The Sun. — London, England, 1864-05-11 00:00:00

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT HOUSE OF LORDS—Last Evening, The LORD CHANCELLOR took his seat oa the woolsack at five o'clock. HIGHWAYS. Lord ST. LEONARDS presented a petition. complaining of the defective state of the law with respect to highways, and laid it on the table, which was read a first time, to remedy the evil complained of. PUNISHMENT OF DEATH. On the motion for the second reading of this bill, The Earl of ELLENBOROUGH said since the first reading of the bill steps had been taken in the House of Commons to appoint a royal commission to inquire into the whole subject, and the two questions that now presented themselves to their lordships was whether they should wait till the royal commissioners made their report, or whether they would proceed with the present bill or a more elaborate one• He believed the report of the Commission would be that the punishment of death would be retained, and, further, that there would be a recommendation to strengthen the hands of the Secretary of State for the Home Department. How ever, he would move the second reading of the bill, leaving it to their lordships to say whether they would go on with the present measure and amend it in committee. Earl GRANVILLE said he thought it would be both anomalous and unusual for one branch of the legislature to proceed with a measure like that now before it, whilst the other was about to engage in any inquiry which would per haps be attended with the most important results. Under such circumstances he hoped the noble earl would with- draw the present bill. Earl GREY considered that it was perfectly impossible for a person situated as a Secretary of State was that he should be the person to say whether the sentence of death should be carried into effect or n ot. He was of opinion that if a jury had given their verdict the Secretary of State ought to be bound to accept i it. The only circumstance that ought to alter th eir decision was n cases where evi• donee had come to li g ht after the trial which had at the time of sentence been unknown to the judge and jury. He did not consider a Secretary of State ought to sit in judgment on the verdict of a jury. If he should ever hold the high office of Secretary of State he should positively de cline to look at the evidence taken in a case with the view of forming an opinion upon the merits of the case except only where circumstances came to light which might justify an extension of mercy. He approved of the law as it at present existed, and objected to an undue inter ference with it. The Duke of ARGYLL thought that the errors that had been committed in exercising the royal prerogative arose not so much from the administration of the law as from the state of the law itelf. He thought some amend ment was absolutely necessary. After a few words from Lord REDESDALE, The Earl of ELLENBOROUGH said after such an expression of opinion he would withdraw the bill. COMMON LAW PROCEDURE (1853) AMEND MENT ACT (IRELAND). This bill was read a second time, The Promissory Notes and Bills of Exchange (Ireland) Bill passed through committee. The Customs and Inland B.evenue Bill also passed through committee. The Naval and Victualling Stores Bill was read a third time and passed. COLONIAL GOVERNORS. The Earl of lIARDIVICKE moved for the production of any correspondence which may have taken place between the Colonial •office and the governors of colonies with respect to retiring allowances. The motion was agreed to. Their lordships then adjourned. HOUSE OF COMMONS—Last Evening, The SPEAKER took the chair at 4 o'clock. NEW MEMBER. Mr. WATKIN took the oaths and his seat on his election for Stockport, in the room of Mr. Kershaw, deceased. PRIVATE BUSINESS. The Garstang and Knot End Railway Bill, and the Nottingham Gas Bill were read a third time and passed. Lord R. CECIL gave notice that on this day month be would renew his motion on the subject of the manner in which the private business of the house was conducted, THE WAR WITH ASHANTEE. Sir J. HAY asked the Secretary of State for the Colo nies whether it was true that war had been commenced with Ashantee ; whether precautions had been taken to meet the drain of life which must ensue in so deadly a cam paign; and whether a largely increasing expenditure may be looked for in consequence in the Gold Coast Colony. Mr. CARDWELL said that in the course of last year a war broke out between the Government of Ashantee and the tribes in the neighbourhood friendly to us, which was still going on. Reinforcements had been sent out to our allies, and every precaution was taken for the health of the soldiers who had been sent out to the scene of warfare, and the object which the Government had in view was to pre vent a continuance of the hostilities by rigorous measures. PROVISIONS AT BERMUDA. Mr CLAY asked the Under Secretary for War whether any information had been received respec,ing the excessive demand for, and consequent high price of, provisions P.rid accommodation at Bermuda ; and, if so, whether, her Majesty's Government intended to make a oolonial allow ance for officers on duty in that island ? The Marquis of HARTINGTON said that Government had received f communication from the commanding officer at Bermuda as to the price of provisions there, and direc tions had been given that the officers should have provisions fur themselves and their wives at contract prices, bat it was not considered necessary to make any such allowance as that alluded to. CLAIMS OF INDIAN OFFICERS. Lord STANLEY asked the Secretary of State for India whether he would lay upon the table his proposed despatch relative to the claims of Indian officers, reported upon by the late Commission, preTious to the issuing of any warrant by the Crown bearing on that question, to that the house might have an opportunity of considering the plan therein proposed before a final decision should have been come to ? Sir C. WOOD was understood to say the course sug gested was not in conformity with Parliamentary practice. THE COUNCIL OF EDUCATION: Lord R. CECIL asked the Vice-President of the Com mittee of Council on Education when the " Supplementary Rules" recently issued by the Committee of Council would be laid upon the table, and whether he would consent to defer the operation of those rules until they had be,ea laid upon the table ? Mr. BRUCE said that the rules referred , to had been some time in operation. and could not now be deferred. THE NEW NATIONAL GALLERY, Mr. C. BENTINCK asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he intended, upon Tb.arsday next, to move the estimate for the erection of a r .ew National Gallery at Burlington House, and whether 'tie would state the terms upon which the National Ga'l,,e,ry in Trafalgar•squate was proposed to be given up to the Royal Academy. Mr. COWPER said t .nat he did not propose to move the estimate in question cn Thursday. With reference to the other part of the rAestion of the hon. member he thought it was necessary to deliberate before coming to a decision. TAXATION. Mr. JAKES WHITE moved for a Select Committee to inquire bit° the operation and incidence of our present Fis cal STlttem, and to consider and report if any and what resumes could be devised to secure a more equitable ad. instment of the burden of imperial taxation. He contended that the repugnance which the people of this country felt to the operation of the system of taxation was to a convic tion that it was unjust. He contended also that the greatest advantages would result from the inquiries of the commit tee he proposed, and he dwelt on the admitted dissatisfac tion with which the principle on which the inccme tax was levied, which calls for a remedy, although he did not deny that this impost would, in all probability, be necessarily permanent. Having adverted to th e pressure of indirect taxation on the working classes th roug h the operation of the customs and excise, which he considered was unduly sevsre, he argued that before there was any di m i nution of the duty on spirits, the duty should be entirely remitted on tea and sugar so largely consumed, and so indispensable to the comforts of the working classes. He contrasted the principle which prevailed on the Continent with that in this country, and cited statistics to show that in th e former it was the class who could beat afford it that were most heavily taxed. Mr. P. URQUHART believed that a system of direct ta xation would benefit not only the working classes, but the landed proprietors alas. Unless some reduction were made, he feared that emigration to the colonies would be sought as a relief by the people of this country from the fiscal burdens imposed upon them, and that the national prosperity would consequen tl y d ec li ne. Th e ti a ae, he be lieved, had come when they might benefit the working classes without injuring others, and he therefore seconded the motion of his hon, friend the member for Brighton. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER, rising after a momentary pause, said the fact that no other member had risen to address the house showed there was hardly ex i s ting in the house that degree of interest on so vast a question which would enable hon. members to grapple with the enormous labour the inquiry seemed to propose. The motion of the hon. member for Brighton had no relk tion or resemblance to the ordinary proposals for a com mittee, but went far beyond the usual motions. Th e s p eec h of the hon member sketched ou t a still further province of labour. The consideration of any one of the proposals he had touched upon would involve very serious responsibility, and it did appear to him that his hon. friend would lay upon the committee an amount of duty which would inevitably break their backs. His hon. friend proposed to inquire into every branch of taxation and revenue, and in every point of view in which it was capable of being pursued. He would investigate the operation of each tax as it bore upon each of - the three kingdoms, and upon each class of society, in each country. He would discuss the great and important distinc tion between direct ani indirect taxation. He aimed not only at fiscal but at statistical inquiry. He would not be satisfied unless the committee brought back a final and con elu.ive account of the capital value of the whole property of the country, it, annual income, and the annual increment of that inceme. desired also to investigate the fiscal system of every foreign country. That was not an exag gerated statement of the duties he proposed for the commit tee, Such a scheme, the right hon. gentlema ntended, was impracticable. If the hon. gentleman expected such an investigation to be made, he must t reek up his scheme to pieces, and be content to deal with one or some manageable number of the different raere')ers of the entire body of topics which he bad started. The lien. gentleman seemed to think that there existed in this country chronic discontent, an ineradicable disposition to escape the payment of taxes. He seemed to think that was a phenomenon pe culiar to ourselves, due not to any original or prevalent vice or infirmity of mankind, but due rather to taults of our fiscal system, which were capable of being corrected by judi cious legislation. There, again, he differed from the hon. member. Whether it was the approach of age which chilled a man's views of life and human nature he could net 'cell, but he confessed he did entertain a lower esti mate of human nature than the hon. gentleman in this re aliect. lie was afraid that, labour as we might, patch and cobble as we might, make and mend as we might, we should never got rid of that disposition with a large portion of man kind yet cherished to reduce to a minimum the sum which as individuals they contributed to the necessities of the state. (Laughter.) His hon. friend thought this disease was local, temporary, and peculiar. He (the Chancellor of the Ex chequer) held that it was cosmopolitan, everlasting, univer sal. and to be found in every country in the world where taxes were paid or levied. In fact, that no country in the world would be found free from this most pestilent disease. Happily, our system had undergone a signal change during the last 20 or 30 thirty years. He was by no means of opinion, however, that nothing remained to be done. The hon. gentleman argued that from the great reduction which had taken place in direct taxation, it might go on progres sively to its extinction, From one point of view direct taxation had immense advantages. It took nothing from the community but what it put into the treasury, while in direct taxation took a great deal more from the individual than ever came into the exchequer. But what was the use of knowing that, when they had not to devise a theory, but to meet daily wants, pay the daily charges upon the public purse, and when they had to deal with the flesh and blood of mankind ? In addition to 13 millions of local taxation, we had to raise from 65 to 70 millions for imperial purposes, The practicability of adopting direct taxation inraising such a sum might be disputed in debating clubs as long as they pleased, but towards which they could make no even sen sible approximation by any measure which:a British Minister could propose in the British Parliament, and for which a Bri tish Minister would be responsible. Let it not be suPPoSed that it was easy to define what was direct and was I n di rect taxation. No one had been more anxious to reo dce t hi s im post than Sir R. Peel—but towards the eld of hi s lif e __ speakin g, of course,of a time of peace-I,e was of opinion that direct taxation had very nearly ar: f iroached its limits, His (the Chancellor of the ExcheAuer's) experience as finance Minister was that not a fe..ngle day passed without his re ceiving cases illustrating the difficulty of levying of the taxes, and he spc):.e within the mark when he said that, though our dire of taxation formed a small part of the public income, at 'least 49 .50ths of all the trouble, the personal vexation * annoyance, and discontent incident to the pay ment cde money for purposes of the State arose out of direct taxation, He grantel that 25 years ago matters were diffe rent, because at that time our commercial and fiscal sys tems were complicated, and full of every sort of inconveni ent arrangement; then our fiscal laws at every stage inter fered with, thwarted, billed, perplexed, and annoyed the operations of industry. The constant labours of the house had altered that state of things, and he believed now there was no vexation or annoyance connected with the payment of indirect taxes. He quite agreed as to the benefit which had resulted. to the landed interest from our recent com mercial policy, but they must remember that that policy had not consisted in the extirpation of indirect taxation. It had, indeed, been often so described. But let the facts always be borne in mind, that at the present time our in direct taxation was more vigorous and productive than ever. (Hear.) His hon. friend proposed a property tax of one quarter per cent. That really seemed so mild a proposition that no one could feel any dtNeulty in acceding to a con" • mittee which was to end in a proposition of so moderate a character. That propcsition, which seemed soinnocent, was really an income tax of 10 per aent. on the landed property of the country. No doubt the landed proprietors would be able to pay that tax in time of war; but if the proposal was submitted to him as one of fiscal reform, he would naturally inquire whether others were paying in the same propor tion. The hon. gentleman said the property of the country was 8,000 millions; but he seemed to forget that included every table and chair in every cottage in the country. How would the hon. gentleman ' < set over the preliminary difficulty of valuation ? The hon. gentleman had re ferred to the Northern States of America, but he found in the New York Almanac a list cf every person who had a house, with the amount of his property. That pro perty had, however, gone through a sweating-down process before being enumerated; for though there were, no doubt, merchant princes in New York, not one of them was de scribed as being wort :a £l,OOO. If this process were adopted the hon. gentlem- Ar o s 8,000 millions would shrink to 2,000 millions, and '.:ne a per cent. would have to be raised in pro portion; e, O that, instead of an income of 10 per cent. he would 'nave to levy one of 20 or 30 per cent. (Hear, hear.) H.e (the right hen. gentleman) thought they ought to avoid the risk of holding out any expectation to Parliament or to the country which there was not a reasonable expectation of being fulfilled. It would therefore be wise to avoid any fundamental charges in taxation which were not required by justice, and which were not practicable. It was better not to talk too largely about the removal of certain taxes until they had laid the basis for such an operation by pro viding materials to deal with. He hoped the hon. gentleman would be satisfied with the opportunity he had had of mak ing his views known to the house and to the country, and that he would not press his motion to a division. (Hi ar.) Mr. O'REILLY thought the motion indicated a sound line of investigation, and one adapted for a committee of the house. The time had arrived when they were no longer in a state of experiment, and when they might reasonably investigate the fiscal principles which experience had proved to be so sound. The committee ought to investigate the proportion of direct to indirect taxation, and should report what change might be made in the present proportion. He felt assured that such an inquiry would satisfy the public mind to a great extent that our present system of taxation was not so unjust as some persons imagined. He hoped that if his hon. friend brought forward his motion in another session, he would confine the terms of the reference to the general question of taxation. After a few remarks from Mr. EWALT, Mr. WHITE withdrew the motion. INNS OF COURT. Sir G. BOWYER obtained leave to introduce a bill to enable the benchers of the Inns of Court to appoint judicial committees in certain cases, and to give the necessary powers to such committees. TREASURE TROVE. Sir J. C. JERVOISE moved that an address be pre sented to her Majesty, praying that she would be graciously pleased to cause lull information to be given to the house on the subject of treasure trove ; and further, that she would cause such measures to be taken as would tend to make the enforcement of the rights of the Crown more uni form and more consistent with the legitimate claims of the owners of property where objects of interest and value are discovered for which no owner can be found. The hon. member adverted to the small amount of attention which the subject had excited until late years, and brought his retrospect down to the police order issued in 1860. He was proceeding with his remarks, when An HON. MEMBER moved that the house be coented, and there being only 24 members present, The house adjourned at half past 7 o'clock. Mme. Meyerbeer has left Paris far Germany. Just before her departure, she received a letter of condolence from the Princess Royal of Prussia. THE ORDER OF AMARANTA.—It was said indeed that the English order of the Garter gave Christina the idea of an order of her own, When Charles 11. was in exile, he showed his bad taste by sending the Garter to Charles Gustavus. Christina, who wished to stand well with Cromwell, refused to let the Prince accept it, and said that "she would not let any member of her flock be marked by the hand of a stranger," but the cir cumstance seemed to have suggested her order of the Amaranta. Christina had chosen this name for herself at the fete; it signifies immortal. The new oilier consisted of 15 ladies and 15 gentlemen, and they all dined with the Queen at one of her country houses every Saturday, The rules were not less fanciful than the origin of the Amaranta. The Queen, seated on her throne, received the intended knight, who was supported by his godfathers in chivalry. The aspirant knelt and swore between the Queen's hands, to be faithful and to maintain the interests of the Order. Those who were unmarried, swore that they would never marry; those who were already married, swore that they would not contract the bonds of wedlock a second time. After the admini stration of the oath, they were invested w ith the insignia, which was made of gold and diamonds, and represented a double A.A. intertwined, and a band with the inscription, " Dolce nella memoria,"—lfemoirs of Christina Queen of Sweden. Persons who have been in the habit of paying weekly as borro wers of Sewing Machines will d o well to apply at once and become member s o f Messrs. Watts and C o. ' s S ew i ng so w away, b ut at the same time doing thro they will no t only save the m M o a n ch ey in t e he C y lu n b o s w . foolishly secure to themselves t he p ossession or o ne of the best and most celebrated sewing m achines in t he werld. Every in formation given on application; or by letteraddressed, with a stamped envelope, to Messrs. Watt s and Co.,C 12, Beaufort buildings, Strand, London, MG, where mein rs are en :oiled daily between 10 and 4; Saturdays, 10 anGt [ADVERTISEMENT.]—E olio way's Ointwent.—All varie ties of ulcerations, sores, wounds, and eruptions can be cured by the diligent use of this cooling, soothing, and healing unguent. The old and often failing fashion of strapping edges of ulcers together with plaster has entirely given way before the more reasonable treatment of Hollo way's ointment, which builds up from the bottona of the wound with sound and healthy granulations • these gra dually grow till they reach the level of the surface, then contract, harden, and immediately become covered with a new and wholesome skin. Th e proper application of t hi s ointment diminishes the inflammation, cause the unhealthy discharges first to grow thick, and then to cease, when the swelling disappears, and the natural shape is restored. The Cause of Garibaldi's Departure from England, DEPUTATION TO THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER. Yesterday afternoon the Chancellor of the Exchequer re ceived, by invitation, at his official residence in Downing street, a deputation from the City and Working Men's Garibaldi Committees, for the purpose of affording them, if they desired, any further explanations as to the part he had taken in connection with the departure of General Garibaldi from this country. The deputation consisted of Mr Beales, the chairman. and Messrs. J. R. Taylor, W. Sheen, and B. Langley (of the City); and Mr E. Odgers and Mr R. Hartwell, the secretary of the Working Men's Committee. Mr BEALES said the deputation had attended in conse quence of understanding that he (Mr Gladstone) desired to make to them some statements on the subject of the de paiture of General Garibaldi. Mr GLADSTONE—WeII, there are certain wrong impres sions floating about which I am desirous of placing in a cor rect light, and I desire to put myself, as it were, in the wit ness-box, and state all I know upon the subject, to render a true account of the matter so far as I am concerned. In the first place, I would remark that the report I have seen in the daily papers, purported to be made by Mr Shaen, at a public meeting on Saturday, is, so far as I am concerned, very incorrect—in fact, entirely untrue in every particular. At the same time, I do not for one moment impute to Mr Shaen that he stated anything but what he believed to be true. I am ready to answer any question that mey be put to me, or at once to enter into a narrative of the part I took in the matter in question. Mr SHAEN—WiII Mr Gladstone state in detail to what part of my statement he objects, I did not make that state ments entirely on facts within my personal knowledge, but some of them were made upon the authority of old and inti mate friends of Garibaldi, whose names I am prepared to give, who were in constant personal communication with him up to the moment of his leaving England. Immedi• ately on its being rumoured that Garibaldi was going to leave England without visiting the country, Mr Joseph Cowen, jun., of Newcastle-on-Tyne, one of Gen. Garibaldi'a oldest and most intimate friends in this country, was tele graphed to London. He came up on the Tuesday evening, and had a private interview of one hour with the General, in which the whole subject connected with his departure was discussed. Mr Cowen on leaving the General called on ;ale, and told me what had taken place. lat once drew up a statement in accordance with what Mr Cowen had told me, and submitted it to that gentleman, who confirmed it as correct. That paper contained the principal statement I made on Saturday last. Mr GLADSTONE—I again say I do not wish it to be under stood I attribute any wilful untruths to Mr Sheen or to any other gentleman, Perhaps it may be more desirable for me to state the exact part I took in the transaction. I will begin with the meeting or conference at Stafford House on Sunday evening, the 17th of April, for of what is said by Mr Shaen to have transpired previous to that, I have no personal knowledge. On the evening in question I made one of eight gentlemen who assembled at Stafford House by in vitation. Besides myself, there were present—the Duke of Sutherland, Lord Shaftesbury, Mr Seely, M.P., Signor Negretti, General Ebor, Mr Stansfeld, M.P., and Colonel Peard. We had Dr. Fergusson's letter before us, and upon that letter we came to a unanimous conclusion that it would be exceedingly perilous for the General to go through his programme. The question then arose, who should make this proposition to the General. I was suggested, but declined. General Ebor and Colonel Peard at last volunteered, and they accordingly went into the Gene ral's room, and stated the conclusion to which his friends had come, On the return of those gentlemen, they said the General wished to see me, and I went into his room alone, and had a long conversation with him in Italian. What I stated in the House of Commons to have oocurred at that interview is correct. I told the General I thought his health would be endangered if he carried out his programme, and that my own impression was confirmed by the letter of Dr. Fergusson. I urged him at any rate to confine his visits to two or three of the larger towns. I diet not say that about the reception attributed to me in Mr. Shaun's speech. What I said was that such a munificent reception was not in the nature of things likely to bear repetition. With re spect to anything said about the Government wishing him to go, or that complications would arise if he did not, it was not true. Nothing was said that could be so construed, There was nothing of a political character in the conversa tion. So far from, as has been stated, shifting my ground several times and returning to the attack, all that I said I said at once and continuously, Not one syllable about the desire of the Government that the General should leave escaped my lips, and I contess that I was never more asto nished—though I have been often really astonished—than when I read in print what was stated to have taken place. All that I said or did was to urge the General. net to peril his health, and in giving that advice I was, in a great mea sure, guided by the letter of Dr. Fergusson. The General heard me with much attention, acknowledged that he felt great exhaustion, and said that as there would be conside rable difficulty in selecting two or three towns to visit out of the number on his list, he should give up the towns altogether. He also added that as his only motive in coming to England was to thank the Government and the people for the assistance and sympathy they had given to his ce,untry, and as that had b-en accomplished he had better now return, and take another opportunity of visiting the English provinces. I can safely say nothing else transpired between myself and the General of the slightest importance. Mr, SHAEN—WhiIe I am willing to accept the Chancel lor's explanation I am prepared to say that the General himself was under the impression, and remained so up to the time he left England, that the Government wished him to be off. He expressed himself so to me and to all his friends. I said to him, "I think the Government will regret their conduct after you have left, if not before." The reply of the General was " If the Government feel re gret, there is time between this and Friday to remove it." There could be no doubt as to the impression entertained by Garibaldi, for on my putting the question to him he said he did not consider the explanation made by Lord Palmerston in the House of Commons released him, and that it had now become a question between the English Government and the English people: It was certainly possible that, although Mr. Gladstone had not introduced the name of the Government, Garibaldi had derived his impression from the fact of his having been urged to terminate his visit by one whom he knew to be an influential member of the Go. vernment. Mr. GLADSTONE—Of course I cannot be held responsible for a man's impressions, If General Garibaldi was under that impression I am extremely sorry for it. Mr. BEALES thought it was impossible to doubt the state ment made by Mr. Gladstone, but had no doubt he would admit it was highly desirable, both for the sake of the Government and himself, that the matter should be fully cleared up. Mr. ODGERS thought it strange that the very parties who had been instrumental in leading Garibaldi into one con tinued round of receptions and parties from morning until night should, on the eve of his departing to go amongst the people, become suddenly so solicitous about his health. The General had told him personally, after all this fuss had been made about Dr. Fergusson's letter, that he had never been in better health in his life. If his health had been affected they could not charge that upon the working classes, as the aristocracy bad pretty well kept him to themselves. Mr. GLADSTONE—I must repeat, I acted entirely and in good faith upon Dr. Ferguson's letter. Mr. B. LANGLEY—The letter was not a diagnosis, but a prognosis; it was one of prophecy only. Mr. J. R. TAYLOR-012 every occasion Garibaldi struck out from all the statements and addresses wi itten for him all allusions to the bad state of his health. He thought this a significant fact. Mr, BEALES—At least we may arrive at the conclusion that the sudden departure of the General was caused by other parties, and was not his own wish. Mr. GLADSTONE—I do not admit that. Mr. B. LANGLEY—There still remains the awkward fact of Dr. Fergusson's letter. Why was it written, or at whose orders? It must have been asked for by some one. It was in direct contradiction of the letter of Garibaldi's own phy sician. Mr. GLADSTONE—Th!s is a question that concerns Dr. Fergusson. Bin B. LANGLEY said it appeared to him that Mr. Glad stone had unconsciously allowed himself to be made use of by other parties for the purpose. Mr. GLADSTONE—I cannot admit that. I think the General acted wisely in going as he did, with the intention of returning at a more convenient period. Mr. SHAEN said there could be no doubt that at the time Lord Shaftesbury and Mr. R innaird were leaving Mr. Seely's house on the Sunday, that gentleman said to them, "The first thing is to get FerguFson's letter." This was said in the hearing of Mr. Richardson, the secretary of the City Committee. This looked as if there was a plot in progress. Mr. GLADS TONE—AII I can say'is, I am perfectly igno rant of the circumstances under which Dr. Fergusson's letter was written. I only acted upon it in good faith, and it was in accordance with my own feelings on the matter. Some further remarks having been made by Messrs. Taylor, Hartwell, and Beales, as to the words, ".Obliged to leave," used in Garibaldi's letter to the City Committee, but in whose conclusion the Chancellor of the Exchequer could not agree, Mr. GLADSTONE again assured the deputation he had stated all he knew. He had nothing to conceal, and was happy to have had the opportunity of making this expla nation. The deputation then retired, the interview having lasted one hour and a quarter. A letter from Toulon says :—" The effects of the events in the South of Algeria have been felt as far as the bagne at this port, where they have so excited the ardour of the Arab convicts that two evenings ago one of them, doubtless taking the arid plains of Castigneau for a part of the Sahara, endeavoured to effect his escape, but very soon met with the bayonet of a sentry. On being brought back, bound hand and foot, the Arab attempted to excuse his conduct by saying that the religion of Mahomet imposed on him the obligation of going to defend the tents of his tribe. A slight bastinado was administered to him to calm his exaggerated patriotism," THE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, MAY 11, 1864, SPORTING INTELLIGENCE, YORK SPRING MEETING-TUESDAY. The heavy rain which fell on Sunday, although it augured ill for the success of the meeting as regarded the assemblage of visitors, was a great boon to those who were chiefly in terested in the racing per se. The ground, which had scarcely been affected *uy the rain of the previous week, now shows signs of great improvement, and when the course was examined on Monday evening it was pronounced by the most critical judges to be excellent "going." The weather this morning was everything that could be desired, con trasting strongly with the raw and wintry atmosphere of the previous evening. There was a great influx of visitors, and the attendance of fashionables and well-known habitues of the turf very large for the York Spring Meeting. The features of the day's racing were the clever victory of Bena noar in the Zetland Stakes, and the unlooked-for triumph of East Lancashire in the Great Northern Handicap. The early hour at which it was necessary to despatch our parcel from the course precludes the possibility of our entering into further details of the running beyond what will be found below. The Craven Stakes of 5 sous each, with 50 added, for 3-yr olds and upwards. Certain penalties and allowances. One mile. 7 subs. Mr Aspinall's Little Stag, 3 yrs, 7st 101 b (inc 101 b ex) (Whiteley) 1 Lord Zetland's Bandarilla, 3 yrs, 6st 11113..(J. Marsun) 2 Lord Wasgow's Clarior, 4 yrs, 9st 31b (inc 101 b ex) (Aldcroft) 3 Betting-5 to 2on Little Stag. The trio jumped away simultaneously at the first attempt, but upon settling into places Bandarilla took a clear lead, followed by Little Stag, Clarior being a couple of lengths in rear of the Middleham horse, who waited on Bandarilla until approaching the enclosure, where he at once, on being called upon, assumed the lead and won easily by two lengths; Clarior was a bad third. The Zetland Stakes of 5 Boys each, with 50 added, for 2- yr•olds ; colts, Bst 101 b ; fillies and geldings, Bst 61b ; penalties and allowances. T.Y.c., 5 fur. 44 yards. 26 nibs. Mr Samuel's Benanoar, Sit 101 b (Edwards) 1 Mr Osborne's Spring Gun, Bst 811 . .. (J. Osborne) 2 Captain Gray's Venice, Sst 61b The following also ran :—Jig, Skyrocket, Saloon, Gui mauve, Exceller, Weatherglass, Similitude, and Colster dale filly. Betting-5 to 2 agst Benanoar, 6to 1 each agst Saloon and Spring Gun, 8 to 1 each agstWeatherglass and Venice, 10 to 1 agst After a few failures, occupying nearly half an hour, a good start was made, Jig next the rails making play, fol lowed by Spring Gun and Benanoar to the road, where Benanoar took up the running, followed closely by Spring Gun, the Colsterdale filly, and Skyrocket on his right, Venice and Jig was well up next the rails. At the distance Benanoar and Spring Gun came away, but Mr John Osborne's horse failing to get up was beaten half a length. enice, at the head of Saloon, Exceller, and Skyrocket, all of whom finished close up in the order named, was beaten four lengths from Spring Gun. The others were beaten off. The Stand S ekes of 5 sous each, with 50 added, for two yr-olds and upwards ; selling and other allowances. T.Y.C., 5 fur. 44 yards. 9 subs. Mr W. I'Anson's Hannah filly, 3 yrs (£4O), 7st lllb (Challoner) 1 Mr Bancroft's Cronstadt, 6 yrs (X4O), Oat 51b (J. Osborne) 2 Mr G. Crook's Airedale, 4 yrs (MO), Oat .. (H. Taylor) 3 _ _ The following also ran :—Young Aladdin, Black Duchess, Vanessa, and Rondoletia. Betting-2 to 1 agst Vanessa, 3to 1 agst Airedale, 6to 1 agst Garotter, 10 to 1 each agst Rondoletia and the Little Hannah filly, 100 to 8 agst any other. Vanessa made play, followed by Airedale, Garotter, and Cronstadt, who ran in close company to the bend, where Vanessa and Garotter retired from the front, and the Little Hannah filly thereupon joined Cronstadt and Airedale, and the three ran an exciting race to the enclosure, where Aire dale was beaten, and the other two continuing the struggle, a fine race home resulted in the victory of Mr. l'Anson's filly by a neck; four lengths between second and third; Vanessa was fourth, and Rondoletia fifth. The winner was bought in for 95 guineas. The Great Northern Handicap of ICO sovs, added to a Sweepstakes of 20 sous each, 10 ft, and 5 if declared ; the second to receive 50 sovs ; winners extra. Two miles, over the Old Course. 63 subs, 28 declared. Mr H. Rich's East Lancashire, 4 yrs, Est 91b (Morris) 1 Mr W. Metcalte's Tottenham, 3 yrs, oat 91b (Cranshaw) 2 Mr J. Jackson's Greville, 3 yrs, sst 101 b.... (H. Sharp) 3 Captain Gray's Trust, 4 yrs, 7st (Manion) 4 The following also ran Wingrave, Caller Ou, Limo - sine, Welcome, Funtenoy, Alice, King Charming, Guerilla, Goldylocks, Dr. Itooke, and Major. Bettiog—n to 2 agst Wingrave, 100 to 15 each agst Ma jor and Guerilla, 100 to 8 each agst Fontenoy and Trust, 100 to 6 each agst Caller Ou, Icing Charming. Dr. Rooke r and East Lancashire, 20 to 1 agst Welcome. 25 to 1 agst Limosina. Goldylocks made play, followed by Welcome and Major, the three being several lengths in advance of everything, Dr. Itooke and Alice being fourth and fifth, and at the head of next lot were Greville, Fontenoy, and Guerilla, after whom came Wingrave, Limosina, and East Lancashire, the last two being Trust and Caller Ou. After a mile and a quarter had been traversed the front division took closer order, Alice alone dropping into the rear. At the commencement of Di inghouses Wood East Lan cashire rushed to the fora, and Goldylocks dis appearing altogether from the front, left Dr. Rooke, Welcome, Guerilla, Greville, and Fontenoy in pur suit of Mr. Rich's horse, who took a commanding lead. Half way round the turn Tottenham joined the front rank and took second place, and at the bend the race was vir tually over and half a mile from home East Lancashire, with an arched neck (caused by Morris's strong arm) won, according to the Judge, by six lengths; but looked more like 20. Three lengths separated the second and third, and two lengths third and fourth. Guerilla and 'Welcome, side by side, were next, and behind them came Limosina and Fontenoy. Caller Ou and Alice were the only others wh•) passed the post. The Knavesmire Plato of 50 soya, for two-yr•olds, 7st ; three, Bst 121 b ; certain penalties and allowances. Half a mile. Mr Jos. Dawson's Capucine filly, 2 yrs, fist 111 b (Loates) 1 Mr Johnstone's War Whoop, ,2 yrs, Est 81b (J, Grimshaw) 2 Lord Glasgaw's Sister to Aschaw, 2 yrs, 6st 81b (Dixon) 3 Lord Zatland's Bandarilla, 3 yrs, Bst 21b .. (J. Snowden) 4 The following also ran :—The Dawdler, Josephine, King Alfred, Tabitha Bramble, and Laomedon. Batting-6 to 4 agst the Capucine filly, 4to 1 agst War Whoop, 5 to 1 agst Laomedon, 12 to 1 agst Bandarilla. Won by a length ; two lengths between second and third; a neck between third and fourth. The Union Hunt Plate of 2 sovs each, with 50 added, for hunters ; weight for ago; gentlemen riders; jockeys extra. Two miles and a half. 17 subs. Mr Wilkinson's Rosemary, 5 yrs, 12 s t 21b (Mr C, Boynton) 1 Sir G. Strickland's Emperor, 6 yrs ' 12st 91b (Mr Wood) 2 Mr U. S. Thompson's Jamie Taft, 4 yrs, list (Owner) 3 The following also ran :—The Jew, Lady Sutton, Goth, Bonnets o' Blue, Chance, Southern Cross, an d Young Tollerton. Betting.-3 to 1 eget Rosemary, sto 1 agst Emperor, 6 to 1 each agst Jamie Taft and Lady Sutton. Won by a length--a bad third, PARIS SPRING MEETING• Perle. The great event on the card Sesterday was the Emperor's Prize, for 3-yr-olds. which only brought out Baronello and Bois-Roussel, with two or three other horses who had not before made their debuts. Arcturus, whose fame had pre ceded his appeatance in public, and who was said to bo able to do great things, was installed as first favourite, while Bois-Roussel and Baronello, who had both run twice within the last fortnight, each winning, and both known to be good, stood at a trifle more odds, dividing favour about equally. The last-named showed the same ill-temper as on Thursday, and, getting off badly, did n ot show in front throughout the lace; Arctu rus on ly obtained a third place, while Bois-Roussel, after wa iti n g to the las t q uart er of a mile, shook off his opponents with the greatest ease, and re peated his victory of the P ro d uce Stakes. Th e o nly one of the crack horses of the diff eren t stables that h a s not yet been brought out is Be a t r i x , w ho has probab l y been re served for the French Oaks on Sunday next. Of the rest, Meli-Melo, Arcturus, and Estenos have proved but little better than impostors, while Baronello, who has shown th a t he can run well if he ch oose s, is such an un manageable brute that he cannot at any time be depen ded on . The only horse, therefore, isß ois-n that has is g proved ena ged in both the Gr an e - to be worthy of any con fidencePrix and the French Derby, for the latter of which events he is now favourite, not m ore than three to one being obtainable. The other events of the da y will bo fo und in detail below. The weather was fine, but the com p an y le ss numerous than on the previous Sundays, the Prince Im perial's fete having apparently surpassed in attraction the sport at Longchamps : The Prix des Tertres, of 2,000 f., for horses 3•yr-olds and upwards. Entry, 50f. weight for age; the winner liable to be claimed for 6,000 f. Allowances for horses, entered as to be sold for less. Distance about 2,000 metres. 12 subs. Baron Daru's Astrolabe, 4 yrs, 8 81 b (Bundy) 1 Mr Psrte's Le Fou, 4 yrs, 911 b Pantal) 2 M. Teisseire's Muse, 4 yrs, 881 b (Caillotiu) 3 The following also ran :—Conversion, Fille de l'Air, Blanchette, Mademoiselle Mignon, Nanterre, Feu Gregeois, Sabine, Mai, and Sarcelle. , Betting-4 to 1 agat Astrolabe, 5 to 1 agat Mademoiselle Mignon, and 10 to 1 agat any other. After settling into places the fron t divisio n was formed by Feu Gregeois, Mademoiselle Mi g non, and Mai, the rest running in a mass a couple of lengths behind, exc e pti ng Astrolabe, who had got badly off, and was last. Down the hill Le Fou and Conversion went forward and joined the trout lot, and after passing the last corner Astrolabe, who hr,d beta working up, rushed forward and collared Le Feu, who was leading, passed him at the Stands, and won easily } ay a couple of lengths. Muse finished third, a length behind Le :Fou, and Conversion fourth. The winner was bought in b y its owner for 2,175 f. Thf Prix du Trocader4 of 3,000 f., for 3-yr-olds and upwards which has never won. Entry 100 f. Weight for age. Distance about 2,200 metres. 10 subs. Count de Lagrange's Comme-ca, 3 yrs, 100 lb (C. Pratt) 1 Baron Daru's Pronostic, 3 yrs, 100Ib (Wheatley) 2 Duke de Morny's Ninon de l'Enclos, 3 yrs, 971 b (A. Watkins) 3 The following also ran :—Leuctres, Grande Dame, Fan tasia, and Royal Navarre. Betting-2 to 1 agst Comme-ca, 4to 1 each agst Grande Dame and Pronostic, 5 to 1 agst Leuctres. At starting the lead was taken up by Royal Navarre, with Leuctres and Grande Dame coming next. Along the road Grand Dame went to the front and led round the corner; here Comme-ca and Pronostic, who had been waiting, went ior ward and ran home in front together, Count de Lagrange's horse passing first by half a length ; Ninon de l'Enclos beat Grand Dame for third place, finishing two lengths behind Pronostic. The Prix de l'Empereur Produce Stakes, of 10,000 f., for 3 yr-olds. Entry, I,ooof. ; 600 f. forfeit, or 5001. only if declared, The second to receive 2,000 f. Weight, 1081 b. Distance 2,100 metres. 39 subs. M. Delamarre's Bois-Roussel Count do Lagrange's Sorciere (C. Pratt) 2 M. Schickler's Arcturus (J. Watkins) 3 The following also ran ;—Antinous, Baronollo, Perle, and Nocturne. Betting-9 to 4 agst Arcturus, sto 2 each agst Bois- Roussell and Baronello, 8 to 1 ag.it Nocturne, 10 to 1 agst Antinous jumped off with a lead, Nocturne coming next, then Bois-Roussel, Sorciere, Arcturus, and Perla ; Baron• ello, who had been fractious at starting, got badly off, half a dozen lengths in the rear of the rest. Little change took place until passing the Chateau, when Antinous fell back and his stable companion went forward, and at the dip Bois- Roussel rushed forward and placed himself in the van, Arcturus also strode up and joined Sorciere. Bois-Roussel, however, kept his lead, which at the winning post he had increased to half a dozen lengths. Sorciere beat Arcturus for second place by a neck, there being the same distance between Arcturus and Perle, who was fourth. The Prix du Lac, a handicap of 8,000 f., for 2-yr.olds and upwards. Entry, 200 f.; 1001. forfeit, or 25f. only if de clared, The second to receive I,ooof. from the entries. Distance, about 2,400 metres. 65 subs. Baron d'Auriol's Tambour-Battant, 4 yrs, 1111 b (A. Pantal) 1 Mr Carter's Nobility, 4 yrs, 1171 b (W. Carter) 2 Count de Lagrange's Jarnicoton, 4 yrs 1321 b (C, Pratt) 3 The following also ran :—Heurlys, Jean-sans-pour, Au dacieuse, Bnzet, Banniere, La Reine-Berthe, Idante, Dame-Blanche. Scrupule, Bonsoir, Astarothe, and, Niger. Betting-3 to 1 agst Jarnicoton, 7to 1 each agst Nobility and Heurlys, 10 to 1 each agst Banniere and Tambours- Battant. Audacieuse, Tambour-Battant, and Jean- sans-peur were in front for half the distance, with Jarnicoton, Buzet, and the Duke de Morny's two bringing up the rear. On nearing the last corner Heurlys, Jarnicoton, Nobility, and Scrupule came forward and raced together to the rear of Tambour- Battant, who was leading. The last-named, however, main tained his lead to the end, winning by a length ; Nobility, Jarnicoton, Heurlys, and Scruple followed past the judge's chair in the order named, a neck in the rear of each other. The Prix do Neuilly of 4,000 f for 3-yr-olds and upwards. Entry 100 f, h ft. Weight for age. The winner liablo to be claimed for 15,000 t, - Winners extra. Distanco about 2,960 metres. 8 subs. Count de Lagrange's Villafranca, 4 yrs, 1171 b (C. Pratt) 1 Duke de Morny's Gentilhomme, 4 yrs, 1131 b (A.. Watkins) 2 M. Aumont's Victor Pouffe!, 4 yrs, 1131 b ....(Spreoty) 3 Eva and Meli- Melo also ran. Betting-3 to 2 agst Villafranca, 4to 1 agst Eva, 6to 1 agst Gentilhomme. Victor Pontfol led for two-thirds of the distance, Eva and Villafranca being alternately second and third. Meli-Melo bolted when near the cascade, and ran out into the road, not anvil appearing in the race. On coming on to the. straight Villafranca and Gentilhomme came alongside of Victor Pontfol, the three running abreast up to the Stands; Villafranca and Gentilhomme then drew ahead and came in first and second, separated by a neck, Victor a good third. SALE OF THE RAWCLIFFE YEARLINGS. The annual sale, by Messrs. Tattersall, of the yearlings bred by the B,aweliffe Stud Company took place yesterday at York. The sale, as usual, attracted a large and influential assemblage of purchasers, including many well-known owners and trainers. The 23 lots produced the respectable sum of 3,666 guineas, or an average of 159 guineas each. Below will be found the prices and purchasers Gs. Brown filly by Voltigeur—Latona .. (Mr G. Holmes) 41 Bay filly by z-abreur or Underhand—Desdemona (Mr G. Holmes) 31 Bay colt by Sabreur or Woolwich—Lady Touchstone (Mr John Holmes) 30 Bay filly by King Tom—Allington.... (Mr Hodgman) 62 Black cby ltataplan—Orango Blossom(Mr G. Holmes) 40 Chesnut f by Stockwell—Sb.amrock(Kildonan's dam) (Mr Crook) 80 Chesnut colt by Stockwell Just in Time (Mr Woolcott) 100 Bay colt by Stockwell Queen of the May (Mr Naylor) 155 Brown filly by Leamington—Emeute.. (Mr Fad wick) 205 Bay filly by Leamington—Maria.... (Mr Hodgman) 30 Brown colt (brother to Leicester) by Leamington—. Miss Nancy Chesnut colt by Leamington--Peach ..(Mr H. Hill) 190 Bay colt by Leamington—Fortuna (Mr Padwick) 300 Bay filly by Newminster—The Sphynx (Mr J. Wood) 40 Chesnut filly by Newminster—Urania (Mr G. Angell) 65 Bay filly by Newminster—Patience.. (Mr Hodgman) 62 Bay or brown filly by Newminster—Heiress (Mr Padwick) 210 Bay colt by Newminster—Queen Bee (Mr Joseph Dawson) 220 Chesnut colt by Newminster—Snowdrop (Mr Joseph Dawson) 155 Bay colt by Newminster—Vesta, engaged in the Convivial Stakes at the York August Meeting, 1865, 10 goys each hft (Mr Padwiok) 420 Chesnut colt by Newminster—Liceneo (Lord Stamford) 400 Chesnut colt by Newminster—Pauline (Count Batthyany) 220 Chesnut colt by Newminster—lsis .. (Mr Padwick) 350 Chesnut mare (foaled in 1856) by Daniel O'Rourke --liamptonia, with a filly-foal at her foot, by Col sterdale, and covered by Leamington (Lord Coventry) 70 The Disturbances in Tunis, TuNis, May 3. The Bey has issued the following proclamation to the various governors of provinces within his juris diction : " Praise be! s ta God, &c. We had ordered for the good of the State that the capitation tax should be increased by a sum which would have produced no disadvantage to our subjects, being in proportion to their incomes, and we desired the chief men of all the tribes and cities to apportion this impost. As the order, however, has produced disorders in the country, and we do not desire the injury of cur sub jects, who are the props of our government, we have hastened to put an end to the disturbances, and have abolished the increase of tax which we had imposed, reducing the tax to its original amount. Assemble, therefore, the inhabitants of your dis trict and the chiefs and head men of your town, lay before them this decree, and appease their anxieties. "It has further been brought to our knowledge that our subjects complain of the delays suffered by the settlement of their affairs at the enlists of jus tice, and desire to emp'oy them no longer. We have granted this privilege, and our subjects are now at liberty to have their disputes settled wherever they think fit, either by the religious magistrates or by the administrative tribunals, or by the Governor. If, however, any man wish to lay his case before us is person, the doors of our hall of justice are open to all the oppressed, as in former times. " Bring this to the knowledge of all our subjects, explain it to them clearly, and do your utmost to restore security to the roads and prevent unruly persons from sowing discord which disturb the peace of the population. Whoever is guilty of these things will offend against the precepts of his religion, plunge his country, his family, and his native town into destruction, and will then only have himself to thank. " This our decree is to be executed by those whom we have commissioned to settle disputed affairs— viz., by the religious tribunal, the administrative tribunal, and the Governor. May God afford His help ! "Greeting from the humble servant of Almighty God, Muscbir Mohamet Essadook Bascha Bey, whom may God protect. " Given this 16th Kaaba, 1280." The Frice of Gold. The quotation of gold at Paris is about 1 per mille pm., and the short exchange on London is 25.17/ per £1 sterling. On comparing these rates with the English Mint price of .£3 178.10/d. per ounce for standard gold, it appears that gold is nearly 1-IGth per cent. dearer in Paris than London. By advices fromilambur,g the price of gold is 426 per mark and the short exchange on London is 13.6 i per £1 sterling. Standard gold at the English Mint price is, therefore, about 3-10ths per cent. dearer in London than in Hamburg. 'The course of exchange at New York on London for bills a 60 days' sight is about 200 per cent., and the premium on gold is about 82 per cent. At these rates there is a:profit on the importation of gold from the United States, SPIRIT OP THE PUBLIC JOURNALS. TimEs.--It would probably be difficult for the statesmen of Austria and Prussia, absorbed in am bitious intrigues, and watching with intense and restless jealousy the actions of each other and the feelings of that Germany which both werts offend ing,,while both were seeking to conciliate, to imagine the amount of pain and disgust they have been inflicting on the rest of Europe for the last three months and a half. It is not that we have read every day of useless and Wanton slaughter, of the desolation of harmless villages, and the bom- bardment of peaceful towns; we are, unhappily, too well used to these dreary narratives to recoil from them with the horror they ought to inspire. It is rather because we have seen the assertion to its utmost limits of the superiority of brute force to the strongest claims of morality and the most clearly defined provisions of treaties—because in this age of philosophy and refinement we seem all at once to have fallen back to the theory and practice of barbarism. We congratulate ourselves and our fellow-subjects on the suspension of hostilities, if for no other rea son, because for a month at least we shall be relieved from the descriptions of events which cannot be read by any man of honour or feeling without indignae tion. We rejoice also because in this month of sus pended hostilities Austria and Prussia and the small States of Germany will have time respectively to re view their position, their conduct, and their prose pacts, and to make themselves acquainted, more per fectly than the hurry of conflict and the elation of a shabby triumph have hitherto permitted, with the feeling which their recent conduct in Denmark has called forth. The German nation at this moment seems able to see nothing but itself and its adversary. Absorbed in this small conflict, it has lost sight of all the rest of the world. But the rest of the world has by no means lost sight of the German nation, and Germany will do well to consider whether she can afford to set herself up in defiance to the opinion of Europe. Is she really so self-supporting, so independent of the rest of the world, as she would have us to believe ? What would have become of the monarchy of Prussia in the Seven Years' War, what would have become of the empire of Austria in her repeated struggles with Napoleon, but for the assistance of England ? Why was that assistance rendered ? Because it was felt that Germany was interposed between the unscrupulous ambition of two great military empires on the East and West, that she was the natural guardian of public law, of the faith of treaties, of respect for existing rights, and that in supporting her we were supporting the cause of justice against aggression and innovation. Has Germany the same claim on the supporters of order and justice now? Can she with the least consistency come forward to request the support of her neighbours in case she her self should be made the object of the same violence and spoliation as she has just been practising upon Denmark ? If she has purchased by She loss of the sympathy of the world the addition to the monarchy of Prussia of the Duchies of Schleswig and Hol stein, has she not bought them too deer ? The past is irrevocable, but the use that is made of the pre sent month may go far to mitigate its effects. if negotiations are carried on in the same spirit as war has been waged, there is no escape from that Nemesis which never yet left the scale of human ill unbalanced. We appeal to Prussia. A hundred and twenty years ago Frederick the Great, by a mixture of force and fraud which has excited the ad miration of strong-minded historians, appropriated to himself the Austrian province of Silesia. It was considered a miracle of dexterity and good luck ; but during the ensuing twenty years, Silesia cost Prus siathree bloody and desperate wars, in which she saw ' her capital twice taken by the enemy, and in the last of which she would infallibly have perished had not a Palace revolution in Russia snatched her from the very jaws of destruction. Can the present King of Prussia—who is not Frederick the Great, and who lives in an age when events move quick and men live fast—hope to escape with greater impunity than the consummate warrior and politician who was so nearly buried under the weight of his own greedy ambition ? To Austria the suspension of hostilities has come as a doubtful good. On the one hand it delivers her—or will deliver her if she so pleases—from a vast expense which she can ill afford, and from a position singularly false and embarrassing. On the other hand, Austria has failed in conciliating the smaller States of Ger many, has enacted a second-rate part in a quarrel with which she has no concern, and is further off from the leadership of Germany than she was when the war began, has been eclipsed in such fame as has been to be got by the taking of Dybbol, and has seen this first act of the war terminate in a defeat by no means honourable to the embryo navy of Ger many. If she is wise, she will employ the interval that is now afforded her to disentangle herself finally and completely from all connection with this ill-starred enterprise. She must be now aware how mistaken was the calculation which induced he to take part in this remote, unprofitable, and inglorious expedition, and she ought sincerely to rejoice that the Conference affords her such an opportunity of re treat. To Danmark we cannot doubt that the Confe rence is welcome, though we fear that it comes Soo late. The folly of believing that the policy of procras tination could possibly be on the side of the weaker Power, and the dogged obstinacy which wantonly sacrificed the lives of so many brave men at Dybbol, have borne their fruits, and Denmark finds herself entering on the duties of a Conference just when the fortune or rather the certainty of war has left very little to negotiate about. It is quite evident that the Danish Ministry have been thinking much more and with much more terror of the population of Copenhagen than of the foreign enemies whom they have confronted. Denmark has been trying an experiment which is seldom found to answer—that of ruling one nationality by means of the dominant democracy of another. Absolute monarchs may rule with some impartiality over men of different races and languages. Their elevated position has sometimes been known to lift them above the narrow prejudices of race and origin. But a democratic Government, if nothing else, is quite sure, at any rate, to be intenseq national, and national in the very worst sense— in its bitter contempt for foreigners and aliens. Supposing that matters in the Conference can be arranged favourably for Denmark, she can hardly expect a permanent relief from her difficulties anti a nation possessing so many noble qualities shall adopt a form of government more calculated to create respect end to inspire confidence, more modes rate in prosperity, and more cautious and far-sighted in adversity. At any rate Europe has breathing time. The immediate danger of a general conflag ration is averted, and an opportunity is given once more for the voice of reason to make itself heard. Every one has felt that to gain a supension of arms was the great difficulty, and that this, once accom plished, some sort of a pacification might reasonably be calculated on. Yet the suspension of hostilities has come without bringing with it any firm assur ance beyond the present hour. The treaty of 1852, the ambitious projects of Prussia, the claims of the Duke of Augusten burg, the over-acted indifference of France, the preternatural apathy of Russia, the rising indignation of our own people, the habit r mently engendered of breaking treaties and des pising the most binding obligations, are all causes of anxiety, and sadly check the exultation which we should otherwise feel at the announcement that, for a month at least, the cannon will be mate and the work of slaughter will be stayed. POST.—The carrying of Mr. Dillwyn's motion on Monday, that a select committee be appointed to inquire into the most suitable arrangements to be made respecting the Patent-office Library and Museum, demonstrates plainly enough the hold which the subject of the hon. member's advocacy has taken on public opinion. Quite agreeing, as we do, with Mr. Cowper that the granting of such come mittee may be inconvenient, and that it does imply, in a certain sense, disrespect to the Patent Law Commission which has been taking evidence for a period of almost two years, still, the issue of the debate relative to the patent question on Monday is so far satisfactory that it illustrates the solicitude with which this more than ordinary social matter has come to be regarded. The consequences of giv ing a thing a bad name are placed in evidence by the matter before us. Undoubtedly letters-patent for invention, together with the inventors, the long train of professional people engaged in patent bush. ness, and manufacturers who have to do with patents and patentees, have fallen into some sort of disfavour these few years past in certain influential quarters. It suffices for the present to announce the fact, without appending any commentary, or attempting to furnish any explanations. So far as we know, the opponents of letters-patent for inventions are restricted to the two classes of men of science hav ing either independent means or else holding some certain remunerative position, and large manufac• turers, who, being capitalists, profess to hod the faith that inventions and wealth asaurely attract each other as heavy bodies free to fall gravitate towards the centre of the earth. It is worthy of remark, and, indeed, somewhat suspicious, that the great body of inventors—men whom we may assume to be especially concerned in all that relates to patent law adjudication —see no other practical means of deriving advantage from their inventions save through the mechanism of a limited monopoly as now accorded. Such are the facts, the circumstances of the case, and we fancy n o g reat difficulty would be found in advancing a plausible hypothesis to account for them ; but what we were about to re mark is, that in consequence of the disfavour with which everything concerning letters-patent for invention is, in certain quarters, regarded, the interests of the Patent Museum and Library have suffered. Now, the real truth of the matter is, that there does not subsist any necessary and intrinsic connection between the operation, or even the exe istence, of patent laws, and the so-called Patent office Library and Museum. The convection i% wholly extrinsic and incidental ; dependent upon the circumstance that up to the time being sine causes have been in operation, no mechanism has . been at work, for determining an aggregation of books, models, and rnachinea illustrative of national inventive progress, with the exception of those the operation of patent laws has supplied- Were it worth while to cavil about the propriety of terms, then would there be no difficulty in showing that the terms " Museum and Library of "Applied Science and Invention" would be more appropriate than the designation now employed ; and, this understood, the question of para mount interest as regards the matter in debate is whether the establishment and mainte nance of such a museum and such a library be, or be not, worthy of national solicitude in any civi lised country, but more especially in a country eo dependent for its prosperity on arts and manufac tures, the fruits of invention, as our own. On this point we imagine there can be no room for any dif ference of opinion, and if so, the question is imme diately suggested of how best to carry into practice• a desideratum so universally admitted. Only one of two means of accomplishing the result are appa rent—a Government subsidy voted from the Trea sury, or a voluntary tax imposed by inventors upon themselves. Now, in regard to these, the first, if essayed, would be futile. Not only would the Trea sury fail to recognise the need of subsidies commen surate with inventive demands, but it would be difficult, perhaps impossible, to devise in connection with this means of support, an adequate tribunal of selection for scientific books, models, and machinery. The organisation would flag, droop, and ultimately become effete, like all other organisations for the promotion of industrial art by Government subsi dies. Such a measure would be wholly discordant with our Anglo-Saxon maxims of individual enter prise and free association, under the guidance of which our national progress in the industrial arts has been so rapid—under the influence of which British manufacturing industry has attained such stupendous proportions. There remains, then, the second alternative of voluntary taxation, and that is precisely what the operation of patent laws accomplishes—how well accomplishes may be in ferred from the fact that out of patent fees, after deducting all expenses of giving effect to them-- after paying the necessary stamp duties, salaries, and other contingencies—after merging large sums, for many years past into the Exchequer, there still remains in the Patent Commissioners' hands a sum adequate to the building of a library so soon as the (necessary per mission may be forthcoming, and to initiate a. museum, with full prospect of increase year by , year as other self contributed funds may be forth coming and available. All these are important considerations to be borne in mind ; and doubtless both select committee and royal commission will. so regard them. The genius of all good govern ment consists in turning to account resources at hand and available. If, contrary to what we be lieve, it should hereafter be made manifest that the patent laws are the real hindrance to inventive pro• gress—the real incubus to inventors that some recent advocates for their abolition would have one believe—then by all means let patent laws be abcs lished and some better substitute devised ; but for the time being, patent laws exist, their working has left a surplus in cash and the germs of a library and museum, both self-supporting, and self-expan sive, were room enough given them to expand. It needs no great amount of argument to demonstrate that the necessary room should be found. COUNTRY MARKETS. LEED S-T UESDIY. A fair show of grain here to-day. Factors asked higher prices, which were not realised, and very little business was done at last Tuesday's prices. Barley dull, Other articles s before. Averages—May 9—Wheat 39s Oid per qr. —Barley ..32s 7d -- - —Oats .. ..19s lid - - —Beans 37s 3id - -- —Peas .31s 2d MARKET HARBOROUGII-TUESDAY. White wheat, 41s to 445; red, 38s to 40s per 36 stone. Malting barley at 33s to 35s per qr.; grinding, 26s to 28s per 30 st. Oats, old, 23s to 265; new, 20s to 22s per 30 et. ; beans, 34s_te 42s . per qr. LIVERPOOL-TUESDAY. There was a small attendance both of town and country dealers at market to-day. Wheat met with a slow sale at the prices of last Tuesday. Flour also quiet, and held for last week's rates. Oats and oatmeal slow. In Indian corn a limited business. Other articles unaltered. SHEFFIELD-TUESDAY. At our market to-day there was an average attendance, with a fair business doing. Red wheat, per load of 3 - imperial bushels...lss Od to Hs Od White )) I ...17s Od to 18s Od New red , , .15s Od to 16s Od New white ;, 71 ~.16s Od to 18s Od Beaus )) 1) ...15s Gd to 17s Od Peas, per qr Grinding barley, per qr. 29s Od to 30s Oct Malting ditto, )9 • ..... 32s Od to 35s Od Oats 1) l9s Od to 24s Od Flour, is 4d to is 8d per 14 lb. BRISTOL-TUESDAY. There was a small attendance of millers to-day. and the sales of wheat were made at about late rates, but market very dull. MELTON MOWBRAY-TUESDAY. The following were the currencies :—New white wheat, 41s Od to 45s Od; new red, 378,0 d to 40s per 36 stone; beans, 41s to 43s for old; new sorts, 36s to 398 per 33 st. ; barley, 30s to 34s for malting, and 28s to 30s per qr. for grinding; new oats, 19s to 23s Od per 24 stone; old, 24s to 275. Foreign Mail Packet Lot. MAILS DUE. Australia and Mauritius, via Southampton .. May 19. via Marseilles May 13. rail and Cape Yards, by British packet. June 5- Cape of Good Hope, Ascension, and St. Helena May 29. thina, Penang, and Singapore, via Southampton May 19. via Marseilles May ;13. Falkland Islands Gibraltar, via Southampton May 12. India (Calcutta), and Ceylon, via Southampton May 19. via Marseilles May 13, India (Bombay), via Southampton May 12.,. via Marseilles May 214. Portugal Malta, Egypt, and Aden, via Southampton May 12. via Marseilles May 13. Newfoundland .. May,ll. Oporto and Vigo .. U. S. and British N. America, by Brit. packet.... May 11. by U.S. packet.... by Canadian packet. May 10. W.C. of Africa, Madeira, and Teneriffe May 10. Bahamas, via New York June 2, Mexico. All parts of West Indies, including Chili, Peru, I may 14. California. and British Columbia.. [ADVERTISEMENT.]—Consumption, all nervous, bilious, liver, and stomach complaints, in every stage, are only ag gravated and accelerated by drugs of every description, but perfectly curable by Du Barry's health restoring Revalenta Arabica Food, as proved by thousands of cases which had been considered hopeless. We quote a few.—Cure No. 62,914, Miss Lange, 18 years of age, cured after the medical men had abandoned all hopes of her recovery from the last stage of pulmonary consumption, with fearful cough, expectoration, exhaustion, spitting of blood, perspirations, hollow cheeks, emaciated to a skeleton. She is now, thank God, a perfectly healthy, blooming, fleshy girl,—N. Lange, Commissaire do Police. Cure, No. 48,270. Mr. James Roberts, of Frimleyi Surrey, of thirty years' diseased lungs, spitting - of blood, liver derangement. and partial deafness.—Cure, No. 47,121. Miss Elizabeth Jacobs, of extreme nervousness, indigestion, gatherings, low spirits, and nervous faacies.—Cure, No. 54,816. The Rev. James T. Camjbell, Fakenham, Norfolk, of indigestion and torpidity of the liver, which had resisted all medical reatment. In tins, 11b, 2s 9d; 21b, 45 6d; 511►, lls ; 121 b, 225; 241 b, 40s. Barry du Barry and Co., No. 77, ttegent-street, London ; also Fortnum and Mason; and all grocers and chemists in every town of the United Kingdom. Births. FARQ,TJHAR.—On the 4th inst., at Greenock, the wife of Captain Farquhai, R.N., of H.M.S. Hogue, of twins-- a daughter and son. FARRANT.—On the 10th inst., at the Royal Marine Bar racks, Forton, near Gosport, the wife a Lieut.-Colonel Farrant, of a daughter. SOMERSET.—On the sth inst., at Ham-green, near Bristol, the wife of Colonel Edward Somerset, C. 8., of a (laugh" ter. Marriages. DARROCH—RicKmAN.--On the 7th inst., at Hove parish church, Duncan Darroch, Esq., younger of Gourock, to Annie, the youngest daughter of the late Samuel Philip Hickman, Esq., of Tottenham. PESTER—NEWLAND.- 011 the 7th inst., at Portsmouth, J. C. Pester, Esq., son of Major-General Pester, 11..& , , to Sarah, youngest daughter of the late Mr. Wm. NeW" land, of Portsmouth. Deaths. ANDERSON.—On the Bth inst., at Blairvadiek, Dumbarton' shire, Sir James Anderson. BILLINGS.-0a the 7th inst., James Billings, Esq., °f Taunton, aged 79. BUCK.—On the sth ir st , at Belton House, Pensford, neat Bristol. the Rev. John Buck, D.C.L., incumbent of Houghton, near Carlisle, aged 72. BULMEII.—On. the 10th inst., at The Warren, Loughtons Essex, Mary, wife of John Bulmer, Et - q., aged 50. Cock - E.—On the 9th inst., at Chapel, Essex, Thomas 61 ' Cocke, Esq. NORMANDY.—On the 10th inst., at Odin Lodge, Clapham' • park, Dr. Normandy, aged 55. London : Primed and Prbtished by 'WILLIAM ANDRE - X S of No. 112, Strand, Printer, at THE SUN Office l o, 117, Strand, in the Precinct of the savoy , the WWI ° I 11.1141epex,—Wciluesday, May 11, 1861. V