ore ; is from the companies that h ave b een fo rme d by the he said he should b e a bl e t o carry i t a ll i n principal ladies in London and the d ressma k ers , w ith l his wheelbarrow, and no w th e asse t s o f th e societies limited liability, for ho mes un d er s t r i c t regu l at i ons, are returned at £891,000, an d th e i r cas h i n th e bank and which have suc cee d e d i n an ex t raor di nary man and in the hands of thei r t reasurers a t £105,000 . It nor. One of these co m p an i es i s i n Cliff or d- street, Bond-street, the other in G r os venor - s t ree t, Gros must be added that the strong recomme n d a ti on g i ven at York to employ co-ope ra ti on i n agr i cu lt ure , an d venor-square, and these divide upon th e i r p ro fit s . I n the signal success of Mr. Gurdon's experiment in S u f- Edinburgh the society for the e m pl o y men t o f women is folk, have had their effect in Ireland, whe re on the doing great good in extendin g th e resources o f their labour. In the branch of photog ra phy th e success Vandeleur property there is every probability that th e same success would have followed, but for th e un f or - has been perfect. The Commission upo n sc h oo l s i ssue d tunate insolvency of the landlord. A s f ar as it went 'on the recommend a ti on o f our C ounc il h as not yet nothing could be more satisf ac t or y. M r . C ra i g, its made n'tswroerpo.rt, It t u i t e it in has ucb t been o be actively re rete e d n g t r a e t d m in r the cb im d: p able superintendent, states th a t w h en th e co-0 era- port ant t k wick was not named am ong th e commissioners, g as his ac tion had been continued some time the greatest im- quaintance with the subject exceeds that of most men, and provement had taken place, both in the comfort and ho is the founder of that valuable improvement, the half moral condition of the inhabitants, although they at time plan. The commissioners have appointed 10 assis first had take n aga i ns t it h ost il e proceed i ngs, which , who examine the school s an d th e i r me th o d o f teach they carried even to th e l eng th o f a b reac h o f t h e as ing in thedd on the iffeent continent districts of E of thi s coun t ry,n this well as in in America an peace. The cause of c o- o p era ti on i n a ll i ts b ranc h es circulars of questions have been issued t o , 843 endowed and owes almost everything to Mr. Pitman, whose con- 152 proprietary schools; and witnesses have been fully stant exertions and self-sacrifice cannot be too grate- examined. The commissioners have sat 35 days, and aro fully acknowledged by all co-operative societies, and to resume their sittings for further examination of wit their efforts are justly required to aid him in his great nesses in November. It is impossible to doubt that a grea t work, the conduct of the " co-operator." Nothing bo . d ll y b of in e l f l erm ete a d tion, d both as to useful and to other countries, and many andus diligenteu s su gges ti ons g e g e e c s r t e i t o a n ry. can be more gratifying in all respects than the spread made. We hliavre. w il l . Roby is their and success of co-operation, both as regards the great reason to be thankful for the acceptance of the most comfort and improvement of the people, and if the important plan of law amendment. The act giving suitable middle classes have gained much, the working classes jurisdiction to county courts has been for many years have had a larger share in the benefit. The question strongly urged by us. Indeed that jurisdiction was part of Was o r r i i 3f t r a e l d L i n o Courts c l al ß3o then naturally occurs, and it was asked in the course' e c d om th m at ittee to which it t of the general election, are these classes, preponde - partially ap Ei r l o l was introduced provision. 13) . our in 1852 an e l a b orate l y prepa red rant for their labours as well as their numbers, to council. This equitable extension has been year after year remain for ever excluded from a direct share in the attempted by us, and is at length carried to a certain extent. choice of our representatives ? And this question has The great subject of a Law Digest was handled by Sir Jas. been received by some with indifference, by others Wilde in his most admirable address at York, and has with contempt, and by not a few with proposals, been subsequently read b discussed in at our meetings, and an able the cause of al arm t o mos t persons. B ut t h ere is that pap no ogress has been madetowards uponer it was byy Mr . the Re illy. It can n o t be sai d attainment one view which does not appear to have been taken of this object, for the house of Commons has voted £5,000 by any of the reasoners on the subject, and it is towards the expenses of it, and constant and active work peculiarly addressed to the promoters of Social has been bestowed upon the kindred task of' selecting for re- Science, because it applies to the great cause of pro- peal all the statutory provisions which are in fact inopera gress in all its branches. The working classes gene- tive, thatbit still thework o continuo f upon and a tin t e u o te ne ß ol o i o da k.lt g must be rally, and even a large proportion of th e middle added has been undertaken at di g est i ng New York, und rk, and is proceeding the laws order, are prone to be too earnest, and even im- the superintendence of our corresponding member, Mr. patient, for the adoption of measures which they Dudley Field. At our last Congress Mr. G. Denman under deem necessary or expedient. They do not give them took to bring in a bill for removing the anomaly in our pro due consideration ; they do not perceive the checks "dui"), of counsel not being allowed in criminal the privi which experience has shown to be required for secur- legs d given in civil cases of summing up the evidence ad ing yllneodliodnsgoe, longer exists. a t t h e e ac t Thebe ifnafl ing safety and conformity with other institutions. fa ilure passed d Sir.la s t F session golly theto The lesson is slowly learned which these classes amend the law of evidence has been mentioned. That havenever havenever understood, or only apprehended to make amendment, which the Judge Ordinary of the Divorce Court it an object of ridicule or clamour, how much of the strongly recommended,—the enabling parties to be ex- . best of laws may be the result of compromise or amined, which had been omitted in my act of 1849, was bill. The defendants chii in crimi n al eri a na j j : e mutual concession, and h ow oft en i n carr yi ng th roug h p t o the art of Sir Pz objection a n s t e o s that were s t i and examination itraYi s o f any measure, the most i m p or t an t an d b ene fi c i a l , such same that had been urged against the greatest amendment compromise has not only been e x pedi en t but neces- of the law in modern times, the examination of parties in civil sary ; nay, how much the whole of our social system cases, and it may fairly be expected that those objections has been a succession of compromis es . I n cons id er - will no l o nger be allow e d to prevail. One great improve ing any of the proposals for extending the Parlia- ment has, however, taken place in this branch of the law, the mentary suffrage, this circumstance of prevailing natural extensionof n tlaiemiteaesdloid last abili sessionexcluding ty, atall timesstrongly importance is to be well considered, and we, o f the t s h up e p re ort sp ed bonsiybility. A of partnership those who lend mo fro mto National Association, are fully aware of its great traders and men who receive payment for their labour out influence over ou r supporters in the community. of the profits to which they have contributed. This is a great It must ever be kept in mind that the primary benefit, not only to the workman, but to his employer, and object of co-operation is self-help, the enabling the to traders as well. But much has been done for the working man without any parliamentary proceedings. The repeated working man to obtain his goo d s o f the best quality and at the lowest price, to . him fair wages, and io eerearnbestas continued of opinion by our to üboudy co toitdheerairteionan: and to s hisecure his share in the profits arising from wh c o o ra nnu we e d xt t o o lle rece da l t v the i r York orkand Edinburgh n for labour. and P those His gains are as far as possible em- their kindly conduct, and especially the Messrs. Chambers, ployed in the education of his children and his own have been reducing the hours of labour to ten, and this improvement. In this he may be assisted by his has become a general movement. The early closing of wealthier neighbours, and in providing for his which Leeds was so great and so early an example has been relaxation and social intercourse during the hours of more generally followed, and it is very probable that in both these relaxations ns th his rest. The want of room in hi s h ouse often compensated by m o r e e loss in healthyhotauters of f labo e ur men bour will be obliges him to attend a club, and therefore th e their more diligenth working. The s repo report of the selectcorn best assistance that can be rendered him is to faciii- mittee of the House of Commons on the bankrupt law has tate the forming of clubs, which among other ad- been made public during the past session, and we find that substantially ehesbh the adoption of the Scotch vantages have the great merit of coming in comps- recommends iptlan of tiste e s ry t e e eurts creditors, ieste instead andtheir proceed ings trt - referred to the or n din y a tition with the ale-house. Accordingly, three years ago, there was formed in connection with our asso- bunal. That some amendment in this branch of p th a e law is elation the Working Men's Club Institute, and its loudly called for by the whole body of traders there can be no discussion in OaillercaatsieosnsthheaNebeen very successful in enabling manner of doubt, and it may b© hoped that the our Jurisprudence Department will assist the public in ar social intercourse wor king men all over the country to form clubs. In riving at a conclusion as to what the amendment should be. object of h as the d b a e y en lah th o e ur r e e rs la . xa sa tio u n r clonld ' The Commission on the Patent Law has also reported since e p r p e o t a r t r e y d , A th ir e . 0 , rd Lyttleton and o th ers, have strenu learrue Lo OUT last Congress, recommending various modifications in gent ty secretary, `the existing system, but admitting that the change would Institute, who s e . able and dili- only palliate the evils complained of. Opinions have since attended our Con- been expressed favourable to the repeal of the statute of gress. It must be added tha t James L, or the abolition of the rights conferred on inven nothing can be more erroneous than the notion prevailing in tors. This is a subject of great difficulty. That there are some quay- grave tern that the object of these clubs is objections to the inventor's rights as at present exer andfor education cised may be true, but his exclusion from the monopoly he other matters of use to the workin 1 main c ses. now enjoys is extremely hard to be . distinguished . from These may arise out of them, but the object that which would deprive authors of their copyright. The is to give the labourers that amusement and reiaza_ concentration of the superior courts and their ()Meet; in one place has happily been established after a delay of 30 years, and the exertions of our association have powerfully con tributed to a measure which was so much required by the mercantile community, and not resisted upon any solid ground by the legal profession. The Commission on Capi tal Punishments has now closed its labours, and though the report is not yet made public, there can be no doubt that a great and useful body of information has been col lected with respect to the operation of the law both in this and foreign countries. We had amost interesting discussion on the subject at York, and didfull justice to the labours of the society, under Mr. Gurney, and its secretaries, Messrs. Tallach and Beggs. An able paper of the latter came before us at York ; and no doubt that society has been usefully em ployed in circulating information on the subject, and in promoting the discussion of it. But whatever difference of opinion there may be on the great question of capital punish ment, there can be none upon the necessity of giving the Home-office an efficient help of counsellors, as this associa tion has so often recommended. On this head of crimi nal law it must bo added that there is in all cases far too great a disposition to regard intoxication as a circum stance of mitigation, whereas it is really an aggravation. There are even reasons for regarding a diseased general habit of mind, induced by intemperance, in the same light of an aggravation, and certainly it ought never to be reckoned among circumstances of extenuation. Our esteemed colleague, Lord Clanricarde, having obtained a Commission on the Irish Law Courts, found that two bills were intro duced by the Government to assimilate the practice in both countries—the one for equity, the other for common law. These were vehemently opposed, and not passed. But in last session only the Equity Bill was introduced, and though the opposition was withdrawn, the bill was not passed. The Government had at that time no Irish law officers in the House. In the new Parliament they have both the Attorney and Solicitor-General and the Castle adviser in the House of Commons, and Lord Clanricarde hopes that the result will be complete, as well of consolidating the three common law courts as of reducing the number of their officers, for whom there is really little business to do. The subject of recording titles to landed estates was fully discussed at our meetings upon papers by Messrs. Torrens and Robert Wilson, and an Act was passed last session for recording such titles in Ireland through the machinery of the Estates Court. Nothing can be more satisfactory than the proceedings of last year with respect to the reformatory system, and credit is due to the Home Department, of which we formerly had reason to complain. The great changes which have been effected are entirely in accordance with the views often urged by the association , and its supporters. In the class of penal servitude, the sub division of large prisons, the introduction of the mark sys tem, the reduction of the excessive gratuities and of the dietary, the use of photography, and the giving police superintendence (beneficial not only to the public at large, but to the convicts themselves), are great and important improvements ; and these, together with the use of inter mediate prisons in certain cases, have approached the Irish to our own. But there has been great improvement in the convict prisons for minor offenders, and an Act passed last session has been executed most beneficially by the Home Department. All these changes have received the full ap probation of the Prison Directors, whose report has been published, and who bear their testimony to the excellent effects of the various changes on which they comment. It is very important that the absence of Sir Walter Crofton is well supplied by his able successor, and has been so far from injuring his system that this has been consolidated by time, and its details are perfected by experience. Tho great principle has now received full effect that the term of punishment should be lessened merely by the convict's con duct since his imprisonment, but by his subsequent con duct until the supervision now first actually exercised under the ticket of leave has expired. This supervision of his entire liberation has bad all the success that could be expected from it. The defect which experience shows in the existing regulations for suspension depends upon the absence of connexion between the police force at different stations. The improvement in the discipline of county and borough gaols urged by Lord Carnarvon, and effected by the gratuitous labours of Sir Walter Crofton, will be sufficient for the reformation of the convicts, provided that drawback shall cease which at present exists, the term of confinement not being shortened in those prisons by the convict's behaviour. These and many other matters will, it is to be hoped, receive full consideration at this Congress, as our invaluable colleague, the Recorder of Birmingham, if he shall unfortunately be unable to attend, will certainly communicate the result of his residence in Ireland, and also his opinionupon the working of the Liver pool Act, passed last session, for enlarging the powers of grand juries in sanitary cases—an Act which ought to be extended to - other towns. We shall also have the advantage of the presence of Miss Carpenter, whose re cent work " Our Convicts" contains the fullest account of the whole subject. The threatenings of another visitation of cholera gives rise to a meeting under the sanction of our Council, and presided over by the Bishop of London. The whole subject was fully discussed, and an elaborate report presented by the Committee of Health Department. While all has been proceeding satisfactorily in legislation since our last Congress, it is gratifying to find that considerable pro gress has also been made by our rulers, and espooially our Finance Minister, for the benefit of trade. The negotiations with France have had the happiest results for both coun tries—for our neighbours as well as ourselves ; their alarm lest importation from us would interfere with their mann facturzs having been proved groundless by the exportation to this country of their own wares. Similar treaties have been made with other countries, as with Belgium and Italy, while one with Austria may reasonably bo expected. Our foreign commerce has nearly doubled in five years as regards France, and our paper-makers, who were the most alarmed, have not in any instance ceased to carry on the business, while the amount of paper made has been steadily increas ing. But the Post-office accommodation to savings-banks has been an incalculable benefit to the humbler classes. Above 3,000 of these have been established, the permanent deposits in which aro nearly six millions, and almost all in sums under £3. This is exclusive of those in former banks. While everything has been so prosperous with us, it must also be admitted that, with but few exceptions, in foreign countries a like prosperity has existed. In Russia the emancipation a the serfs has been vigorously enforced. The kingdom of Italy has been recognized by Spain, and it may be hoped tho treaty of September, 1864, will at length satisfy the Court of Rome. The Italian Parliament is dissolved, and a general election takes place immediately. Nor can the pa triot and friend of Italy wish her a greater good than that the new Parliament may in all but its great difficulties resemble the old, which for firmness, moderation, and tolerance was a model to representative bodies. The Island of Cuba has taken steps towards the abolition of slavery ; and at Madrid a disposition to favour the colonists has been indicated by the formation of emancipation societies and the establish ment of journals in their behalf. The termination of war in America must give all our friends and supporters the greatest satisfaction. It was never regarded by us as any thing but a grievous calamity, and we hoped that out of evil good might come to the slave, although it was clear that the emancipation by the North had onlybeen a measure of hostility, and the support of slavery, that utterly execrable institution, by the South only a partial cause of the seces sion. But the condition in which the war has left the country, especially the South, is painful to contemplate, as the difficulties of the Government are great and numerous. There seems, however, reason to believe that the President has resolved upon temperate measures towards the defeated Confederates, and all must admire the courage, and the skill by which the victory has been gained, while both parties have alike distinguished themselves in the war, the South having to extol Lee, while Sherman, on the side of the North, is justly admired. The great difficulty arising from the slaves would have been much lessened, if not wholly avoided, had the measure of emancipation been gradual like ours. They might then have had to show their coloured people engaged in free labour, as we have had no less than 100,000 so employed in our colonies. Europe has been astonished and shocked at the seizure of the Danish territories by force and fraud, a crime of which the partition of Poland affords the last example. But the great crime of the last century was on a far larger scale ; the late atrocity, both in its amount and in its tricks, bears the same relation to it that petty larceny bears to highway robbery. The chief blame in all respects is that of Prussia, and the probability is that the wrong-doers will find their folly to have exceeded even their guilt. It must, however, be admitted that in his domestic affairs the Austrian ruler has shown generosity as well as wisdom by his treatment of Hungary ; and it is confidently believed that the now Cabinet has determined upon the most important measure that has been introduced on the Continent—the creation of an unpaid local magistracy similar to our own. This would be by far the greatest benefit that could be conferred upon the country, and the Emperor and his Ministers would gain immortal honour from it. In Prussia no such home im provements in the home administration are to be set off against the foreign misdeeds of the Government. On the contrary, there has been the wholesale violation of the Con stitution in a series of oppressive acts ending in the prosecu tion of senators for words spoken in debate, at a moment when the kinsman of a Minister is suffered to commit mur der-without being brought to trial. It is highly satisfac tory to find that our French neighbours have gained a material advantage in the freedom allowed to their munici pal elections, and we may reasonably expect a like deter mination to abstain from Government interference with the far more important election of deputies. Meanwhile, we most all heartily rejoice in the cordial amity between the two States ; the subjection of ideas of military glory to the useful object of pursuing material interests ; the reduction of the standing army and the enjoyments of the blessings which a solid peace secures to both countries. The time appointed for our Congress unfortunately deprived us of the . presence of our foreign associates at York. But M. Desmarest came over to London at the beginning of winter, and attended our meetings with M. Berryor. It is needless to say that their reception was most cordial, but, indeed, Berryer, alike eminent at the Bar and in the Senate, had in all quarters, from the Ministers as well as from the people, a reception worthy of his great celebrity, and which gave the highest satisfaction to all parties in the country of that illustrious man. We last year testified our great re spect for Mr. Peabody by electing him an honorary mem ber, the only one on ourlist. Hisgreatand wise munificence is the theme of universal admiration. But the last year affords an example of generosity of a like, we need not say an equal extent in the great Hindoo of Bombay, Sir Jameetjee Jeejeebhoy. If the princely weath of such men is to be envied a far greater subject of envy is the extraordinary wisdom and generosity by which its application is guided. The kindred association which was founded at Brussels in 1862 held this year its Congress at Borne, and was at tended by Mr. Hastings on our part. He will doubtless report what there passed. Neither he nor any other of our body took any share in those Alpine ascents which hare this autumn been attended with so much loss of life, and without the possibility of any good, by mere displays of hardihood in climbing to heights whence nothing was to be seen. The promoter of Social Science deeply la ments the loss to families in such displays of useless courage and perseverance, but his contemplations are directed elsewhere. We are pleased to contemplate the flowers in their raiment surpassing all the glories of Solo mon. To examine the animal creation in its endless variety of instincts, each adapted wondrously to accom plish its purpose ; to observe the members of the human family, the capacity of individuals to unfold the order of the universe and subdue to our use the elements, and light, and electricity. But the social aptitudes of man are yet more worthy of our study, and the communities which he forms, and which are the especial objects of the Divine care., Social Science, then, has pre-eminently claims to our regard, and promoting it is our highest duty to our Heavenly Father. That duty we delight to per form, rejoicing to be the instruments of His justice and mercy, and devoutly thankful to His goodness, which makes what He commands a pleasure to obey." Earl FITZWILLIAM proposed a vote of thanks to the man whose life was still devoted to public duty with as much earnestness as it was fifty years ago. The MAYOR seconded the motion. Mrr. H7O - supported it, and it was passed with accla mation. Naval and Military Intelligence. The Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief was present at a review and sham fight which took place yesterday on the Round-down, between. Dover and Folkestone. The troops engaged were those gar risoned at Dover and Shorncliffe, and consisted of cavalry, artillery, and infantry. The troops were formed in two divisions, the infantry brigade occu pying the northern hill being under the command of Major-Gen. Ellice, C. 8., Commandant of Dover garrison, and consisting of the Dover brigade—the Royal Engineers, 2d Battalion 60th Rifles, and the 39th Regiment. The division on the Cliff-side hill was commanded by Col. F. R. Palmer, C. 8., 60th Royal Rifles, and composed of the Shorncliffe troops—the Scots Fusileer Guards, the Royal Engineers, the 48th and the 89th Regiments. Two squadrons of the Ist Royal Dragoons and a battery of the Royal Horse Artillery were posted on each hill, and Major-Gen. Sir Robert Garrett, K.C.8., K. 11., commanding the troops in the South-Eastern Dis trict, assumed the command of the entire force, numbering 7,000 men. Col. Ormsby had the com mand of the artillery. At 11 o'clock the Duke of Cambridge rode upon the ground, accompanied by Major.-Gen. Lord F. Paulet, K.C.8., Adjt.-Gen. ; Col. G. Gambier, C. 8., Deputy Adjt.-Gen. Royal Artillery ; with Col. Clifton, as aide-de-camp, and a large staff. His Royal Highness having taken up a position on the southern hill, the troops were formed to resist an imaginary attack from the Dover side. Skirmishers were thrown out, and the 60th opened fire, then falling back, a line was formed on either hill, and heavy firing by the artillery and the main body of infantry ensued. The cavalry then made a dash along the hills and turned the right and left wing of the supposed enemy. The best of the contest appeared at Hough= Court-farm, from which the defenders eventually retired in good order a short distance behind a copse, where they re formed, and the movement being followed by those on the contiguous hill, another volley was poured into the teeth of the enemy, who, however, conti nued to advance to the downs, where the two divi visions connected, and a third line of defence was formed across the downs. Heavy volleys continued in rapid succession simultaneously with the dis charge of the field pieces along the valley, until the four squadrons of cavalry combined and made a dashing charge in line, which discomfited the sup posed enemy, and ended the sham fight. The troops then concentrated on the downs, and the review was concluded by a " march past." His Royal Highness and Staff were entertained at luncheon in a marquee erected upon the ground, after which lie inspected the Dover Citadel and its fortifi cations, having on the previous day inspected the Castle and the new works. The Duke remained at the residence of General Ellice at Dover last night, and will proceed to Shorncliffe this morning and return to London to-night. The iron screw steamship Agincourt, 26, at Devon port, has had her five masts stepped and running bowsprit fitted, all of iron. She will shortly be re moved, from Hamoaze into Keyham-yard, to be pre pared for the first division of the Steam Reserve. It is expected that the Agincourt will be supplied with rifled guns. The screw steam sloop Greyhound, 17, recently put in commission at Devonport by Capt. Chas. Stir ling, got up steam yesterday (Wednesday) morning, and proceeded from Hamoaze into Plymouth Sound, to receive her powder and prepare for service abroad. His Swedish Majesty's frigate Vanadis, Capt. K L. Nattochdag, from Carlscrona, outward bound, put into Plymouth Sound yesterday afternoon. _ . The following appointments and promotions have been made at the Admiralty :—Capt. Geoffrey T. P. Hornby, to the Bristol, commissioned, and to be commodore of the first class and Commander-in-Chief on the West Coast of Africa station,vice CommodoroWilmot, whose period of service ha, expired ; Wm. F. Haines and Edwin Rowe, promoted to the rank of Staff Commanders; Lieut. W. E. S. Browne, to the Greyhound; Lieut. W. G. Scott, Lieut. R. H. C. Lawson, and Lieut. Chas. V. Anson, to the Bristol ; John E. Webb, master, to the Bristol ; Hon. E. A. T. Pery, midshipman, to the Prince Consort; James Lewis, paymaster, additional, to the Mteander ; James E. Terry, paymaster, to the Bristol ; Frederick F. Flynn, assist.-surg. to the Asia ; William Redmond, assist.-surg. to the Sparrow ; Dr. George E. Wright, assist.-surg., additional, to the Rattle snake; W. F. H. Alston, • assist.-paymaster, to the Bristol ; C. G. Nash, assist.-paymaster, to the Cumber land ; J. Hynes, assist.-paymaster, to the Rattlesnake, as supernumerary ; F. A. Smith, assist.-paymaster, to the Frederick William ; G. Ralph, master's assistant, to the Greyhound ; J. K. Mosso, clerk, to the Bristol ; J. Watts, clerk, to the Fisgard ; and J. Emerson, assist: clerk, to the Bristol ; W. Nicholson and J. Minhinmich, promoted to be engineers, to the Fisgard, as supernumeraries ; H. Johnson, engineer, to the Caradoc ; W. H. Nicholson, engineer, to the Caledonia; J. Meiklejohn, engineer, to the Indus, as supernumerary; Alfred Long, engineer, to the Cumber land ; Jas. Rogers, engineer, to the Haughty ; Alfred -H. Rogers, engineer, to the Asia ; Henry Onions, engineer, to the Asia for the Royal Alfred ; T. Scarratt Grice, engi neer, to the Asia, as supernumerary ; Walter H. Binnfield, acting engineer, to the Wyo ; John G. Scott, first class assist.-engineer, additional, to the Royal George, for ten ders ; and W. B. Cleverly, promoted to bo first-class assist. engineer. A CANOE VOYAGE.---It may be remembered that some time back we mentioned the intention of Mr. J. Macgregor, of London, to undertake a lengthened tour through Europe by means of a light boat passing along several of the rivers and lakes. The tour has now been accomplished with success, the vessel used being a small canoe, the Rob Roy, built of oak, and furnished with sails. After descending the Thames and rowing along the Meuse, the Rhine, and the Maine, the boat was carried through the Black Forest for an excursion on the Tiusee, and thence to the source of the Danube, which the tourist descended for a week through magnificent scenery, much of which is quite unknown as it is accessible only in a boat. Leaving the Danube at Ulm the Rob Roy went to the Lake of Con stance, and sailed through it to the Zeller Zee, and so down the Rhine to Shaffhausen. Reaching Zurich by railway (the canoe being carried as baggage) the voyage was con- tinued through that lake and on Zug and Lucerne, from which the canoe descended by the rapid Reuss and the Aar, after successfully paddling over the rapids at Bremgarten. The rapids at Rheimfelden being also traversed, the voy age was continued to Basle, and afterwards by canal to the over 1111, whence the boat was carted over the Vosges Mountains to the Moselle, and descended that river, the Meurthe, and the Marne, so as to return to England by the Seine. Very great interest was exhibited by the in habitints of the German towns throngh which the canoe passed bearing the British flag, for in many parts of the Danube above Ulm a boat is utterly un known. Various amusing and interesting adventures oc curred in this novel journey, and it maybe presumed that after this experiment other travellers will paddle and sail on the Continent, and thus combine exercise with the pleasures of a foreign tour. I ADTERTISE MENT.I—HoIIoway's Ointment and Pills. — Happy Health. —However provident, however careful man may be, he is still destined to be assailed by sickness, and it is wisdom to be provided with a remedy against such a calamity. The ointment and pills discovered by Professor Holloway are acknowledged by every person who has tried them to possess the highest merits in curing all out ward diseases and other maladies resulting from violence, exposure, mineral poisons, or scrofulous taints. This ointment heals all descriptions of ulcers and subdues in flammations. These pills purify and strengthen :—and thus even in moderately good health occasional doses of them prove beneficial by their tendency to preserve the body from impurities and weaknesses, whence serious ailments frequently arise. SPIRIT OF THE PUBLIC JOITRNALS. TIMES.—To counterbalance the many benefits which a free press confers on a country there is but one evil—that whatever unlimited publicity prevails there will probably be found one or two journals willing to gratify political or personal malevolence or to pander to the public greed for scandal by calumnious attacks on individuals. Hitherto this country has been tolerably free from the scourge of personal defamation ; for the high tone of public life and the influence of an educated class which takes a deep interest in the national politics have had their effect in moulding English journalism, the conduct of which is for the most part decent and honourable above that of other countries. But to this character there are some flagrant exceptions. Since the Satirist and its brethren passed away, no newspapers have so readily opened their columns to calumny, have caught so eagerly at any flying false hood if it would serve their turn in giving them momentary notoriety or inflicting pain on thir op ponents, as the organs of the extreme Radical poli ticians of this country. The gross personality of these journals is their chief title to notice, and no doubt insures them a certain numbe r o f readers, for whenever any offensive or scandalous story which has been whispered about in clubs for a week or so gets into print, it is sure to be in the pages of one of these advocates of popular morality and en lightenment. As a general rule, respectable men do not find it worth while to notice the attacks of this disreputable journalism ; but the chief repre sentative of it has thought fit, within the last few days, to pass the limits of ordinary vituperation, and to make charges which require an answer. A list of alleged subscribers to the Confederate Loan has been fabricated, either here or in America, and the list, or part of it, has been p u bli s h e d in the Morning Star, which has made it the subject of two leading articles. Whether the whole story was an American canard, or, what is equally likely, was got up in this country and sent over to America for the purpose of being subsequently reproduced here, we cannot tell ; but that it is a malicious imposture is perfectly certain, and, indeed, could hardly be doubted by any one who read it. A number of names were published by the Morning Star, including some whose operations were probably notorious, and who were introduced, no doubt, to give an air of veracity to the docu ment; but extending to others who were chosen solely because of their supposed leaning towards the Confederates during the war. How gross was the fabrication is evident from the circumstance that Mr. Beresford Hope, who never held a farthing in the Loan, is set down as being a loser to the ex tent of £40,000. Mr. Evelyn Ashley, whose con tradiction we publish elsewhere, was made to close the list as having lost only £5OO. But our imme diate concern is with ourselves. In this list the Editor of the Times is stated to have been a loser on Confederate Stock to the amount of £lO,OOO, and the Star has made its deductions from the sup posed fact. That it should be thought possible by the ignorant and obscure that the opinions of a great newspaper are formed from time to time to suit the mercantile speculations of its conductors is conceivable, but that such views should be really taken by men conversant with journalism and its interests—that the expression of such opinions should be honest, we cannot believe. Even had the statement been true it might have occurred to these ready calumniators that whatever opinions were expressed in the Times had been consistently held from the time when the Northern States entered upon the enterprise of subjugating the South by force. Though we in no way defended Secession, yet we were of opinion that the bloodshed and the financial burdens that would be caused by war would be a greater evil than a peaceable separation. These opinions were expressed long before there was any thought of a Southern loan, and from the beginning to the end of the struggle they never varied. So that, even had such an investment as the Star imagines and comments on been made by a conductor of this paper, it might be fairly consi dered as the effect, and not the cause, of his sym pathies. But the statement is a complete falsehood. No Confederate stock whatever has at any time been acquired or possessed by the Editor of the Times. The injurious and insulting comments which the Star has based upon the original false hood are therefore entirely unfounded. No repro bation can be too great for the levity which admits such imputations on the congenial authority of the New York, Herald, and then makes them the theme of affected indignation. Such conduct tends to lower the tone of public life in England, and to degrade the discussions of the Press by malignant imputations and base personalities. And amend ment in this particular offender we do not expect, but we have reason to hope that the scandalous articles which have been published in its columns will sufficiently disgust the respectable part of the Press, and make English newspapers more than ever careful to maintain the excellent traditions of mutual courtesy and respect by which they have been hitherto distinguished. POST.—According to recent advices from Southern Africa, we are sorry to find that the affairs of the hitherto flourishing colony of Natal had begun to assume anything at an encouraging aspect. When war broke out suddenly between the Free State and the Basuto tribe, it was hoped that its injurious effects upon Natal would be confined to the suspen sion of those trade relations which, during some years of peace, had grown up between the colony and the adjoining countries. Having for a length of time maintained friendly relations with the belli gerent parties, the people of Natal, at the com mencement of hostilities amongst their neighbours, were most anxious to avoid any interference with the course of events, and to preserve a position of strict neutrality. An unfortunate circumstance, however, occurred in the first days of the war which not only at once alarmed the colonists, but has since created great excitement among them, and caused them to take energetic measures, with a view of placing the country in a position to meet a very serious contingency. No sooner had the Dutch Boers of the Free State proclaimed war against the Basutos, than the latter, better prepared than their enemy to begin the conflict, poured their hosts at several points into the territories of the Free States, where they committed every species of atrocity upon the inhabitants, who were, owing to the insane policy of th e i r Government, totally unprovided with the means of defending themselves against so sudden an invasion of their territory. But the Basutos, not content with venting their indignation against the people of the Free States,kn theowhig med was iat elyprncip beyond ially lying Dthraatketnhsebecrgouny Mountainsimmediately occu pied by Dutch farmers, and heedless of the fact that the latter were British subjects, crossed the frontiers of Natal, murdered some of the peaceable inhabitants, and carried off a considerable booty. Such an atrocious act at once aroused .the indigna tion of the people of Natal, and in a very short time a large force of volunteers from all parts of the colony was assembled at Ladysmith, the nearest post to the scene of the outrages, for the purpose, in the event of reparation not being promptly made, of inflicting condign punishment upon the marauding tribe. Sir Percy Douglass, the commander of the forces in Southern Africa, who happened to be in Natal at the time, also proceeded to the frontier, taking with him the greater part of the British troops stationed in the colony. A very considerable force was thus assembled at Ladysmith —consisting of a battery of Royal Artillery, part of a regiment of regulars, several troops and companies of volunteer riflemen, andabout 800 natives of the frontier Zulus, who were most anxious to be led against the Basutos. In the meantime the latter had retired with their booty across the mountains. A period of inaction now occurred, which we fear is likely to have an injurious effect in the colony. It appears that the Natal Government have no authority, even in such a flagrant instance as the invasion of their territory, to take any but precautionary measures, without, in the first place, notifying the facts to the High Commissioner, the Governor of the Cape Colony, who resides at the distance of 1,000 miles from the country, and awaiting his order. Sir Percy Douglass sent a telegram to the Governor of the Cape on the 2d July, stating that the Basutos had made an inroad into the Flip River country, carried off much stock, and killed some farmers ; and also that a force had been ordered to assemble at Ladysmith. The answer to this telessram was sent on the 12th July, after a delay of ten days, during which time the volunteers were growing impatient, and Sir Percy was apprised that Moshesh, the Basuto Chief, had been communicated with, and full •restitution and compensation demanded from him for the outrages committed by his followers. A correspondence has since been going on between the High Commis sioner and the Basuto Chief, but the latter does not seem inclined to take any active steps to comply with the demands of the High Commissioner. His son, Molappo, in a letter, recommends the Government to "go in and do the work themselves." " This," sa ys the Natal Mercury, "is w h a t th e co l ony is very anxious to do." Valuable time, however, has been lost iu the course of the correspondence with the Basuto Chief, and it would seem that the latter is not disposed to comply with the demands of the High Commissioner for restitution of booty carried off, compensati on , an d t h e delivering up of the marauding chi e ft a i n, Letsoane. The Natal Govern ment has not the power to order any forward move ment of their forces towards the Basuto territory, and it would appear that the marauders are likely to go unpunished, the volunteers having been ordered to return to their homes. The Natal Mercury says —" The volunteer forces, who turned out in large numbers and excellent spirit, are very much dis gusted at having been ordered to return without being allowed to revenge the outrage committed on our territory." The numerous natives in the colony are very anxious at present to be led against Moshesh, and, if the latter be allowed to defy the colony with impunity, very injurious effects may be produced among them. This is a matter demanding serious consideration, and the white population of Natal are perfectly justified in calling upon the Imperial Government to allow them greater liberty in dealing with their foreign relations. At the present time all the foreign relations of Natal, their dealings with the Dutch republics and the native tribes of the interior, are subject to the control of the High Commissioner, who has never been in the colony, and who resides a thousand miles away from its seat of government. This is felt to be a serious evil, and, as one of the local papers observes, " may in volve the Imperial Government in great expenditure and trouble, the present arrangement preventing that promptness of action so essential when dealing with savage races." The Legislature are not at all satisfied with the present position of things, and at the eleventh hour suppressed a proclamation of neutrality which was already in the printer's hands. It appears to us that no valid reason can be urged against the Lieutenant-Governor of Natal being, if that be necessary, granted a sepa rate commission empowering him to administer the foreign relations of the colony. It is evident that this most necessary appointment should be made with the least possible delay, or the present native department of the colony should be charged with this important duty. This wou ld probably best meet the wants and wishes of the colonists, who, being chiefly interest e d i n ma i n t a i n i ng their foreign relations in a satisfactory state, might certainly be allowed greater liberty than they now possess in dealing with the native tribes beyond the limits of the colony. Of late years trade relations have sprung up, and are being extended, between the colonists and the adjoining countries, and it is a matter of mach consequence that the governor and his council should have the entire regulation of these important matters. There is yet another circum stance in the present critical state of the colony that militates seriously against its best interests. It appears that Col. Maclean, the present Lieutenant- Governor, was about to retire from the colony on account oL ill health, having received a year's leave of absence. The government has devolved upon Col. Thomas, 67th Regiment, the Commandant of the Forces. Now, however capable that gallant officer may be, it is only reasonable to believe that his previous experience has hardly been of a nature to fit him for the office of governor of a consider able colony, whose internal and external affairs can only be properly regulated by an individual possess ing special administrative qualifications. It is un questionably of great importance, at a time when a serious danger men aces the peace of the colony, that the governor should not only be a man of firm, yet conciliatory disposition, but that he should have studied, with a faithful desire to comprehend them, the peculiarities of the people and the country, and possess an intimate knowledge of the surround ing independent tribes, to whom his name and his successful administration of the affairs of the colony should in a measure be familiar. A man of resolute character should at the present time be on the spot, one who understands the people, both within and around the colony, thus doing away with the necessity for its foreign relations depend ing upon the action of a high commissioner residing nearly 1,000 miles from the country. Such a per son, we believe, could easily be found. Mr. John Scott, the predecessor of Colonel Maclean in the government of Natal, is, we believe, at present in this country. That gentleman for a period of eight years vigorously and successfully ruled the colony, and we believe that his departure was greatly regretted by all the colonists. He it was who, under great difficulties, inaugurated the pre sent form of government, and, in fact, the country may be said to have been organised by him as a colony. The people of Natal would doubtless hail his return among them at this time with pleasure, and, in view of the existing complications in that colony, we believe it would be to the interest of Natal, as well as of this country, if, as in the case of Sir George Grey in New Zealand, Mr. Scott could be induced by the Colonial-office to accept a tern). of office in that part of our South African dominions. COUNTRY MARKETS HULL: TUESDAY. At our market to-day there was a small show of English wheat, which sold readily at an advance of is per qr. Malt ing was in good request. Grinding barley was slow of sale. Oats held at 24s per 24 stone. Beans and peas dull at a reduction of is per qr. A fair business done in lin seed at is per qr. advance. English old white wheat, 43s to 48s; old red, 40s to 455. Barley, chevalier, 28s to 325. Oath, Russian, 22s to 245. Beans, new English, 42s to 435. Peas, English blue, 35s to 36s 6d ; grinding, 35s to 35s 6d per 36 stone. LYNN-TUESDAY. At our market to-day the supply of wheat was mode rate ; the condition generally good; both old and new fetched the extreme rates of this day week, with a ready sale. Malting barley in little demand at present ; good samples maintained late rates ; grinding descriptions rather cheaper. Beans and oats fully as dear. New wheat, 44s to 49s ; new red, 38s to 40s ; old white, 48s to 52s ; old red, 45s to 47s per 36 stone. Barley for malting, 28s to 32s ; secondary, 30s ; ordinary, 24s to 26s per qr. Oats, 22s to 24s per 24 stone. Beans, large, 38s to 40s ; small, 42s to 44s per 38 stone. MELTON MO WBRAY.-TUESDAY. White wheat, 44s to 50s ; red, 40s to 47s per 36 stone. Barley for malting, 33s to 35s per qr ; feed, 26s to 31s per 30 stone. Oats, 2Us to 30s. Bean; old, 39s to 50s; new, —s to —s per qr. S AL ISB URY.—T rESDAY. The following are , the. q u otations :—Wheat realised from 36s to 50s ; barley, 26s to 365; oats, 22s to 308; beans, 40s to 50s ; and peas, 34s to 42s per qr. Tares, from 6s to 7s 3d per bushel ; Best bread, 12d ; household ditto, lld per 81b loaf. Flour, 32s to 38s per sack. NEWCAS TLE-ON-TYNE.—TUESDAY. There was a fair supply of wheat from the country with a small quantity from the coast, but rather a liberal foreign arrival. Trade not so brisk as on Saturday, and only a limited business done at that day's rates. Grinding barley dull, but rather moie doing for malting. Fine malt scarce, and in demand. Beans and peas unchanged. Oats firm, but quiet. Flour is per sack dearer, with a good demand for known fine qualities of foreign. COAL MARKET. Price per ton at the close of the market. s. d. s. cl. Holywell Main l7 6 Hetton OlO 21 0 Hetton Lyons l9 0 Staffordshire 17 6 Tunstall Eden Main Ships at market, 7 ; sold, 6. Foreign Mail Packet List. MAILS DUE. Australia and New Zealand, via Southampton Oct. 19. Ditto, via Marseilles Oct. 13. Brazil and Cape Verde. by British paoret ...... Nov. 5. Ditto, by French packet Oct. 23. Cape of Good Hope, Ascension, and St. Helena Oct. 22. China, Penang, and Singapore. via Southampton—Oct. 13. Ditto, via Marseilles Falkland Islands Gibraltar, via Southampton India (Calcutta), and Ceylon, via Southampton Oct 13. Ditto, via Marseilles . ..... Oct. India (Bombay), via Southampton. Oct 11. Ditto, via Marseilles ... Oct.O 5. Mauritius, via Southampton Ditto, via Marseil:e 3... Oct.:s. Newfoundland Portugal •• • ••..Nov. 5 . •• Ditto, by private ship to Lisbon United States and British North America, by Bri tish packet .......... Oct. 14. Ditto. by United States packet, via Southamp- ton Ditto, via Cork Ditto, by Canadian packet, via Londonderry.. Oct. 6. West Coast of Africa. Madeira, and Teneriffe West Indies and Pacific (except Bahamas, Cuba, a nd Mexico Oct. 14. Bahamas, via New York. Oot. 19 Bermuda, ditto Cuba and Mexico Oct. Oct. 30 . 30. Births. Dot GLAR.—On the 3d inst., at Manilla House, Peckham_ rye, Mrs. John Douglas, of a son. HUTTON.—On the 4th inst., at Belair House, Dulwich, the wife of Chas. W. C. Hutton, Esq., of a daughter. WICKHAM.— On the 3d inst., at Maidstone, Mrs. George Wickham, of a son. Marriages. ADAM —RicnAnns.—On the 3d inst., at Hursley, Philip Decree Adams, Esq., to Catherine Margaret, the oldest daughter of the Rev. J. W. Richards, curate of Hursley. FILMER—EALES.—On the 3d inst., at the rectory church, St. Marylebone, George Alfred Filmer, Esq., Tarlington place, Maida-hill, to Alice Maria, daughter of Christopher Eales, Esq., Welbeck-street, Cavendish-square. Deaths. BURFIELD.--On the Ist inst., at Hastings, Chas. Burfield Esq., aged 53. BERCIIELL.—On the 2d inst., at Churchfield House, Ful ham, Miss Anna Burchell, aged 73. FOSTER.—On the 3d inst., atWest-hill, Mansfield, Solomon Foster, Esq., aged 67. GAIMES.—On the 3d inst., at Barrington-road, Brixton, Charles Gaimes, Esq., member of the Court of Common Council for Cornhill Ward, aged 54. M'NAB.—On the 3d inst., at Epping-place, Essex, Daniel Robert M'Nab, Esq., aged 74. TERRY.—On the Ist inst., at Warfield Rectory, Bucks, . Wm. Terry, Esq., aged 72. London: Printed and Published by WILLIAM ANDREWS, 01 No. 112 , Strand, Painter, at Tiu. SUN Office, No. 112. Strand, in the Precinct of the Savoy, in the County o f Middiewex.—Thursday, October 5, INC TUNA Twig eel FRRNCII It is Pat Sold in 1 the Agent at 8, GR Observe "Kinahan n uT 14, 1 LENDS ot £2O to one, two, tfon enabl No Inquir Discounte directed s The AiF house by terms mop 3 , 1 I a C()UR; view to ff tion of mi c , mmenei tinned or same hou Anothp and GEO 8 to 9. Easter, IE THE NOTIC which e] within F Agents t: All Ina Of 's. 6d. For Pr pany's A T HE Notice GENER London the 24th purpose , Bal ;Ince- The T Saturda3 inclusive Nos. 11 THE Capital Capita Capita Resets Divide The Rip JAMES Arms- JAMES man o James C Alexanc Charles Adolph( Co.), l William Bevan Richard Londe Charles Henry l Joseph Co.), Edward Albert, The A Mess? The 1, Irel The / ale' Office Dal watk fr the • ca] 110ISE lishme easily and a-1 minute a sand prospp ground propri4 SA The imitat on wr Sold nester Sons, vernal. Gr' s A. Capt. Thi want, the 11 servi( inmx temp Th, TIOI recen event neces Balla who Sul Bare: tart', V , 02. Tb II eh the Pend tddi %lest] 3,000 . TI btu( oont the: Ca tern Dru' and Bart fey,