The Sun.
London, England, 1855-01-31 00:00:00

MILITARY.

It is stated to be the intention to raise two additional
light cavalry regiments, to be called tho 18th and 19th
-ff white'

we,_ dpi ,
genoral hospital at Seutori, cfor the use of the sick and
wounded. - -

• - DEATH OF:COLOXEL COTHER.-
lient. Colonel CAtier, C. 8., died on Wednesday night.,
'at his home in York-buildings, Gloucester. He had in
his younger,days seen a great deal of active service, and
on all occasions acquitted hints.elf with the highest pos-
sible credit. He covered the landing of the force under
Sir David Baird at the Cape of Good Hope in 180 G ;
was present in the general action at Blue Berg, and in
all the operations that took place until the surrender of
the colony. Covered the advance of the force under
General.Beresford at the reduction on the River Plate,
and was engaged in'every affair which took place at and
in the vicinity of Buenos Ayres ; and en the surrender
of .that place was taken prisoner,, together with the
• whole force, andmarched nearly 1,000 miles into the
interior.. Landed in Portugal in 1803, and commanded
the light cowl auies of the brigade wider General Fer-
guson at the battles of Rolcia and Virniera. Was after-
wards engaged in every. affair with his regiment (the
71st) on Oa- retreat. to Corunna, and in the action at
that plaae.—Landed again in Portugal in 1811, and was
engagestat Aritsybs'de -Molinos; Whell General Gerard
was surprised, and cannon anti - 1,200. prisonfri
taken; Commanded one of -the etormiog parties when
the farts ,at Almarez, on the Tagus-, were taken, for
which he obtained :the brevet of lieutenant-colonel:
Co:an-landed the 71st at the battle •of Vittoria ; on
which occai..?n he received three musket balls through
his cl~th~j; ;ado in WI saddle, and was also wounded
by another. He subdelluently
,erved 11 years in
,Coy-
lori' Raid -couinianded in ilreNkasteru provinces in the
' Kandian country; hiring the rebellion of• 1818.' For
these various servit...slie received the Ini'Norary distinc-
tion of C. 8., the ga' medal for Vittoria, aui the 6ilver
war medal, with three clasps. ,
E MILITIA.
, • • •
The Donegal,- . -has- 5-eceiyeel `orders forimme-
diate embodiment, and are to be stationed at Bally-
shannon.

The Tyrone Militia was to proceed to Omagh yester-
day, there to be stationed.
The Kent Artdlery, assembled at Dover Castle, under
the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Cator, for embodied
service, muster 200 strong. They are practised in gun-
nery, and with a little more drill will form valuable auxi-
liaries ,to the Royal Artillery corps in this important
branch of service.

A cuauge just taken place in the West Essex
corps of Militia. -Capt,..in Pearson, who bad been the
Adjutant since the formation of the regiment, has re-
signed, and is succeeded by Captain H. Piercy, late of
the 6th Regiment, a gentleman who has seen 16 years'
active service, and who was in the principal battles
during the Indian campaign. The mea of the corps are
being very actively trained, and already assure a mar-
tial deportment. 115 privates and the majority of non-
commissioned officers have volunteered for garrison duty
in the Mediterranean.

The following movements have taken place in the East
Suffolk Artillery Regiment, the head-quarters of which
are at Ipswich :—A detachment of 115 ler Tilbury Fort,
134 for Landguard Fort and Harwich Redoubt. Inde-
pendently of the staff, not more than 100 gunners and
drivers remain at the depot. The numbers required to
complete the full complement of the regiment are 179
gunners, 6 corporals, and 5 sergeants.
The RoyalWiltsitire Militia received the intelligence at
Portsmouth on the 24th inst. that the Government had
accepted their offer te serve in the Mediterranean. On the
25th the volunteering took place with much spirit, the
numbers sworn in being 29 serjeanta, 28 corporals, 12
druminer3,. and 575 privates—total, 644 At the urgent
request of Lieut.-Col. Lord Methuen, commanding, the
regiment has been struck off garrison duty for one week,
and the men have been granted leave of absence for that
period. The regiment is in high spirits at the prospect
of foreign service, and all the preparations are made for
the formation of the service and depot companies.
The men belonging to the Ist Devon Militia have been
supplied with their muskets. In consequence of the de-
crease of the numbers, by the sending home 200 married
and the volunteering of 75 into the line, recruiting par-
ties have been sent into the North of Devon to obtain
volunteers, and in several places they hare been very
successful.

The King's Own 2d Tower Hamlets Militia have been
summoned by Captain Gay, the Adjutant, to muster in
the London-fields, Hackney, at 9 o'clock, on Thursday
morning, the let of March, to be embodied for permanent
duty.
The Royal South Lincoln Militia, one of the first em-
bodied, which received so high a compliment at the
half-yearly inspection from the present Deputy-Adjutant-
General of the army, and which gave nearly 160 men
chiefly to the Guards, has been surpassed by none in its
promptitude in coming forward in the present emergency.
Long before the calls for volunteers were made the offi-
cers of the regiment, with Colonel Sibthorp, M.P., and
Lieutenant-Colonel Pane at their head, proffered their
personal services to the Government, which were
acknowledged in handsome replies fro a the Duke of
Newcastle and Lord Palmerston. Out of 580 men at
head-quarters 370 names were forwarded to the Terse
Guards last week. About 50 more have since volun-
teered, and it is expected that, on their services being
officially accepted for Corfu, the regiment will go almost
• _
to a man.
The Royal South Down Regiment, now, mustering
upwards of 300, is stationed in the Newry barracks, and
commanded in person by the Marquis of Dewnshire.

THE NEW BILL FOR THE REMOVAL OF NUI-
SANCES AND PREVENTION OF DISEASES, cf:e.

The new bill "
,to Conselolidate and amend the Nui-
sances Removal and Diseases Prevention Acts of 1848
and 1849" has been printed. It is endorsed with the
names of Sir B. Hall, Bart., Lord Palmerston, and Sir
W. Melesworth, Bart. The number of its clauses
amounts to 62. The first clause repeals the acts 11th
and 12th Victoria, chap. 123, and the 12th and 13th
Victoria, chap. 111., saving proceedings in progress.
The execution of the act is to be intrusted to the local
authorities, and the nuisances " abateable" include all
filthy, unwholesome, or dilapidated houses and pre-
mises, all foul or offensive pools, gutters; ditches, pri-
vies, cesspools, drains, and ashpits, .&c. ; all animals
"so kept as to be injurious to health," and all de-
caying or offensive accumulations or deposits. An in-
spector of nuisances, with a salary, is to be ap-
pointed by the local authorities. Clauses 14 to 20 pro-
vide for the reMoval of nuisances in the regular legal
course—the penalties for contravention of orders to abate
nuisances being 10s. per diem, and 20s. for " infringe-
ment" of such orders. • Clauses 21 to 33 provide for the
cleansing of ditches by the surveyors of highways, the
covering of open ditches, .the prevention of the sale of
tainted meat, poultry, and fish, and the abatement of
nuisances from offensive trades or processessuch as
candle-housess melting-houses, slaughter-houses,• and
bone-houses under a penalty of 5/. per diem. Clause 3f
empowers the Privy Council to issue orders from time to
time directing the provisions for the prevention of
diseases to be put in force in England, or any, part
thereof, for six months or less ; and clause 35 empowers
the General Board of Health to carry out such orders, by
issuing regulations for the speedy burial of the dead, for
house to house visitations, and for the dispensing of
a
medicines and the supply of medical aids to_ persons

had
..or tht ieatre.
Mr. BLkNEN agrecd with,the_ebairman, and moved &
vote of thanks to Mr. Smith for his c.xertions to please
the public taste. - • - •
Mr. PTEFINCII protested against such a vote, as he •
thought the character of the performances provided by
Mr. Smith did not deserve it, Horsemanship and ope-
ratic* performances, although they might have enabled
Mr. Smith to pay the rent, WM not calculated to raise
the taste of the people, and were not fit for a national
theatre. (Oh, eh.)
The CriArn2.LlN had much pleasure in supporting the
vote, believing Mr. Smith bad done his best to promote
the interests of all parties. (Hear, hear.)
The vote having been carrrieel by acclamation,
Mr. SMITII returned thanks, urging the support
yielded by the public as the best argument in favour of
his management of the theatre. (Hear, hear.)
The meeting then separated.
DURATIOX OF BNOLISII MINISTRIES.

The following account of the 11M1133 and the duration
of the various Administrations which have governed
England since the passing of the Reform Act of 1832
may, at this moment, be interesting to 'all parties. The
Ministry of the late Earl Grey held office from Novem-
ber, 1330, to August, 1834, and was instrumental in
carrying the bill for the reform of the representative
system. On the resignation cf Earl Grey, in August,
1834, the Whig Ministry was modified, and Viscount
Melbourne was raised to the office of First Lord of the
Treasury. This Ministry was dissolved by William IV.
in November, 1834, when Sir Robert Peel was sum. •
moiled by the King from Rome to form a new Govern-
ment on moderate Conservative principles. Sir Robert's
tenure of office, however, was brief, for in the following
April (1835) the right hon. baronet was defeated on the .
famous "Appropriation Clause" of the Irish Tithe Bill,
and Lord Melbourne once more resumed the rein! of
Government. This, the second Melbourne Ministry,
endured from ApritylB3s, to A.ugazt, 1841, 'or upwardit
of six years, exclusive of the week's interregnum in 1839,
when Lord Melbourne temporarily resigned, and was
reinstated on the refusal of Sir R. Peel to take office
under certain circumstances which need not new be re-
verted to. In the ,ummer of 1841 the Whigs were de-
fasted in two Parliaments elected under their own aus-
pices, and Sir R. Peel formed the Administration which
carried the principle of free trade, and was eventually
upset in 1846 by the secession of its "Protectionist"
supporters. Lord John Russell's Administration, which
succeeded, lasted from June, 1846, to February, 1852,
when a defeat on the Militia Bill induced his lordship to
resign office. Then came . the brief Administration of
the Earl of Derby and the ‘.‘ country party," which
lasted about nine months. It was dissolved just before
Christmas, 1862, and the Earl of Aberdeen succeeded as
the head of a Coalition Ministry. This Administration
kas lasted a little more than two years. It will be seen
that the second Ministry of Viscount Melbourne held
office for upwards of six years, `that of Sir Robert Peel
(the second Ministry) nearly five years, and that of Lord
John Russell nearly siz years. 'During the period in
question—viz., from 1834 to 1854—three appeals were
made by existing Ministries to the public opinion of the
nation—by the usual constitutional courso of a general
election. Thus, Sir Robert Peel dissolved Parliament
in December, 1834, and the result was a considerable,
but not adequate, accession of Parliamentary support ;
Lord Melbourne dissolved in 1841, but the country re-
turned a msjerity of 100 against him ; and the Earl of
Derby's appeal to the people, in 1852, was, to judge from
the result, similarly, though not equally, unsuccessful.

MURDER. AT CHATHAM.

eIfA.TEIAN, Monday.—A dreadful murder has been*
.
committed at a house situate in Ordnance-terrace, and
occupied by Alre Catherine Bacon, a widow lady of in-
dependent means, and in ker 79th year. A greengrocer's
assistant, who called this morning at the house for
orders, was answered by the servant, a girl about 18
years of age. She made some inarticulate expressions,
and, perceiving that the blood was pouring from her .
throat, he ran off for assistance. Several peroons soon
arrived, and on entering the house a large pool el blood
was found in the passage. The servant was founollying
on the sofa in the back parlour, apparently in e, [lying
state. Spots of blood were found all the way ug _two.
flights of stairs, and in a bedroom at the top was ti,;e-
covered the body of Mrs. Bacon, dressed, and lying on
the floor quite dead, from blows on the head which had.
evidently been inflicted by some heavy cutting instru-
ment. From the tracks of the blood, it was clear that:
the murder had been committed in the lower part of the
premises, and the body afterwards deposited where:i*
was discovered. In the kitchen before everything was
found in good order, but is the coal-cellar adjoining a
large pool of blood was discovered, and close by au. axe,
which was found to have pieces of ha,r, hleod, and brains
clinging to it. The wound in the servant's throat was
found to be less severe than was supposed. She has
Only been in the service of the deceased a few weeks, and
declines to give her name. When asked who had com-
mitted the minder, she faintly replied, "Two dustmen
came into the house and did it, and afterwards escaped
tiy the back way." Thin statement she repeated at;
iitervals ; but Mr. Homan, a gentleman residing
next door, and who was from seven o'clock a.m. until
the murder was discovered in a part of his premises
commanding a complete view of Mrs. Bacon's house,
asserts that no one either entered or left the house all
the time he was there. So, the matter rests at present.
It is stated that while the nurses at Fort Pitt Hospital
were undressing the servant, a piece of rag which fell
from her bosom was found to contain some rings belong-
ing to deceased.
'TUESDAY.—A coroner's jury assembled at ten o'clock
this morning, 30th inst., at the York Tavern, Ordnance.
place. Thomas fills, Esq., the coroner, with the jury,
repaired to the house in which the murder was com-
mitted, and took a view of the premises of the murdered
lady. The body was lying on the floor of her bed-room,
half-dressed. Nothing further has transpired since to
lead to the conclusion as to who was the murderer.
The unfortunate !girl still lies in the hospital ward at
Fort Pitt, and every care is taken of her IT the medical -
officers. A. constable is placed in the ward to watch
the girl, and to hear if she says anything. During
the night she attempted to tear open the wound
in her neck, but was
_fortunately prevented by the
constable. She expresses a wish to die. Her age is
about 16 years. It is the opinion of the medical gentle-
men that the girl will make a confession. Several arti-
cles of wearing apparel, the property of the deceased
lady, has been found pledged at different pawnbrokers
in the town. The inquest stand►+ adjourned until Tues.
day next. The girl's parents reside at Strood.

PUBLIC Prrirrobis.--The third report from the Select
Committee on Public Petitions (House of Commons),
was yesterday issued. It insludes a petition from the
ancient vestry and 67 inhabitants of Berwick-on-Tweed,
' for the establishment of a bishopric of Northum-
berland ; 15 petition!, signed by 234 persons, for the
repeal of the stamp duty on newspapers • 26 petitions,
signed by 26 persons, for an alteration of the mileage
duty on stage carriages ; a petition from 26 freeholders
of Croydon, Surrey, fur an alteration in the law of suc-
cession to real estates ; and 14 petitions, signed by
27,637 persons, against the stoppage of wages for fines
(chiefly from the county of Leicester).

■

Light Dragoons, the staff of which will be taken from Messrs. Jollier' and Gye, and entered into a fresh lease •-• '-x---- ~. --'. - ---
exi,ting light cayalryregUnents. The old 18th Hussar,, froal the committee f9r tli..krpa_gf Bayou years, corn._ .-
or Progise" -Hone W:•A .ral•i-cit in Ont vicinity by tir..-- Tioii,citi,.."-.4i6:14,-tof-,%iittify,,/$52,i lit ly nat d'of 4,0001.;7.:
late -Feel the Maiquis a .Vtog,h6da, and was
Per .aieninn. ''' ''''''' --: - .:•:- •*. • . '
•-•--rsie ~- - - -'•-,- 4.,..
the regiment in which the late '_‘lrrquisof Londonderry,
" It is due from, the --comrnittee to Mr. Smith to re-
then Lord Stewart, served the greater..part of his inili. knowledge the punctuality with which-he has paid his ' ' '---..--- _
..
tary career. It is believed that the new 18th will be,
rent for the two years he has held the theatre, and that
raised in the".vieinity of Drogheda. he h u coinuienc.:,.d. a new seaeon with a corresponding :
'The new regime.ntil.tunic substituted by her Majesty's -punctuality, and..it is upon a fell conviction that he wilt •,,,- ,---,,, ' --- ....- :. ~- ---,..
warrant for the swlillos-tailed coatee of the infantry is continuo to fulfil ilia obligations so honeurably that the
now hein, issued 'to the brigade of Guards_; 3,11 veluu- committee rest their eipeetations of having the means .: :,'•."--,
.-,
•
f C4ir3 awl re.n-aits who have joined the Household in- to disciiaqo the claim; Consequent Upon presenting the . .
flintily-eisince the let of January have, beep supplied with; public with a nearly now• theatre, both internally and - -
and tail men, the tunic becomes them much externally, at as expense of .:,cone 2,0001. Tho present
beiter,.'autl must-be more Coinfortable and easy than the entertainments are of a popular ..nature,. and -looking
padded tine ..butt,.ired up regimental coat. •
, through the'dramatic world,, Mr. Smith has no•reason
The ' Board of Ortioauce have had their attention
to be dissati4fied with the support he receives from the
drawn to a newly-io'vent3d- rifle, with barrels as large as public..
... ,
the Pliniorifle now in rie, and chambers .similar to the . -Tho report was, adopted.
repeain•_.;, pistol. - This weapon will discharge five shots -
in four seconds,- and can be loaded with extra On the motion of Lord W. LE:i NOX the thanks of
°r(li"r.Y rnee:tin, were voted to the clia,iritian. , .
•
facility. ::r ~ • : . . ..
- • . The 'CHAIRMAN, is :.-tulaiciwledging the compliment,
Yesterday pvwarls . of- 4,000 notion shirts, flannels referred to Mr. E. T. Smith as the best lessee they bad
for fonientit,[and a:clualitity of general medical, stores ever had, for the theatre. •
were shipped Jrerrn :the Tower, -to be conveyed to the Mr. BLANEN agreed with nin i.l-,.;,,,,ft.. •-,,,1 ~.,,.,tea...

ROYAL PRINCISS'A TiIEATEM, OrrORD-STRHST.
tram La Management of Mr. CARRION KEAN.
THIS HYMNING, JAN. 31,
Will be performed HAMLET. Principal character by Mr. C.
Kean.

After which will be produced a New Grand Christmas Pantomimic.
%nutted, HARLEQUIN BLUE-BEARD; or, The Great thulium;
Earleqatn, Mr. Corns& ; Clown, Mr. Nano ; Pantaloon, Mr. Pails ;
and Columbine, Miss Deoloorougk.

ItOTA.L L1C1317114 THEATraI.
trader tke Management et Madame Tentris..
TAB RTEXPAG, JAN. 31,
Wlll be performed AGGIA.TATIIIiI SAM. Principal ekaraeter
by Mr. C. Mathews.
After /Welt will be predated. the new and crighw Fairy Extra-
Iragetazit, entitled PRllfell PIIIITTTPET aid Tits BUTTERIFLT
To be followed by TWO IfIIA.D3 AAR RETTEX TIAN
Ilea-ellee *pen from ii until G.
Role *neat for Pcivnteldoxes, Mr. Aileron, 11, New Load-attest.

THEATRE ROYAL ADELPHI.
Propeteeee. Mr. E. Webster.—Directress, Madame Celeste.
TIIIII EVENING, lAN. 31.
WITS be emulated tke Drama of TER GREEN EINEM& ; or, A
Petndred Years Ago.
To be followed by a low Grand DIVERTISSEMENT.
After which. A MOVING TALE.
To which will be added the Farce entitled THE RAILWAY
BBLLE.

ROYAL OLYMPIC THEATRE.
Lessee and Manager, Mr. A. Wigan.
VIII EVENING. JAN. 31,

WM be presented the new Comedietta, called TIT FOR TAT is
wok Messrs. Itobsoe, A. 'tined, and Miss Maskell will appe'ar.
After which, a new Fairy Extravaganza. entitled Tint YELLOW
DWARF AND THE ICING Of THE GOLD MINES. Characters
Ifr. F. Holmes, Miss Julia St. George, Miss E. Ormonda, Miss
Marston, Miss Bromley,
Ind Mrs. Fitaa
NAL.
llan.
To conclude with A WFE'S iTOTIE

ASTLET'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE.
Lessee and Manager, Mr. Wu'. Cooke.
f/lIS ETENING,
Fifteenth week. the snecessfal Spectacle called the BATTLE of the
AtmA,
After 'which, the varied and beautiful SCENES in the CIRCLE,
the Invention, arrangement, and under the sole direction of Mr.
William Cooke.
To conclude with the Comic Paritominto called 61:LLITER and
the LILLIPUT ta.Nt ; er, Herleguni and Britannia.
110 x-office open frem Eleven till Four. Stage Manager, Mr. W.
%Pte. Acting Manger, Mr. w. Cook. e. Equoetria•l Directo",
Mr, W. Cooke, Jun.

ROYAL STRAND TIIEITRE.
Under the direction of miss R
NebeccaG Isaacs,
T II YI

Will be performed the popular Hurletta,OTTß :BELLY. Principal
character, Miss Rebecca Isaacs.
After which, a new Operatic Burlesque, entitled, ALONZO THE
BRAVE.
T 9 voticlade with the Farce Of the MIZE PAIR OF LOTEita.

LONDON, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 1855.

The division of Monday evening has virtually
relieved the country from the incubus of an effete
and incapable Government. So far it must be
productive of the most beneficial results. But
some thing more is required ! Who shall cleanse
the Augean stables of the Horse Guards Who
shall select the most efficient and experienced
Generals to replace some of those who have proved
themselves inadequate to the grave emergency in
which they were placed It Who is there with
sufficient moral courage to grapple with the
Hydra-headed system, to abolish redtapism in one
of its strongest holds—the Military department 7
Until we find some one with courage to
plan, and
resolution and power to execute these important
reformations, we can scarcely hope for a more
vigorous and efficient carrying on of the War—or
an auspicious termination to the winter campaign
in the Crimea. The mistakes of the Civil De-
partment at home may materially impair the
General in command. But unless he be duly
qualified for his position—unless he be com-
petent to discharge its important duties,
in the most satisfactory manner —no exer-
tions of the authorities at home can compen-
sate for what at least must be regarded as a de-
plorably defective arrangement.

It is not our desire unnecessarily to assail any
General or officer in her MAJESTY'S service.
Nothing but an overwhelming sense of duty
could induce us to direct public attention to the
conduct of Lord RAGLAN for the purpose of emhi-
biting the important interrogatory—Has he proved
himself qualified for the high office he holds ?
Can we entrust the health and lives of our gal-
lant fellows to his uncontrolled management, or
rather mismanagement Thes© are painful in-
quiries ; but they must be answered. The va-
rious wounds must be probed in every part. We
cannot afford, even if uninfluenced by any higher
motives, to allow our brave defenders to perish
at the rate of one hundred per diem, from sheer
mismanagement, to say nothing of the more ter-
rible mortality occasioned by the neglect of the
most ordinary precautions.

Lord RAGLAN (against whose personal bravery
we would not utter a single word, who has the
sturdy courage possessed by the vast majority of
English officers, aye, and soldiers) may be looked
on as a perfect illustration of the prevailing, and,
we would add, obnoxious system. He had great
experience as a General, not in the field, but in
the closet. He made an excellent Military Secre-
tary, and would probably have made a very fair
Commander-in-Chief, who would carry on matters
smoothly according to the old jog-trot system.
It did not, however, by any means follow
that he world be highly distinguished in the
field. Indeed his capacity for supreme co,n-
mand was a. matter involved in the deepest mys-
tery. He cannot be said to have taken an active
part in any practical struggle since the battle of
Waterloo, whero, as an Aide-de-camp to the Duke
of WELLINGTON, he proved himself to be an excel-
lent messenger, perfectly qualified to deliver the
orders of the Chief, but giving no evidence of his
capacity for framing such orders, or playing out
the great game of war, in which he was merely an
humble instrument.

Lord RAGLAN was, in fact, born to Staff ap-
pointments. He was the youngest, we belie.the tenth, son of a Duke 0fin2n1932,-,i, possessions
and corresponding influ'dice. But, in order to
maintain the diTaity and weight of the elder
branch, ht was sent to fight his way in the world,
!q:1, that while his fortunate brother was placed in
the enjoyment of some eighty or a hundred thou-
sand per annum, ho received a poor ten thousand
pounds—sufficient, however, to purchase the
various grades of promotion which family influ-
ence could not attain.

The title of honour was, however, not merely
a feather in his cap. It conferred more sub-
stantial advantages. The young Nobleman who
entered the army a raw boy of sixteen speedily
was placed on the staff of the Commander-in-
Chief (for the system was then analogous to that
now in operation), and it is unnecessary to say
that promotion rapidly followed. It was with
the pen, however, rather than the sword, with
which he shone. He was first Military Secretary,
afterwards Secretary to the Embassy at Paris,
Secretary to the Master-General of the Ordnance,
and Secretary to several Commanders-in-Chief.
Closely connected with the Duke of WELLINGTON
by marriage he had great influence with that
illustrious General, and for many years was vir-
tually Commander-in-Chief. We believe that he
would have been far better qualified for the
office of Commander-in-Chief than its present
occupant—Lord HißDlNGE—.—but that constitutes
no reason why he should be transferred from
duties for which he was fully qualified to others
of still greater importaice for which he was totally
incompetent. The letting down the injured vanity
of a Peer has been rather too dearly purchased
by tke sacrifice of some hundreds of British officers,
and thousands, aye, tens of thousands, of British
soldiers.

There must, then, be a clean sweep at the Horse
Guards, the Germanism whereof has become pro-
verbial. Lord HARDINGE has, in many respects,
occasioned deepdissatisfaction. There "lust also be
a radical change at the Crimea. The victories
which have there been achieved may emphatically
be termed " soldiers' triarar.hs." We conquered
not by the skill of leaders, but by the determined
and unahrinking valour of the men. The Duke
of CAIIBRIDGE, who has just returned, has
emphatically declared that " it has not been a war
of Generalship," that " the campaign has
been a soldiers', and nothing but a soldiers', cam-
paign." What further evidence can be required ?
How can we doubt the deliberate statement of a
witness in every respect so unimpeachable ? What-
ever Ministry may be formed, its first and most
important duty will be to effect a complete change
at the Horse Guards, and to select the best man
that can be obtained for the supreme command
in the Crimea. Oh for but three months of
Sir CIIAP.LES NAPIER. He would, indeed, redeem
the character of the nation, and teach our Allies,
as well as our opponents, to respect the skill of
British generals as highly as the valour of British
soldiers.

d explana•
We must patiently await the promise
tions by the nominal head of the Government to-
morrow evening before the rcsultg of the present
crisis can be known, It is quite clear that the

doom of ABERDEEN and of many of his colleagues
has been sealed. But nothing authentic is
as yet known as to his successor—the
pilot who is expected to weather the storm,
and successfully extricate the vessel of the State,
from the breakers into which she was thrown
through the carelessness and incapacity of the
party previously responsible. All that is known
is, that ABERDEEN is unquestionably out, an
announcement which has given the greatest satis-
faction to the people generally, with some rare
exceptions—where a stray member of the Peace
Society, untaught by experience, and still in-
dulging in delusions that the most homoeopathic
dose of common sense would have dispelled,
considered the " dear and excellent" Earl as the
beau ideal of a statesman.

That most important point being disposed of—
the ABERDEEN incubus being completely shaken
off—the next question arises, Who is to be his
successor ? To whose care is the honour and
safety of Great Britain to be confided in this
crisis ? A few hours will solve the interesting
problem. Our country subscribers will probably
hear the result in this impression of our journal.
But as yet nothing decided is known. All that
can be given is at least nothing but guess-work.
Three persons are generally spoken of as the
probable successors to the chief place in the Go-
vernment. The conflicting claims of the Earl of
DERBY, of Lord JOHN RUSSELL, and " last,
though not least," of Viscount Palmerston, are
earnestly canvassed. It seems to be admitted
that any,one of these noblemen might undertake
the task, from which all others would shrink.
The Marquis of LANSDOWNE has also been men-
tioned, but, however capable in other respects,
his advanced years and increasing infirmities
would preclude the Noble Marquis from aspiring
to the honourable but onerous distinction. We
cannot forget that he has already more than on ce
declined the task of " forming a Ministry,"
and we cannot think that existing circumstances
are such as to render a LANSDOWNE Government
more probable than it was some time since.

The other noblemen above alluded to are those
who may be regarded as the only real candidates
for the important position. And we earnestly
hope that the prize may be conferred on " the
most deserving," that no "German Peers" may
influence a judgment that may prove very injuri-
ous to the country if too hastily or recklessly
made.

Lord DERBY would undoubtedly prove the
real Simon Pure under ordinary circumstances.
He is the recognised head of her MAJEST'YS Oppo-
sition—the leader who was displaced at the time
that the Joint-Stock Administration obtained the
seals of office. He is, therefore, naturally
looked to as the legitimate successor, and
the chances in his favour are by no means
to be despised. We must, however, remember
that the victory was chiefly that of the Libevals,
and that but for the opposition of many Rus.
SELLITES the division might not have proved so
fatal to the continuance of the ABERDEEN Admi-
nistration.

There are also many arguments in favour of
Lord JOHN RUSSELL. Although a member of the
late Government, he was not responsible for
the evils which so greatly excited the
public indignation. His protest and seces-
sion from the condemned party might be re-
garded as one of the chief causes of their over-
throw. His personal experience and vast influ-
ence with the House and country would give him
additional weight in any new combinations that
may be formed. Still there are reasons
why his selection at the present moment
would be, to say the least of it, difficult
and inexpedient. Next comes Lord PALMERSTON,
a nobleman, perhaps, at this moment, more popu-
lar than any man, gentle, or simple in her MA-
JESTY'S dominions. There is, however, one great
impediment to his appointment. He was one of
the Ministry so unanimously and justly c;Vildemned
by the voice of public opinion. Although every
one feels that h(A not responsible for the de-
plorabit :-Jrrors that have led to the over-
iTtirow of the ABERDEEN Government, it would
be quite opposed to all precedent to suppose that
he would be sent for in the first instance until
there had been a failure by some other party to
meet the exigencies of the position.

There is, therefore, a difficulty as to any one
of these singly. But why should they not com-
bine ?—why should they not forget minor diffe-
rences for the purpose of carrying their coun-
try triumphantly through her present perils ?
The War is the great matter to be con-
sidered. On that, DERBY, and RUSSELL, and
PALMERSTON can meet on equal grounds, and.
why may they not give the nation the benefit
of their combined energy, experience, and power.
That would, indeed, be a coalition that would be
hailed with delight by every unprejudiced and.
independent man in the United Kingdom.

MIN ISTERIAL MOVEMENTS.

(THIS DAY.)

Many rumours are afloat this morning relative
to the Ministerial crisis, and it is difficult to de-
termine which is worthy of the most credence.
As far, however, as we can collect from the
most diligent inquiry, we gather that the Earl of
Aberdeen proceeded to Windsor yesterday-, and
tendered the resignation of the Government, ad-
vising her Majesty to send for Lord Derby.

Accordingly her Majesty forthwith issued her
Royal command for the attendance upon her of
the Noble Earl, at Buckingham,Palace, this morn-
ing, at half-past eleven o'clock. Her Majesty
and the Prince Albert came to town this morning
at an early hour, and gave an audience to the
Earl of Derby at the hoar above named, which
lasted upwards of an hour.
Lord Derby afterwards had an interview with
Lord Palmerston.

Lord Lansdowne, who, it was rumoured, would
in all probability be sent for by her Majesty, did
not leave Lansdowne House this morning.

Lord John Russell also remained within doors
at Chesham-place.
The Earl of Derby this afternoon has had in-
tervievrs with Mr. Disraeli, the Earl of Ellen-
borough, Sir John Pakington, and several other
of hies principal political supporters.
It would be quite useless to give currency to
the many statements which have been rife since
last night ; but the foregoing is all that can be
is any degree authenticated.

LOCAL BOARDS or RIALTIL-Sir B. Hall, M.P. for
Marylebone, moved for s return, shortly before Christ-
mas, from all local boards of health of such sums of
money expended in and about, and preliminary and in-
cidental to, the application of the Public Health Act, or
charged or owing in respect thereof, &c. The return
has been made, and was on Saturday published by order
of the House of Commons. Taking a few places by way
of specimen, it will be found that the preliminary expense
of applying the said act in certain localities was as fol-
lows, viz.: In Durham, 811. ; Leicester, 1551. ; Bristol,
269/. ; Cardiff, 154/.; Gloucester, 1881.; Chatham, 971. ;
Tynernonth, 54/. ; Wolverhampton, 232/. ; Croydon,
1191.; Ely, 991.; Carlisle, 2081. ; Chelmsford, 1041. ;
Rugby, 105/. ; Merthyr-Tydvil, 230/. ; Sandgate, 1351. ;
ntrebarn, 1071.; Southampton, 1001.; Tottenham, 661. ;
Worcester, 1541.; Bridgnorth, 2541.; Aylesbury, 1241. ;
York, 136/.; Epsom, 1321. ; Dover, 1541. ; Bangor,
1,1811. These sums, it should be understood, only in-
clude the preliminary expenses. In many places the
consent of the General Board of Health has been ob-
tained for the raising of large sums of money, on mort-
gage of the rates, or otherwise, for the purpose of
thoroughly carrying out the sanitary improvements con-
sidered necessary. These sums vary from 1,0001, to
1;5,0001,