The Press.
London, England, 1858-10-16 00:00:00

THE PRESS, OCTOBER 16, 1858.

do not applaud, as the choice of a lesser evil. Human beings crowded
and huddled together, struggling probably for the safest place
with earnest and terrible selfishness—one devouring element pursuing
them until they sought as a refuge another equally relentless—some suffo-
cated in the cabins before they could escape from them—a mother hurling
herself into the deep—and the father blessing his children, and carrying
the Youngest in his arms with him down to a watery grave. All these
tragic incidents were exaggerated by a total want of presence of mind and
absence of discipline. That steady courage which has so signally and
laudably marked similar catastrophes was entirely wanting. In the case
of the Sarah Sands, our readers will remember that the sailors of the
vessel, and not only they but the troops, behaved with such thorough and
characteristic English pluck, and observed such thorough discipline, that
all on board were saved. The Birkenhead is a case equally to the point.
The origin of this fire is not involved in the mystery in which it usually is
—a bucket of tar upset over a heated chain at once and rapidly kindled
a general conflagration. It is vain to blame those in authonty. Un-
affected sorrow, and pity, and horror are the only emotions aroused, and it
is difficult to deduce any moral even from suffering, which is the school
of wisdom.

For many years no continental sovereign was more familiarly known
to the people of this country than FREDERIC WILLIAM, or, we may add,
more generally respected by them. lie was dear to us as the godfather of
the heir to the British Crown, nor was the respectability of his private
character lost upon a serious and Protestant community It was known,
too, that be was a patron of arts and literature, and himself an acconi-
plished scholar. He was not only the patron, but the friend of IlumnoLur,
and indeed of all who distinguished themselves in the pursuit of science.
In addition to all this, he was believed to be a liberal-minded sovereign, a
warm supporter of constitutional liberty, and a true friend to the healthy
progress of his subjects. And it was so. Unhappily, however, there was
another side to the picture. FREDERIC WILLIAM had rather a taste for
the good and beautiful than any settled convictions or political faith. His
faith, at least, was not that of a martyr, or such as to enable him to with-
stand any very trying ordeal. In the hour of trial he was found wanting,
and the people in their disappointment imagined they were betrayed. Such
was not really the case. A creature of impulse, he was sincere for the
moment, whatever might be the cause he took up; but his strength was
unequal to his intentions. Impar congressus Achille, he succumbed to
the iron will of the late Emperor Nictiowis, and when once that yoke was
fixed, in vain were his feeble struggles to shake it off. From the moment he
fell under the influence of Russia his power was gone in the great family
of nations. Prussia was no longer regarded save as a satellite of the
Muscovite empire, and her place in Europe became as a vacant stall of the
Garter in St. George's Chapel at Windsor. Now, however, there is hope
of better things. Unless fame be at fault, the Prince of PRUSSIA is of all
men the best fitted to restore his country to her proper position in the
councils of the civilized world. Her geographical position renders her the
keystone of the political structure of Europe, and her brave, moral, and
intelligent people are worthy to be treated with the highest consideration.
It is for the Prince of PnussiA, to command the respect of the great
empires that surround him on all sides, by his modest firmness and inde-
pendent bearing. It may rest with him to preserve the peace of Europe,
or to light up a fire that shall consume her ancient monarchies. He will
have no easy task, at first, to keep up the middle course between a sub-
servient anm a defiant demeanour. Both extremes will be alike fatal. If
he attach himself to any one of his powerful neighbours, Prussia will soon
cease to be looked upon in any other light than a worn-out and powerless
dependency. On the other hand, if he listen to those who loudly proclaim
that Prussia is the sword of Germany, he may learn, when too late, that
they who live by the sword shall perish by the weapon they were too
ready to draw. But we augur better things from a Prince esteemed so
truly brave, so wise, and so experienced.

The news from India is the most satisfactory that has been received
for many months past. There is no longer the slightest doubt that the
neck of the rebellion is broken, and that its complete extinction
is now nigh at hand. The province of Oude is naturally the far-
thest from pacification, but even there a sure and steady progress
is observable, and it is evident that the rebel leaders have lost
heart, and only protract the struggle through despair. Next to Oude
the most troubled district is that of Central India, and there
we find the scattered remnants of that once splendid force, the
Gwalior Contingent " worried" on all sides, and driven from post
to post in piteous terror. And vet it is a strange spectacle to mark the
persistance of these fugitive hands, and their patient endurance of all the
horrors and privations attendant on incessant defeats and constant flight.
Apparently dispersed to the four winds of heaven, they suddenly draw
together again like molecules of quicksilver, and vainly endeavour to
oppose their irresistible pursuers. A remarkable instance of audacity, for
instance, is afforded in their successful coup de main at Garrakota, the
reduction of which conferred no small honour on Sir Hutni Rosz and his
gallant little arms-. But it was easier for them to seize the
fortress than to *hold it, and in their turn they were surprised
and utterly routed by a small detachment of troops commanded by Captain
s
txcit. In other parts of the country we read of wandering bands of
armed marauders being cut up by the military police; but we hardly
know whether we may rightly congratulate ourselves upon exploits that
indicate. our inability to suppress discord and restore peace and tran-
Tillihty. Of the conspiracy among the 3lalwa Sikhs, at llehra Ismael
Khan, nothing new appears to be known ; but the insane attempt of the
(lisarined native regiments at Mooltan to overpower the Bombay Fusiliers
is stated to have cost them full 400 men.

Our relatives over the water have lately been furnishing us with
another of those topics of conversation for which they are so famous. A
genuine American duel has once more found its way into the columns of