The Sun. — London, England, 1863-02-21 00:00:00

IVS. LINDSAY, M.P. —The Rising Genera • ti o n—Out Prize Essays-11.1rs. Grundy's Crossiping, Lc., in FUN this week. One Penny. Of all Newsmen. R OYAL ENGLISH OPERA, COVENT GARDEN. Under the Management of Miss Louisa Fyne and Mr. W. Harrison, Sole Lessees. THIS EVENING, Feb. 19, Balfe's New Opera of 'IRE ARMOURER OF NANTES : 3,118 Louisa Pyne, Mra. A. Cooke, and Miss Anna Hil Cooke , Mrs. W. H.Weiss, Santley, H. Corti, C. Lyall, Aynsley and W. Harrison. Conductor —Mr. A. Mellon. After which, the Grand Comic Curiatmas Pantomime, en titled HARLEQUIN BEAUTY AN IiTHE BEAST. Doors open at hall-past 6 Commence at 7. THE ATE. E-R YA L, DRURY-LANE,- Lessee and Manager, Mr. Edmund Falconer. THIS EVENING, DON CiESAR DE BAZAN. hies henry Lorraine, Sinclair, Chas. Selby; Mrs. Bowers, Mri. Edmund Falconer, Miss H. Howard, ,tc. After which, the Grand Pantomime of LITTLE GOODY TWO SHOES. Commence at 7. THEATRE -ROYAL, HAY MARKET. Lessee, Mr. J. B. Buckstone. THIS EVENING, at Seven o'clock, will be performed CUR AMERICAN COUSIN. Asa Trenchard, Mr. Buck rtone ; Lord Dundreary, Mr. Sothern. After which, a new and orl-rinal Extravazanza, entitled JIASSELAS, PRINCE or ABYSSINIA ; or, The Happy ;Valley. Rasselas. Miss Louise Keeley. Concluding with 11111 S. WHITE. THEATRE -ROYAL LYCEUM OPEN, under the Sole Management of Mr. FECHTE R. THIS EVENING, Feb. 21, to commence with an Orizinal Sketch, entitled A SUDDEN ATTACK. Messrs. Shore, Carden, H. Widdicomb, Miss Henrade, and Mrs. Lee. After which, at a Quarter to Eight, a New Romantic Droma, in Three Acts, and Pr3logue, entitled THE DUKE'S MOTTO, by Paul Feval and John Brougham. The principal character will be sustained by Mr. Pechter, sunported by Messrs. G. Vining:, J. 13rougham, IT. Wi combo, W. Wlntyre, P. 'L Garden, Raymond, 11. Butler, Dawson; Misses Carlotta eclercq, Kate Terry, E. Lavenue, and Elsworthy. Mr. Phelps and Mr. W. Montgomeryare engaged, and will shortly appear. Doors open at half-past Six, performanc;3 to commence at seven. Private Boxes, £2 12s. 6d., and £2 2s. Places regiotered. Stalls, 6s. 6d. ; Dress Circle, Is. 6d-; Upper Circle, 4s. 6d. Prices at doors—htalls, 6s. ; Dress Circle, ss. ; roper Circle, 4s. ; Pit,Gallery,half-price. Box since open daily from 11 till 5. '1 he public are entreated to -,ake notice that no charge is made to the occupants of boxes, cox pang laces, or stalls, either for play bills or for the safe keep of hats and cloaks : and that the attendants in all parts of the house are forbidden to rec e ive any gratuities whatever Stage-Manager, Mr. G. Vining. Acting-Manager, Mr. H. Barnett. R OYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE Lessee and Manager, Mr Lindua. THIS EVENING, an entirely new and original romantic drama, in four acts, by Lewis Filmore, Esq., entitled THE INTINNLNG SUIT. Messrs. Marston, Vezin, Stephens, Fitz lames, etc.; Miss Amy Sedgwick, Miss Murray, and Mrs. H. Marston. After which, the New Grand CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME, " RIQUET WITII THE TUFT ; or, Harlequin and Mother Shipton." Mr. G. Belmore, Mr. C. Seyton, Misses Gray and Iludspeth, Mr. Milano, Mr. It. Power, Miss A. Collinson, and Mr. Raiford. NEW THFATRE-R0 VAL, ADELPHI,- Sole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. B. Webster. THIS EVENING, "GEORGE DE BARNWELL : or, Harlequin Folly in the Realms of Fancy." Miss Woolgar, Miss K. Kelly, Miss Seaman ; Messrs. .T. L. Toole, P. Bed ford, Stephenson, C. J. Smith. Harlequin, Mr. John Lauri ; columbine, Miss Caroline Adams Clown, Mr. W. Hildyard ; Vantaloon, Mr. J. PAllo. The celebrated Arthur and ..11e , •trand. To be followed by the new comedietta, entitled A GB,EV MARE. Mr. J. L. Toole and Miss Marie Wilton. Alter which, A VALENTINE Messrs. .T. L. Toole, Paul Bedford, Miss Kate Kelly, and Miss Sealuan. Commence at 7. The Weather.--Sun Office, Feb. 21, 1863. THERMOMETER. Highest since Noon yesterday ,, 41 Lowest during the night This day at N00n..... Barometer-30.33. Wind—N.-E.; weather dull and cloudy. RIGA WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. Tins DAY. —Morning, 4h. 16m.—Afternoon, 4h. 35m 70-mounow.-"donning, 4h. 51m.—Aftcrncon, sh. 1.2n1 ru.! " I it („Lil • *lnk aPtiok, LONDON, SATURDAY, FEB. 21, 1863. In the House of Lords yesterday, Earl STAN- 1 1 HOPE gave notice that on Friday he would call attention to the state of Western Australia with regard to transportation. Lord CARNARVON, in moving for a copy of the ticket-of-leave regulations in Dublin,said he thought the President of the Council mistaken in saying there was no supervision over discharged convicts in Dublin. He was informed that they were care fully watched, and reports made as to their mode of living. Lord GRANVILLE said his information had been obtained from the chief of the police in this coun try, who had learned it from the chief of the police in Ireland. He understood that the only super vision exercised W 29 that the convicts were assembled once a fortnight to hear lectures. The English and Irish systems would both be brought under the notice of the commission which was now eitting. The Duke of MATILBonouGH moved for returns' relative to transportation, and remarked on the Redpath case. Earl GRANVILLE objected to the returns on ac count of the trouble and expense. The Duke of :MARLBOROUGH then deferred his motion till after the report of the Commissioners. The Earl of ELLENBOROUGH moved for papers re lating to the affairs of Poland, and asked whether the Government could give any information as to the origin of the revolt or the Prussian convention. He denounced in strong terms the tyrannous conduct of Russia, he alluded to the warm sympathy felt by the French, and praised Austria for her present attitude. The Prussians had just celebrated the glorious anniversary of 1813, and yet their rulers expected them to aid in striking down the Poles, who were engaged in a struggle similar in princi ples and purpose to their own. Such conduct was contrary to nature, and would create a crisis in the country. His lordship concluded a powerful and eloquent speech by an earnest hope that all this misery might end in brighter days for Poland, and the re-establishment of constitutional government. Earl RUSSELL replied that it would be inconve nient to produce the official despatches from War saw at present. He remarked that the outbreak was not altogether unexpected, and commented on the state of affairs in Poland during the last eighteen months. The conscription had driven the people to despair—the whole number being taken from the towns alone, from lists prepared by the police. He (Lord Russell) hail expressed to the Russian Minister his conviction of the imprudence and injustice of the measure. He had received no copies of an engagement between Russia and Prus sia, but a convention existed which enabled Russian soldiers to keep:their arms on Prussian:territory, and to pursue insurgents, while similar facilities IA ere to be accorded to the Prussians in case of an outbreak in Prussian Poland. He had censured this arrange ment when speaking of it to the Prussian Minister. Lord MALmEsBur,Y asked whether refugees in Prussia were to be surrendered, and expressed his regret at the attitude of Prussia. Earl RUSSELL said he had no information re 'P':eting the surrender of refugees. their lordships then adjourned. In the House of Commons, .1 Sir F. S. ITII asked whether , in case of the resig nation of Mr. - Watts, Chief Constructor of the Navy, it was intended to appoint int a gentleman over the heads of Mr. Lang otherand distinguished master shipwrights standing of long ngais the intention Navy ? is Lord C. PAGET said it 'n th tention of the Admiralty to appoint Mr. Reed to He was in every way q ualifi ed by experiencee office' and abi lity, and his appointment was no reflection on the gentlemen alluded to by Sir F. Smith, who, how ever eminent, were scarcely young enough for the office. In answer to Colonel W. PATTEN, Mr. FORTESCUE said there was no truth in the report that Sir G. Grey lied sent in his resignation as Governor of New Zealand, nor had he applied for more troops. There was no prospect of disturb ance in the colony. In answer t o M r . B AXT ER, The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that no proposal had been mad© to change the point of departure for the Atlantic Royal Mail Company from Galway to an En g li s h port. Mr. EWART asked particulars of the Prussian convention with Russia. Lord PALAIERSTON said he believed some turange. ment had been entered into with regard to troops being permitted to cross the frontier in pursuit, but he did not know that the agreement extended to the employment of force by either side in assistance of the other. On the order for a Committee of Supply, 1 Mr. GRIFFITH haying put a question respecting 1 the Employment of forced labour in Egypt, , I Lord PALMERSTON said that he understood toe present Pasha intended to abolish the system alto gether, which her Majesty's Government thought a wise and humane proceeding. Sir L. PALK called attention to the distress in the manufacturing districts, and considered it was the duty of Government either to end it by recognising the Confederate States, or else to stimulate, as much as possible, the culture of cotton in Queensland, Jamaica, and other colonies. He thought a Royal Commis?ion should consider the best means of obtaining a permanent supply of cotton. He con cluded by moving an address to the Crown to issue such commission. Mr. MILIqEII GIBSON opposed the motion, as a commission could do nothing more than had been done. It was necessary that cotton should be cheap, as well as constant ju supply. It was better left to private enterprise. The motion was withdra;Yf• Mr. MAGUIRE remarked on the distress in Ire land, and asked the intentions of the Government for its relief. Colonel DICKSON endorsed the statement of Mr. Maguire. Sir R. PEEL admitted the distress produced by three bad harvests, but said the total number in re ceipt of relief was 70,000. The Government could not, therefore, apply the public funds, as they hoped the distress was temporary. After some discussion respecting the new rail way schemes, the other business was disposed of, and the House adjourned. The debate in the House of Lords last evening can not fail to be read with deep interest by all classes of Englishmen, and, we may also add, with satisfaction, at the unanimity with which all sides of the British Upper House of Parliament joined in denouncing the conduct pursued by Russia and Prussia. Lord ELLENBOROUGH, in rising, said that his intention was to ask whether the Government could commu nicate any information respecting the origin of the outbreak, or the terms of the Prussian convention. He purposely refrained from asking for any com munications which had been sent out by the Go vernment, as under the circumstances it might be injudicious and inconvenient. He then proceeded in fervid and eloquent language to express that feeling of indignant sympathy which has so strongly stirred the hearts of the people of this country. In alluding to the unhappy conscription, he justly said that it drove the people to uncalculating despair, but if they had had time for reflection they could have come to no other conclusion than that which despair itself suggested. In fact the great argu ment_ against rebellion was gone. Men were com pelled to become soldiers ; to leave their families unprotected, perhaps unprovided for ; to forsake their estates, their trades, or their professions. They were forced to enter a service which is hard and unprofitable even to those who voluntarily en list in its ranks, but which to them was likely to be little else than a prolonged punishment. All feel ing of security, of settled home life was gone. How could plans or schemes be made even for the morrow, when at the midnight hour the armed Russian might suddenly enter and drag his victim away for ever. Military service, however distasteful, was inevitable. How much better then to strike a blow for the cause of his long-trampled country, and feel that the sacrifice of home, and wealth, and family were at least made in a noble cause, instead of at the bidding of her ruthless op pressors. Lord ELLENBOROUGH, referring to the conduct of a previous Administration, expressed his hope that the British Government would come for ward and declare that in their opinion the insurrec tion had been provoked, "and thus place themselves, where the Government ought to be, at the head of public opinion." That is certainly the attitude which an English Government ought to assume at the present crisis, and it is one which rumour in duces us to hope will be taken by the Imperial Go vernment—in this intervention at least cordially in unison with their gallant and generous people. When Lord ELLENBOROUGH came to speak of the conduct of the Prussian KING and his Ministers, he expressed the general feeling of indignant asto nishment. The very Power which, half a century ago, rose, as it were, from its grave by the force of the noble spirit of its people—their independence, their determination to preserve their nationality, —now, after celebrating the anniversary of that re . surrection, proposes to lend all its energies to crushing out a similar movement in a neighbouring people. Well might Lord ELLEN BOROUGH prognosticate that in the event of the KING putting a climax to his arbitrary con duct by sending his army against the Poles, a crisis would be produced which would disturb Europe. Let WILLIAM take warning from ALEXANDER that rulers may try their people too far, and that when once the chain is broken it is not easy to rivet it again on the neck of an unwilling and indignant people. Lord RussELL's answer, though temperate in its tone, was all that could be expected. A statesman holding the responsible office of Foreign Secretary, must weigh his words on such an occasion before they go forth to be examined in the Cabinets of Europe; but, nevertheless, he could not avoid some expression of his indignation. "In conversation with the Russian Minister, and in writing to the Russian Ambassador," said Lord RUSSELL, " I could not forbear to express my opinion on the im prudent and unjust step which the Russian Govern ment had taken." The intelligence which the noble lord at the head of the Foreign-office gave the House was little more than that which they were already in possession of, owing to the objections which presented themselves to the production of the reports supplied from time by our Consul at War saw. We concur with Lord RUSSELL in his opinion that the outbreak of the revolution was not alto gether unexpected. It was not difficult to foresee , the risk which the Russian Government so rashly encountered by driving the Poles to extremities ; and, as Lord RUSSELL observed, considerable mani festations of national feeling lied been made for some time past, although the attitude of the people was peaceful. The gathering in the churches, the mourning robes, the patriotic hymns, all were signs of that deep undercurrent of Polish feeling which the Russians are now striving to repress. Then followed the harsh proceedings of the Russian Government on receipt of the Polish address, and the exile of Count ZAMOYSKT, to be soon succeeded by the cruel and iniquitous conscription. According to Lord RUSSELL it was by the advice of Count WIELO POLSKI that the conscription was enforced, and if so we need not wonder at the hatred of his country men. The terms o f th e o b uox i ous conve ntion Lord RUSSELL could not give literally, but the substance as reported in the daily journals is evidently cor rect. Russian soldiers entering Prussian territory whether in flight or in pursuit, are to retain their arms and turn them to what account they can against insurgent Poles; while in case of an up rising in Prussian Poland, similar advantages are to be accorded to the subjects of King WILLIAM. No wonder that the English Minister on hearing these details told the Prussian envoy that his Govern ment by its means made itself an accessory to the THE SUN, LONDO, SAI I UItOAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 21, 1863 of the house ! And all right—they may laugh that win. Mr. POWELL, the member for Gloucester, said that as the present was only a continuation bill he would Note for it ; but any elector who wished to know the law as it now stood, would have to wade through some sixty or seventy Acts of Parliament, beginning with the reign of EDWARD 1., and continue his examinations down to the act of last year, which was more than human patience could bear. A consolidation act was wanted to make election knowledge intelli gible—and the true correction for bribery was to disfranchise every one who took and every one who gave a bribe, To this Sir G. GREY replied that in their endeavours to consolidate, so many amendments were made and debated that it was almost hopeless to attempt passing such a measure through the House by the end of the Session. And thus goes the game of amendment—never ending— still beginning. But no one seemed to remember that the true corrective for bribery is the Ballot —and nothing but the Ballot. Great credit is due to Lord CARNARVON for the pains he has taken in bringing the subject of prison discipline before the House of Lords. Too much time and attention can hardly be bestowed on this question. The noble lord showed from various statistics the extraordinary laxity that has of late years prevailed in the gaols of England. He stated that he did not refer on that occasion to the con victs, but confined his remarks to those criminals who were imprisoned in the county and borough gaols. The latest returns showed a very startling increase in crime. "In offences against property with violence, there had been an increase of 11 per cent. ; -various larcenies, nine per cent. ; malicious offences against property, 18 per cent.; forgery and coining, 16 per cent. ; and in miscellaneous offences 19 per cent!' He then said that there were two points to which he wished to call their lordships' attention—the first was the insufficiency of prison discipline that prevailed ; and the second, the subject of diet. Judges gene rally coupled their sentences with hard labour, but in some of the prisons the arrangements were so defective that the visiting justices had resolved not to give hard labour at all with their sentences. Then with regard to diet, there was much fault to find. In many of the prisons, meat was given to the prisoners every day in the week, and also many luxuries and comforts besides. His lordship truly observed that the best way to form a correct notion of this system was to compare it with the plan of diet in other classes. " In the workhouses the inmates did not got meat more than three or four times a week. He was not alluding to the able-bodied paupers, who ought not to have it, but to the aged and infirm. Then, the diet in the prisons was very much in excess of that of the operatives in Lancashire. He doubted whether during the past winter many of the Lancashire operatives had been able to obtain meat six or seven days in the week. Again, compare the diet with that of the class from which the prisoners were principally drawn. Forty-four per cent. of them were drawn from the labouring classes, and the Government gave to the person who had committed the most frightful outrages a diet six or seven times in excess of that of the working man ; and this was so well known that it was a very common thing for prisoners to thank the judges for sentencing them to a lengthened term of imprisonment. The chaplain of the Northampton gaol in his report stated that he considered that the system of discipline as carried out in that prison was not calculated to deter persons from the commission of crime." Surely no terms of reprobation can be too strong to denounce such a system of management. It would seem as if those in authority were deter., mined to reverse the object of their office, and encourage the evil doers at the expense of the upright. Such persistency of favouritism towards the guilty members of the community reminds one of a smart sketch that aetiriocd the mioplaced kindness shown to prisoners, and compared it with the studied neglect of the virtuous poor. " Strange age that thus offers a premium to crime," exclaims a wise old gentleman, who sur veys the scene. It is lamentable to dwell on the details furnished by Lord CARNARVON in his skilful summary of tha life within the prison walls. The noble lord concluded by stating that he, for his part, " accepted the view which was taken by the judges, and by a great portion of her MAJESTY'S subjects, who had heads to be broken, lives to be lost, or property to be stolen." His lordship then quoted the opinion of some eminent Judges on the question ; and, cer tainly, the arguments of such men should take effect, as th©y must speak what they know, and testify as they have seen, when they dwell on such cases, to the study of which they have devoted their lives, and to whose workings and general effects they have directed the utmost efforts of their skilled intelligence When Lord DENMAN was examined in 1850 he stated that he hold that the only legitimate end of punishment was to deter criminals from the commission of crime, though he doubted whether the mode in which it was car ried out did not tend to sometimes encourage it. Mr. Baron PARNE and Mr. Justice PATTESON said the principal object of punishment was the protection of property by de terring persons from crime, and others from following their example, by the pain and inconvenience the criminal suf fered. Mr. Baron ALDERSON expressed a similar opinion. For his own part he was content to accept the definition of thoso learned and distinguished judges, and to found his opinion upon it, taking the view that punishments should have a deterring effect." Lord MALMESBURY also made some very sensible remarks on this subject, and endorsed the opinion of Lord CARNARTON in regard to the contrast of the treatment in prisons and in workhouses. While an out-door pauper received 2s. 6d. or 3s. 6d. a week, a prisoner was not kept for less than 10s. or 12s. a week. His lordship then said, with great truth, that the effect of all this upon the lower classes was most deplorable. He had heard them say that it was better to be in Winchester Gaol than to have an allowance from Winchester Union. It was often said that soldiers and sailors received very inferior diet to that which was provided in the common gaols. This was most unfortunate, added his lordship, for the classes referred to made comparisons, and arrived at the conclusion that those who worked honestly for their living were not so well provided for as those who were adepts in crime. They should be convinced of two things—that " punishment was certain, and that the sentence of the judge was im mutable." It would have been much more satisfaa tory, and would have given us more hope of the amelioration of this pernicious system, if Lord GRANVILLE had adopted the same forcible tone in regard to this question. He seemed, however, to hesitate, and sometimes gave one the impres sion that he was afraid to agree with the noble speakers who had preceded him, and done so much service to an important cause. The noble earl said that, in regard to diet in the prisons, " the effect of prison life was of so depressing a character that the prisoner required more animal food to pre vent him falling into such a state of health, as they were not justified in inflicting on him." With all due deference to Lord GRANVILLE it is not very likely that the atmosphere of a workhouse can pro duce very exhilarating effects on mind and body, but never do we see or hear of eminent surgeons being consulted as to the desirability of any par ticular plan or rule for its unhappy inmates. It appears sufficient charity to let them live, the pauper • is not of any consequence, but the erinaihgl disgraceful conscription. No wonder that the cheers of the House supported that assertion, and that the Opposition by the voice of the ex- Foreign Secretary joined in espressing their sorrow at such proceedings. Lori MALMES BURY asked, moreover, whether tho con vention bound the Prussians to surrender refugees, a question which Lord RUSSELL was unable to answer, but which is unhappily an swered by some news which we give to-day. Three Polish youths, students of St. Cyr, in Paris, who abandoned their studies to share the fortunes of their countrymen, were captured in passing through Prussia and handed over to the Russians. Such an act as this will stimulate still further the indignant sympathies of the French ; and let us hope that the warm and unanimous protest of the two foremost Governments of Europe may serve to inflaenee the decisions of St. Petersburg. Let us hope, too, that , the concluding words of Lord ELLENBOROITGII's eloquent address may prove no empty phrase, bat a political prophecy ; that dark as is the night that has long overshadowed Poland, the dawn is now at hand ; and that dreadful as are the suffer , ings, the bloodshed, the fire and sword which are now desolating her provinces, the present struggle may yet, under GOD, be the first step towards her politieal regeneration. When people have no desire to do what they ought, according to promise, the next best thing is to throw dust in the eyes of their dupes, by way of a make-believe in their good intentions. Thus Reform in Parliament has stood the brunt of public expectation for some years. But it was far easier to promise than to perform, and as performance was a matter specially disagreeable, advents ge was taken of any delay that offered a plausible excuse. So those most anxious for the good to be were chagrined the more in proportion to their disappointment. ,‘ Man never is but always to be blessed " was the only consolation in their case. Some shook their heads at the confident assertions of those prophets who made sure that all was right— because it was solemnly promised on the faith of the minister who came into power chiefly if not solely on that ground. But events only proved that the best of promises sometimes are sure to fail in spite of everything. And so it has proved. The prophet and the minister of promise found that circumstances had somehow or other changed, and the times were out of joint for the performance of what was nevez really intended to " come off"—but what was well considered to serve as an excellent sham, prepara tory to shelving the question for that session at least, and trusting to providence for the future. So it has fared with Reform—some coolly declaring that nobody wanted it—while others laughed at the credulity of the dupes. But the matter was still thought too grave to be trifled with altogether, and Ministers deemed it necessary to do something. So a bill was brought in to check the corrupt practices at elections, and to amend the former Acts, which had resulted, as in tended, in leaving matters worse than before. As there was little hope of making electors honest against their will if it did not suit their interest— the greater the profession of patriotic virtue, the better for public show and ministerial sincerity So clause followed clause, each more stringent than its predecessor, till at length a goodly bill of pains and penalties figured before the wondering eyes of some admiring and many more unbelieving mem bers of long standing in the House 4 lit might do very well as a bone to pick a harmless quar rel about—but as for reforming an elector determined to do what he had found to answer so well before, it was all moonshine. And so thought these old members who were in the secret. All electors were good honest fellows who had voted for the sitting member, and it was only the unlucky candidate who found out just too late that his rival got in by bribery and corruption, as he would be sure to prove by petition. Taus every unfortunate finds some consolation in plucking his rival's laurels in vin dication of his own virtuous intentions. Sir G. GREY, in bringing forward the bill for abating the corrupt practices at elections, did not hope to make converts of those who know as much as himself of the utter futility of the measure. But it would serve as a show of doing something, and might amuse if it did nothing else. Indeed, the member for Bristol contended that the measure was not one worthy of consideration. It professed to meet an evil which its promoters knew could not be effective. Its principle was to spare the candi date at the expense of the elector. The agent is to be made the scapegoat of the candidate in all elec tion " doings ;" and the candidate will take his seat whitewashed and pure, leaving all corruption to the tender conscience of other "disinterested" parties. For example, all that BROWN, the agent named by the candidate, had to do was to keep his own hands clean, and to take care that the candidate was not drawn into any illegal proceeding. Meantime, however, JONES and RoßissoN, not being agents in the sense laid down in the bill, might do as they pleased, and the candidate would not be responsible for their acts. But, as Mr. BERKELEY justly observed : " Such was the way in which the bill dealt with the ques tion of agency, but how did it provide against corruption generally and intimidation ? Everybody knew that one of the most effectual modes of corruption was treating, and that the most successful mode of treating was the giving break fasts to the electors on the morning of the day on which the poll was to take place, A stranger, for example, in company with some person well known in the locality, went into the house of a licensed victualler—he was speaking on the evidence of facts which had come within his own know ledge—in the town in which the election was to be held, and said to him—' I want 40 breakfasts at 7 o'clock on the elec tion morning.' The innkeeper, pulling off his hat re plied, ' Certainly, sir; the breakfasts shall be provided.' The breakfasts were provided ; they were duly eaten by a corresponding number of electors at the appointed hour, who went to the poll early, and thus opened the proceed ings with an eclat which had its effect throughout the day, while if those breakfasts were not given to them they would get breakfast at their own homes, would probably continuo at work during the first half of the day, and then go to the poll after dinner. This bill attempted to dea 1 with bribery and treating of that sort, but it entirely failed to accomplish its object. The Government threw out a tub to the whale ; they satisfied them selves and thought that all the world went with them. Intimidation was perhaps the greatest evil of all, and how was it dealt with under this measure ? There was a clause in the bill inflicting a penalty upon any individual who should affect with loss any person for giving his vote, If, therefore, you took away your custom from a butcher or baker, or turned a man out of his home or his employment, and you did so because he declined to vote as you desired, you might be punished ; but how easily this provision could be evaded was shown by what occurred after the late elec tion for East Kent, when a landlord gave a tenant notice to quit, but added, ' Take notice,that it is not because you voted against my wishes at the election." The bill was so rotten and so Mad that he felt it to be his duty to call at tention to it, but he did not intend to ask for a division, All he would say was that if this bill were in force at the next election the richest party must win." Other members spoke against the bill, and Mr. BENTINCK considered the annual discussion of such a subject as an annual farce—for neither in nor oat of the house was there any feeling that the act of bribery involved any moral culpability. One mem ber complained that his voters could not be bribed without being found out; while anoth er thought that in a con t es t e d election, where matters w ere run hard, everything was fair ; and as this wa s said by Liberal me m b ers , it on ly provoked the laughter must have every care and attention bestowed upon rP him. Doubtless, if the Poor L aw guardians took ' EST IT learned physicians to study the details ro houses, that they would find ve- work many arrangements. When fault with of the Workhouse 17. we read in th e d e t a il s isiting Society, how the bedridden p oor are left without pillows, how they have no roper attendance by night or day, and theta turn to the reports of the different treatment of the prison inmates, we naturally inquire, with surprise and indignation, why is there so great a distinction between the heirs of poverty and the children of crime ? It is high time that some thing should be done, and that effectually. It is all very well to dilate upon the wonders that will be effected by the Royal Commission, but we have more faith, and we believe the public generally have more confidence in a select committee of either house. It is, therefore, very satisfactory to notice that Lord CARNARVON last night obtained permission for the appointment of one to consider and report on the present state of discipline in gaols and houses of correction. With so many efforts as have recently been made we may have some sure foundation to hope that this year may see the end of such cruel kindness as that which has been lavished with so prodigal a measure on the felons and outcasts of society. It has sown broadcast the seeds of crime from which we have just been reap ing a dreadful harvest, and the best protected city in the world has been at the mercy of a ruffianly crew who walked the streets, combining the terrors of the pestilence that destioyeth at noonday and the thief who suddenly appears in the dead of night. If Ministers can do nothing themselves, at all events they should notimpede the progress of otbArs,and in stead of appointing a commission they should have left the question for Parliament to decide. That would have ensured despatch and promptness, and most probably before the Commission will have given their report, the law of the land as regards crimi nals would have been settled in such an improved form and on such wise principles, that for this generation at all events it need not have again disturbed our equanimity. As it is, our wise Go vernment have left this important social question, with other matters of weighty import, both foreign and domestic, for the care and consideration of more energetic and able, if not more well-mean ing successors. [REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.] FRANCE PARIS, FEB. 21. The Constitutionnel of this morning, in an artiole upon the Polish insurrection, signed by its chief editor, M. Limayrac says—" The Polish insurrec tion might at its outbreak be considered as a matter of interior policy, but the intervention of Prussia has rendered it an European question. The dis approbation of the conduct of Prussia has been unanimous. Russia might have convinced herself that she committed a great mistake by seeking to establish between Prussia and Russia a solidarity which does not exist. " The Convention of the Bth February has created a false state of things between Russia and Prussia. If it be conceived in the spirit indicated it may have grave consequences. "It may be doubted whether in the haste of Prussia to aid Russia, Europe may not see under the present arrangement of the map the old name of Poland, and instead of an insurrection of sub jects against their government, see a reclaiming of nationality. "It would be weighing afresh the whole question to renew the scene of the partition, and voluntarily put before the eyes of the world an aot of iniquity against which the conscience of generations hes not ceased to protest. " This question casts deep and great disquietude in tha midst of Europe, and at what moment does Prussia consider herself bound to assume such a responsibility ? When France, giving an example of scrupulous respect for treaties, and of moderation of her policy, and doing violence to her earnest sympathies, has abstained from expressing even by a word the interest she has borne, and will always bear, for her ancient and unfortunate allies. " Let us still hope that the text of the conven tion between Prussia and Russia will, for the most part, dissipate these apprehensions. " In any case the counsels of friends will not have been wanting to Prussia ; and she how knows what the whole of liberal Europe thinks of this viola tion of the principle of non-intervention." L'Opinion Nationale says that the English and French Governments have remonstrated with the Cabinet of Berlin. The Polish insurrection, it asserts, is strengthening from day to day. Le Pays comments on the Roman dispute, and declares that the obstina...y of Lord Russell in maintaining his story is the more remarkable that nothing authorises him to think that the Pontiff would ever be induced to quit Rome. Every one, says Le Siecle, is sympathising with Poland, and every one is asking whether the insurrection is strong enough to resist Russia. The Emperor Nicholas gained nothing by the repression of the schools. Ate❑ and women in Poland needed no schooling to love their wuniry and hate its oppressors. Le Siecle, in common with the other French journrls, thinks the insurrection serious. PARIS, FEB, 20, 2.25 P.M. A rumour is current upon the Buurse that M. Fould, Minister of Finance, has tendered his resig nation. BOURSE, Feb. 20.—Little change has taken place in the tone of he market, which still remains heavy, but the prices of yesterday have up to the present time been maintained. Threes, for the Account, are quoted at 70f. 10c. The Railway Share Market inanimate. Prior to the close a serious change took place ; stock became offered, and prices rapidly receded, and left off as follows : ft per Cents. . . 98 601 Bank Shares 3380 -- Do. end month.... Credit 14oncier 1497 50 3 per Cents Do. end month 69 60 Italian Loan 69 New 3 per Cents Russian Do. end month.... Austrian Credit Mobilier....ll6l 0 )o, end m0nth....1160 Spanish Threes Home Debt .. 49/ RA ILVVA.YB. Cash. Account. Orleans lllO .. 1110 Northern New ditto Lyons and Mediterranean 1180 .. 1181 25 Geneva 402 60 .. Southern Western Eastern Sardinian Austrian ba rd North of Spain Saragossa 582 50 .. 682 50 Ditto to Barcelona PRUSSIA. BERLIN, FEB. 21. In yesterday's sitting of the Committee on Polish affairs none of the Ministers nor any Royal Commissioner was present, and no communication was received from Government. The Committee resolved that this circumstance shou:d be entered in the protocol of the sitting. The proposition of the Liberal section of the Chamber in reference to Poland was agreed to al most unanimously, three members only voting against it. Upon the essential points of the pro position, indeed, unanimity of opinion prevailed. MM. Bonin and Sanger were opposed to any aid being given to Rw.sia. PRUSSIA AND RUSSIA. BERLIN, FEB. 19. The interpellation of Messrs. Schulze and Carlo witz, signed by 175 Deputies—to the effect whether a treaty had been entered into by the Prussian and Russian Governments with respect to assis tance to be rendered by tha former Power for the suppression of the Polish insurrection, and also regarding the contents of any such existing treaty —was brought forward in yesterday's Chamber, in' consequence of the attempt made by the Polish Deputies to extract that information from the Ministry. On the question being put by the Pre sident, in the usual form, whether, and when, the Government would reply to the interpellation, M. von Bismark replied that it declined doing so, but alleged no motive whatever for the refusal. This caused great sensation in the Chamber. The debate that ensued was rather of a local than general inte rest. Waldeck made a telling speech, and declared that the whole civilised world would disapprove the loan of Prussian troops to assist in the perpetuation of Russian absolutism. The blood of Prussia's sons was not to bepoured out to support an arbitrarypolicy in favour of a foreign Government. The system of the Bismark Cabinet was that of the Elector of Hesse, in the last century, who sold his subjects to be slaughtered in America. The speech was re ceived with great applause, in which the galle ries ventured to take part, and were, therefore, threatened with clearing if the offence were re peated. M. von Bismark protested that his feeling for the honour of Prussia was at least as strong as that of Dep u ty W a ld ec k. Dr. Virchow d ec l are d i t highly desirable that Government should reply by a negative to the statements that had obtained cir culation and credence to the effect that not only had the Prussian Government agreed to cross the Russian frontier, but that the Russians were to he allowed to cross that of Prussia and to wage war against the insurgents on Prussian soil. The Cham ber had a constitutional right to make inquiries on this head. He (Dr. Virchow) expressed sympathy for the population of the kingdom of Poland, a sympathy shared by the whole civilised world. The Government would have acted more wisely by coml• selling that of Russia to mildness towards the Poles than by entering into such a convention. M. von Bismark declared his disapproval of the idea of giving advice at St. Petersburg. Such a step, he said, might easily lead to reciprocity; at which the Chamber laughed very much, probably taking the ambiguous remark of the Minister-President a s a naive admission th a t his Government, did things which even Rus s i a m i g ht bejuslified in denouncing. It is to be observed that the statements abroad Col3.cerning a convention with Russia acquire additional i weight because chiefly derived from what has Bp. t :IPt • Irtlffa,*. HER MAJESTY. - WINDSOR CASTLE, Feb. 20. The Queen and Princess Louis of Hesse walked and drove in the grounds this morning. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales left Windsor Castle today, attended by Major Tees da,e, to honour the Earl and Countess Spencer with a visit to Althorp-park, Northampton. The Hon. Lucy Kerr and the Hon. Victoria Wortley have succeeded the Hon. Beatrice Byng and the Hon. Emily Cathcart as Maids of Honour. By a telegram received this morning, his Royal Highness Prince Alfred, who has been suffering from an attack of fever on board her Majesty's ship St. George, at Naples, had arrived at Malta, and is in the hospital there, progressing favourably. ROYAL SYMPATHY.—The Right Hon. Earl Shelburne has received an autograph letter of condolence from her Majesty, on the death of his late father, the Marquis of Lansdowne, expressive of her deep regret for the loss of so trusty a councillor and so sincere a friend. — !V lishird _Mirror. The Princess Mary of Cambridge and the Duchess d'Aumale honoured the performances at the Olympic Theatre with their presence last night. The latest news from Berli❑ states that the chil dren of the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Prussia, who were stated to be indisposed in our journal of yester day, are now much better. Viscountess Palmerston's party, intended for this evening, is unavoidably postponed to Saturday, the 28th of February, Lord and Lady Bayning arrived at the Pavilion Hotel, Folkestone, on Thursday. Sir Frederick atid Lady Smythe have left Brown's Hotel. The Hon. Senator Hervey, Baron Manveri, M. Cheveria, and M. de Krone have left the Brunswick Hotel, Jermyn-street, for Paris. . ST. NAMES'S THEATRE.—Among the distinguished company who visited this theatre during the past week were the following :—The Marquis of Clanricarde, the Earl of Essex, the Earl of Clanwilliam, the Countess of Eglinton, the Countess of Kinnoul, Lord Vivian, Lord Scarsdale, Lord Camoys, Lady Costae Russell, the Hon. James Macdonald, Major Elliston, &c. A painful loss has just been experienced by a family connected by close ties with the Emperor of the French. Tho Princess Julie Bonaparte, Marquise de Ruccagiovine, suddenly left Paris a few days back for Rome, to be near her daughter, who had been seized with typhus fever. The Princess only arrived in time to re ceive the child's last sigh, as she died on Saturday in her mother's arms. DEATH OF LORD SUDELEY.—We have to an• nounce the death of the Right Hon. Lord Sadeley, which event took place at Pau, Basses Pyrenees, on Thurs day, the 19th instant. His lordship was born in February, 1801; and married, in 1831, Emma Elizabeth Alicia, second daughter of George Hay Dawkins Pennant, of Pen rhyn Castle, Carnarvonshire. By her—who survives him —he leaves five sons and five daughters. His eldest son, Sudeley Charles George, Captain Grenadier Guards, born 1837, succeeds to the title and estates. By the death of the noble lord, the lieutenancy of the county of Montgomery becomes vacant. We are requested to announce that a new edition of "My Good-for-Nothing Brother" will be published by Mr. Bentley next week. MR. GEORGE MELVILLE.—It will be remembered that this gentleman met with an accident by a fall whilst playing in the drama of "Peep o' Day" at the Lyceum, which has ever since suspended his professional career. His numerous friends will be glad to learn that ha is now quite convalescent, and will appear on Monday next (23d), at the Theatre Royal, Portsmouth.—Era. _ _ A SOMERSETSIIIRE CALIFORNIA.—The Mendip Hills, in the vicinity of Wells, have recently be come a scene of busy industry in " diggins ;" wherein, however, lead takes the place of gold. Professor Ansted's recent discovery is a consolidated mass of lead in the parish of St. Cuthbert, lying in the bed of a long dried-up stream that ran for ages through ancient mine workings, forgotten in the past, but now valued by him at many hundred thousands of pounds, and requiring only the cutting out with a spade and rewashing, to produce the already granulated metal, has resulted in a smelting association bearing the name of the locality. Several old California emigrants having engaged themselves in the matter, the work has been set about in the true business-like fashion of the diggings. Powerful stamping and washing machines have been placed on the ground, and a crowd of labourers, whose busy " workings" in a spot so lonely and remote recal vividly the stories of a similar enterprise in Cali fornia. St. Cuthbert's Mine has become one of the local curiosities, and is visited by far and near from the adjacent country. WELSH AND ENGLISH. --In all parishes in Wales in which Welsh is commonly spoken it is requi re d by law that the ordinary parochial services i n the chu rc h shall be in the Welsh tong ue. The Bishop of Bangor has laid before the House of Lords a bill giving power to the bishops to license in such parishes chapels for the perfor mance also of Divine service according to the u se o f th e Church of England in the. English tongue. PENAL SERVITUDE. —There have been several meetings of the Royal Commissioners on the ope ration of the Penal Servitude Acts, which have taken place and still continuo on Tuesdays and Fridays at the Commis sion.office in Abingdon. street. Sir Joshua Jebb, Captain Powell, the Governor of Chatham Prison, an d a warder of the convict servica have been examined. The examina• tion of Sir Walter Crofton has been deferred, as the Com mission proposes next to examine some very important witnesses from the Australian colonies.—Civil oServiee Gazette. SURVEY OF LOCHLOMOND.-It will be satisfac tory to tourists and others visiting Lochlomond on pleasure or business to know that charts of the Government survey of this most interesting of Scottish lakes have now been prepared, wherein all sunken rucks, shoals, and banks are accurately delineated, ; peared in the semi-offic;ial press, also upon an inter cepted despatch published in the Czas,but the authen ticity of whichM. von Bismarck yesterday denied, from which it would appear that unsolicited by the Russian Government, the Berlin Cabinet had sent mi litary envoys to St. Petersburg to proffer assistance and urge its acceptance. No admission of any kind could be obtained from the Premier by this second attempt to wring from him the truth concerning the alleged convention. So a third attempt is to be made in the form of a resolution, yesterday moved by MM. Hoverbeck and Carlowitz, and which says —" The Chamber of Deputies resolves to declare that the interest of Prussia demands that the Go • vernment should not afford assistance, or show favour of any kind, to the Russian Government or the insurgents in the insurrection that has broken out in the Kingdom of Poland, and also should not allow eitner of the contending parties to enter Prussian territory without previous disarming." The motion, supported by 134 deputies, was referred to a committee, which has been chosen to-day. AMERICA. ARRIVAL OF THE AUSTRALASIAN. (REUTER'S TELEGRAM.) NEW YORK, FEB. 10 (Evening). Rear-Admiral Dupont officially reports from Port Royal on the 2d that, during a thick haze on the morning of the 31st ult., two Confederate iron-clads came out of Charleston and made a raid upon the blockading squadron. They attacked the steamer Mercedita, rendering her motive power useless. The captain of the Merce dita then surrendered. A Federal officer went on board the Confederate vessels to make arrangements. The officers and crew of the Mercedita were paroled, but nothing was said about the ship. The Confederate vessels next attacked the steamer Keystone State, damaging her seriously. Three Federal vessels came to her assistance, and she was . towed off. Some other Federal vessels were also damaged. The Confederate vessels afterwards passed to the northward, receiving the fire of the Federal fleet, and took refuge in Swash Channel. The Merce dita and Keystone State were after wards towed to Port Royal. The Federal casualties amounted to 24 killed and 23 wounded. General Foster's expedition has arrived at Port Royal. It was supposed that it would leave for Charleston immediately. The Federal steamer Montauk has relinquished the attack on Fort Mac Allister on the Ogechee River. The Montauk was struck 46 times, but sustained no material damage. A Federal regiment of coloured volunteers has made several expeditions from Beaufort into Georgia, Florida, and up St. Mary's River. They had several encounters with the Confederates, and are reported to have been always successful. General Hunter has in ormed the Confederate authorities of Georgia that he should hold all prisoners in close confinement, and answerable with their lives, for the safety of the Federal officers captured by the Confederates, until President Davis's retaliation proclamation is withdrawn. LONDONDERRY, Feb. 20. The steamer Norwegian, from Portland on the 9(11 inst., which arrived here this evening, brings 9,000 dols, in specie. NEW 'YORK, Feb. 7 (Evening). Resolutions have been introduced in the Illinois Legislature declaring President Lincoln's policy unconstitutional, and denouncing the taxation of States for the purchase of negroes. They also de clare President Lincoln to have pandered to Neo► England in not using the means at his disposal to open the Mississippi, denounce the Morrill Tariff, " by which the East enriches itself at the expense of the West, and recommend a convention at Louisville to obtain an armistice and the cessation of hostilities. The correspondent of the Chicago Tribune sale that in some counties of Illinois there is widespread disaffection, and organised efforts are made to resist Government authority. NEW YORK, Feb. 8 (Evening). The steamer Princess Royal has arrived at Phila . delptiia. She brings details of the Confederat e attack on the Federal fleet off Charleston, which show conclusively that there is no foundation for the assumption of the Confederates that th e blockade of Charleston was ever raised by the de parture of the Federal fleet. Only two vessels out of eight or ten were disabled and compelled to leave —the Mercedita and Keystone State. Neither were sunk nor captured, and both went to tort Royal to repair, the rest of the fleet blockading Charleston. The blockading fleet has been largely reinforced' COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE. NEW YORK, Feb. 7 (Evening)• Money easy. Gold 561 ; exchange, 173. Stock. steady. New York Centrals, 1191 ; Illinois, 92 ' Erie, 76k. Cotton quiet; middling Upland, 86 ' Flour dull, sc. lower; wheat dull, lc. lower. Co rn quiet. The Emancipation Society and Mr. Lincolreo Proclamation. Sir T. Powell Buxton, Bart., has addressed the following letter to the Editor of the Times In your paper of Thursday you ask "whether the sons ° e Wilberforce and of Buxton, who have all been brought 111) in the teaching of their fathers, now share the opinions °, the present Emancipation Society as to the Proclamation 0' Mr. Lincoln." If the Proclamation means anything—if it is not a dea d letter—it means to attack the weak point of the South by exciting an insurrection among the slaves—an insurrection which would commence by producing untold misery to roan/ isolated families of whites, and would inevitably end in wholesale massacre of the unarmed, ill-organised, ignorant negroes. Can you seriously ask whether the sons of WU' berforce and cf Buxton approve this! ) I cannot doubt what view my father would have taken' There was nothing he more earnestly deprecated, nothin he so anxiou.ly dreaded, as the revolt of the slaves. O la letters and speeches during the battle for emancipation are full of references to this greatest subject of anxiety. In a letter dated October 15, 1832, he writes :-- "It the emancipation of the slaves were in my power'., could not dare to accomplish it without previous pol ice ITV ; lations. These ought to be taken instantly , for I know (• A I power of emancipating in one way or another is lits„, drawing to a close. I mean, that the negroes will take I.t ; work into their own hands. But whoever else is willing„a' undertake the weight of so enormous a responsibility , I 9 7. not, without considering the personal safety of all classco„' Again, in a debate in the House of Commons on the 12Ph of June, 1833, he says : " Were an amendment on this plan to be moved and car ; ried, and we were in consequence to lose this mea altogether I an insurrection would inevitably take plac.eeo I confess cannot with firmness contemplate so horribly termination of slavery." I hope no one will suspect, because none of my father: descendants have taken a part in the recent em an c i p ati°, meetings, that our abhorrence of slavery or our zeal f° 4 ' emancipation has grown cold. God forb id that such slicult be the case. I never was more strongly impressed than am now with the cruelty, wickedness, and folly of the 09 °° tern of slavery ; I never was more convinced of its dem o ; ralising effect upon both master and slave. Yet, in til l cause of the negro himself , I cannot re g ar d with' a pp raa, the act of Mr. Lincoln , which, if eff ective , must bring about "so horrible a termination of slavery" as a servila war. ARRESTS OF YOUNG POLES BY THE pnussor, AUTHORITI ES. —The Pari s p apers pu bli s h the f 0 l ow i n g letter, dated Warsaw, F e b. 16 :—" The PrllOigo, au thorities do not merely i nsure a f ree passage t o the 111 : 4 , bleu troops, but they arrest travellers who appear suspici°s4 Three young Poles, p u pil s a t F rench sc h oo l s, w ho reee n ` quitted Paris for P o l an d, h ave b een arreste d a t Thorn, % ft handed over to th e R uss i ans. " Ono o f t h e young 6 : j 1 : 0 1:1 named M. Koper c y ns ki , was a pupil of t h e m ilitary 0 , of St. Cyr. The French students in Paris are much cited by the event. e cer The sugar crop at Mauritius is the larges t JO known. Nearly 10,000 immigrants arrived in the last year. Th e F renc h, I n di a , and China Mai l St b e , packet Company ere about to establish a b lanch line i a tween Mauritius, Reunion, and Aden. The e x p ort of sir from Mauritius to Australia steadily increases. R,